Board of Directors

Living in Northwestern Ontario his whole life, Bryan completed his formal education at Lakehead University, and retired after a 40-year career in the natural gas industry. Since the inception of the organization back in 1995, he found it truly rewarding to see so many positive environmental changes in our community, especially initiated by EcoSuperior.  Over the years, Bryan found that EcoSuperior’s dedication towards people and the planet has established educational initiatives and implemented programs to make our City healthier and greener for future generations. Bryan is proud to have served EcoSuperior and express optimism for the future of the organization and the benefits it will inevitably bring to our community.  

To Pat, the environment and education have always been important to her, especially since she became a Board member of Ecosuperior. Pat believes that promoting EcoSuperior's many programs, volunteering, and giving back to her community is vital to building a healthy future for people and the planet. 

Jamie is a Planner with the Province of Ontario - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Jamie recently moved back to Thunder Bay after spending the past decade living in Calgary, Alberta. He is passionate about spending time outdoors and taking part in the City’s growing local food and artisan networks. Being a new member of the board at Eco-Superior, he looks forward to learning from the vast amount of knowledge held with other board members and staff, while sharing his experience and skill-set to help the organization flourish.   

Jamie Saunders has a diverse professional background with experience on many different projects in various sectors. After graduating from the University of Guelph - Environmental Engineering in 2002, his career has taken him throughout Northwestern and Eastern Ontario. Jamie has worked for consultants, conservation authorities, and an environmental not-for-profit since his graduation. Currently he works as an Infrastructure Advisor for Nishnawbe Aski Nation, advocating for improved infrastructure conditions in all NAN communities. Outside of work hours he teaches Civil and Environmental courses at Confederation College and enjoys cycling, camping, fishing, hunting and snowboarding with his family, friends and dogs.

Devon Lee is a PhD Candidate in Social, Cultural, and Political Contexts of Education in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University. She holds an MEd in Education for Change- Environmental and Sustainability Education, a BEd in Intermediate and Senior Education with a focus in Geography and Outdoor Ecological Experiential Education from Lakehead University, and a BSc in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky. Devon is a climate and environmental educator in the Faculty of Education and is presently involved in adult education and climate change pedagogy research.

Michelle McChristie is a lifelong resident of the north whose interest in environmental issues was sparked by a passionate high school science teacher. Michelle has an honours degree in Environmental Science (University of Guelph) and a Master of Science (Forestry, Lakehead University). For the past 25 years, she has worked for the provincial and federal governments in a variety of positions related to environmental protection, including several years in the Lake Superior Binational Program. Michelle is also a freelance writer who loves the outdoors and exploring Lake Superior in all seasons with her family.

Born and raised in the north of Superior region, Amanda is a true northern girl who loves all seasons. When not at work you will find her outside gardening or enjoying the weather – paddling in the rain, biking in the snow, hiking in the sunshine – with her family. With strong resolve to make a difference, she believes that change starts with us at home, in our backyards and communities. 

Helping to share knowledge about the important role of native species in our local ecosystems, pollinators, and living sustainably, Amanda focuses her energy on small, consistent, everyday actions that make a meaningful impact. Grateful to live on the beautiful shores of Gitche Gumee and the traditional territory of Fort William First Nations, she delights in the mundane and can be counted on to both bring fun to any project and talk endlessly about birds, butterflies, bees, trees, and, of course, flowers. 

Her greatest joy in life comes from her two feisty little girls who get hyped for worm sightings and who always make time to stop to smell the roses (especially the local, wild variety).