New to the Board in 2023

Heather Beresford
I worked for the Resort Municipality of Whistler for 27 years, the last 16 as the Environmental Stewardship Manager. This was more than a job for me…it allowed me to express my core values of doing what I can… Read more
John Thomas (Tom) English
I am a retired lawyer, a long term Whistler resident, present Chair and founding member of the Whistler Lakes Conservation Association, Chair of the Whistler Lakes Conservation Foundation and the Discovery Foundation and past board member of numerous for… Read more
John Rasmussen
I am Australian by birth and came to settle in Whistler in 2018 with my wife Alexandra and our twin boys, Nicolas and Thomas, both now 18, and attending university here in Canada. Our aim was to experience the… Read moreExiting the Board in 2023

Kim Maitland
I believe in AWARE’s mission and their efforts to advocate for our natural world. I can bring my marketing experience, digital design skills, non-profit experience, and community-building enthusiasm to their board. I moved to Whistler for its unique properties;… Read more
Jeremy Valeriote
I am a professional engineer who has worked on numerous environmental assessment, restoration and reclamation projects. I have also managed solid waste reduction programs and projects as local government staff, and been an elected councillor and regional district director… Read moreContinuing Board Members

Paul Dorland
As a full time Whistler resident who grew up and worked in big cities, I am grateful every day to live in such a special place. The natural environment inspires me daily, and I am passionate about AWARE’s efforts… Read more
Diana Boone
– MBA in Strategic Planning combined with 20 years of experience in marketing, communications – Expertise in developing content marketing, communications and engagement strategies – Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills with ability to coach leaders and staff at all levels – Proven… Read more
Alison Jenkins
I’m originally from the UK but British Columbia has been my home for the past 10 years. I was drawn to BC by the mountains and the recreation opportunities that they presented. I have a Masters degree in Renewable… Read more
Emily Kane
I am a yoga teacher, author, and outdoor enthusiast who founded Yogacara Whistler, a local yoga studio. Studying Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, owning and operating a local business for over a decade, and releasing my first… Read more
Edgar Dearden
Edgar studied a dual bachelor of chemical engineering and business management in Australia, graduating in 2007. He worked in many different industrial process industries, and came to understand that buildings contribute >40% of global emissions. Edgar now pursues a… Read more
Rhonda L. Millikin
I retired to Whistler in 2019 from a 35-year career as an Ecologist with the Federal Government, where I managed teams of 20-40 staff, responsible for the delivery of wildlife and habitat programs across BC and the Yukon. The… Read more
Kim Tindal
Kim grew up on a farm in Central Alberta; growing grain, raising cattle & driving tractors. In university she achieved two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Recreation Management & the other in Communications. Most recently Kim has opened Vessel Refillery;… Read moreLearn More About the Duties and Responsibilities of the AWARE Board of Directors
Current Staff Members

Claire Ruddy
Originally from the UK, Claire followed a Masters in Environment and Business by working with small and medium sized businesses to reduce environmental impacts through improved processes, training and creating cultural shifts. Upon moving to Canada in 2006, she… Read more
Charlotte Reid
Charlotte moved to Whistler from the UK in 2018 to follow her dream of living close to the mountains. She has a Masters degree in Environmental Geology from the University of Birmingham. Since living in Whistler, Charlotte has become… Read more
Christi Willis
I’m a plant person. I love to be in the garden and the forest, growing and learning with the natural landscape. In 2018 I studied Herbalism at Pacific Rim College and have been making herbal medicine for my friends… Read moreCheck out Opportunities to Join Our Team
Photo Credit: Coast Mountain Photography