Ashley (she/her) was born and raised in Kenora spending many summer days camping with her family at
different lakes around the area. Her passion for lake life came at an early age. After moving away from
Kenora for a brief period of time to pursue post-secondary education, she knew Kenora was where she
wanted to plant her roots.
Ashley is looking forward to the future with LOWDSA. She has over 15 years’ experience in the non-
profit sector in project management, human resources, and quality and process improvement. Her
educational background includes degrees in Computer Systems Technology, Human Resources, and a
Master of Business Administration.
Environmental sustainability is very important to Ashley, her husband, and her 2 children. They want to
keep this area beautiful for many years to come. Ashley and her family live lake life to the fullest at their
house on Longbow Lake. They enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, skiing, and skating (hockey!).

Cassidy (she/her) grew up spending her summers at her family cabin in Nestor Falls. She enjoys backcountry camping, paddling, waterskiing, fishing, and practically any outdoor activity that can be done in the area. Her appreciation for the environment started at a young age and translated into a Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba.

Cassidy started with LOWDSA in January of 2021 as the Environmental Program Coordinator Intern and moved into a new role as the internship came to an end. Her passion and specialized study is Environmental Education, a great fit as LOWDSA’s Education and Outreach Manager – a position part of a partnership between LOWDSA and IISD-Experimental Lakes Area and the two organizations’ shared goal of reaching youth in the Lake of the Woods area with science and stewardship.

Cassidy has strong work experience in interpretation, outreach, and public relations through working with Manitoba Sustainable Development and IISD-Experimental Lakes Area. She enjoys working with the public on environmental topics, particularly her time with students and other youth audiences.

Cassidy has been very involved in the environmental community, perhaps most notably volunteering as the President of The Environment and Geography Students’ Association at the University of Manitoba.

The value of the area’s beauty and sustainability is close to Cassidy’s heart and will remain a top priority in her work with LOWDSA. You can expect to see her out on the water in her bright yellow kayak in the summer and moving across the snow on her cross-country skies in the winter. Make sure to give her a wave or spark up a conversation!

Alena (she/her) grew up going to her family's cottage on Ottermere lake. Spending all four seasons out there made her fall in love with the area even more. This set a passion on fire for everything lake life and the environment. She found her passion for photography taking pictures at the lake and continued to document her trips to the lake through the lens. When she wasn't at the lake she likely was in the gym playing basketball, as it is one of her other passions. 

In 2021 Alena graduated from Providence University College where she played basketball for four years and completed a degree in Communications and Media. During that time she learnt so much from being apart of a team in addition to her studies. 

She looks forward to being apart of the LOWDSA team and sharing her passion for lake life. It is a dream come true to be living just outside Kenora and working with a team that has mutual goals involving the environment.