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!).

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. 

Brie McCardle is back as the Environment Program Manager. This new position aims to provide mentorship for the EPC intern and LakeSmart students. As well as work with the environment committee and of course the rest of the lowdsa team to enhance the environmental programs. If you are new here, Brie has been a part of the association in various ways. Starting as a Lakesmart member for 2 seasons while she finished her studies, then the program coordinator internship as a fresh graduate, environment committee member throughout, and now she is here with a permanent position that will help to grow and continue the programs year round. 

" Outreach and education is key to helping everyone make their own ripple of positive change from their neck of the woods and I am thrilled to be running our programs and planning events to make a wave throughout the Lake of the Woods region. I'm proud to have a lead role in stewardship at the association, taking action through sharing information, getting out in the field and bringing people together for a collective impact. I look forward to seeing all of the environmental enthusiasts and lake lovers protecting and preserving this wonderful area we are fortunate to be a part of." 

I am very excited to be starting my first summer working for the LakeSmart team. I am going into my second year of an Education degree at the University of Victoria and am excited to be back in Kenora for the summer! I look forward to starting work with LOWDSA and learning from the amazing team of people. I am thrilled to be a part of a team that is working towards keeping Lake of the Woods one of the most beautiful regions. I am excited to try new things, learn plenty, and spend the summer outdoors!

This is my first year joining the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association (LOWDSA) team as part of the LakeSmart program. I was born and raised in Kenora, Ontario. I grew up admiring the beauty this region holds. I recently finished my first year as a biomedical science student and varsity swimmer at McGill University. I am thrilled to be back in Kenora for the summer and be a part of the LakeSmart team. I look forward to getting involved with the community, making new connections, and helping educate others on maintaining Lake of the Woods' longevity for future generations.

This is my first summer working for the LakeSmart Team. I am in my second year of the Concurrent Education program at Brock University and I am happy to be home in Kenora for the summer. I am also excited to be working with LOWDSA to help spread awareness about various environmental issues in and around Lake of the Woods. I also look forward to educating and working with the community to protect the environment and keep our lakes and waterways clean for generations to come.