Brie McCardle is the Executive Director.

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 after that she took on the Environmental Program Manager role. Now we welcome Brie as our Executive Director.

"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." 

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 bachelors degree in Communications and Media. During that time she learnt so much from being apart of a team in addition to her studies. 

Over the past 2 years Alena has thoroughly enjoyed being apart of the LOWDSA team and her passion for the environment and lake life has continued to flourish. Starting as the associations first ever Marketing and Communications Coordinator intern and then moving into the position of the Assistant Executive Director. 

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.

Hi, I'm Cass and this is my first summer working with LakeSmart! I grew up in Kenora on Lake of the Woods and have always been fascinated by the lake and what it has to offer! I just completed my first year of environmental science at Trent University which taught me so much about the importance of sustainability and stewardship. I've always had an appreciation for the outdoors and am very excited to be working with LOWDSA to help bring awareness and educate others on environmental issues/concerns. I look forward to being a part of this team and hope to learn even more myself, as well as inspire others to become more passionate about the environment!

Hello! My name is Ashley Vogrig and I am excited to be a part of the LOWDSA team in the LakeSmart program for the 2024 summer season! I have recently completed my second year at Carleton University studying ‘History and Theory of Architecture’ with a minor in ‘Heritage Conservation’. With this background, I believe my interest in conservation has also applied to the environment, leading to my interest in this position. Having a cabin of my own on Lake of the Woods, and growing up in Kenora, I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn more about where I spend most of my time, and find ways to encourage healthier habitats for wildlife and vegetation while educating others! I hope to see many out on the lake and find ways for the community to get involved with the preservation of this region!

Hey everyone! My name is Aneira Olson, and this will be my first summer being on the LakeSmart team! I recently graduated from high school and am planning on going to university for chemistry/biology and music. I love spending my time swimming, playing basketball, singing and playing guitar, doing art, and hanging out with my many animals. I’m passionate about making sure that the wild creatures that share our home have safe and healthy habitats. I’m so excited to learn more about lake stewardship, and to share information about keeping the lake ecosystem healthy and maintaining biodiversity. I can’t wait to connect with people about our shared love of Lake of the Woods, and to help care for a place that is special and important to so many of us!
See you on the lake!