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About Us | Professional Staff
Alyssa Bourassa, B.A.
Executive Director
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Alyssa earned a double major degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Dalhousie University. Alyssa has a passion for community science, beach clean-ups, and volunteer engagement. It was her passion for water and the environment that brought her to Nova Scotia. There, she was an intern at World Wildlife Fund and worked with Halifax-based environmental organizations.
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Kerry Kennedy, B.Ed.
Coastal Education Coordinator
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Kerry combines her background in education with her passion for the environment to support the delivery of the Coastal Conservation Youth Corps program.  She earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a graduate certificate in Ecosystem Restoration at Niagara College.  Kerry lives in Niagara where she works with the District of Niagara Outdoor Education Centres and volunteers as a board member for the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network and the Niagara Falls Nature Club.
Spending as much time as she can on the shores of Lake Huron, Kerry is passionate about dune restoration and invasive species management. She also rarely passes up an opportunity to pick up stray plastics from the beach. In addition to these pastimes, she enjoys rowing and cross-country skiing. She coordinates the LHCC's Coastal Conservation Youth Corps student volunteer and education program.
Patrick Donnelly, M.Sc., RPP
Coastal Science and Stewardship Advisor
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As the co-founder of the Coastal Centre, Pat has worked in water management and coastal zone stewardship for his entire career. This has included experience in provincial, municipal, conservation authority and private consulting as well as working in both riverine and Great Lakes ecosystems. He is recently retired (2024) after 20 years as the Manager, Watersheds and Climate Change for the City of London.
His membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners and as a Registered Professional Planner with a Masters of Science Degree provides a wide range of tools and knowledge to the benefit of the shoreline projects and community initiatives. His skill in communicating complex issues and principles to a wide audience including cottagers, urbanites, government officials, council members and interest groups has successfully steered many projects. He has a keen interest in climate change adaptation and assisting communities through the transition that is required to take action.