Meet Our Team
Our incredible company continues to strive to be an Indigenous Centre of Technical Excellence
GARY PRITCHARD
GINIW (GOLDEN EAGLE)
FOUNDER
Conservation Ecologist & Indigenous Engagement/Placemaking Specialist from Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario.
KAT
NOLAN
(SHE/THEY)
AQUATIC ECOLOGIST
Kat joined 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services as an Aquatic Ecologist while completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. Kat's expertise is in using environmental DNA to assess aquatic ecosystems.
Aaninguaq Peterson
(SHE/HER)
GIS SPECIALIST
Aaninguaq is a Terrestrial Ecologist and the GIS Specialist at 4 Directions. She completed her HBSc in Forest Conservation Science and Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about effective scientific communication and increasing accessibility to ecological knowledge and practice.
TRISHA COWIE
(SHE/HER)
CONSULTANT
Trisha is a proud citizen of Hiawatha First Nation and has always been passionate about advancing First Nation rights and interests.
CHELSEA
EMERY
(SHE/HER)
POLICY ADVISOR
Chelsea joined 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services as a Policy Advisor after completing her BA in Political Science and MA in social and political philosophy at University of Guelph.
ELORA COWIE
MARSHALL
(SHE/HER)
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Elora is a proud citizen of Hiawatha First Nation. She received her diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Security and Risk Management and has worked in various administrative and office management positions.
LEE SCHOLL
(HE/HIM)
ECOLOGIST
Lee Scholl has a diverse and accomplished background in environmental science and resource management, Lee brings a wealth of expertise in conducting field assessments, monitoring, and permitting for a wide range of projects.
PATRICIA WILSON
(SHE/HER)
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION SPECIALIST
An ecologist by training, Patricia holds a B.Sc. in Biology with a Specialization in Conservation Biology from Trent University and a diploma in Ecosystem Management from Sir Sandford Fleming College.
AARON MICHON
(HE/HIM)
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Aaron holds a B.A., Hons. from the University of Toronto, where he double majored in both the Indigenous Studies and Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity programs.
JENNIFER MORGAN
(SHE/HER)
ARCHAEOLOGIST & OSTEOLOGY SPECIALIST
Jennifer Morgan is a licensed archaeologist and human osteology specialist. She began her career in consulting archaeology in 2013 while completing her PhD in Anthropology from Western University.
GARY PRITCHARD
GINIW (GOLDEN EAGLE)
FOUNDER
Conservation Ecologist & Indigenous Engagement/Placemaking Specialist from Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario.
Gary loves to connect and educate through nature, especially with wildlife photography and storytelling. He believes we can all make conscious decisions on how we impact Mother Earth and the next seven generations. He spends much of his time educating the youth about “All Our Relations,” his favourite students being his two children.
Gary often acts as the bridge between the Indigenous Community and the western style of governance, having successfully collaborated with many stakeholder groups, institutes, government agencies, Indigenous communities, and political organizations to address environmental concerns and identify practical solutions.
KAT NOLAN
(SHE/THEY)
AQUATIC ECOLOGIST
Kat joined 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services as an Aquatic Ecologist while completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. Kat's expertise is in using environmental DNA to assess aquatic ecosystems. Kat spent their youth moving throughout the Kootenays, a mountain range in Interior British Columbia, where Kat developed a love for being in nature, especially near water. Their experiences learning on the land in a rural community grounded Kat’s understanding of environmental conservation and Indigenous rights, which Kat carries with them and continues to learn about throughout their professional and academic career. Kat moved to Guelph, Ontario, in 2016 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Mathematical Science from the University of Guelph, where they have lived and studied since.
Kat’s current PhD research in the Hanner and Heyland labs at the University of Guelph focusses on developing microalgal isolation and DNA sequencing methods to assess harmful algal blooms in freshwaters. Kat’s publication record spans fish community monitoring, aquatic microbiology, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Northern and Indigenous communities. Through this work, Kat has collaborated with many industry partners and government organizations, including the mining and nuclear sectors, conservation and municipal authorities, and private companies. Kat is passionate about social justice and environmental stewardship, motivated by their experiences working alongside and within equity-seeking groups and bearing witness to human-driven environmental change. At Four Directions of Conservation Consulting, Kat draws on their aquatic expertise as well as their experiences working with equity-seeking groups to advance protection of aquatic ecosystems and Indigenous rights in Ontario.
Aaninguaq Peterson
(SHE/HER)
GIS SPECIALIST
Aaninguaq is a Terrestrial Ecologist and the GIS Specialist at 4 Directions. She completed her HBSc in Forest Conservation Science and Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto. She is passionate about effective scientific communication and increasing accessibility to ecological knowledge and practice. Her education and experience have shown her that community building and sharing is the bedrock for positive ecological change.
Previously, Aaninguaq worked as part of the executive instructor team for FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified), an organization that offers field research and naturalist experience to BIPOC undergraduate students. Other previous work includes GIS mapping as part of a research team within the Geography Department at U of T. Utilizing her GIS skills, she built an interactive map showing archival extraction and development in Treaty 9 (James Bay) territory. The process of visually mapping Geological Survey archives demonstrates the cumulative impacts to various ecological and human communities in the early 20th century (and today). Bringing field data to life for others and encouraging wider curiosity in ecological spatial mapping tools power her career goals and interest.
Outside of the lab, Aaninguaq is an avid naturalist and backpacker. With more field guides than fiction handy on the shelf, her passion for ecology and species identification has launched a career in conservation. Whether it’s climbing a 46er in the Adirondacks or canoeing at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station, “outdoors” is her favorite place to be!
Trisha Cowie
(SHE/HER)
CONSULTANT
Trisha is a proud citizen of Hiawatha First Nation and has always been passionate about advancing First Nation rights and interests. She attended the University of Toronto and obtained a Bachelor of Arts honours degree with a double major in Political Science and Indigenous Studies. She then went on to graduate law school from the University of Western Ontario with a mind to resolving First Nation legal issues. She was able to pursue social justice for First Nations for over a decade through the practice of law, including 10 years of managing and operating her own practice. Trisha has extensive legal experience dealing with the unique, multi-layered, and complex matters that First Nations must address in everyday operations. While her practice is now closed, she maintains her licence as a non-practising lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario.
Prior to launching First Nation Consulting, Trisha worked in the energy industry. She found success in facilitating progressive engagement and consultation activities between proponents and First Nations on topics of major project development, impacts to Inherent and Treaty rights, mitigation and accommodation measures, and commercial participation opportunities.
Trisha is a dedicated community advocate and has focused her volunteer efforts on initiatives that advance Truth and Reconciliation. She prioritizes progressing her Anishinaabe culture and language learning and enjoys her time spent with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, learning and living from the land and waters, and participating regularly in ceremony and events where she may absorb the wisdom of her ancestors.
CHELSEA EMERY
(SHE/HER)
POLICY ADVISOR
Chelsea joined 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services as a Policy Advisor after completing her BA in Political Science and MA in social and political philosophy at University of Guelph. Her academic work focused on the intersection of public policy, social organizations and political economy. Chelsea is passionate about issues of social and environmental justice. Through her experience in social research and education, she has developed an expertise in the practice of political and social engagement, and communication of social and political issues.
ELORA COWIE MARSHALL
(SHE/HER)
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Elora is a proud citizen of Hiawatha First Nation. She received her diploma from
Sir Sandford Fleming College in Security and Risk Management and has worked
in various administrative and office management positions. As Project
Coordinator with 4 Directions, she is an invaluable resource for managing day-to-
day operations and ensures ongoing project productivity and efficiency. Her
attention to detail, reliability, and assurance of confidentiality is unsurpassed.
Elora is committed to helping First Nations build capacity and creating
comprehensive and simple office solutions to help manage the influx of
communications First Nations receive.
LEE SCHOLL
(HE/HIM)
ECOLOGIST
Lee Scholl has a diverse and accomplished background in environmental science and resource management, Lee brings a wealth of expertise in conducting field assessments, monitoring, and permitting for a wide range of projects. Throughout their career, they have demonstrated a profound commitment to environmental conservation and a deep understanding of various ecological systems. Their experience encompasses an extensive array of terrestrial assessments including conducting Species at Risk (SAR) surveys, detailed botanical inventories, reptile surveys (snakes and turtles), bat maternity roost surveys, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), wetland delineations, breeding bird surveys, avian nest searches, amphibian call surveys, and wildlife habitat assessments. In addition to their terrestrial specializations, Lee has contributed significantly to aquatic ecological studies, including field assessments for cold and warm water fish communities, macroinvertebrate collection, stream channel morphology, detailed fish habitat assessments, fish population monitoring, thermal monitoring and analysis, and water quality assessments. Lee possesses a thorough understanding of lacustrine and riverine fish sampling techniques, crucial for comprehensive aquatic evaluations. Moreover, they have relevant experience responding to large and small scale RFPs, including project pricing and logistical planning, and navigating the complexities of environmental permitting for developments, restoration, and construction initiatives. Lee’s ability to align regulatory requirements with ecological preservation which has been instrumental in achieving successful project outcomes. Lee has had experience with Natural Heritage Assessments, Environmental Impact Studies, Natural Heritage Evaluations (NHE), and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Their familiarity with provincial and federal legislation, including the Planning Act, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act (2007), Species at Risk Act, and Navigable Waters Protection Act, underscores their ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
PATRICIA WILSON
(SHE/HER)
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Patricia Wilson is an Indigenous Education Specialist with 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. An ecologist by training, Patricia holds a B.Sc. in Biology with a Specialization in Conservation Biology from Trent University and a diploma in Ecosystem Management from Sir Sandford Fleming College.
With over 10 years of experience in environmental non-profit work, Patricia has made significant contributions within the Land Trust community, holding various positions from Stewardship Technician to Comamunity Conservation & Stewardship Coordinator. She has extensive experience in managing key restoration projects, coordinating on-the-ground stewardship initiatives, and managing staff and volunteers.
Patricia is deeply community-minded and has a passion for bringing people together and cultivating community. As a passionate social justice advocate, she has been a strong voice within the environmental sector, advocating for diverse representation and the inclusion of Indigenous, Black, and racialized people in environmental work. In 2021, she received the Ontario Land Trust Alliance’s ‘Emerging Land Trust Leader’ award for her work in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advocating for equity-deserving groups within the Land Trust community.
In 2021, Patricia founded Diverse Nature Collective, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering and advocating for racialized voices in environmental spaces. Through her work, she has consulted with academic institutions and non-profits on projects ranging from developing strategic directives to advance EDI initiatives to curating workshops and events with an intersectional and equity-focused lens. Her efforts have reduced barriers for marginalized communities and cultivated numerous community partnerships, creating opportunities for racialized individuals to connect with nature and build knowledge and skills for working within the environmental sector.
Highly motivated and passionate about decolonization, Patricia is committed to building positive relationships between settlers and equity-deserving groups.
AARON MICHON
(HE/HIM)
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Aaron Michon - works as an Indigenous Education specialist at 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services. Born to an Irish-Canadian mother and an Ojibway father, Aaron is a status-holding member of Fort William First Nation and a subject/beneficiary to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850.
Aaron holds a B.A., Hons. from the University of Toronto, where he double majored in both the Indigenous Studies and Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity programs. Following his education, Aaron founded Zhiiwiibag Guidance, an overtly Indigenist education and consultation company through which he developed an array of anti-colonial diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings for settler charity organizations.
In 2024, Gary Pritchard approached Aaron with an opportunity to increase the potential impact of his work with 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services. Aaron now gratefully contributes his knowledge of Indigenous People(s), settler-colonialism, capitalist imperialism, political struggle, social (re)production, equity, and resistance to 4 Directions of Conservations’ mission, preparing learners for meaningful steps towards true reconciliation.
JENNIFER MORGAN
(SHE/HER)
ARCHAEOLOGIST & OSTEOLOGY SPECIALIST
Jennifer Morgan - is a licensed archaeologist and human osteology specialist. She began her career in consulting archaeology in 2013 while completing her PhD in Anthropology from Western University. Her PhD research focused on skeletal biology and inferring the health of archaeological populations from the analysis of human skeletal remains. During her career as a consultant, Jenn has managed Stage 1, 2, 3, and 4 archaeological assessments as well as ancestral burial investigations. She also has experience with the ethical and culturally sensitive excavation and handling of Indigenous ancestral remains as well as settler skeletal remains.
Throughout her consulting career, she has worked directly with a number of different ministries and government agencies including the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Working closely with these various agencies has provided her with the expertise to navigate the policies and legislative requirements that govern cultural resource management in Ontario. Jenn is experienced with the Ontario Heritage Act, Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists, and the archaeological requirements triggered by the Environmental Assessment Act, Planning Act, and land use activities.
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