Meet the CPAWS Team

Chapter Staff

We are pleased to introduce the staff of the Southern Alberta (formerly Calgary/Banff) chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS):

1. Anne-Marie Syslak – Executive Director
2. Lindsay Allan – Office and Project Administrator
3. Sarah Elmeligi – Senior Conservation Planner
4. Sarah Pasemko - Communications and Outreach Coordinator
5. Jennifer Casciani - Education Coordinator
6. Alex Mowat - Lead Hiking Guide
7. Julie Walker- Hiking Guide

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Anne-Marie Syslak – Executive Director

Anne-Marie Syslak, is the Executive Director of the Southern Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Anne-Marie has a B.Sc, a B.Ed, and a M.Sc. in Environmental Education and has worked in the municipal and the ENGO sectors with respect to the environment for the past sixteen years. In 2004, she joined CPAWS working in the education department and in 2009 assumed the role of Executive Director. In recent years, much of her focus has been spent on leadership development. Anne-Marie’s enthusiasm for the environment translates through her leadership and is grounded in strong science and educational principles. Her recent work has concentrated much of her attention towards parks, particularly the national parks in and around Alberta. Anne-Marie has a particular passion for native plants and art. When not reviewing guidelines for park development and activities, Anne-Marie can be found on the ski and hiking trails, wondering over wildflowers or camping with her family.

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Lindsay Allan – Office and Project Administrator

Lindsay Allan joined the CPAWS team in May of 2004. She has a B.Sc. in Geography from the University of Calgary. For four years she planned the Chapter’s marquee event, The Wild Gala, in addition to Capture the Wild Photography Contest and Running Wild. Now back from maternity leave, she will be providing research assistance to the conservation team, as well as making sure everything in the office is running smoothly. When she is not working at CPAWS, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, traveling and spending time with her family (especially the newest addition, Casey).

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Sarah Elmeligi – Senior Conservation Planner

Sarah Elmeligi has a Masters of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies degree from the University of Northern British Columbia. Her thesis investigated the impacts of bear-viewing tourism on grizzly bear behaviour and visitor satisfaction/perceptions of impact. This research experience combined with her Bachelor of Science degree, zoology major, from the University of Alberta has provided Sarah with an intimate understanding of ecosystem ecology from theory and research methods/results to applicable and adaptive management options. She has extensive experience in science interpretation; from program development and delivery to visitor centre design and construction. Sarah comes to CPAWS from the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) where she worked extensively on the Cabinet-Purcell Mountain Corridor Project. Working with Y2Y has increased her understanding of large landscapes and the necessary programs to connect them. She is passionate about animal behaviour and ecology, living sustainably, and exploring as much of this planet as she can by foot, bike, rock-climbing shoe, and snorkel.

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Sarah Pasemko - Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Sarah Pasemko joined the CPAWS team in July 2010 as the Communications and Outreach Coordinator. She has a Masters Degree in Environmental Design (Environmental Science) from the University of Calgary with a thesis focus on International Peace Parks. Previously, her love for the outdoors motivated her to pursue an Applied Bachelor's Degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, as well as a Diploma in Biological Sciences. Complimenting her CPAWS role, Sarah teaches ecotourism students at Mount Royal University and consults across Alberta in regional planning initiatives. She has worked internationally in Belize, Central America, as an Ecotourism Coordinator for a local marine conservation NGO, as well as a Tourism Instructor at San Pedro’s junior college. Her research and professional experience in ecotourism, protected areas, and peace parks echoes her passion for environmental sustainability, and working with communities to promote wilderness conservation in Alberta. Outside of CPAWS, Sarah is rock-climbing, scuba diving, travelling, and pursuing adventures with her friends and family.

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Jennifer Casciani - Education Coordinator

Jennifer Casciani, our Education Coordinator, joined the CPAWS team in August 2011. She holds an Ecosystem Management Technologist diploma, a B.Sc in Environmental Science and her Bachelor of Education (B.Ed). Jennifer has worked in the field of environmental education for seven years as a Natural Heritage Educator with Ontario Parks, and as a Wetlands Educator and Environment and Natural Resource Educator with Inside Education. Jennifer has a passion for the environment that she enjoys sharing with others both in the classroom and especially outdoors. Jennifer loves identifying plants, hiking and canoeing, eating a good bowl of ice-cream and travelling whenever she gets the chance!

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Alex Mowat - Lead Hiking Guide

Alex joined the CPAWS team in September 2009 and excitedly works with students each spring and fall. Grizzly bears, lichens, woodpeckers, beavers - and all the wonders that nature has to offer - are magical to him. He was born in Calgary, has a B. A. in Psychology and worked for a decade with international students at the U of C. In 2004, Alex moved out to the Canadian Rockies and he has been involved in environmental advocacy, parks and guiding work every since. He is certified as a professional interpretive guide by the Interpretive Guiding Association and feels blessed to be sharing and learning about the wonders of natural diversity each day. Alex has a new found passion for birds this year, combined with his long-time connection to grizzlies. When he is not trail-running or headed into the backcountry, he can be found sitting in what he calls a “nature sweet spot” - observing and listening - to an orchestra, for which there is no need of a ticket!

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Julie Walker Hiking Guide

Julie Walker has been a hiking guide and outdoor educator for over 20 years. She started out with Elderhostel and has been working backwards with adult and kids programs since then. She has her own company, Full Circle Adventures (FCA) where her philosophy of "connecting people with nature" is best expressed. Julie started working with schools in 2008 with FCA and most recently worked with the Weaslehead Glenmore Park Preservation Society running Grade 3 to 8 programs. Her specialty is edible and medicinal plants and the human/natural history connection. She was a discretionary participant at the Sullivan Petro-Canada hearings two years ago arguing for preservation of the grasslands south of Longview based on the the ecological integrity of the land and its historic and cultural value to Albertans.Back to top