GCA

Core Staff

Chessi Miltner

Executive Director
He/Him
chessi.miltner@galianoconservancy.ca

Born and raised on Galiano, Chessi feels privileged to now work to protect and steward its lands and waters. He holds a MSc in Geography and a BA&Sc in Environmental Sciences from McGill University. His research has focused on a range of topics, from waste management technologies in urban environments, to traditional agroforestry practices in the Amazonian jungles of Peru. He is an avid kayaker, and has introduced tourists and locals alike to the beauty and ecological diversity of the Salish Sea for over 15 years as a kayak tour guide. When not at the Millard Learning Centre, Chessi is likely to be found outside exploring Galiano’s wild places with his kids.

Cedana Bourne

Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator
She/Her
cedana.bourne@galianoconservancy.ca

Cedana has coordinated the GCA Native & Edible Plant Nursery and Food Forest for the last 10 years. She loves working with plants and has put her background in herbalism and holistic nutrition towards creating the GCA’s line of on-site harvested teas: Forest Garden Tea. She has taught workshops on seed saving, herbalism, composting, and many kinds of fermentation. She most enjoys helping folks to connect with nature and to grow resilient, sustainable food systems.

Adam Huggins – RPBio

Restoration Coordinator
He/Him
restoration@galianoconservancy.ca

Adam is the Restoration Coordinator for the Galiano Conservancy and an Instructor in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. He holds a BSc in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria, as well as a Diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems, and is a registered professional biologist. He has worked from central California to the north coast of BC at the intersection of applied ecology, ecological restoration, and conservation. He produces and co-hosts the Future Ecologies podcast, and is also an avid backpacker, musician, and naturalist.

Ria Okuda

Education Coordinator – Youth programs
She/Her
ria.okuda@galianoconservancy.ca

Ria was born and raised on Galiano; she then went across the country to Montreal where she studied at McGill University. After graduating with a BSc in Biology, Ria’s love for travel took her to many parts of the world where she gained experience in different cultures and field studies. She has now returned to beautiful Galiano to raise her family and share her passion and enthusiasm for education, conservation and Galiano’s community.

Martine Paulin

Development Coordinator
She/Her
martine.paulin@galianoconservancy.ca

A resident of Galiano for the past 30 years, Martine holds a B. Sc. F. degree in Forest Resources Management from UBC. She is also a certified chef with a varied background in Law, translating, kayak guiding, and has several years of experience working for non-profit organizations and managing/owning various businesses on the island. She is an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping, sea kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, biking and exploring nature with her dog Snoop, husband Christian and daughter Lili Jasmine. Playing music with friends, foraging, pottery, gardening, photography, fermenting and experimenting with food are some of her lifelong passions. She is thrilled to be a member of the Conservancy’s dedicated, dynamic and collaborative team.

Sarah Fleming

Education Coordinator – Post-secondary programs
She/Her
sarah.fleming@galianoconservancy.ca

Sarah has a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies from Denison University, where her coursework took her to Bonaire. There she began scientific SCUBA diving and developed a strong passion for marine conservation. Moving forward, she spent several years abroad, from the Turks & Caicos Islands to the Cook Islands, instructing SCUBA and working for non-profit marine organizations. Sarah is in her happy place exploring Galiano’s beaches and forests with her husband, Jordan, and beagle, Arlo.

Sofia Silverman

Conservation Coordinator
She/Her
sofia.silverman@galianoconservancy.ca

Sofia holds an MSc in Geography and a BSc in Physical Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria. She has previously worked in Norway, Vancouver Island, Galiano and Mayne Island in the permaculture and ecological restoration field and is very excited to be back on Galiano. Her research interests include environmental stewardship, marine conservation, permaculture, and community building. Sofia is also passionate about hiking, polar bear plunges, foraging, pottery, and kayaking.

Tala Clark

MLC Operations Lead – On Maternity Leave
She/Her
tala.clark@galianoconservancy.ca

Tala has had a great love of Galiano since she was a small child growing up on the Island. After living away from Galiano for many years she is so happy to have returned with her partner, Cassidy, to be closer to her family. Tala is happiest when working in her garden and exploring the beautiful forests and beaches of Galiano. She is very passionate about local food production and crafting with locally sourced materials. Tala feels very privileged to be working with such a dedicated and caring team.

Lúthien Teel

Land Stewardship & Operations Lead
She/Her
250-539-2424 luthien.teel@galianoconservancy.ca

Lúthien is currently pursuing a BSc in Marine Biology and Environmental Science, with a focus on the intertidal region. Having grown up closely connected to Galiano, she is delighted to spend a season with the Conservancy, working in the beautiful forests and waters of this island. For years, she has been involved with the UVic Environmental Studies Field School at the Millard Learning Centre as a cook. Lúthien is also an avid hiker, photographer, and artist.

2026 Seasonal Staff

Abby Matheson

Land Stewardship Technician (seasonal staff)
She/Her
250-539-2424 abby.matheson@galianoconservancy.ca

Abby joins the Galiano Conservancy this spring and summer as the Land Stewardship Technician. An aspiring biologist, she graduated from UVic with a BSc in Geography and has had the opportunity to see many parts of the province through her love of field work. Abby  has called Revelstoke, traditional Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Secwèpemc, and Syilx territory, home for the past three years. While she feels a deep connection to the region, she is thankful for the opportunity to live, work, and learn from the inspiring team at the GCA. She hopes that Revelstoke can one day have a similar organization. When she isn’t bike touring, knitting, or learning to DJ, you might find Abby having a nap on the beach.

Board of Directors

The Galiano Conservancy Board is comprised of volunteer directors elected for 2-year terms.

Meet our board

Job Opportunities

The Galiano Conservancy offers fulfilling and meaningful work as part of a collaborative team. We hire for a variety of positions seasonally each year.

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