The CLIMAtlantic Team
We have a seasoned team with extensive experience in climate change adaptation, data, communications, and engagement mobilization as well as individual provincial specialists.
Sabine Dietz, PHD (she/her)
Executive Director
Dr. Dietz holds a PhD in biology (UNB), an MÉE (UdeM), and a BA (Trent University). During her 30-year career in the environmental sector, she has worked for Parks Canada as an ecosystem scientist, in the private sector as a climate change adaptation consultant, and for non-government organizations on topics such as species at risk, ecosystem conservation, capacity building, and climate change adaptation. She has volunteered with many non-government organizations locally and regionally and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of Nature Canada. She loves gardening, backpacking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Janelle Frail (she/her)
Engagement + Operations Manager
With a science degree in Environmental Studies and experience in adult education, Janelle is happy to be back working to promote and connect for climate adaptations. Her past work involved 10 years supporting international cooperation organizations throughout the Atlantic, and before that, supporting environmental organizations throughout Nova Scotia and coastal communities with adaptation.
1-506-710-2226 (ext. 102)
Eva Thorpe (she/her)
Communications Lead
Originally from Ontario, Eva first moved to Atlantic Canada for university, where she reignited her passion for the environment and knowledge sharing. In 2021, she graduated with a joint BA degree in Environment, Sustainability and Society, and French, with a journalism minor, from University of King’s College and Dalhousie University. Eva has volunteered and worked with several environmental and social justice NGOs. She has written and worked in agricultural settings and has extensive communications experience. In her spare time, Eva enjoys trail running, hiking and photography.
1-506-710-2226 (ext. 103)
eva.thorpe@climatlantic.ca
Emma Poirier (she/her)
Science + Adaptation Specialist
Emma is an Environmental Scientist with a MSc in Applied Science from Saint Mary’s University focused on coastal dynamics. While working in government and academia, she has gained experience in climate change adaptation, habitat ecology, and coastal restoration; providing project coordination and data analysis. She enjoys using data and technology to understand our physical environment. Emma likes spending time in nature, hiking, and paddling.
1-506-710-2226 (ext. 109)
emma.poirier@climatlantic.ca
Stephanie Arnold (they/them)
Strategy + Programs Manager, Prince Edward Island Specialist
Stephanie completed their Chemical Engineering degree and MBA at the University of Toronto. After spending time in the private sector, they joined the UPEI Climate Lab where they collaborated with different sectors and organizations across the Island on climate change and adaptation issues. Their PhD research earned them recognition as a Top 25 “Emerging Thought Leader” from WIIS-Canada. Stephanie also serves on a number of community and provincial boards and councils, including BIPOC USHR, Provincial Anti-Racism Table, and Rustico Ringette Association.
Alex Cadel (he/him)
Nova Scotia Specialist
Alex holds a Master of Climate Change degree (University of Waterloo) and B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (University of Guelph). He brings experience in downscaling and analyzing localized climate change projections, adaptation planning in the forestry sector, and managing climate change projects with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. Alex’s current work involves supporting Nova Scotians in accessing, understanding, and applying climate change data to adaptation decision-making.
1-506-710-2226 (ext. 105)
alex.cadel@climatlantic.ca
Jenna Miller (she/her)
New Brunswick Specialist
Jenna holds a MSc in Climate Change (University of Copenhagen) and a BA in Geography (Saint Mary’s University). She has worked with Parks Canada, NGOs, and academic institutions across the Maritimes. Her work has focused particularly on adaptation and vulnerability to climate change impacts in coastal areas, coastal erosion, as well as the intercorrelation of social factors such as language and gender with climate change impacts. She loves hiking, travelling and exploring, and curling.
1-506-710-2226 (ext. 104)
jenna.miller@climatlantic.ca
Sepehr Khosravi (he/him)
Newfoundland Specialist
Sepehr has more than three years of experience in the environmental industry and enjoys working with a diverse range of stakeholders to build up Newfoundland and Labrador’s adaptation capacity regarding climate change impacts. He studied Agricultural Science as an undergraduate student, and Environmental Science at Memorial University for his masters. He had the chance to travel and explore across Newfoundland which made him fond of the landscape, heritage and culture. Outside of work, Sepehr enjoys hiking in the Avalon peninsula trails and has a great interest in classic and international films.
Willa Neilsen (she/her)
Labrador Specialist
Willa is originally from New Brunswick but moved to North West River, Labrador at a young age. This is where she developed a deep appreciation for the land and waters and grew her passion for environmentalism. She holds a BSc in Marine Biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, and also studied abroad at the Arctic University of Norway, taking courses focusing on marine ecology and climate issues specific to the Arctic. She brings experience in training and project coordination, as well as a knowledge of the Labrador region and its unique needs and vulnerability in regards to climate change. Outside of work Willa enjoys baking, hiking, running, and cross-country skiing.
Emily Kennedy (she/her)
Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator
Emily holds a Master of Arts in International Development: Poverty Conflict and Reconstruction from the University of Manchester and Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. She has worked on food security and environmental justice projects in Ghana and Uganda, as well as policy development and education in Nova Scotia, including as an occasional lecturer at Acadia. Emily has a particular interest in community engagement and project coordination.
Heather Harris (she/her)
Climate Service Intern
Heather holds a B.Sc. in Biology with a focus on marine ecosystems from the University of New Brunswick. During her studies and upon graduation, she worked for an environmental nonprofit organization in PEI. Her work included performing habitat restoration activities and project co-ordination, including co-ordinating a stewardship project focused on hazardous waste education. Outside of work, Heather enjoys reading, running, playing soccer, and gardening.
Anna Jamieson (she/her)
Climate Service Intern
Anna grew up in Nova Scotia and holds an MA in Environmental Practice and a Graduate Certificate in the Science and Policy of Climate Change from Royal Roads University. She also holds a BSc Honours in Environmental Science, with minors in Political Science and Biology from Mount Allison University. Anna brings experience in project management, community engagement and communications to CLIMAtlantic. She has volunteered with various environmental and sustainable development non-profits and has worked in small business and international sustainable development contexts. She is passionate about holistic sustainability and capacity building – understanding and discovering the linkages between caring for the earth, caring for communities and caring for yourself. Outside of work, Anna loves to practice and teach yoga and meditation.
Kate DesRoches (she/they)
Climate Service Intern
Kate grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and recently graduated from Mount Allison University with a BA Honours in Environmental Studies. During their time at Mount Allison, they were deeply involved in student environmental justice activism, which sparked an interest in exploring the intersections of climate change and social issues. Kate also worked as a research assistant, helping to lead a study on household flood preparedness in New Brunswick. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and listening to music, rock climbing, and hands-on crafts such as crochet and collage.