Simran is an Environmental Educator at Ecosource, passionate about inspiring curiosity and connecting people of all ages to the natural world. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Toronto and brings experience in conservation, outreach and environmental education.

Throughout her career, Simran has led diverse environmental initiatives; from hands-on outdoor workshops to sustainable landscaping projects — helping people understand and connect with their local ecosystems. In her current role, she is excited to be teaching about waste education and sustainability in our everyday lives, encouraging participants to make choices that support a healthier planet. Simran believes that fostering a connection to nature and raising awareness of environmental issues are essential steps toward a more sustainable future for all.

Lauren is an environmental educator with a deep appreciation for the natural world. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Co-op) from the University of Guelph, where she developed a strong foundation in environmental change, with a focus on soil and forest dynamics. Her passion for the environment began in her youth and has continued to inspire her work throughout her career. Lauren also served on the board of the Biodiversity Club, where she fostered connections between students and their environment.

As an educator, Lauren aims to engage diverse audiences through hands-on, interactive workshops, hoping to spark an interest in sustainability, much like the inspiration she found as a student. She believes community engagement is essential to building a sustainable future, and she is always eager to learn new things to share with others.

Sara loves working with her hands and can often be found either in the garden or at her desk creating art.

With a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto, Sara combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience in environmental and community-based projects.

As an avid solo traveller, she has explored destinations including Iceland, Japan, and Taiwan, embracing opportunities to immerse herself in new cultures, perspectives, and experiences.

Sara has also contributed to the development of community gardens. In particular, she supported the Iceland Teaching Garden, where she led the creation of a Climate Impact Tracking (CIT) Toolkit designed to increase access to scientific monitoring tools and promote sustainable small-scale farming practices. Through this work, she helped make climate impact measurements more accessible to community gardeners and urban agriculture initiatives.

Allison is an educator, community organizer, and food systems advocate with a passion for connecting people to agriculture and food through hands-on learning and shared experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology with a minor in Agriculture from the University of Guelph. She has experience in culinary arts and food education, working across schools, farms, veterinary clinics, markets, festivals, and non-profit organizations.

In her role with Ecosource, Allison develops and delivers educational programs focused on urban agriculture and food literacy. She is the founder of Crowded Table, an award-winning farm-to-table food project centered around local ingredients and community connection. Allison is also a musician and cultural facilitator (fiddle and dance) and can often be found spending time outdoors traveling around Ontario and beyond.

Nadine is a floral designer, environmental educator, and community builder. She brings growing experience as the owner of a micro flower farm called Black Moon Rose and from her work in various environmental organizations. She is part of a commons of farmers in Southwestern Ontario that share access to land, tools, knowledge, and resources to build pathways for youth entering the agricultural industry. She has gained knowledge in urban forestry, cut flower production, and community gardening while supporting people of all ages to inspire their connection to the land.

Surendra joins us as the Community Food Access Coordinator, bringing a blend of creative, educational, and agricultural experience to the role. Trained as a photographer and visual artist, Surendra spent many years working in the arts before transitioning into urban agriculture. He previously taught photography to undergraduate students at OCAD University in Toronto and facilitated numerous youth workshops focused on creative expression. He is the co-founder of the Toronto Nepali Film Festival, where he helped engage youth across the Greater Toronto Area in organizing and leading the festival.

Drawing on his background in teaching, youth mentorship, and community-building, Surendra now leads our food growing program at Iceland Teaching Garden. He brings five years of experience operating a regenerative vegetable micro-farm in Campbellville, Ontario, with a focus on South Asian crops and culturally relevant food production that reflects the diversity of Peel Region.

Born and raised in an agrarian community in the eastern hills of Nepal, Surendra carries a deep connection to land-based knowledge and food growing traditions. He is grateful for the opportunity to steward land that has long been cared for by its original custodians.

Mryam is an environmental educator and community organizer with over four years of experience in non-profit work spanning urban agriculture, food security, and climate education. She designs and delivers inclusive educational programs that build environmental literacy among youth and community members across Canada and internationally.

Mryam has worked across government, research, and grassroots organizations. She is a Council Member of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change, a Board Member of Emerge Guelph, and was selected as a Changemaker for the Planet by CxC and Apple for the Middle East and North Africa region in 2024. She holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Cities from the University of Leeds.

Mryam enjoys being in nature, traveling, playing music, making art, and exploring new food recipes with her husband.

Maggie is a passionate environmental educator with interdisciplinary experience in sustainability education, research, and policy analysis. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and a Master of Environmental Studies from Queen’s University.

Her past experiences include working as an Environmental Educator with Bee Ambassadors Canada, a Waste Auditor with Earth Day Canada, and a Sustainability Officer with Soy Canada. Additionally, she has contributed to various projects at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and is currently in a senior leadership role on its Youth Advisory Council.

As an Environmental Educator at Ecosource, Maggie is excited to bring her skills and enthusiasm to sustainability workshops that drive meaningful change across the Peel Region.

School Program Manager

(905) 274-6222 ext. 309

Jane is a passionate educator who brings her environmental and outdoor education background and knowledge of child development and playwork to Ecosource.

Community Garden Program Lead

(905) 274-6222 ext. 314

Deven is passionate about rebuilding our connection to the natural world and cultivating healthy and resilient communities.

Community Gardens Program Manager

(905) 274-6222 ext. 303

Kat is passionate about facilitating connection to self, community, and the natural world through the process of growing food, herbs and flowers.