Kass Harris: Digital Systems Coordinator

Kass grew up on Cape Breton Island and earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in Environment from CBU. She found her passion for environmental advocacy after discovering the impact of our food choices, which inspired her to pursue environmental studies in more depth. Through diverse roles in the environmental field, she realized her dream of working with a nonprofit.

Kass is particularly passionate about sustainable food choices, environmental justice, and the psychology of environmentalism. She is eager to support NSEN’s environmental caucuses, in particular, to advance sustainable initiatives across the province. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Sam and Lincoln, who appreciate nothing more than exploring the outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Chris White: Chair

Chris grew up in Deer Lake, Newfoundland before first moving to Halifax in 2008 to study mechanical engineering at Dalhousie University. After earning a Bachelor of Engineering in 2013 and a Master of Applied Science in 2015, Chris is now working towards a PhD as a member of Dr. Lukas Swan’s Renewable Energy Storage Laboratory at Dalhousie. His ongoing research aims to reduce the economic cost and environmental footprint of the clean energy transition by repurposing used electric vehicle batteries into grid-scale energy storage facilities. During his academic career, Chris also gained engineering experience in the USA at Tesla Motors (2013) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2019), and University of California at San Diego (2023).

Makayla Cole: Vice Chair

Makayla grew up in rural New Brunswick and moved to Nova Scotia to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and History at Saint Mary’s University. She works on the Development & Communications team at The North Grove as their Communications Specialist. Her passion for non-profit work and community building began with her work at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, a charity-run community museum and local treasure in the HRM. Makayla joined the NSEN staff in the winter of 2021-22 and worked on the production of the documentary film "Connections - The Story of the Nova Scotia Environmental Network", and the NSEN History Timeline. She continues to support NSEN’s communications, member relations, and general operations as a volunteer in her role as Vice Chair. Makayla also enjoys sustainable travel, nature photography, cooking, gardening, and connecting with folks from all backgrounds and cultures.

Emily Laage: Secretary

Emily is originally from Michigan and did her undergraduate degree at Purdue University where she studied Natural Resources and Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability. After finishing her undergraduate, Emily attended Dalhousie to pursue her Master of Environmental Studies: researching greenhouse gas emissions on organic farms across Canada. Since her graduation, she has been working full-time as a Sustainability Analyst for Coca-Cola Canada.

Emily now lives in Kentville and is exploring homesteading. She has two dogs and a small flock of chickens and ducks. In her free time, Emily enjoys gardening, tinkering with crafts, and making pickles!

Brieanna Limkilde: Treasurer

Brieanna grew up in Whitby, Ontario and moved to Nova Scotia in 2016 to pursue her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University. After completing her degree, she moved back to Ontario where she completed her master’s in Environmental Applied Science and Management from Toronto Metropolitan University. Eager to move back and get involved in the Environmental Sector, she moved back to Nova Scotia upon graduating this year.

Brieanna has always been passionate about the environment and has worked with a few non-profits in the past to further conservation efforts of the amazing biodiversity we have here on Earth. She is particularly passionate about water conservation, environmental advocacy, and science communication. She is excited to be an NSEN Board member to support the environmental work being done here in Nova Scotia. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and being outdoors.

Emily Dodge

Emily was born in Massachusetts and first moved to Nova Scotia to attend Dalhousie University where she received her BA in International Development and Environmental Studies. From there she went on to earn her MS in Ecological Leadership and Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Since then she has worked for various non-profits developing and delivering environmental themed programs and events, including helping to establish one of the first Forest Schools in Nova Scotia. She currently lives in Hammonds Plains with her husband, newborn son, and dog.

Larissa Dean

Larissa grew up in Coquitlam, B.C. before traveling east and completing her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sustainability (ESS) and English through Dalhousie and the University of Kings College. A long-time lover of the outdoors, she hopes to contribute meaningfully to the Nova Scotia environment through her work with the NSEN. 

Larissa is passionate about climate change communication and crafting easy-to-understand nature-based solutions to wicked problems at all levels. Outside of the network, Larissa loves teaching loved ones about the outdoors and discovering new knowledge herself.  

Rebecca Dunn

Rebecca is the Founder and President of Scotia Environmental Education Delivery (SEED), a social enterprise which aims to inspire children and youth to connect with nature and adopt sustainable practices.

Rebecca has a background in health sciences, education, and environment. Throughout her educational journey she has amassed several educational awards including but not limited to The Recycling and Sustainability Award presented by Royal Roads University, the Bill Butler Water Resource Award presented by Atlantic Canada Water and Wastewater Association, and The Nova Scotia Community College Alumni Convocation Award presented by Nova Scotia Community College. Rebecca also had her research on microplastic pollution published in the Nova Scotia Periodical of Science and was invited to partake in the United Nations Food Summit in 2020 where she spoke about the impact of microplastics on sustainable ocean food systems.

Throughout her professional journey, she has collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including educators, students, and Indigenous communities, to develop engaging workshops, webinars, and educational resources. Her previous roles at ECO Canada, Green Schools Nova Scotia, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq have given her a deep understanding of environmental sustainability, waste management, and community engagement.

Rebecca is a passionate advocate for the environment and believes that together we can make a difference for future generations by adopting sustainable practices. For Rebecca this includes guerilla gardening and fostering a love of nature in young minds.