Kass Harris: Environmental Network Coordinator

Kass was born and raised on Cape Breton Island, where she continues to live and work today. She earned an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment from Cape Breton University, where her studies spanned environmental science, psychology, and political science. During her time at CBU, Kass gained valuable experience in a range of roles, including marine debris research assistant and animal ethics project coordinator, that helped shape her path in the environmental sector.

Kass discovered her passion for non-profit work during an internship with ACAP Cape Breton (one of our NSEN members!) and has been dedicated to this path ever since. She is especially passionate about topics including environmental justice, the psychology of environmentalism, and the environmental impact of our food systems.

Outside of work, Kass enjoys spending her time in nature with her two dogs, Sam and Lincoln, who are always eager for their next outdoor adventure!

Megan Poulton: Caucus Coordinator

Megan grew up in the HRM of Nova Scotia and received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences from Dalhousie University. She moved to The Bahamas and worked in research and education for 2 years at a not-for-profit, specializing in sustainable food systems and aquaponics, before pursuing fish passage and watercourse crossings consulting in western Canada. After returning to Nova Scotia, she was eager to network with the local nonprofit sector, where she volunteered with NSEN as network support, before transitioning into a coordinator role. 

Megan’s passions for the environment extend into her personal life, with a love of the outdoors, traveling, and adventure. She loves Nova Scotia for each of its seasons, the coast, warm and welcoming people, and inclusive activities.

Chris White: Chair

Chris grew up in Deer Lake, Newfoundland before moving to Halifax to study mechanical engineering at Dalhousie University. After first earning a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Applied Science, Chris completed his PhD in 2025. His experimental research focused on repurposing used electric vehicle batteries into electricity grid energy storage systems as a means of reducing the economic and environmental costs of the clean energy transition. Though a longtime student, Chris has also enjoyed a number of roles as a youth educator both inside and outside academia. Having served as Chair of the Board for NSEN since 2018, Chris finds great joy in helping to bring people together to advance sustainability in Nova Scotia and beyond. His hobbies include guitar, singing, reading, writing, and outdoor adventure.

Makayla Cole: Vice Chair

Makayla grew up in the Wolastoq (Saint John) River Valley and moved to Kjipuktuk (Halifax) to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and History at Saint Mary’s University. She now works as the Communications Specialist at The North Grove - a community hub in North Dartmouth. Her passion for non-profit work and community building began at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm, a community museum and rural oasis in the city. 

Makayla joined NSEN in the winter of 2021–22 to lead the production of the documentary Connections – The Story of the Nova Scotia Environmental Network and the NSEN History Timeline. Eager to stay involved, she joined the Board in 2023. Makayla enjoys sustainable travel, nature photography, dancing, cooking, gardening, and connecting with people 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.

Marie-Louise Aren

Dr. Marie-Louise Aren was born in London, England, and grew up in Delta State, Nigeria, before moving to Nova Scotia to teach at Dalhousie University. She earned her first degree in Law (LLB) from Igbinedion University and holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade and Investment Law, with studies on International Environmental Law and Climate Finance and has a Doctorate (LLD) in International Tax Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Marie-Louise has extensive experience in International Law, Legislative Drafting and Reforms, Law and Policy Development, having previously worked with a Law Reform Commission, various international NGOs and governmental organisations, including the United Nations (UN) among others. Currently, she serves as an Instructor at Dalhousie University and is actively researching Resource Extraction Shipping Impact Assessment Laws in Canada’s Arctic Waters. Her professional interests are varied and include environmental sustainability, taxation, Indigenous & host community rights; ocean governance, climate change, and international economic laws and policies. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Marie-Louise is an avid reader who enjoys travelling, painting, dancing, socialising, writing, and embracing life to the fullest

Lenka Tomlinson

Lenka (They/She) grew up in Tkaronto, and has been living in Kjipuktuk for the past 5 years. They graduated from Dalhousie University with a Combined Honours in Sustainability and Environmental Science, with a special interest and minor in Art History and Visual Culture. Lenka's research has focused on the role of pedagogical institutions in the climate crisis, continuing with the Education for Sustainability Research Group under Dr. Tarah Wright. Her work aims to intersect environmental education with community engagement, making topics of the Anthropocene accessible to all. Lenka has worked in exhibition design and sustainability offices across the HRM, and is thrilled to participate in NSEN's Board of Directors.

Lenka's time outside of work and volunteering is spent printmaking, rock climbing, and socializing at local arts and community-oriented events.

Ruvi Magara

Ruvi Mugara is a community-driven sustainability leader, storyteller, and advocate for inclusive climate action. Born in Zimbabwe, Ruvi grew up in a culture where resource conservation was a way of life; a value that continues to shape how she approaches her work in environmental engagement today.

As Director of Projects at Thinkwell Shift, she leads initiatives that help Nova Scotians and New Brunswickers take practical steps toward sustainability, including Green Schools Nova Scotia, Green Careers, and Energy Efficiency navigator services.

Ruvi holds an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology and brings a strategic yet deeply human perspective to her work while connecting equity, climate action, and community well-being. Beyond her professional role, she uses storytelling and social media to explore themes of resilience, grief, and belonging, inspiring others to see environmental care as both a shared responsibility and a shared hope.