Bidding a fond farewell to Catherine Wassmansdorf

After a decade with The Riverwood Conservancy, Catherine Wassmansdorf is departing. Catherine spent seven years as our LEADS Instructor, developing and leading a program focused on inspiring secondary students to connect with the environment, pursue their curiosity in STEM through hands-on field science, and consider their own wellness through the innovative Retreat in Nature program.

Catherine also spent the past three years as our Education Manager, steering our LEADS, Education Naturally, and Enabling Garden programs, while providing leadership in our Indigenous program strategy, and implementation of camp programs at Riverwood.

There's no shortage of testimonials about Catherine's exceptional work, but here are two speak to her daily impact.

“Catherine provides strong math and science based curriculum-centred programs. These trips encourage people who may not otherwise consider environmental science or science in general to pursue these fields of study. My students were excited to use tools they had never used before such as clinometers, large measuring tapes, GPS units and pruners. It was amazing to bring math outside and make math real. In the classroom you have no idea how often I hear the phrase “when will I ever use this?” At Riverwood, they see real world applications of math concepts.”

– Emily Reeder, Math Teacher

“Doing a Co-op with Catherine and the LEADS program was an amazing experience. It truly convinced me to go into the environmental field. I am currently attending Fleming College in the Ecosystem Management Program, and the knowledge and skills that I have learned through the LEADS program, and my time working with Catherine have really helped me to excel in my program.”

– Chris Aultman, former Co-op Student

Catherine leaves a legacy of quality education, creativity, and accessibility for all learners at Riverwood – particularly the students who gain so much from their time in nature. The many volunteers, staff, participants, students, teachers, partners, parents, and visitors who benefited from Catherine’s efforts are countless.

Thank you so very much, Catherine, for all your incredible work over the past 10 years. We will miss your presence, and wish you all the very best in the future!