Sara Wilbur-Collins joined The Riverwood Conservancy in June 2021 with nearly 20 years of conservation organization experience, including as the Executive Director of the Grand River Conservation Foundation for 15 years. Sara is a Certified Fundraising Executive and is one of about a dozen people in Canada who hold a Master of Conservation Leadership from the University of Guelph. Sara has a background in music, and in her spare time she likes to paddle and read. Sara is inspired by how TRC’s volunteers and staff connect people to the outdoors!

A lifelong naturalist and wildlife enthusiast, Derek Stone pursued his degree in Environmental Studies and Resource Management at Trent University with a focus on ecology and public policy. Since then, he has engaged in multiple positions that focus on monitoring and restoring degraded environments, and engaging the public with nature. As The Riverwood Conservancy’s Program Director, Derek focuses on creating strong connections between nature and people, and embracing those connections to support both our environment and our community.

Lennox Toppin has worked in fundraising roles at some of Canada’s most prestigious arts organizations, including the Canadian Opera Company, The National Ballet of Canada, The Shaw Festival, and The Royal Conservatory of Music. He has also served as a prolific community volunteer, including Advisory Committees for the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Arts Council. As a self-taught and passionate gardener, he is delighted to discuss gardening with anyone who will listen – and is even more excited when that conversation is accompanied with savoury cultural food and wine!

Brian Packham has been The Riverwood Conservancy’s Office Manager for over a decade, and has seen more changes to the organization than anyone currently on staff. Brian is central to many of the organization’s resources and activities, and may very well be the first face or voice you notice when contacting TRC or visiting Chappell House. An appropriate alternative title for Brian could be the knowledge keeper of lots of things. Brian enjoys the outdoors, travelling, music, and local history.

Judy Opar was born in rural Quebec in the Eastern Townships, where she gained a huge appreciation for nature, wildflowers, and gardening. Judy attended Western University, then Queens University, graduating from the Smith School of Business before obtaining a Chartered Accountant designation. She has worked in finance for over 25 years, mainly in the charity/not-for-profit sector. She has also earned a Horticulture Certificate from the University of Guelph. She has three boys, the youngest one living with special needs.

Prior to joining The Riverwood Conservancy, Rasheed Clarke held marketing and communications roles at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and Independent Financial Brokers of Canada, and worked in radio as a traffic reporter for stations in Toronto and Halifax. He has a diploma in Radio Broadcasting from Humber College, a certificate in Digital Communications from Sheridan College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Writing from the University of Toronto Mississauga. Outside of work Rasheed enjoys running, hiking, cycling, and hand-held foods.

Born and raised in Mississauga, Erin Farrow spent many summers at her family cottage near Bon Echo Provincial Park. While studying at Lakehead University, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Leadership and Geography, as well as a Bachelor of Education. She has spent her professional career working and volunteering as a natural environment educator. Some of her favourite hobbies in nature include bird watching, gardening, and spending as much time as possible exploring the outdoors with her two kids and husband.

Kerry Furneaux has a love for the outdoors. With a background in horticultural therapy and garden design, she has worked as an educator and gardener at Riverwood for over five years. When she is not in the garden nurturing her plant babies, she can be found hanging out with the bees as an urban beekeeper and active member of the Toronto Beekeepers Collective.

Sarah Gunnell finds joy reading outside, hiking Ontario’s provincial parks, and sharing good food with friends and family. With a degree in biology and a passion for science communication, they have created and led outdoor education programs for children, families, seniors, schools, and community groups. Sarah’s work with Royal Botanical Gardens and the Hamilton Conservation Authority reflects a hands-on and welcoming approach, encouraging curiosity and discovery, helping people connect with nature. Sarah believes time outdoors is essential for learning, well-being, and inspiring care for the natural world.

Liz Jankowski began her teaching career in the classroom, but her passion for nature and hands-on learning drew her outdoors. For a decade, she has worked with various nature-focused organizations, most recently Norval Outdoor School and Royal Botanical Gardens, where she created outdoor programs that connected people to the natural world. Liz brings a rich background in experiential, outdoor, and environmental education to Riverwood. When she's not working, you might find Liz rock climbing, bird watching, or cracking nature puns on hikes with her family.

As our Gardens Coordinator, Olivia Hopen blends her enthusiasm for Ontario's native plants with a strong commitment to community-based horticulture. Her background includes work in community gardens, landscape design, nurseries, and most recently, an International Internship at Longwood Gardens. She also holds a Horticulture Diploma from Niagara College. Olivia thrives when working with volunteers and cultivating spaces that inspire curiosity and care. Outside the garden, Olivia is an avid crafter, runner, and hiker who can’t wait to wander every trail Riverwood has to offer.

Growing up watching Shark Week and Animal Planet, Erin Perry developed a passion for the environment. She is a recent graduate from Sault College in the Natural Environment Technician and Conservation Management program, where she furthered her understanding and appreciation of nature. Erin has previously worked for the Town of Oakville in the Forestry Invasive Species Department. Whether she's working to eradicate invasive species or tossing on her chest waders, Erin's always ready to take it outside!