About the Team

I started “In Your Nature” In September 2023 after finishing off a very fulfilling experience with the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC). Despite graduating from university in spring 2022 with a biology degree, I was feeling unfulfilled with my degree and the work opportunities that it provided.

Throughout the past year, I bounced between some contracts teaching math and working at a tech startup. However, these roles still didn’t satisfy the part of me that wanted to engage with communities and make a positive impact in the world.

By March 2023 I found myself joining the CCC, starting with an amazing 14-day canoe trip in Temagami with a lot of fellow cool CCC people. Through the CCC I was placed at the BC Wildlife Federation, travelling around BC providing summer camps teaching children about conservation. I worked with so many amazing people and truly saw the value that strong communities have.

I'm part of the Communications and Marketing team at In Your Nature. While I'm currently a student, I joined the team because, like many of you, I found navigating the world of volunteer opportunities in Ottawa a challenge. In Your Nature's mission to connect people with their ideal volunteer roles really resonated with me. I'm passionate about giving back to the community and helping others find causes they care about. Volunteering is a fantastic way to develop new skills, meet inspiring people, and make a real difference!

Michael is a passionate web developer deeply committed to nature and wildlife and actively seeking collaborations with like-minded individuals. He contributes to environmental conservation by biking to various parks in Ottawa on weekends, where he collects litter while combining physical fitness with community service. Additionally, Michael volunteers with an organization that provides used furniture, bicycles, and electronics to newcomers and refugees in Canada. In this role, he repairs and refurbishes donated laptops, ensuring they are functional and preventing them from ending up in landfills, thus promoting a cleaner planet.

I was born and raised in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa, though I've spent most of my adult life in Cape Town. Over the years, I've used my professional background in media and communications to align myself and advocate for causes close to my heart. This has led me to work on projects that promote and protect endangered wildlife species in South Africa, including anti-poaching campaigns aimed at conserving black and white rhino populations. I've also been involved in community programs introducing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to nature through one-day hiking trips and weekend camping tours. Additionally, I've volunteered with immigration organizations helping refugees settle in South Africa.
In my free time, you'll most likely find me exploring the outdoors, participating in community projects, traveling, reading a good book, or experimenting in the kitchen with my attempts at baking!