Staff

Residential Planting Program Manager

Melissa Williams
416.413.9244 x11 | melissa[at]yourleaf.org

Melissa holds a Master of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Toronto, and a Chef Training certificate from George Brown College. Her passion for local, consciously produced food grew into a broader interest in urban sustainability and community development. Melissa's past employment includes everything from copy editing to cooking and first came to LEAF as a volunteer. In her spare time, she pursues interests in food, music, books and long-distance running.

Field Operations Supervisor, Residential Planting Programs  

Andrea Bake
416.413.9244 x15 | andrea[at]yourleaf.org

Andrea holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in conservation, from the University of Western Ontario and a Masters in Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto. She is also an ISA certified arborist.  Andrea has conducted research on species at risk with the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and was Project Manager at an urban forestry company in London, Ontario. Andrea enjoys riding horses and competes in dressage.

Residential Planting Program Assistant

Victoria Badham
416.413.9244 x15 | andrea[at]yourleaf.org

 Victoria holds an Honours B.A. in Environmental Policy and is currently working towards completing a Master of Education degree in Adult Education and Community Development.  Before joining LEAF, she interned with Evergreen, assisting in the development of community gardens. She has also worked with Toronto Wildlife Centre, educating the public on urban wildlife issues, and has volunteered with various environmental organizations. Beyond her professional interests, she enjoys travel, photography, music and her dog Caico.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Matthew James William Higginson
416.413.9244 x13 | matthew[at]yourleaf.org

Matthew holds an Honours B.A.A. in Media Studies from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Public Relations from the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. He came to LEAF as a volunteer while an Intern at the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. Matthew strives to connect the arts and social causes and his photographs have been featured in publications, solo and group exhibitions across Toronto. Matthew enjoys traveling, cycling across the city, and hiking with his dog.

Marketing & Communications Intern

Samantha O'Neill
416.413.9244 x13 | communications[at]yourleaf.org

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Carleton University, and is currently working towards a post-graduate certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Centennial College. Samantha enjoys cycling through the city, long distance running, and traveling.

Stewardship & Volunteer Coordinator

Jessica Piskorowski
416.413.9244 x12 | jessica[at]yourleaf.org

Jessica holds an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Certificate in Ecological Restoration from Niagara College. She is also an ISA certified arborist. Before joing LEAF, she conducted ecological inventories, impact assessments and restoration plans as a co-op student, interned with The Nature Conservancy of Canada and worked with EcoSpark, delivering outdoor education programs to students. Jessica loves strolling through Toronto's ravines or camping in Ontario's parks.

Education & Outreach Coordinator

Robyn Stewart
416.413.9244 x14 | robyn[at]yourleaf.org

Robyn holds a Master of Science degree in Learning, Teaching, and Social Policy from Cornell University. Her interests include environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. Prior to joining LEAF she worked with Greenest City, doing environmental food education programs for youth. Robyn enjoys sailing, knitting, gardening, and good food.

Program Manager

Michelle Bourdeau

416.413.9244 | michelle[at]yourleaf.org

Michelle holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Forest Conservation, with a focus in Urban Forestry, from the University of Toronto. She is also an ISA certified arborist.  Michelle has conducted urban forestry field work through completion of a full urban tree inventory of the University of Toronto, St. George campus, under the guidance of Professor Andy Kenney. Michelle likes to hang out with her two dogs, Ada and Freija, cook new recipes, garden and walk through parks.

Executive Director, Founder

Janet McKay

416.413.9244 x17 |  janet[at]yourleaf.org

Janet holds an Honours B.A. in Environment and Resource Management, and a certificate in Permaculture Design. She founded LEAF in 1996 and has focused on designing and implementing grassroots programs and projects ever since.  Janet has also been instrumental in the province-wide urban forestry movement, taking a leadership role in the formation of the the Urban Forest Stewardship Network and the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition.