Meet our U-Links Staff
Dr. Andrew Gordon, Director
Andy was appointed Director of U-Links on July 1, 2021. Andy and his family have been associated with the Highlands, Dorset and Algonquin Park since the 1940’s, and recently relocated here. He retired from the University of Guelph after 32 years of teaching and research; he holds a B.Sc.F. in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick and a Ph.D. in Ecosystem Ecology from the University of Alaska. He has a particular interest in the interaction of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in both forested and agricultural areas. He loves travelling and has visited many countries around the globe. He is dedicated to finding logical solutions to resource management and societal problems and welcomes input from all sectors. He resides in Haliburton County (Minden Hills) with his wife and son, who pitches and plays first base for the Muskoka Hornets out of Bracebridge. As a result, he drives Hwy 118 on a regular basis and marvels at the rocks, trees and water that comprise this neck of the woods, and how research can maintain them and the societies that inhabit them.
Andy was appointed Director of U-Links on July 1, 2021. Andy and his family have been associated with the Highlands, Dorset and Algonquin Park since the 1940’s, and recently relocated here. He retired from the University of Guelph after 32 years of teaching and research; he holds a B.Sc.F. in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick and a Ph.D. in Ecosystem Ecology from the University of Alaska. He has a particular interest in the interaction of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in both forested and agricultural areas. He loves travelling and has visited many countries around the globe. He is dedicated to finding logical solutions to resource management and societal problems and welcomes input from all sectors. He resides in Haliburton County (Minden Hills) with his wife and son, who pitches and plays first base for the Muskoka Hornets out of Bracebridge. As a result, he drives Hwy 118 on a regular basis and marvels at the rocks, trees and water that comprise this neck of the woods, and how research can maintain them and the societies that inhabit them.
Daniela Pagliaro, Administration & Logistics Coordinator
Daniela is our Administration and Logistics Coordinator. She helps make U-Links hum along smoothly by providing support for operations, logistics, financial management, and program delivery. Daniela is a long-time resident of Haliburton County and has a lifetime of experience working in a leadership role in the arts and culture sector as well as in social services in rural and First Nations communities. Daniela loves travel and adventure and has recently returned to Canada after living and working in Zhuhai, China. One of her greatest adventures was sailing across the Indian Ocean on a 150 foot sailing vessel with Captain Peter Willcox, legendary Greenpeace captain of the Rainbow Warrior. In her spare time she operates a small-batch, handmade pasta business.
Daniela is our Administration and Logistics Coordinator. She helps make U-Links hum along smoothly by providing support for operations, logistics, financial management, and program delivery. Daniela is a long-time resident of Haliburton County and has a lifetime of experience working in a leadership role in the arts and culture sector as well as in social services in rural and First Nations communities. Daniela loves travel and adventure and has recently returned to Canada after living and working in Zhuhai, China. One of her greatest adventures was sailing across the Indian Ocean on a 150 foot sailing vessel with Captain Peter Willcox, legendary Greenpeace captain of the Rainbow Warrior. In her spare time she operates a small-batch, handmade pasta business.
Sadie Fischer, Environmental Program Coordinator
Sadie Fischer is our Environmental Program Coordinator. She works with post-secondary students and local organizations to determine the health of our lakes and forests and oversees our Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch Program. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences majoring in Earth Science from Lakehead University and an Ecosystem Management Technology Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College. Sadie has spent time working and volunteering in various aquatic and terrestrial environmental monitoring roles in Ontario and Manitoba including, climate change research, invasive species management, and lake health assessments. She was certified in OBBN in 2019 and continues to learn new ways to assess and monitor our lakes and waterways. She enjoys exploring and making the most of the beautiful Haliburton Highlands by hiking, kayaking, and camping.
Sadie Fischer is our Environmental Program Coordinator. She works with post-secondary students and local organizations to determine the health of our lakes and forests and oversees our Woodlands and Waterways EcoWatch Program. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences majoring in Earth Science from Lakehead University and an Ecosystem Management Technology Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College. Sadie has spent time working and volunteering in various aquatic and terrestrial environmental monitoring roles in Ontario and Manitoba including, climate change research, invasive species management, and lake health assessments. She was certified in OBBN in 2019 and continues to learn new ways to assess and monitor our lakes and waterways. She enjoys exploring and making the most of the beautiful Haliburton Highlands by hiking, kayaking, and camping.
Gabrielle McMullan, Environmental Research Associate
Gabrielle McMullan is a Research Associate at U-Links. She holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability and a diploma in Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation from the University of Waterloo. She has had diverse opportunities that led her to work on terrestrial and marine ecology projects in Ontario, the Netherlands and in the Indian Himalayas. Gabrielle has experience in impact and risk assessment, ecosystem and predator-prey dynamics, and forest health assessment. She also has interests in community organizing, policy, and promoting social and ecological wellbeing. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, learning new crafts and spending as much time outdoors as possible
Gabrielle McMullan is a Research Associate at U-Links. She holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability and a diploma in Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation from the University of Waterloo. She has had diverse opportunities that led her to work on terrestrial and marine ecology projects in Ontario, the Netherlands and in the Indian Himalayas. Gabrielle has experience in impact and risk assessment, ecosystem and predator-prey dynamics, and forest health assessment. She also has interests in community organizing, policy, and promoting social and ecological wellbeing. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, learning new crafts and spending as much time outdoors as possible
Frank Figuli, Environmental Research Associate
Frank Figuli is an Environmental Research Associate as of this summer. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph with prospects of further specialization in the future. Previous relevant positions were held in the field of ecology and have extended in both laboratory and field settings within various University of Guelph research teams. His area of interests is in the realms of natural resource policy analysis including environmental conservation & remediation as
well as molecular composition and genetics (primarily in plants). Before his post-secondary endeavors Frank developed years of hands-on skills within numerous trades and actively uses this knowledge in considerations of future environmental planning and proposals. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking local trails and recreational fishing within the Great Lakes.
Frank Figuli is an Environmental Research Associate as of this summer. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph with prospects of further specialization in the future. Previous relevant positions were held in the field of ecology and have extended in both laboratory and field settings within various University of Guelph research teams. His area of interests is in the realms of natural resource policy analysis including environmental conservation & remediation as
well as molecular composition and genetics (primarily in plants). Before his post-secondary endeavors Frank developed years of hands-on skills within numerous trades and actively uses this knowledge in considerations of future environmental planning and proposals. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking local trails and recreational fishing within the Great Lakes.
Meet Our Management Committee Members
Jim Blake, Co-Chair
Jim is currently the Community Economic Development Consultant for the Haliburton County Development Corporation, Curator of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, the Program Consultant for the Arts Council ~Haliburton County, and a part-time faculty member at the Fleming College, Haliburton Campus with the Haliburton School of The Arts. Jim is the co-founder and president of the Haliburton County Community Co-operative and co-founder and co-chair of the management committee member of the U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research in Haliburton County. He served as a member of the advisory committee for the Haliburton School of The Arts from 2006 to 2009. In the spring of 2007, Jim was awarded the Fleming College Fellowship in Applied Education. Jim studied fine art at University of Guelph, York University and the New School of Art and exhibited his work as a visual artist from 1976 to 1984. He holds degrees in Psychology and Education from York University.
Jim is currently the Community Economic Development Consultant for the Haliburton County Development Corporation, Curator of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, the Program Consultant for the Arts Council ~Haliburton County, and a part-time faculty member at the Fleming College, Haliburton Campus with the Haliburton School of The Arts. Jim is the co-founder and president of the Haliburton County Community Co-operative and co-founder and co-chair of the management committee member of the U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research in Haliburton County. He served as a member of the advisory committee for the Haliburton School of The Arts from 2006 to 2009. In the spring of 2007, Jim was awarded the Fleming College Fellowship in Applied Education. Jim studied fine art at University of Guelph, York University and the New School of Art and exhibited his work as a visual artist from 1976 to 1984. He holds degrees in Psychology and Education from York University.
Larry Clarke, Co-Chair
Larry is a Councillor with the Municipality of Dysart et al, and self-employed (part time) as a business services advisor, helping companies improve management of their expenses, assets and operations. Larry’s background includes project and general management in support of development and change for financial, legal and government clients. This has included technology strategies and project management in support of business operations and administration systems; professional services coordination and management and systems and business contingency planning and development. Since moving to the Minden area, Larry has been an active member and director with the Chamber of Commerce, and enjoys participating in community and cultural events. Larry has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and has also received certifications in Project Management and IT Service Management.
Larry is a Councillor with the Municipality of Dysart et al, and self-employed (part time) as a business services advisor, helping companies improve management of their expenses, assets and operations. Larry’s background includes project and general management in support of development and change for financial, legal and government clients. This has included technology strategies and project management in support of business operations and administration systems; professional services coordination and management and systems and business contingency planning and development. Since moving to the Minden area, Larry has been an active member and director with the Chamber of Commerce, and enjoys participating in community and cultural events. Larry has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and has also received certifications in Project Management and IT Service Management.
Tom Whillans
Tom has been a member of the U-Links Management Committee since its inception. Between 1989 and 2003 with John Wadland he created the Haliburton Bioregional Project -- a senior Trent University course that served as the foundation for U-Links. Tom has been a professor at Trent University since 1983, nine of those years as as Chair of the Environmental and Resource Science/Studies Program. He works on community-based engagement with wetlands and fisheries, ecological restoration, Great Lakes environmental management, and was involved for 10 years in the development of an Ecuadorian/Andean network on integrated watershed management.
Tom has been a member of the U-Links Management Committee since its inception. Between 1989 and 2003 with John Wadland he created the Haliburton Bioregional Project -- a senior Trent University course that served as the foundation for U-Links. Tom has been a professor at Trent University since 1983, nine of those years as as Chair of the Environmental and Resource Science/Studies Program. He works on community-based engagement with wetlands and fisheries, ecological restoration, Great Lakes environmental management, and was involved for 10 years in the development of an Ecuadorian/Andean network on integrated watershed management.
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Bob Carter
Bob Carter is a Councilor in Minden Hills and lives on Lake Kashagawigamog. Bob serves on the Board of the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation and chairs the Housing Task Force and Planning & Development Committee in Minden. Bob volunteers with HHHS as a driver and with Meals on Wheels. He is a Director of the Lake Kashagawigamog Organization. Bob graduated in Computer Science and Business Administration and studied at Concordia University and McGill University in Montreal. Most of his working career was spent as a Chief Information Officer for various multi-national organizations across a number of industries. Since moving to Minden, Bob’s focus has been on the health of our lakes and the creation of affordable housing in our community. |
Eric Sager
Eric Sager is a professor in the Ecological Restoration Program, a jointly administered program between the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Fleming College and the Trent School of the Environment. Eric is also an adjunct professor in the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate program where his research interests are largely related to understanding the response of plant communities to environmental disturbances. Eric is also interested in management tools that can be used to mitigate the impacts of disturbance to ecosystems from a restoration or remediation perspective. He is quite involved with projects focused on the ecology and management of aquatic plants, restoration of tall- grass prairies, and revegetation of historical mine sites in the North. Eric has a strong belief in working on research questions that have applications beyond the academic community and have partnered with government agencies, citizen groups, private landowners, and environmental consultants. Eric is also the Manager of Trent's field station, the James McLean Oliver Ecological Centre, which is located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region on the shores of Pigeon Lake and is where he lives with his family.
Eric Sager is a professor in the Ecological Restoration Program, a jointly administered program between the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Fleming College and the Trent School of the Environment. Eric is also an adjunct professor in the Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate program where his research interests are largely related to understanding the response of plant communities to environmental disturbances. Eric is also interested in management tools that can be used to mitigate the impacts of disturbance to ecosystems from a restoration or remediation perspective. He is quite involved with projects focused on the ecology and management of aquatic plants, restoration of tall- grass prairies, and revegetation of historical mine sites in the North. Eric has a strong belief in working on research questions that have applications beyond the academic community and have partnered with government agencies, citizen groups, private landowners, and environmental consultants. Eric is also the Manager of Trent's field station, the James McLean Oliver Ecological Centre, which is located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region on the shores of Pigeon Lake and is where he lives with his family.
Robert Gaudette
After decades of entrepreneurship in the tech sector, Robert chose a career path that would allow him to contribute to the community through workforce and community development. He began to specialize in the development and delivery of services ranging from adult literacy, employment readiness, harm reduction and short-term crisis intervention. Robert serves on the boards of Literacy Ontario Central South and the Workforce Development Board.Robert is now fortunate enough to combine his two passions, a love of business and giving back to the community, in his role as executive director of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
After decades of entrepreneurship in the tech sector, Robert chose a career path that would allow him to contribute to the community through workforce and community development. He began to specialize in the development and delivery of services ranging from adult literacy, employment readiness, harm reduction and short-term crisis intervention. Robert serves on the boards of Literacy Ontario Central South and the Workforce Development Board.Robert is now fortunate enough to combine his two passions, a love of business and giving back to the community, in his role as executive director of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
Jim Prince
Jim Prince has been a regular visitor to Haliburton for the past 30 years and has owned a family cottage on Kennisis Lake for the past 20 years. Jim is currently the Vice President, Stewardship Director and Sailing Coordinator for the Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association and was instrumental in developing and implementing The KLCOA Lake Plan. Jim has taken an active interest in preserving the health of the Kennisis Lakes and water sheds with a focus on community education in the areas of water quality testing, healthy septic systems, maintaining natural shorelines and shoreline restoration. Jim spent most of his working career in the electric utility business and currently operates an engineering consulting company and supports Canadian electric utilities in the area of regulatory compliance for plant inspections.
Jim Prince has been a regular visitor to Haliburton for the past 30 years and has owned a family cottage on Kennisis Lake for the past 20 years. Jim is currently the Vice President, Stewardship Director and Sailing Coordinator for the Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association and was instrumental in developing and implementing The KLCOA Lake Plan. Jim has taken an active interest in preserving the health of the Kennisis Lakes and water sheds with a focus on community education in the areas of water quality testing, healthy septic systems, maintaining natural shorelines and shoreline restoration. Jim spent most of his working career in the electric utility business and currently operates an engineering consulting company and supports Canadian electric utilities in the area of regulatory compliance for plant inspections.
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Heather Reid
Heather Reid grew up as a cottager in Haliburton and moved here permanently in 2005. She worked at the U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research from 2005 to 2013 and then moved into the role of Operations Director at Abbey Gardens. Most recently, Heather joined the team at the Haliburton County Development Corporation as the Program and Operations Coordinator. Through these positions, Heather has worked with a wide variety of businesses and not for profit organizations in Haliburton County. She has a degree in Recreation Management and a Masters in Education and brings a wide variety of experience in community economic development and project management. |