The Alliance
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is a registered environmental charity that restores and protects the ecological services of the water systems that flow into Shepody Bay through science-based research, action, and public outreach. These watersheds are comprised of a mosaic of ecologically significant ecosystems within the Fundy Biosphere Reserve in Southeastern New Brunswick, which is an area designated as a reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The veins of the watershed run through roughly 2,071 km2 of land with more than 30 tributaries flowing to the mouth of the Petitcodiac River, which span multiple municipal jurisdictions and support the most densely populated area in the province. The Petitcodiac River watershed drains into the Greater Moncton Area before flowing to the Shepody Bay into the Bay of Fundy.
In 2023 we celebrated our 25 years of environmental stewardship!
Incorporated as the Petitcodiac Water Monitoring Group in 1998, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance has not only maintained our water quality monitoring program since our inception, but has also grown to include a number of activities that improve the health of our watershed. Click the button below for a list of our current and forthcoming projects.
Our Team
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance’s team includes the Board of Directors and staff members, with important contributions from volunteers as well! We often hire several students to help with our projects, especially in the summer field season.
Head to the Get Involved section to know more about joining our team.
Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Staff Members
Kelsey Wilson (she/her)
Executive Director
Kelsey has an extensive background working with not-for-profit and charitable organizations, holding various leadership positions and active as a developer and coordinator of many environmental, social enterprise, cooperative, social justice, and other projects. Kelsey holds many certifications including a Master of Environmental Management, a Bachelor of Philosophy in Leadership, a Permaculture Design Certificate, Wetland Delineation Certification, Project Management, and others. Kelsey is an avid learner, always seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of topics that can improve her work.
Luana Cemin (she/her)
Interim Project Manager
Luana is a dedicated plant ecologist with a passion for tackling new challenges. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Forest Engineering, an MBA in Sustainable Development, and is currently pursuing her master’s in Plant Ecology at the University of Moncton. Luana is committed to preserving and restoring the ecosystem services of the Petitcodiac watershed.
Arabella LeBlanc (she/her)
Project Leader
Arabella graduated from St-Thomas University with majors in Environment & Society and Philosophy. Her passion for plants and fascination with the diversity of life on Earth drives her commitment to environmental stewardship. Her goal is to help support a sense of environmental responsibility and engagement among the citizens of the Petitcodiac watershed region. Through her work, Arabella seeks to inspire individuals to connect with their natural surroundings and actively participate in local environmental initiatives.
Olisaemeka Kelvin Ndubuisi (he/him)
Project Leader
Kelvin has a solid academic foundation in Environmental Science and Geography, enriched by certifications in Visual Material Culture and Occupational Health and Safety. His diverse knowledge base equips him with a unique perspective on environmental challenges and renewable energy solutions.
Driven by a passion for sustainability, Kelvin is committed to advancing his green entrepreneurship agenda. He aims to leverage his expertise to develop innovative solutions that foster environmental stewardship and contribute positively to society. Kelvin aims to make a substantial impact within the Petitcodiac watershed, contributing to its preservation and sustainable development.
Antony Thériault (he/him)
Project Leader
Antony is a highly motivated individual committed to contributing to the improvement of the health of the Petitcodiac watershed. As a recent graduate of the University of Moncton, where he earned a specialized bachelor’s degree in
Charlotte Cullinan - Dickinson (she/her)
Communications & Outreach Intern
Charlotte Cullinan Dickinson is currently in her fourth and final year at Mount Allison University, pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Charlotte has a deep interest in environmental policy, urban planning, and green infrastructure. From a young age, Charlotte has had a strong love for the environment, the outdoors, and animals. This passion has driven her involvement in environmental activism and sustainability initiatives throughout her academic journey. Charlotte’s academic pursuits and extracurricular activities reflect her commitment to addressing urban environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices.
Chinenye Okponwa (she/her)
Project Assistant
Chinenye is a curious person with a degree in psychology who enjoys exploring various disciplines, and her current focus is on environmental science. Driven by a desire to explore the synergy between psychology and environmental science, she joined the organization to deepen her understanding and contribute to accurate lab testing, drawing from her background in science.
Her passion for environmental conservation grew when she moved to Canada from Nigeria and began learning about various projects and campaigns dedicated to preserving the natural world. This newfound passion, combined with her dedication to learning drives Chinenye’s aspirations to make a significant impact on environmental sustainability through her work with the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance.
Naomi Mangino Moreyra (she/her)
Project Assistant
Naomi has always been deeply passionate about nature, ecosystems, and animals. This enthusiasm has fueled her active volunteer participation in environmental and sustainability projects. Now, she works with us as an additional project assistant, always eager to lend a hand!
Board Members
Aaron Lewis
Board President
Jake Prosser
Vice President
Jake Prosser is a dedicated volunteer, with a background in biology and mathematical modelling. Currently serving on the board of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance, Jake brings expertise in data analysis and policy development. He’s proud and excited to give back to his community.
Chimaeze Okoroigwe
Treasurer
Chimaeze has a keen interest in volunteering and is committed to community development, values that have attracted him to serve as a member of the board of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance. He is a seasoned finance professional with nearly two decades of expertise in Finance Operations, Audit, and Strategic Planning. As a member of the board of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance, he brings a wealth of experience in board governance and finance to the organization. Inspired by the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and fostering community engagement, Chimaeze is committed to supporting initiatives that protect watersheds in Southeastern New Brunswick and enhance overall environmental awareness.
Bryan Gallant
Secretary
Michael Cybulski
Director
Michael is a dedicated and valued volunteer, having worked with a variety of both local and national organizations. His combined love of the outdoors and his keen interest in waterways makes him a great fit in the PWA. He is proud to play a role in the restoration of the Petitcodiac River, and the return of Atlantic Salmon to our waterways.
Alyre Chiasson
Director and Founding Member
As a founding member of the PWA, Alyre brings to the board a wealth of organizational knowledge and history. He is also a recently retired professor of the University of Moncton with a B.Sc. in Biology, a M.Sc. in Zoology, and a Ph.D. focusing on the Ecology of fish. Alyre is an engaged board member, always ready to provide guidance or lend a hand in our fieldwork.
Georges Brun
Director
Ochuwa George
Director
Derek Ermen
Director