Instructor Biographies
Karin Westland
My life has been narrated by many landscapes. From a childhood in rural Colorado to a youth in the lake country of Northern Ontario, wild places have shaped who I am.
With a strong connection to nature, I pursued a Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Geography and English from the University of Victoria. From there, I made my way to Kingston Ontario to pursue a Bachelor’s of Education in Outdoor and Experiential Learning at Queen’s University. I am currently completing my Masters of Education at Simon Fraser University.
Over the last 12 years, I have worked as an Outdoor and Sustainability Educator in the non-profit sector, National Parks and the public education system. As cofounder and teacher in the Sustainability and Ecological Education Department in the Powell River School District, I have had countless opportunities to connect young people with the outdoors in a meaningful way. In my current position as the Sustainability Coordinator with the Powell River School District, I have worked with the Ministry of Education on related pilot projects and presently oversee the implementation of a variety of district-wide sustainability initiatives including Destination Conservation and our district’s sustainability newsletter, The Green Glance.
I am inspired by community, music, and running long distances on rainy west coast days. With a strong vision that a more sustainable world is possible, I continue to keep an open mind, dedicating myself wholly to making the world a more equitable and sustainable place to live.
Ryan E. Barfoot
Growing up on the shores of Georgian Bay the forests, lakes and rivers have always been Ryan’s refuge. From an early age it was clear that Canada had a passionate advocate for all things wild in nature.
After graduating from the University of Victoria he completed Bachelor of Education specializing in Outdoor and Experiential Learning at Queens University. He is currently working on his Masters of Education in Curriculum Development at Simon Fraser University.
Ryan has delivered environmental education programs at the grassroots and governmental level. He has worked with Parks Canada, BC Parks, the National Forest Service and the National Parks Service before building the Sustainability and Eco-Education department for the Powell River School District). He also chairs the district Sustainable Schools Committee and is the program coordinator for the Coast Mountain Academy. Ryan has piloted new sustainability programs with the BC Ministry of Education, and speaks / delivers workshops widely on the topics of Environmental and Nature-based Education.
Ryan and his wife Karin are the owners of Legadema Education Consulting ltd., a social enterprise directed at helping governments, communities and school districts better integrate Ecological Education and Sustainability.
Ryan is guided by his belief that a better world is possible. With a passion for working with young people, program development, art, music, and wilderness travel, Ryan puts his heart and soul into all he does.
