Meet the Team
JASMINE MCCULLIGH, RPBio
Facility Coordinator
In 2013, Jasmine (she/her) joined the NSOBP after earning her BSc in Wildlife Biology from the University of Guelph. Her lifelong dream was to raise baby animals for eventual release into the wild. After over a decade of dedication, her dream came true in 2022 when the first NSOBP-born northern spotted owls were released. Jasmine manages daily operations at the breeding centre, coordinates outreach and partnerships, handles communications with funders and partners, and provides training. She still enjoys the hands-on animal care, especially daily encounters with the owls.
Contact: coordinator@nsobreedingprogram.com
NICH TUOVILA
Nich (he/him) coordinates all northern spotted owl projects for the BC Conservation Foundation, from the breeding centre to the field team, and works to secure the contracts, grants, and private donations that these projects rely on. Nich started his conservation career following his BSc in Biology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan and his work in management and business development in cutting edge agriculture.
Contact: NTuovila@bccf.com
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BCCF Project Coordinator
JENNA KISSEL
Spotted Owl Technician
Jenna (she/her) started as an intern with the NSOBP in 2017 and has been working full-time with the program since 2019. Originally from Ontario, she graduated with a BSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph. She has over 5 years of experience working with raptors around Canada and the US, and has focused her career on conservation breeding. It has been a dream come true to work at such a unique program dedicated to restoring an endangered species like the spotted owl. Jenna hopes to continue her work protecting endangered species through conservation, research, and education.
MEGAN CRUICKSHANK
Megan (she/her) first joined the NSOBP as an intern for the 2022 breeding season. She grew up in the Greater Vancouver area, attended Simon Fraser University and earned her BSc. in Biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation. Megan boasts considerable experience in hand-raising and rehabilitating wildlife, but her ultimate passion is wildlife conservation. She finds fulfillment in contributing to saving the northern spotted owl as part of the NSOBP team.
Spotted Owl Technician
Spotted Owl Technician
MAKAYLAH ROBLIN
​Makaylah (she/her) began volunteering with the NSOBP in 2020. After earning her BSc in Biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution and conservation from Simon Fraser University, she completed the 2024 Internship. She has experience working in agricultural research and integrated pest management, but her true passion is for wildlife conservation. Makaylah is excited to be part of the NSOBP team and contribute to northern spotted owl conservation.
KAYLEAH STAPLETON
​Kayleah (she/her) started volunteering at the NSOBP in 2019. Her fascination for wild animals and being a volunteer influenced her interest in ecology and wildlife conservation. She completed the 2023 Internship as a Co-op student and then graduated with a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation, majoring in Science and Management at the University of British Columbia. She also has experience in wildlife rehabilitation where she enjoyed learning about birds in BC. Kayleah is grateful to be part of an amazing group conserving a species so crucial to Canada's biodiversity.
Spotted Owl Technician
ROSE FILLARDEAU
Land Guardian
​​Rose (she/her) is a land guardian and youth representative on behalf of q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nation. She graduated in 2022 with an undergraduate in Veterinary Nursing, with the majority of her background relating to Emergency Veterinary Services. Rose is passionate about the importance of Indigenous teachings integrating with diverse urbanized communities, but her heart truly lies in the conservation of vulnerable species and their ability to thrive after hardship. She is gratuitous about being a helping hand in the recovery process of the Northern Spotted Owl, an important friend in her home of q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓.
MELANIE BEJARANO
After a short time as a volunteer, Melanie (she/her) joined NSOBP as an intern in 2024. She has her BSc in Biology from the University of Nebraska, and brings more than five years of experience as a wildlife rehabilitator to the role, with a special interest in wild birds. Melanie is elated to continue pursuing her passion for wildlife conservation with such an impactful and inspiring initiative.
Spotted Owl Intern
VINCE BEIER
Vince (he/him) worked as Caretaker for the Mountain View Conservation Centre for over 20 years. Following its closure in 2014, he joined the NSOBP, where he is responsible for upkeep of the 25 acre property, supervision of the construction of new aviaries and soft release aviaries, and assists the team with general tasks in any way he can.
Maintenance Manager
DR KEN MACQUISTEN
Ken (he/him) has been the NSOBP veterinarian since 2007, in addition to practicing at Townline Veterinary Hospital and holding the position of Managing Director of the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. Ken graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and has been practicing in British Columbia for over 30 years.
Veterinarian
Katie (she/her) has been coordinating the NSOBP as a whole since 2014 and also coordinates the field portion of the NSOBP. She has coordinated and administered over 175 projects including contracts, grants, and private donations. Katie has a Bachelor of Science and began her career in conservation in fieldwork.
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Contact: kcalon@bccf.com
KATIE CALON
BCCF Project Coordinator
We also want to credit and thank Lenore Baker, member of the Squamish Nation, for her support, advice, and contributions in incorporating Indigenous knowledge and teachings.
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As a non-profit project under the BC Conservation Foundation, many scheduling, logistical, administrative, and safety considerations are coordinated by staff at the BC Conservation Foundation.