Paul Mero (he/him)

Executive Director
647-258-3280 x 2005
paul@ecospark.ca 

Paul’s Bachelor of Political Science degree taught him that democracies only work when citizens are engaged. Combining that understanding with his love of natural spaces, he has pursued a career in the environmental not-for-profit sector. EcoSpark’s focus on citizen science offers an exciting new opportunity for him to build on his past work helping individuals understand and tackle environmental challenges.

Dana Buchbinder (she/her)

Citizen Science Program Manager
647-258-3280 x 2003
dana@ecospark.ca

Dana is an active member of the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences. She graduated in 2012 with a Masters of Environmental Management degree from Duke University, where she loved field studies that had her buzzing with bumblebees. She has supported citizen science research with Ontario Nature, community air sensors (U.S. EPA), and Delaware StreamWatch (Ashland Nature Center). Dana leads EcoSpark’s citizen science programs, including the School Watch and Park Watch programs.

Livia Antony (she/her)

Citizen Science Lead Educator
647-258-3280 x 2003
livia@ecospark.ca

Livia’s passion for the sciences and the natural world led her to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Geology from Mumbai, India. Her growing desire to work in the field of sustainability and conservation brought her to Canada to pursue the Master of Environment and Sustainability program at Western University. Using her knowledge and skills acquired through this multidisciplinary learning, she now works as the Citizen Science Lead Educator, engaging students, schools and community groups in environmental citizen science monitoring activities across the GTA.

Karen Bennedsen (she/her)

Financial and Office Administrator
647-258-3280 x 2002
accounts@ecospark.ca

Karen helps EcoSpark bring about positive change by taking care of the finances and office. She finds creative ways to reuse or repurpose broken monitoring equipment and helps eliminate waste everywhere possible. Karen is an avid bike rider and also works as a gardener, both which keep her outdoors as much as possible.

Maryam Ali (she/her)

Environmental Education Assistant
647-258-3280
maryam@ecospark.ca

Maryam is completing her final year at the University of Toronto, where she studied evolutionary anthropology and environmental studies. Her research interests lie in connecting evolutionary perspectives with political ecology, particularly in understanding radiation risk and the impacts of nuclear sites on marginalized communities. Maryam is very excited to bring her place based experience to EcoSpark and help make environmental education more engaging and accessible to all - as she believes everyone should have equal opportunities to connect with and understand their local environments, not just a select few. 

Gabi Diez (they/them)

Program Delivery Assistant
647-258-3280
gabi@ecospark.ca

Gabi is passionate about protecting the environment and engaging communities in environmental stewardship. As a recent graduate of the University of Toronto, they completed a double major in Environmental Science and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Gabi has previously worked in the grassroots and non-profit spheres to provide environmental experiential learning opportunities within community gardens across Toronto. They are excited to continue bringing people outdoors to explore nature and participate in impactful scientific work.