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 Citizen Science Association. 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 research on the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (Ontario Nature), community air sensors (U.S. EPA), and Delaware StreamWatch (Ashland Nature Center) citizen science projects. 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.

Riley Talarico (she/her)

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

Riley holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dalhousie University. She has a background in both field-based conservation and education, experiences that shaped her passion for connecting people with nature. Riley is committed to making science engaging and accessible, and believes it’s strongest when everyone feels empowered to participate. At EcoSpark, she supports citizen science initiatives that inspire curiosity, encourage community action, and help people build lasting connections with their environment.

Thea Ara (any pronouns)

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

Thea’s love of the natural world led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management from York University. They bring years of experience and passion for knowledge sharing about the outdoors. Approaching their work with empathy and inclusion, Thea works closely with community groups and within the non-profit sphere sharing their passion for the environment with all folks to spark action for environmental conservation and awareness through nature-based learning.