Executive Director, Loon Foundation

Lana has dedicated her career to tackling environmental and social challenges, with noteworthy nonprofits including the David Suzuki Foundation, FishWise, and the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation. She is passionate about bringing PODS to life as a community hub for connection, learning, and inspiration to help people experience the natural world in ways that spark both wonder and action.

With expertise in leadership, communications, and fundraising, Lana believes lasting change happens through collaboration, storytelling, and education. She is excited to guide the Loon Foundation’s work alongside a talented team to build a better future on the Sunshine Coast.

Outside of work, Lana enjoys a coastal life with her husband, twin children, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback. Whether exploring tidepools, wandering forest trails, or enjoying a sunset in her kayak, she finds daily inspiration in the beauty around her.

Grants and Development Director

Michelle is passionate about conserving the Sunshine Coast’s precious species, habitats, and ecosystems. She is delighted to use her grant-writing skills to help the Loon Foundation gain funding support for the organization’s valuable facilities, programs, and projects. When not working on grant proposals, Michelle can be found in nature studying wildlife and collaborating with community partners to conserve, restore, and enhance habitat to help ensure the survival of species at risk. For the past 20 years, together with husband Dave Stiles, Michelle has led the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project. Michelle holds a BSc from UBC and MSc and PhD from Stanford University. She is a Registered Professional Biologist and a member of the Western Painted Turtle Recovery Team, BC Bat Action Team, and Western Screech-Owl Working Group. Her work has always focused on balancing the needs of humans and wildlife.

Coastal Waters Monitoring Manager, Loon Foundation

Jenn completed her Bachelor of Science at Simon Fraser University in 2010 and majored in biology with ecology and evolution. She has worked on many projects, including research on bivalves as water quality indicators in the Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound, population studies of the Western sandpiper and dunlin at Boundary Bay, monitoring and management of mosquito populations in Metro Vancouver and on the Sunshine Coast, and mark-recapture studies of crab populations in Belcarra Regional Park. At SFU, she worked with graduate students on salmon conservation by tracing nitrogen isotopes through plants and animals to investigate marine effects on inland ecosystems.

Research Coordinator, Loon Foundation

Meghan is a heritage specialist, scientific illustrator, and nature nerd with interests ranging from art and writing to science and ecology to museums and culture. These many facets have a common goal: to share her sense of wonder with others by facilitating deep connections with science, culture, and the natural world.

Meghan has a BA (Hons) in Anthropology from McGill University and an MA in Archaeology from Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as more than six years experience working in archaeology and heritage on BC’s Northwest Coast. She has contributed biological illustrations to local field guides and technical reports, taught nature journalling workshops that combine creativity with observational science, and co-organized food events that showcase local ecosystems through seasonal foraged ingredients.

Operations Officer, Loon Foundation

Hanna grew up in Rossland, British Columbia, and recently earned her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria, specializing in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She has worked in Canada and internationally, supporting projects in Austria and France, and brings organizational and communication skills to the Loon Foundation. Outside of work, Hanna enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling, and is excited to contribute to projects that make a positive impact on the community and environment.

Designer, Pye Design

Amy Pye has been a designer and illustrator in Nanaimo, BC, for 20+ years, contributing her vibrant and unique style to the community from branding for local businesses to banner designs. As a graphic designer and brand strategist for PODS, Amy brings tremendous artistic and creative imagination to the project. Amy has written and illustrated three beloved children’s books, each showcasing her talent for storytelling and design.  

Director of Strategic Partnerships (CEDAR)

Growing up on the Salish Sea, I developed a deep passion for the area and its inhabitants. The more I learned, the more I became committed to conserving this amazing part of the world. This passion led me to become involved in The Loon Foundation and PODS. I truly believe that protecting the natural world begins with sharing knowledge and inspiring action.

With a background in marine biology and a focus on both sustainable food systems and ocean conservation, I dedicated much of my career on understanding the challenges of and finding practical solutions for sustainable seafood production. Over the past 25 years, I have worked in fisheries and aquaculture-related research, education and advocacy, as well as in commercial fisheries. I was part of the founding team behind the Ocean Wise seafood program in 2005. In 2013, I co-founded The Fish Counter, an award-winning sustainable seafood market and restaurant in Vancouver. In recognition for this work, I was named one of the most influential people in the Canadian food industry by the Globe and Mail.

Outside of my professional life, I love spending time with my family, especially when it involves activities on or near the water – whether its paddling, diving, beachcombing, or traveling to new places for fresh adventures.

Advancement Specialist

Jess Scott is a nonprofit and conservation professional with a decade of experience leading complex initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, and securing and stewarding funding from government, industry, and philanthropic partners. She brings expertise in fundraising, strategic communications, program management, and community engagement, with a passion for connecting people with the natural world and building communities of supporters who make conservation possible.

Throughout her career, Jess has developed and managed multi-year conservation and citizen science programs, and co-created a system which reduces vessel impacts on whales throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is known for her collaborative approach, strong organizational skills, and ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with partners, funders, volunteers, and communities.

Jess holds a Master of Science in Marine and Fisheries Ecology from the University of Aberdeen and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria. She lives on the Sunshine Coast, where she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, exploring the coast, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Emmy Award-winning cinematographer and director Maxwel Hohn has spent over a decade filming in remote and challenging locations, with work featured on Netflix’s Island of the Sea Wolves, National Geographic’s Secrets of the Octopus, BBC, Apple TV, IMAX, and the Las Vegas Sphere.

A 20-year commercial diving veteran, Hohn grew up in Pender Harbour, BC, where he developed a deep connection to the land, ocean, and wildlife. Working closely with scientists, First Nations communities, and government organizations, he aims to inspire curiosity about the natural world and explore how we coexist with the species that share it with us.

Construction Manager, Spani Developments

Doug brings over 40 years of construction leadership to the team as founder of Spani Developments. Since 1978, he has delivered various projects from public housing to medical facilities, including the award-winning RW Large Memorial Hospital Staff Housing in Bella Bella, built to Passive House standards. Known for his expertise in sustainable and remote construction, Doug will oversee all PODS construction activities, ensuring excellence every step of the way.

Superintendent, Spani Developments

Andrew Wood is the Superintendent of Spani Developments and leads pre-construction co-management of the Pacific Ocean Discovery Station (PODS).

Founder, Elliott Built

John Elliott leads the project management for the Pacific Ocean Discovery Station. With an extensive background in construction leadership at the highest levels, John Elliott brings exceptional talent and experience to the PODS team. Known as a local builder and craftsman dedicated to transforming architectural brilliance into reality, John is an asset to the PODS project.

MADT, BEnvD, MArch

Lead Architect of the PODS project and founder of Deutscher Architecture, Jeremiah brings over a decade of experience with acclaimed firms in Calgary and Vancouver, including Housebrand, Strugess, and Perkins + Will. His portfolio spans global projects across diverse building types. While at Perkins + Will, Jeremiah played a key design role in the award-winning Pitt River Middle School, recognized with the prestigious Lieutenant Governor of BC Merit Award for architectural excellence.

MArch, BEnvD

An architect with David Nairne & Associates, Paul brings a strong design and technical expertise to the PODS project. Established in 1972, David Nairne & Associates is a nationally recognized, award-winning consulting firm offering integrated architecture, civil and structural engineering, and project management services. Known for its long–standing relationships with government, Indigenous, and community partners, the firm is committed to delivering thoughtful, responsive, and collaborative solutions throughout Canada.

Craig is the Chair of the PODS Construction Committee and recently retired from Walt Disney Imagineering, where he served as Portfolio Executive overseeing strategy, design, and execution of major international projects in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.  A four-decade Imagineering veteran, Craig led the successful development of landmark destinations including Shanghai Disneyland and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Previously, Craig held global leadership roles in design, engineering, production, and construction for Disney Parks and Resorts. He also directed environmental design and show/ride engineering, shaping immersive experiences through architecture, lighting, and advanced engineering systems.

Craig’s experience extends beyond Disney, with notable contributions to Universal Studios, Six Flags, and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. A UCLA-trained mechanical engineer, he actively supports board roles with Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles and the Lean Construction Institute. In semi-retirement, Craig advises organizations in themed entertainment, design, and social impact.

Construction Committee Member

Andy Koberitz is the founder and retired President and CEO of West Coast Log Homes, an award-winning Sunshine Coast-based company that builds unique and gorgeous cedar post and beam homes in Canada and worldwide. Andy has lived on the coast for four decades and is now honoured to serve as a Construction Committee Member for PODS. Andy’s extensive experience in local luxury custom home building and his knowledge of the local construction industry and experience working with large corporations such as Disney and Telus are a welcome addition to the construction committee.

General Manager, PMO Allteck Limited Partnership

Will Corse grew up on the Sunshine Coast and continues to call ch\'atlich (Sechelt) home, where he lives with his wife and their dog. With over two decades of experience in the construction industry, Will has built a career through a variety of roles, including log builder, estimator, construction manager, project manager, and department manager. For the past 12 years, he has specialized in the high-voltage electrical sector, where he currently leads a diverse team of experts.

Will is passionate about renewable energy and has a deep commitment to sustainability. His values align with the Loon Foundation's mission, and he is keen to help realize the potential for innovation in construction to support environmental stewardship.

In his spare time, Will is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys paddleboarding and exploring the Sunshine Coast. His decision to join the Loon Foundation and PODS comes from a desire to give back to the community that shaped him, with a particular focus on helping future generations, including his nieces and nephews, connect with the natural world.

Mechanical engineering for the PODS project is led by AME Consulting Group in partnership with Achineers. AME, established in 2005, is a full-service mechanical engineering firm with over 170 staff across Western Canada, known for its expertise in sustainable design. Archineers, founded in 2000, brings a unique focus on integrating architecture and engineering, advancing sustainability in the built environment through innovative, collaborative design solutions.

As the Building Performance Engineers for the PODS project, reLoad Sustainable Design brings expertise in creating healthy, low-carbon buildings and communities. Their interdisciplinary team supports new developments through energy modelling, net-zero design, climate resilience planning, and whole systems analysis. With a portfolio spanning high-rises, hospitals, museums, and institutional buildings, reLoad is at the forefront of sustainable design innovation.

As the Electrical Engineers for the PODS project, O’M Engineering provides tailored electrical design services and sustainability design services. Collectively, their team has completed more than 450,000 m2 of corporate head office facilities for major corporations on four continents. They have played lead roles in the execution of over 600 projects in a wide range of industries and have run flagship projects in 12 countries.

BEng, Principal, Miskimmin Structural Engineering

As the Structural Engineer for the PODS project, Paul brings over 20 years of experience designing every type of building from schools and hospitals to churches and health centres. His experience spans many designs utilizing multiple material types, including concrete, steel, timber, and masonry.

Exhibit Designer, PODS

Nancy brings a wealth of experience to PODS, shaped by over a decade at Walt Disney Imagineering, where she rose to Vice President and Creative Portfolio Executive at Shanghai Disney Resort. A leader in immersive storytelling, she led major projects like the award-winning Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Sunken Treasure. Her background includes founding Seruto & Company, managing large-scale exhibitions, and directing creative teams across disciplines. Honoured with the 2020 Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award and 10 THEA Awards, Nancy continues to champion innovation and cultural engagement through design.

Exhibit Designers, Harvest Moon Studios

Founded in 1992 by Mark Lindquist and Heather Lindquist, Harvest Moon Studios has significantly influenced exhibit design in the United States, with permanent installations at prestigious locations like the Los Angeles Zoo and the Lincoln Presidential Library. The studio collaborates with notable talents across various disciplines, enhancing its creative offerings. Mark Lindquist brings over 25 years of experience in creating engaging media for exhibits, leveraging his background in animation and digital arts, which includes work on iconic projects like "TRON" and "Pee Wee’s Playhouse." Heather Lindquist combines her expertise in American history and museum planning to create interpretive designs that connect and inspire diverse audiences, with notable projects for the National Park Service and various national museums. Together, they drive Harvest Moon to deliver impactful, educational, and visually captivating experiences.

Exhibit Designer, Fricker Studio, Inc.

With over 40 years of experience in exhibition development and design, Tom excels at interpretive and concept development. He creates context through environments and experiences. Working with museums, production companies, and many collaborators, Fricker Studio has been responsible for design of blockbuster touring exhibitions including National Geographic’s Tutankhamum: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs; Real Pirates; and Cleopatra: The Search For The Last Queen of Egypt. Interactive science experiences include Genome: The Secret of How Life Works; and Above and Beyond: The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition. For the past 15 years Tom has also worked with the Denver Art Museum to present numerous temporary exhibitions like the award- winning Red White and Bold: Masterworks of Navajo Design; as well as the permanent galleries: Indigenous Arts of North America, and Arts of Africa.

Sharing stories of human exploration, discovery and expression are repeated themes in Tom’s projects