Leadership & Staff

Mike Jerowsky is a researcher, sessional instructor and educational technologist at UBC. He works with local communities and land managers to create open-source environmental education materials using virtual and augmented reality. His research has also focussed on barriers to co-management in the Metro Vancouver Park Partnership Program. His other professional interests are in geographic information systems (GIS), cartography, and political ecology.

In his free time, Mike loves to spend as much time as he can in our regional parks. He is the current president of the Pacific Spirit Park Society and has been working with local communities to restore urban parkland, organize citizen-lead environmental monitoring, and provide environmental education for youth since 2015.

“No one can sing who has smog in their throat.” – the Lorax

Mark is the principal and founding landscape architect at VDZ+A Consulting, which has served clients across Canada and the USA in landscape architecture, civil engineering, and urban forestry since 1999. Born in the Fraser Valley to immigrant parents who established a bulb-growing venture in Bradner, his family later founded the Art Knapps nursery chain in western Canada and remains active in the nursery trades and wholesale horticulture industry. As the Chair of the Board, Mark is dedicated to fostering relationships, partnerships, and opportunities for regional park projects, with a focus on raising the foundation’s profile and garnering support for various parkland initiatives. His favourite regional park is Derby Reach Regional Park in North Langley, where he appreciates the waterfront along the Fraser River, fishing spots, trails, and open picnic areas, as well as the strong connection to the Kwantlen First Nation and its rich cultural heritage within the Fraser River corridor. Looking ahead, Mark envisions greater emphasis on the importance of public parklands for mental, spiritual, and physical renewal, continuing to elevate the foundation’s role in conversations on land stewardship, habitat protection, and reconciliation.

Born and raised in British Columbia, Terri cherishes the natural spaces we have access to in the Metro Vancouver region. She is proud to be part of the Foundation board of directors helping to preserve and protect our regional parks for future generations.

People need nature. Nature needs people to value and protect it. Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks system provides the public with close and accessible access to a variety of quiet, natural spaces. As a Director of the Foundation, Roy wants to support the enhancement and expansion of the Regional Parks system for the benefit of present and future generations of British Columbians, as well as the environment upon which we all depend. 

Liyang is an urban planner based in the Lower Mainland. With an interest in ecology, landscapes, and community building, regional parks matter to Liyang because accessing nature, green spaces, and wildlife has made her realize that we are all part of a whole. Our surrounding natural environments take care of us in many ways, and we should do the same in return.

Mash Salehomoum (she/her) is a Program Manager at Park People, where she oversees national networks that bring together communities, nonprofits, and municipalities to strengthen parks and public spaces across Canada. She holds a degree in Ecological Restoration from BCIT and previously worked as a park patroller with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, where she spent her days hiking trails, connecting with visitors, and trying her best to keep bears out of the picnic areas.

Mash grew up on the North Shore, where she developed a deep connection and respect for the forests, rivers, and oceans. Her work is grounded in a belief that people protect what they feel connected to, and she is especially interested in how experiences – through recreation, art, and storytelling – can spark that connection and foster long-term care for the natural world. When she’s not working, you can usually find her spending time by a duck pond.

She is honoured to join the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation Board and contribute to the future of regional parks.

Michael Wiebe, a dedicated leader rooted in community development and environmental advocacy, draws from his upbringing on the ancestral lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations to drive meaningful change. As Principal of WELL Strategies and former Vancouver City Councillor, Wiebe champions wellbeing and community cohesion, evident in his groundbreaking initiatives and visionary leadership as a Director on the Board of Metro Vancouver. His extensive involvement across diverse organizations, from the Vancouver Parks Board to the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group, underscores his commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Recognized for his strategic foresight and entrepreneurial drive, Wiebe’s transformative projects prioritize economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Now as Executive Director for the Foundation, he aims to elevate the organization’s mission through strategic leadership and community engagement, ensuring the preservation of Metro Vancouver’s natural beauty for generations to come.

Simran is a naturalist at heart. She received her undergraduate degree in resource and environmental management and public policy at Simon Fraser University, and has enjoyed working at the intersections of nature, education, and public engagement throughout her career. She has over a decade of experience volunteering and fundraising with organizations including BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. Outside of work, Simran enjoys hiking, running, and, spending time in BC’s great outdoors.

Caitlin grew up in the North Shore mountains and finds herself happiest near the trees and water. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from the University of British Columbia where she developed an understanding of the ecological, conservation, and sustainability practices that shape our communities and ecosystems. Caitlin finds fulfillment in making environmental resources accessible, engaging, and inclusive, and is excited to work on the many impactful projects at the Foundation. Outside of work, Caitlin spends her time exploring the outdoors, volunteering, visiting cafes, crafting, and being with her friends.

Maria has always led an active lifestyle, rooted in nature. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of British Columbia before starting a career in finance. After gaining experience across several roles in the industry, she decided to pursue her love of storytelling, creativity, and the outdoors; transitioning into marketing and content creation. Her focus has always been on inspiring others to connect with and protect the places we love for generations to come. Maria recently moved back to Vancouver after spending 2.5 years living and travelling around Australia where her appreciation for the environment grew. Outside of work you’ll find her on BC’s trails, catching a flight to somewhere new, or reading a book in the sun.

Currently on maternity leave.