Molli Bennett (she/her)

Executive Director

Molli (she/her) lives in Mohkinstsis, also known as Calgary, on the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 Nations. She is a queer settler who cares deeply about people, and the places they call home. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over ten years. Throughout her career, Molli has led campaigns that bring people together to talk about big issues like the cost of living, underfunded services, job security, and carbon pollution. She helps communities explore what these challenges mean for their lives and how they can take action. With a background in deep canvassing, community engagement, and campaign strategy, she is especially passionate about creating space for real conversations in places where people feel unheard, where polarization has made it harder to connect, or where those in power have stopped listening. She believes that real change starts with listening, having honest conversations, and finding common ground. She is always looking for ways to bring people together through shared experiences and meaningful dialogue. When she’s not working, Molli loves spending time outdoors, riding her bike, making ceramic art, or enjoying a great meal with loved ones.

• molli@neighboursunited.org

Jude (Benoit) Cutler (they/them/Nekam)

St. John's Community Organizer

Jude is a Mi’kmaq land protector and Two Spirit artist currently living on their traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk people,on Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). Jude feels that they have a cultural, spiritual and intergenerational connection and therefore responsibility to the land and all that live with it. They have over a decade of experience advocating for environmental and social change as well as providing and advocating for land based education. Their most recent internship while studying at RRU focused on environmental racism and the way it impacts not just the current but past and future generations of both the Indigenous and non indigenous local communities. Jude hopes that through policy change and social connection we can all live in a decolonized earth friendly world

• jude@neighboursunited.org

Brad Fergusson (he/they)

Finance Assistant

Brad lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the snʕickstx (Sinixt) Peoples, also known as Crescent Valley, BC. Brad identifies as queer with Métis, Scottish, and English ancestry and continues to research his ancestral roots. He was born on the traditional territories of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Michif Piyii (Métis), Cree, and Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree); also known as Winnipeg, MB. Brad was raised in various places throughout Turtle Island also known as North America; including several Canadian provinces and American states, such as British Columbia, California, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New York, and Virginia. His education includes a Business Administration Diploma with honors and training as a Certified General Accountant up to the capstone exam. He has experience in the full accounting cycle from data entry to preparing draft financial statements from compilation to audits of profit, not for profit, and registered charitable organizations. Brad has over 20 years of experience in the accounting and bookkeeping field in a variety of economic sectors: public accounting, construction, real estate, logging, live theater, and tertiary health care. He has a deep love of nature, mountain lakes and natural hot springs being favourites. His hobbies include gaming, hiking, fencing, and mountain biking. Brad firmly believes that our current socio-economic systems and institutions based on extractive, unjust, inequitable, exclusive, adversarial, and exploitative values have to transition to sustainable, just, equitable, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative values. His current long range goal is to become a Clinical Counselor to help others heal so they can relearn healthy relations with all beings, both human and non-human, so that societal transition can occur and be maintained for future generations.

• accounts @ neighboursunited.org

Deena Guffei (she/her)

Board of Directors Member

Deena grew up in so-called Winnipeg, Treaty 1 Territory, the lands of the ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ (Anishinaabe), Inninewak, Dakota and Red River Michif Piyii (Métis) which laid the foundation for her activism, understanding of intersectionality and role in settler colonialism. As a descendant of Italian immigrants and Polish and Ukrainian settlers, Deena is deeply committed to ongoing learning and action to be in right relations with Indigenous communities. She is now an uninvited guest on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in so-called Vancouver. With over a decade working in philanthropy Deena has managed million dollar grants budgets, identified key underfunded priority areas, built relationships and resourced hundreds of human rights, animal welfare and environmental grassroots non-profits, charities and Indigenous groups locally in BC and across Canada and the US. From 2018-2021 Deena built and managed a portfolio of strategic freshwater protection grants spanning BC’s watersheds and served as the Chair of the BC Water Funders Collaborative Steering Committee from 2020-2022. In 2023 she was invited to participate in a grants review panel for Northern Manitoba Food, Culture and Community Collaborative which applied an Indigenous-led Theory of Change methodology centring community voices and knowledge in the awarding of grants to Indigenous-led groups increasing food access and cultural practices in northern communities. From 2023-2024 she built and ran a grant-making review panel that increased accountability, transparency and inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in environmental grant-making. In addition to grant-making Deena is experienced in strategic planning, internal and external communications, streamlining grant application and reporting processes to reduce administrative burden and building and launching many successful programs and public partnerships from an employee hardship fund, online product donation portal and staff engagement program that included skill development, volunteering and learning events with grantee partners. Deena is committed to building community and partnerships with people driving much needed positive social change.

Jamie Headrick (they/them)

St. John's Deep Engagement Organizer

Jamie lives in Ktaqmkuk on the traditional and unceded territory of the Beothuk and Mi’kmaq peoples, otherwise known as St. John’s NL. Jamie has a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology with a minor in English language and literature from Carleton University. Passionate about community education and outreach, Jamie has spent the past several years doing both online and in person community engagement to foster conversations about self expression, social justice, the environment, and wildlife conservation. Jamie believes that if we all work together to make change, we can build a future where we live harmoniously with each other, nature, and wildlife.

• +91-89898989898
• jamie@neighboursunited.org

Jessica Hennessy (she/her)

Organizing Director

Jessica is a mom, a daughter, a friend, a wife, a community member and—most importantly—an advocate for the people and places she loves. She believes the only way to defend them is by building slow, lasting connections with our neighbours, so that we can support each other in demanding the changes we need from our elected officials. That is why she organizes honest conversations between neighbours. She has knocked on more doors than she can count, and every one of them taught her that people move when someone listens to them first. As NU's Organizing Director, Jessica puts that lesson to work across Neighbours United's campaigns. She leads the organizing team and champions the campaign work that keep an organization healthy: strategy, coaching, planning, and care for the people doing the work. Before NU, Jessica worked locally and internationally across private and non-profit organizations. She has trained volunteers, built local and international partnerships, and led countless rounds of message testing and campaign strategy work. She holds a Bachelor of Global and International Studies from Carleton University and a Master of Environment and Sustainability from Western University. Jessica lives in St. Andrew's West, Ontario, on the unceded and sovereign territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) of Akwesasne.

• jessica @ neighboursunited.org

Laura Johnson (she/her)

President/Chair, Board of Directors

Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Nelson, BC and is originally from England. Laura spent the last few years working with Neighbours United as our Director of Development, leading all things fundraising. Since May 2022, Laura transitioned to a new role as Major Gifts Officer for One Tree Planted, a global reforestation charity that partners with organisations around the world that plant trees. Laura currently works closely with global foundations and high-net-worth individuals who are passionate about environmental sustainability.

Jacqueline Lee-Tam (she/her)

Member, Board of Directors

Lives on Treaty 13 territory in Tkaronto (Toronto), the traditional land of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat peoples. Born and raised on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations in so-called Vancouver, Jacqueline is a settler of Chinese descent. Since her teenage years, she has been active in organizing efforts related to pipeline resistance, fossil fuel divestment, and mutual aid. From 2021 to 2024, Jacqueline led the Climate Justice Organizing HUB (le HUB de mobilization pour la justice climatique), playing a pivotal role in building the organization from the ground up to support 5,000+ activists across so-called Canada through capacity-building workshops, convenings, and coaching. She is passionate about movement-building and harnessing people power to achieve transformative change. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, where she studied Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies, with double minors in Environment and Economics.

Gavin Pitchford (he/him)

Director

Gavin joined the Board because he believes heartily in Neighbours United’s mission. “There is so much polarization and division right now – and people living in their own echo chambers, the actual facts that really matter are getting lost in the void” he says. “And people are picking leaders based on misunderstandings about reality and sound-bite slogans. That’s why these one-to-one, authentic respectful conversation based initiatives, led by these canvassers, are just so critical to helping the different sides come to a common understanding rooted in shared values. Connecting with people where they are - and not shaming them for their beliefs – really listening - and sharing accurate data that’s actually meaningful to the person at the door – just so important. ” Gavin’s background includes 33 years of running the national boutique executive search firm, Delta Management Group, which is the only search firm in Canada solely focused on roles that have climate impact. In 2011 he founded and still leads the Canada’s Clean50 Awards program, which identifies, recognizes – and most importantly - connects sustainability leaders from across a wide spectrum of industries, academia, government and civil society and from all parts of Canada to accelerate climate action. Clean50 Summits have successfully driven many thousands of collaborations that have made a measurable difference in Canada’s GHG reductions. He also serves on the Neighbours United Board’s HR committee – and was instrumental in introducing us to our Program Director, Jessica Hennesy, who worked for him on the Clean50 program as a summer student. When he’s not actively connecting people, Gavin sails in the summer, curls in the winter, and does woodworking, renovations, house and boat restoration year-round. Thus far he still has all of his fingers and thumbs, although there’s a number with visible scars.

David Reid (he/him)

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Lives within the traditional territory of the Sinixt people, in Nelson, BC. David was the Executive Director of Neighbours United from 2010 to 2016 (known in that era as West Kootenay EcoSociety), and since that time has been an active volunteer, member, and staff member. David is a founding member and President of the Board of Sustainable Kootenays and has served as a Director for Friends of Kootenay Lake, Kootenay Career Development Society, LifeCycles Project Society, League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay, and others. David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution, and he has a particular interest in how public engagement practices can transform public policy conflict.

Fable Smith (they/them)

Data & Engagement Coordinator

Lives on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples, also known as Castlegar, BC. Fable feels empowered to feel fully welcomed as who they are at work and loves connecting with people in the community through Deep Engagement Canvassing. Being a part of the Deep Engagement Project has given them hope in a time where it was needed. Fable was born and raised in the traditional homelands of the Dakota, Anishinaabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene, and Métis Peoples, and identifies as both Indigneous and settler.

• fable @ neighboursunited.org

Dana Taylor (she/her)

BC Campaigns Manager

Dana lives on the unceded territory of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) peoples also known as Vancouver. Dana grew up in Mississauga on the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and The Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from Carleton University. Dana has worked in the environmental non-profit field for almost ten years, primarily as a Community Organizer working to harness people power to create positive change. She is excited to bring her knowledge of grassroots organizing and deep engagement to our work. Dana believes in empowering the individual and the community to work together to fight climate change at the local level.

• dana @ neighboursunited.org

Kate Whalen (she/her)

Director

Kate Whalen (she/her) lives in Hamilton, Ontario on the traditional territories covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum and the Between the Lakes Purchase. She is a leadership coach, strategist, and sustainability educator who loves helping people turn ambitious ideas into practical action. For more than 16 years, Kate has worked with students, teams, and community partners to tackle complex challenges, build strong relationships, and create change that is thoughtful, doable, and rooted in real people’s lives. While completing her Master’s and PhD at McMaster University, she helped establish the university’s first Office of Sustainability and later developed its Academic Sustainability Programs Office. Kate is especially energized by the moments when people come together, ask better questions, and realize they have more power than they thought. She brings curiosity, warmth, and a steady hand to conversations that need both honesty and hope. She is excited to support Neighbours United’s work to strengthen communities through connection, listening, and collective action.

• 905-541-0645
• Kate@KateWhalenCo.com

Drew Thomas (he/him)

Communication and Digital Organizing Director

Drew (he/him) is a digital organizer who has worked for over a decade with progressive communities including unions, non-profits, and community groups to deliver people-powered wins where he lives in Calgary and across Canada. Drew’s experience is varied and includes academic, non-profit, governmental, and private industry roles. As a consultant he’s worked with organizations big and small with his smallest community contracts being paid in backyard chicken eggs. Drew believes the tools for addressing our climate, environmental, and economic challenges are already in the hands of dedicated people across Canada and are accessible through their stories and experiences. He also believes digital organizing can never replace on-the-ground organizing and sees his role as supporting and bridging the success of Neighbours United's deep canvassing projects. When he isn't working Drew's love of stories carries into his personal life where he is an avid reader and community historian.

• Drew@neighboursunited.org

Hadas Levy (she/her)

Affordable Efficient Homes Organizer

Hadas lives on the unceded territory of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) peoples also known as Vancouver. She has been working on one form of environmental education and action or another for over 20 years. She is proud of programming the world's first water film festival, an event intended to inspire deep respect and action to protect our planet's waters. Hadas is passionate about sharing her love of film and photography (mostly of nature in all its glorious manifestations). Her other passions include growing fruits and vegetables and sharing the wonders of how a small seed can turn into unimaginable abundance and contribute to the cycle of life. She enjoyed her school and community garden roles with the 4 food programs that she worked at between 2013 and 2023. Following her last garden related assignment, she pivoted to working as project coordinator at the Vancouver Renewable Energy Coop where she continues to dream big solar projects as head of the board. Hadas has lived and worked in a number of communities around the world. Engaging with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives reinforced her belief in what we can achieve collectively by connecting over our shared values and aspirations.

• Hadas@neighboursunited.org