Our Team
Dr. Janice Gilbert, PhD
Dr. Janice Gilbert is the Founder and Executive Director of the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre. Janice received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science at The Ohio State University specializing in wetland ecosystems. Janice began investigating the impacts of invasive Phragmites and effective control options in 2005 specializing in restoring wetland and other species at risk habitat. She established the Ontario Phragmites Working Group (OPWG) in 2011 and currently serves as Co-Chair. She has contributed to the development of Ontario’s Invasive Phragmites Best Management Practices (BMP) and Roadside BMP and has provided guidance on a number of other Phragmites related documents.
Janice is a scientific advisor for the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative and served on the Technical Working Group for the development of a Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework, which is supported through the Great Lakes Commission and US Geological Service. She has managed Phragmites control programs, developed management plans, and provided site-specific control advice to numerous entities throughout Ontario including Provincial and National Parks, the Canadian Wildlife Service, Municipalities, Conservation Authorities, lake‐side communities, First Nations, NGOs, cities, community organizations, private individuals, and industrial, commercial, corporate organizations.
2025 Crew
Gerry, Control Program Manager
Gerry is an IPCC Southwest Program Manager, as well as a truxor and FAT truck operator. Formerly, he was an Addictions Counselor at Brentwood Recovery Home. Gerry’s interest in the environment and work with invasive species that IPCC is conducting led him to becoming part of the team and he is looking forward to this season.
Chuck, Manual Control Program Manager
Chuck is the Manual Control Crew Manager for IPCC and a former General Manager at NCC Electronics. He has a Degree in Business from the University of Windsor and is a sports enthusiast with a passion for hockey and lacrosse. Chuck is excited to be working with the IPCC crew this season and helping with the fight against Phragmites.
Nicole, Programs Coordinator
Nicole is a graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies, she is the Projects Coordinator for IPCC and was previously a Manual Control Crew member in 2019. Her passion for ecological restoration and protection has led her to this position in helping to manage Canada’s worst invasive species. Nicole has a love for nature and enjoys kayaking on the Grand River. She hopes to help make the world a better and more sustainable place for future generations.
Wesley, Sensitive Habitat & Wildlife ID Specialist
Wesley is a University of Waterloo alumnus with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, specializing in Ecology, alongside a minor in Earth Sciences. An avid outdoorsman and lifelong resident of Oliphant and the Fishing Islands, he possesses first-hand awareness of the pressures invasive Phragmites impose on sensitive habitats, like those found in his home community. Wesley is keen to contribute to the study and protection of the wide breadth of ecosystems found throughout Southern Ontario.
Jayden, Research and Development Supervisor
Jayden graduated from the University of Guelph in 2022, with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. He is passionate about restoring and protecting some of Canada’s most fragile ecosystems, including the use of novel technologies to assist with remediation projects. His previous experience with the impacts of poor water quality on our aquatic ecosystems is highly valuable to our team. Jayden enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time outdoors when not controlling Phragmites.
Ryan, Outreach and Urban Projects Supervisor
Ryan grew up the Niagara Region where he developed a love for all things outdoors. He has a background in forestry and adventure recreation from Sault College and holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies. Ryan joined IPCC in 2022 as a seasonal crew member and loves working on community projects. His favourite memory at IPCC is spending two weeks fighting invasive Phragmites in Oliphant’s Fishing Isles. Ryan enjoys meeting new people at outreach events and teaching them about the impacts of invasive species. When Ryan isn't fighting Phragmites and other invasives, he can be found at his local disc golf course or out fishing.
IPCC CREW SUPPORT
Francis, Executive Director’s Assistant
Francis assists organizations in the practice of environmental compliance, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Francis graduated from The University of Western Ontario with a degree in Biochemical and Environmental Engineering and a degree in Environmental Science. He is the Director at Francis Chua Consulting Inc. and is drawn to developing and shaping teams and organizations. He aspires to leave this world having made a difference in the lives of others.
Gabriele, Finance Manager
Gabriele is the Finance Manager as well as the Health and Safety Designate for IPCC. She has a diploma in Wood Technology, Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing as well a master diploma in Wood craft, Industrial wood processing and Restoration. After immigrating to Canada, she also worked in Office management/Bookkeeping for various non-profit organizations including an artist-run centre, a nursery school, a church and a drop-in centre. Loving nature and the outdoors she feels privileged to be a team member of IPCC.
Paola, Environmental Technician
With a background in Strategic Communication and Social Project Management, Paola brings over eight years of experience as a project manager. Motivated by a deep passion for conservation and restoration, she transitioned into the environmental field and earned a diploma as an Environmental Technician. For the past two years, Paola has been working in the environmental sector, combining her communication expertise with her love of nature. Whether she's out in the field or working remotely, she is dedicated to protecting natural spaces and the wildlife that call them home.
Dana, Program Coordinator’s Assistant
Dana is currently attending McMaster University for Integrated Business and Humanities. Previously a co-op student with IPCC, Dana is now fully on the team. Her creativity and desire to contribute to positive, sustainable change is what made IPCC the perfect spot for her. In her free time Dana really enjoys ballroom and latin dance along with martial arts. Dana wants to make a positive impact with anything she does and cares about the environment. She is very happy to be a part of the IPCC team.
Previous Crews
