Nanaimo Science | Board & Staff

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Nanaimo Science

Board & Staff

Do you have a passion for science and providing quality educational opportunities for children in our community? Nanaimo Science has a Board of Directors vacancy.

With the long-term goal of building a permanent science facility in the mid-island, we are looking for someone who is well connected in the mid-island region and has business and/or board experience. Nanaimo Science is a non-profit registered charity and this position is voluntary with the compensation being the reward of giving back to children’s education in our community. If you are interested, please contact us via email.

Science Outreach Team

Outreach Educator

Jeffery Daniels

Born in Comox and having spent most of their life on Vancouver Island, Jeffery brings a deep connection to Vancouver Island into Nanaimo Science. After studying at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, they developed a rich background in theatre and the performing arts through various avenues of performance. Since their time in University, Jeffery has gained experience working as an actor, director, and designer for a variety of theatre companies and educational programs.With extensive experience with youth theatre groups and Theatre for Young Children, Jeffery has a long-standing passion for creating spaces where imagination and learning come together. Alongside their artistic work, they have explored the sciences, most notably astronomy and computer science, with additional experience in physics, chemistry, and robotics. When Jeffery isn’t exploring Science or the Arts, you might find them painting miniature goblins, searching for cool and rare pokemon cards, or playing one of their favourite games with friends! Working with Nanaimo Science, Jeffery is excited to weave together the wonders of science with the magic of the arts to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the children and youth of our community. Their goal is to help young learners discover new possibilities, try new things, and explore the many paths that science has to offer!

Outreach Coordinator

Clayton Harder

Originally from Port McNeill on the North Island, Clayton has extensive experience working with children at summer camps and volunteering in schools. At Vancouver Island University, Clayton is working towards getting his teacher’s degree to become an elementary school teacher! As a former science fair competitor, he earned the top project award at his regional science fairs three years in a row and went on to the Canada-Wide Science Fair where he was awarded a bronze medal one year and silver the next. Clayton enjoys using chemistry in the kitchen to make all sorts of delicious goodies for his friends and can’t help but share his passion for science with anyone willing to listen! Clayton’s curiosity has led him to learning about as many different disciplines of science as possible! Whether it be Identifying all the flora and fauna he can while on hikes, creating new recipes in the kitchen using his cooking chemistry skills, understanding intricate behaviors through psychology and philosophy, Clayton has learned it all and is excited to share his experiences and wealth of knowledge with anyone willing to listen! Being an uncle to sixteen and a great uncle to three has given him a unique perspective on childcare and has aided in his ability to connect with all the curious minds we will be welcoming this summer!

Outreach Educator

Berit Maddison

Berit is a graduate of the Post-Bacc Education program at Vancouver Island University, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Inclusive Education. Their undergrad degree from Carleton University is in physical geography and biology so they are keen to share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors. Berit spent their first 25 years living and exploring Ottawa. They have a background in natural resources and wildlife rehabilitation, as well as in early learning. Berit has a tabby cat named Toad that they hope to turn into an adventure cat to accompany them on all their hiking, camping, and off-roading adventures. Creativity and curiosity is important to Berit and they love sharing their enthusiasm for the natural world through weekend programming, summer camps, and Science in the Park!

Executive Staff

Executive Director

Arshi Arora

Arshi Arora is the Executive Director at Nanaimo Science, bringing over a decade of experience in K–12 education. She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University, where she was recognized with the Faculty Champion Award in Education. Arshi also holds Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Education, as well as a Master’s in English Literature from India. Deeply passionate about making learning both fun and accessible, she is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and creativity in young minds. Outside of her professional work, Arshi enjoys creative writing and immersing herself in Indian classical music.

Board of Directors

Board Member

Kristina Crowson

Kristina is the managing director and lead marketing strategist for Array Studios based in Nanaimo. As a natural born leader and communicator, she excels at boosting development and growth for businesses across all industries. With over 13 years of experience in solutions-based marketing, Kristina brings a strong creative background and perspective to the table. And as a Vancouver Island local and mom, she’s deeply involved and intimate with the surrounding community.

President/Board Member

Amy Tabata

Amy Tabata is a biologist who has worked at the Pacific Biological Station for Fisheries and Oceans Canada since 2000. She spent many years in the Molecular Genetics group, using genetics to aid in research and applied science of fish, and now works on improving the understanding the ocean ecology of juvenile salmon. Amy grew up exploring the beaches, and forests around Nanaimo, and now loves being on the water or amongst the trees with her own family. She values making science accessible to all, fostering curiosity and creativity, the importance of asking questions and the fun in figuring out how to find the answers.

Treasurer

Elaine Parker

Elaine graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Arts (English) in 2000. After completing graduate studies at the University of Alberta in Developmental Psychology and Curriculum Development, she found her passion working with non-profit societies, particularly with post-secondary students. Elaine has held the position of Executive Director at the Alberta College & Technical Institute Student Executive Council; at the Graduate Students Association at the University of Alberta, and at the Graduate Student Society at Simon Fraser University. Elaine served as Executive Director at Nanaimo Science from February 2020 to June 2024 and is currently a Member of the Board.

Board Member

Susan Shultz

Susan is owner & operator of Island Architectural Millwork Ltd., a commercial woodworking company based in Nanaimo. Susan has worked in woodworking for over 30 years, and has been responsible for designing & building sustainable LEED™ certified woodworking installations throughout North America. Susan is excited to use her creative abilities to build amazing exhibits that keep your kids (and hers) entertained and learning through hands on fun. Woodworking, design & construction have been a passion since she was 10 and she wants to see kids experience different avenues to find out what ignites their fire!

Hey Parents!

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