Charlotte Bailey, BA
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Bowser Office, as Field Supervisor, my responsibilities include overseeing crews in the field, project planning, laboratory analysis, permit drafting, and reporting. I am actively working towards Field Directorship a) for Northwest Coast, b) in Interior Plateau BC and c) Subarctic-Boreal Forest BC. My interests and specializations lie in biological anthropology and osteological analysis, Indigenous archaeology, ethnographic research, intertidal archaeology, and site interpretations.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I appreciate the mentorship opportunities, and intersectional approach to archaeology, as well as the culture being one of continued support for self and team improvement. The chance to do lab work is always a bonus too, of course!
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I am always excited to provide share knowledge about archaeology and the ethnography and history of the lands and waters that we work within. I am eager and enthusiastic in my work (field and office) and bring experience from across numerous site types and industries.
Experience:
Years: 6
Regions: British Columbia: Northwest Coast, Interior Plateau, Subarctic/Boreal Forest
Education:
BA Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, 2018
Cultural Resource Management Certificate, Simon Fraser University, 2018
Barnett Marine Park Field School, Tsleil-Waututh, Simon Fraser University, 2017
Bioarchaeology Field School, Simon Fraser University, University of Algarve, Portugal, 2018
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: "Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory." - Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Hidden Talent: I love to act and was in a community theater production on Gibsons last year.
Fav Musician: Paris Paloma
Indigenous Book Reco: Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
Corrie Boucher, BA
Operations Manager
My role & responsibilities:
I’m based out of our Bowser Office and my role is focused on the communication and operational systems of the company. I have a human-focused approach to operations, supporting the continued growth of Kleanza. My background is in a variety of sectors, including government and non-profit.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
Our team! We have an incredible group of professionals that are passionate and engaged about the work they do each day. That and the team’s commitment to allyship for Indigenous communities, and helping break down barriers between these communities and archaeology in BC.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Organization and People. No question! A large part of my role is making sure things move forward, from ideas and discussions into plans, actions and strategic development. The rest of my role usually involves a focus on HR, social media and finances.
Experience:
Years: 18
Regions: Across BC, Scotland
Education:
Project Management Certification, Robert Gordon University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology/Criminology, Simon Fraser University
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: "How many people ever get a chance to do something that they really believe in?" - Terry Fox
Hidden Talent: Sea Kayaking (I used to be a guide!)
Fav Music: 90’s hip-hop
Indigenous Book Reco: Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
Gary Brewer, MA, MEd
Senior Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of Sooke, I am a Senior Archaeologist on the West Coast and a Field Director in the Northeast/ Subarctic region of BC. My focus and specializations fall under cultural resource management; geographic information systems (GIS); predictive modelling; wet site archaeology; artificial inundation (reservoir archaeology); historic (post contact) archaeology; lithic analysis; data management and analysis, and in education.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I’m motived by the idea that the past has value to everyone/for everyone whether they know/appreciate it, or not. There is no reason why progress (i.e. development) and preservation of the past can’t work together.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Soooooooooo many stories! Having spent more or less equal time in government and the private sector, I have both perspectives: regulatory and on-the-ground industry experience. My knowledge of current engineering practices gives me practical understanding of the potential impacts of these practices on the land and the potential for adverse impacts to heritage resources. I also have an intimate understanding of the needs of government regulators and the permitting process in British Columbia, including how it relates to First Nations’ interests under UNDRIP.
Experience:
Years: 40+
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior Plateau and Boreal Forest/Subarctic; Alberta; Saskatchewan; Idaho and Wyoming; Easter Ontario; Southeast US (South Carolina and Louisiana)
Education:
MEd, Gonzaga University
MA, Public Service Archaeology, University of South Carolina
BA, Archaeology, University of Calgary
Industry Accomplishments:
Created a self-service on-line property screening system for developers in southern Saskatchewan (launched 2000)
Currently working on human remains detection certification for my dog, Rosie (complete in 2027)
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: “Heritage is like water to a fish. The fish doesn’t realize how important the water is until the water is gone.” - Peter Carruthers
Hidden Talent: Imitating accents while baking bread! (I can do them separately too – just accents OR just baking, but what fun would that be?)
Fav Bands: Rush, Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Tom Waits
Book Reco: Absolutely anything by Stephen King
Sam Briscoe, MSc
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Bowser office, I supervise crews in the field, as well as carry out lab work and reporting. My specializations are in zooarchaeological identification and analysis, animal husbandry practises, lithic tool formation processes, and historic industrial archaeology. I have experience working on both large- and small-scale infrastructure projects and thrive in constantly changing field environments.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
Our knowledge and understanding of the past is an ever-growing and ever-changing story. Nothing is set in stone. The more stories, experiences and traditions we can add to the archaeological experience the better.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I'm friendly and approachable and love to grow, nurture and pass on knowledge. Having worked in multiple countries I bring a variety of transferable approaches and skills that can help further grow the field of archaeology.
Experience:
Years: 16
11 years in the UK, 5 years in BC
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Sub-boreal: United Kingdom; Slovenia
Education:
MSc Zooarchaeology, University of York (UK), 2013
BSc Archaeology, University of York (UK), 2012
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: The natural world around me and my wife (don't tell her that)!
Hidden Talent: Miniature painting…and I used to be a butcher.
Fav Band: I listen to everything from folk and classical music all the way to death metal. Currently the band I’m listening to is The Blasting Company.
Indigenous Book Reco: First Beaver Story by Tichia Davis (inspired by the stories of the Dane-Zaa Dreamer Charlie Yahey)
Curt Carbonell, CD, BA
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Bowser office, I’m a Field Supervisor and gaining experience in BC Coastal, Sub Alpine and Interior BC archaeology. My interests and focus are on landscape archaeology; archaeology of food and foodways; provisioning and subsistence strategies; lithics; CMTs; and community archaeology.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
Working with a team of dedicated people who care deeply about doing a good job for the right reasons.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I try to not only explain why we are there and what we are doing, but also why it matters and why it is interesting.
Experience:
Years: 3
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal
Education:
BA (Hons) Anthropology, Vancouver Island University, 2024
Professional Affiliations:
BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (Student)
Society for American Archaeology (Student)
Canadian Archaeological Association (Student)
American Society of Overseas Research (Student)
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: "They won't remember what you said, they may not remember what you did, but they'll always remember how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Hidden Talent: Roller skating. (I helped Team Canada win 3rd Place at the 2014 Men's Roller Derby in Birmingham, UK.)
Fav Band: Pink Floyd
Book Reco: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein
Suzy Carruthers, BSc
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
I am an archaeologist based out of our Terrace office, gaining experience towards my Coastal, Interior and Boreal Field Director status. My professional interests include education and outreach; museum and archives; wet site archaeology; traditional use studies; ancestral and mortuary care; laboratory analysis.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
It’s the people for me. We have a great collection of people at Kleanza and we get to collaborate with some amazing people outside of our organization too.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I am a knowledgeable and approachable member of the Kleanza team, offering the full suite of CRM and Archaeological field, laboratory and offices services. More personally, I am an advocate for collaboration, outreach and education in archaeology, and supporting First Nations, archaeology, heritage and museums within our company and the communities we serve.
Experience:
Years: 12
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior, Sub-boreal
Education:
BSc Environmental Sciences, Majors in Archaeology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University, 2015
Certificate, Cultural Resource Management, Simon Fraser University, 2015
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Fav Quote: "What you do makes a difference, and you must decide what difference you want to make." - Dr. Jane Goodall.
Hidden Talent: I am an avid gardener
Fav Band: I like all kinds of music!
Fav Book Genre: History and historical fiction.
Vincent Delmas, PhD
Project Manager
My role & responsibilities:
Based in Edmonton, I manage and support projects across British Columbia, specializing in both terrestrial and underwater archaeology, with a focus on material culture, museum work, and community-based heritage initiatives. As a permit holder in Quebec, I’ve worked closely with Indigenous communities to lead site assessments, shipwreck surveys, artifact analysis, and cultural resource management projects. My work bridges academic research and non-profit collaboration with consulting in infrastructure, environmental remediation, and municipal development.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I’m most inspired by Indigenous communities and by the quiet stories found in forgotten places where I find purpose in listening to the voices carried in landscapes, objects, and histories, especially those that may be overlooked. Underwater archaeology in particular opens a world of memory, silence, and resilience. Archaeology allows us to reflect, respect, and reconnect with the past in meaningful ways, and I believe that this work can support both understanding and healing.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Bringing an open-minded, collaborative spirit to every project, I enjoy working with diverse teams, striving to create a positive, supportive space for shared problem-solving and learning. I’m bilingual (French and English), approachable, and committed to respectful engagement with communities and colleagues alike, and love making archaeology accessible and meaningful, whether in the field, the lab, or in conversation.
Experience:
Years: 15+
Regions: British Columbia: Lower Mainland; Quebec: Coastal, St. Lawrence River, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Northern
Education:
PhD in History (in progress), Université de Sherbrooke, 2025–present
PhD Anthropology (Archaeology), Université de Montréal, 2017
MA History, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, 2007
BA History and Certificate in Art History, France, 2005
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: I’m inspired by Indigenous communities and by the voices found in small, forgotten things, objects, fragments, places that still speak.
Hidden Talent: Planting and growing things (especially from scratch), furniture and home renovations—anything hands-on that brings care and beauty to a space.
Fav Music: Soul, jazz, old-school rap and R&B
Book Reco: Fortune de France by Robert Merle. A masterful series of historical novels, it brings 16th-century France to life with rich language, deep characters, and a human view of political and religious upheaval.
Eric Forgeng, MA, BSc
Senior Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of Victoria, I am Senior Archaeologist, and a Field Director, and Permit Holder on the Coast and Interior Plateau regions of BC. My focus and specializations fall under cultural resource management, BC heritage legislation and policy, First Nations history and policy, bioarchaeology, vertebrate and invertebrate faunal analysis, lithic analysis, wet site archaeology, reservoir archaeology, historical (post contact) archaeology, predictive modelling and GIS, and education.
What motivates me at Kleanza: I’m motivated by the need to preserve the remaining information on the majority of BC’s history, the desire to collaborate with First Nations and other stakeholders on that work, and to help educate about the value of heritage resources for all of us.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience: I have extensive experience in archaeological consulting, education, and in working with BC First Nations on a wide variety of issues related to heritage preservation.
Experience:
Years: 37+
Regions: Northwest coast in BC and US west coast down to southern California, Great Basin, Interior Plateau, and administrative experience in all regions of BC.
Education:
MA, University of Oregon, 1992
BSc, University of Oregon
Industry Accomplishments:
Sixteen years experience as a Project Officer with the BC Archaeology Branch
Premier’s Award 2013
Twelve years experience managing the BC Provincial burial files (liaising with the BC Coroners Service)
Four years teaching archaeology and field schools for North Island College
More than 37 years of archaeology experience in the Northwest Coast region
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Food For Thought: “The most effective way to destroy a people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” - George Orwell
Hidden Talent: I translate medieval Central Asian poetry
Fav Bands: Planxty and De Danann; I love traditional Irish music (and play several instruments)
Book Reco: The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould (1980)
Katrina Friend, BA
Project Manager
My role & responsibilities:
Based remotely out of Sooke, I work as a Project Manager, supporting projects from early proposal development through to fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. My role includes writing and managing project proposals, overseeing project coordination and data management, and conducting osteological analysis as needed. I’ve spent the past five years honing my archaeological skills across Coastal British Columbia, with a particular focus on mortuary archaeology, paleopathology, and forensic analysis.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
At the heart of my work is a desire to help share people’s stories – especially those that can only be told through careful, respectful analysis. That, and lab time. Give me some bones, a caliper, a scale, and a notebook, and I’m very happy.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I bring genuine enthusiasm and curiosity to every project and interaction. I love answering questions about archaeology and helping demystify the work we do, because it gives me the chance to share a field I truly care about, while supporting thoughtful, collaborative project outcomes.
Experience:
Years: 5
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal
Education:
BA, Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, 2018
Certificate, Cultural Resource Management, Simon Fraser University, 2018
Certificate, Bioarchaeology, Simon Fraser University
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: “You’re mad. Bonkers. Off your head. But I’ll tell you a secret- all the best people are.” – Alice in Wonderland
Hidden Talent: I’ve never met a puzzle I couldn’t solve-and I have a soft spot for granny hobbies like crocheting and embroidery.
Fav Musician: Dan Mangan, a local Vancouver musician.
Book Reco: The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
Kevin Haugrud, BA
Project Manager
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Prince Rupert office, I’m responsible for managing small and mid-sized projects, liaising with clients and First Nations. As Project Manager and Field Director, I manage northern field crews, conduct archaeological assessments, reporting and analysis. I specialize in large- and small-scale infrastructure; commercial, residential and industrial projects; wet sites; artifact analysis; and CMTs.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
Working here gives me the ability to provide for my family, and I will always love the opportunity to learn about different cultures.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
In every situation and with everyone I meet, I am honest and truthful. And I love to learn and share my excitement with those navigating the legalities of cultural preservation and resurgence.
Experience:
Years: 15
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior, Northeastern (Sub-boreal); Saskatchewan; Alberta; Manitoba
Education:
BA, Anthropology, University of Alberta, 2011
Ongoing archeological coursework
Professional Affiliations:
BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (Associate)
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Inspired By: Forests and being in them. Also, Prince Rupert, where I live.
Hidden Talent: Napping! (I also may have to hide to do it!)
Fav Band: Definitely anything ROCK!
Fav Book Reco: Anything that falls under the hi-fantasy / sci-fi genre
Sheriff Hossain, BA
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Bowser office, I’m a Field Director for the Northwest Coast and Interior Plateau regions of BC. My role covers proposal preparation, obtaining HCA and First Nations permits, managing field crews, liaising with clients and First Nations, as well as reporting and analysis. My specializations are in large- and small-scale infrastructure; commercial, residential, and industrial projects, and I have a special interest in the use of GIS in archaeology, and for data collection and management.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I find that working in my chosen profession (archaeology), on interesting projects, alongside an amazing group of people (the Kleanza team) that is not only highly experienced and knowledgeable but also genuinely nice and supportive, is really stimulating and inspiring.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I believe my interpersonal communication skills, which help in building relationships, resolving conflicts, and working collaboratively with client and First Nations partners, coupled with my problem-solving expertise, contributes towards efficient and effective project outcomes.
Experience:
Years: 16
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior, Northeastern; Saskatchewan; Northwest Territories; Ontario
Education:
BA, Archaeology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University, 2008
Diploma, Computer Analyst and Programmer, CDI College, 2000
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: I have always been inspired by the quote "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life". I feel like I've always strived to achieve that – a sense of job fulfillment that gives me purpose, pride, and a sense of accomplishment.
Hidden Talent: I am fluent in 4 languages (English, Russian, Portuguese and French).
Fav Music Genre: While my tastes in music are very diverse (most genres of music), I've been feeling particularly drawn to learning to play various delta blues songs on the guitar lately.
Fav Book Reco: I am a huge fan of historical fiction series, particularly anything by Bernard Cornwell (The Sharpe series/The Last Kingdom series).
Deanna Jackson
Invoicing / Administrative Assistant
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Bowser office, as Invoicing and Administrative Assistant, my goal is to ensure the seamless and efficient execution of day-to-day operations by managing invoicing, payables, receivables, Visa's software maintenance, and safety check-ins for archaeologists in field. I bring many years of office administration experience, customer service and bookkeeping experience in the automotive, insurance and even printing sectors, and use this to support our team.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
The feeling of satisfaction and support, and the great people in the company.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Supporting the archaeologists as they work out in the field, by organizing paperwork, maintaining systems and record keeping…and making sure they are safe.
Experience:
Office Administration: 20+ years
Bookkeeping: 4 years
Regions: Parksville, Qualicum, Alberta
Education:
SAGE Bookkeeping, Vancouver Island University, 2020
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: "The Horse is a mirror to your soul; sometimes you will like what you see, sometimes you won’t." - Buck Brannaman
Hidden Talent: Not hidden…everything to do with horses!!
Fav Music Genre: Easy Listening
Fav Book Reco: Anything that falls under the hi-fantasy / sci-fi genre
Kay Jollymore, MA, RPCA
Senior Archaeology Manager
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Vancouver office, I’m a Permit Holder, Field Director, and approved RISC Instructor. Responsibilities include overseeing quality assurance, quality control, senior review, reporting, analysis, budgets, timelines and act as a liaison with clients and First Nations. My specializations lie in large- and small-scale infrastructure, mineral exploration, mine-site developments, linear developments, working with stakeholders (Aboriginal communities, public, developers, and government), Environmental Assessment applications, permitting and policy, ethics, education and training, field skills, alpine archaeology, obsidian lithics, prairie archaeology, ethnobotany, CMTs, archival research, and museum curation.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I have been so lucky to work with so many wonderful people over the years that have been generous in sharing their knowledge and wisdom and in turn, I love to share what I’ve learned with others. To find an object that was left behind by people of the past is so gripping; even after all of my years as an archaeologist it still brings excitement. Reflecting on who that person might have been, what the item was used for, when and why it was left behind, and the larger story of people using that space still brings me so much joy and fascination!
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I love opportunities when education interacts with archaeology. Whether it is it a classroom teaching First Nation community members about the science & art of doing archaeology, in the bush showing someone how to dig a shovel test or take a sample, or sharing information in a conference or boardroom setting, I love sharing my knowledge!
Experience:
Years: 20+
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior and Northwestern (Subarctic/Boreal); Northwest
Territories; Nunavut; Canadian Prairies
Education:
MA, Archaeology, University, of Saskatchewan, 2016
BA, Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, 2001
Professional Affiliations:
BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (RPCA - Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist)
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Inspired By: Alpine archaeology! If I could spend the rest of my career in the alpine, that is where I would be.
Hidden Talent: I’m a native English speaker but dusting off some very rusty language learning skills to (re)learn Korean - a throwback to my days living in South Korea many years ago.
Fav Book Genre: I love a mystery or western, especially when there is an archaeology, nature, or birding angle.
Fav Book: A Siege of Bitterns: A birder Murder Mystery by Steve Burrows;
2ndFav: Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton (edited)
Joseph LeBrun, BA
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
I’m based out of our Vancouver office and my role as Field Supervisor includes fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and reporting. I’m approaching Field Director status in Coastal BC and my interests and focus are in artifact analysis; historical and ethnographic research, CMT's and Cultural Shell Deposits.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
Getting to work with archaeological materials and research every day gives me a brief reprieve from the horrors of modernity. I also love having a job that gets me outside, often in beautiful locations I wouldn't get the chance to visit otherwise.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I contribute to our clients' experience of archaeology through my attention to detail and enthusiasm for the work – present in both my fieldwork and reporting.
Experience:
Years: 6
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior, Northwestern (Subarctic/Boreal)
Education:
BMSC Archaeological Field School, University of Victoria, 2017
BA, Anthropology, University of British Columbia, 2016
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Inspiring Influences: So many! Lao Tzu, Werner Herzog, Diane Fossey, Dorothy Day, William Morris
Hidden Talent: My secret skills include juggling, playing guitar, and woodworking
Fav Band: Sonic Youth
Book Reco: Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey, or Always Coming Home by Ursula Le Guin
Amanda Marshall, MA, RPCA
Principal
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Terrace office, I am the owner and founder of Kleanza. As a Permit Holder, Field Director, and RISC Instructor, I oversee quality assurance, quality control, senior review, and stakeholder engagement for all projects, as well as directing our contracts, heritage permitting and policy initiatives. My specializations lie in education and training; permitting and policy; dendrochronology and CMTs.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I am inspired by so many First Nations colleagues, friends and acquaintances. I see them fighting daily struggles to save the environment, save their culture, and to be inspiring for younger generations. I’m very proud to be a Canadian, and to be here to support Indigenous Communities in any way that I can.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I add a specific flavour to our work - both spicy and creative at the same time!! And I am inspired by the Kleanza team to do Archaeology for Good!
Experience:
Years: 24
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior, Northeastern (Subarctic/Boreal)
Education:
Dendrochronology, University of Arizona, 2010
BA, Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, 2002
MA, Archaeology, University of Northern BC, 1998
Professional Affiliations:
BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (RPCA - Registered Professional Consulting Archaeologist)
Archaeological Society of BC
Society of American Archaeology
Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine Heritage Advisory Committee
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: My life is a beautiful mess, and I am inspired by my children every day!
Hidden Talent(s): I am a farmer! Also, an artist (painter) and I recently took up macrame!
Book Reco: The Power of Now by Eichart Tohle
Fav Band: The Weeknd, Sam Smith
Mirjana McIntyre, BSc, Adv. Dip. GIS
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Working out of our Bowser office, I support all field projects as Field Supervisor. My previous role was with the Archaeology Branch, and I bring experience managing archaeological data, reports, and logistics. My interests are environmental science; sedimentology and stratigraphy; museums; biological anthropology; GIS; and data management.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
Working with a team of dedicated people who care deeply about doing a good job for the right reasons. We have a great team capable of managing any situation. Doing a good job protecting and honouring Indigenous heritage, rights and history, and supporting my team – those are my priorities. And I love the investigation and learning – the evolution of finds.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
I am honest, real and direct with everyone, in all situations. And I think being curious, open, asking questions, gives me a point of view and insight to share.
Experience:
Years: 7
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal
Education:
Advanced Diploma in GIS, Vancouver Island University, 2021
BSc, Geoscience, Vancouver Island University, 2019
Professional Affiliations:
Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (Student)
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: Geo-Archaeologist, Dr. Michael Wilson – he inspired my degree at Douglas College. I wasn’t going to do science and then got inspired – he made it so interesting and highlighted history and the link with the history of the earth.
Hidden Talent: People tell me it’s my cooking!
Fav Band: 80’s and 90’s pop meets punk meets rock n roll
Indigenous Book Reco: Education of Little Tree by Forest Carter
Manda Palmer, MA
Project Resourcing Lead / Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
My main responsibilities include managing incoming inquires, preparing proposals and providing high-level Project oversight and coordination, helping support our Project Managers and provide mentorship across the team. I am currently training with the Canadian Mental Health Association to become a Psychological Health and Safety Navigator for Kleanza. My experience includes project management and coordination, reporting, technical writing, lab work, lithics and CMTs.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
I love working with a team of open-minded people, were everyone is always keen to think outside the box!
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Providing a "birds eye view" on day-to-day operations and offering to-the-point efficiency, I love being able to jump into a wide variety of tasks, as needed, and can shift gears quickly. I’m also becoming an outspoke champion of mental wellness and psychological H&S in the workplace.
Experience:
Years: 13
Regions: British Columbia: Coastal, Interior
Education:
MA, Anthropology, University of Toronto, 2007
BA, Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, 2006
A few fun facts for when we meet!
My Inspiration: Nature, art, my kids
Hidden Talent: I write poems, dabble in a wide variety of art and love to read. I am currently training to become a certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
Fav Band: Aurora
Fav Book Reco: Magical realism, and hope-punk sci-fi - anything by Becky Chambers
Kelly Steele
Creative Director
My role & responsibilities:
As Creative Director of our Stories & Outreach Division my focus is primarily on documenting Indigenous oral histories and traditional knowledge about the environment, archaeology, conservation, culture, and language – preserving this on film for generations to come and creating communication and education tools for use within communities. Other responsibilities include marketing, communications, outreach, and strategic planning for the future.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
The commitment of every single team member to Indigenous Heritage Sovereignty. And the gift and honour of being able to consult, collaborate, learn, share, exchange knowledge and skills with our Indigenous partners to support language revitalization, and sovereignty over education, culture, history, and land. I am so grateful for the wonderful relationships and friendships that have developed through this work.
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Bringing creativity and joy to every project. Making respect, collaboration, inclusivity and compassion a priority when building relationships, and working with community partners. Finding opportunities to build capacity, mentor, train, employ community members and support individuals in their interests and expertise. Together we create valuable tools for sharing and preserving heritage, and knowledge within communities so they are not lost.
Experience:
Years: 30+
Regions: From Coast to Coast to Coast
Professional Affiliations:
Documentary Organization of Canada
International Documentary Association
Doc Society
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: “The amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them.” - Unknown
Hidden Talent: I really get into cooking and air guitar – not at the same time.
Fav Band/Genre: Any great guitarist: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Brian May, Santana, Lindsay Buckingham, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Nancy Wilson, Gary Clarke Jr. – there are so many
Fav Book Reco: I love T.H. White, and Tomson Highway. Just read “The Prairie Chicken Dance” by Dawn Dumont – wonderful!
Gwen Topacio, BA
Archaeologist
My role & responsibilities:
Based out of our Vancouver Office, as Field Supervisor, my responsibilities include overseeing crews in the field and lab. Other responsibilities include permit drafting, laboratory analysis and technical reporting. I’m actively working on obtaining my Field Director status in all three of BC's Culture Areas. Some of the projects I've worked on have included large and small-scale urban infrastructure; mining, oil & gas; and forestry. Some of my specializations include artifact analysis, culturally modified trees, archival & ethnographic research, GIS, and museology.
What motivates me at Kleanza:
The people!!!
How I contribute to your Kleanza experience:
Always being eager to learn and adapt to the industry and having a breadth of archaeological experience across the province and throughout numerous industries (forestry, mining, oil & gas, urban infrastructure) has helped me hone my skillset as a professional.
Experience:
Years: 6
Regions: British Columbia: Northwest Coast, Interior Plateau, Subarctic/Boreal Forest; Alberta; Bulgaria
Education:
BA, Anthropology, minor in Anthropological Archaeology, University of British Columbia, 2022
Balkan Heritage Field School, Bulgaria, 2018
Professional Affiliations:
BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (Student)
A few fun facts for when we meet!
Words To Live By: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it!”- Julia Child
Hidden Talent: I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute!
Fav Band: Dope Lemon
Indigenous Book Reco: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer