Learn About Us
Green Schools Nova Scotia is an exciting initiative brought to you by Efficiency Nova Scotia to enhance environmental sustainability at schools. This free program helps support students, teachers, and the larger school community as they learn to waste less and become more energy efficient.
Reducing energy consumption is the best way to mitigate climate change, and we are focused on energy! While we start from that foundation, we cover a spectrum of environmental concerns including energy, waste, water, transportation, and food. There are five pillars to the Green Schools NS program: Getting Started With Energy, Minimizing Waste, Using Water Responsibly, Living and Moving Green, and Supporting Local.
Engagement Officers work with students, teachers, and school communities across the province to strengthen sustainable behaviour that helps the Earth. The program supports community efforts to reduce energy waste and to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Through curriculum linked education, resources, presentations, and initiatives, Green Schools community members can discover more about the impact of consumption habits, and how to waste less.
Using resources efficiently and considering our environmental footprint are necessary skills as the global community unites to address climate change. The foundational experience students gain from Green Schools NS cultivates sustainable choices and behaviours that stick around for good.
Meet Our Team
Ruvi Mugara
Ruvi is originally from the small country of Zimbabwe, in Africa and she joined the Green Schools team back in 2018, as an Engagement Officer. Growing up in Africa meant she learnt all about resource conservation at a very young age, and has always been aware of how fortunate we are to have the earth provide us with everything we would need.
She is a real DIY queen and believes we can repurpose anything old into something new and beautiful with a little love and patience. She is a mom of 2 kids, and so when not working, you can catch her enjoying walks or working on a craft with her kiddies.
Shandel Brown
Shandel joined the Green Schools team in January 2016 as the Engagement Officer for Cape Breton and is now the Program Coordinator. Originally from Alberta, Shandel has been slowly making her way around the country, recently making Cape Breton her home. She explored the west coast of British Columbia while taking a Liberal Arts and Science degree at Quest University Canada. Quest broadened her world view and prompted her to question our relationship with the Earth’s complex ecosystems. After a year of learning French and teaching English in Sherbrooke, Québec, Shandel made her first visit to the Maritimes for a summer job in Chéticamp, Cape Breton. Her master’s degree in Environment and Resource Studies from the University of Waterloo allowed her to return to Nova Scotia to study how a sense of place affects fishermens’ ability to deal with climate change and other social and economic changes. Shandel recently came back to her farming roots when she moved to a fifth generation farm in the picturesque Margaree Valley where she now lives with her partner, Ben. When she’s not encouraging kids to play outside, grow vegetables and reduce energy consumption, you can find her cross-country skiing or feeding her pet calf named Coo.
Angie VanKessel
Angie has over 15 years of experience developing and delivering fun presentations on environmentally sustainable practices through both professional and volunteer activities for a wide range of ages, the Green Schools initiative aligns perfectly with her personal goals
As a horticulturist, she has always had a passion for the environment and sharing her nature-friendly growing with students and members of her community. Her favorite topic is soil, which may sound boring to most but she likes to say, “soil is the immune system and the digestive system of a plant” so it’s really important to keep it healthy.
When she’s not teaching about caring for the environment and the soil, Angie can be found either exploring the woods with her kids, Nick and Caroline or driving them to their many activities (Mom’s Taxi). She is also a proud mom of two retired racehorses, Pasta Vera and Fedora – recycling isn’t just for plastics and these two have proven they have so much more to offer after the track.
Angie is an enthusiastic supporter! She and her son sell lemonade to help Type 1’s cover costs to go to D-Camps each summer and they actively help out other T1D families to find the support they need to deal with this diagnosis. She also loves motivating and helping local entrepreneurs find the network to support them or sort through their ideas.
Chang Liu
Chang is a passionate Program Assistant at Green Schools. Originally from China, Chang embarked on a journey to pursue her academic aspirations, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University. Her diverse background and extensive knowledge have ignited within her a deep passion for energy conservation and sustainability.
During her leisure time, Chang finds solace in the simple pleasures of life. She can often be found strolling through the park, accompanied by her beloved Shiba Inu, cherishing the beauty of nature. Additionally, she embraces a sustainable lifestyle by cultivating edible plants, enhancing self-sufficiency in her daily routines.
Emma Hines
Emma is thrilled to come on board as an Engagement Officer.
Freshly graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability, Emma’s passion lies in all things related to our beautiful planet.
When she’s not busy with her work, you can spot Emma backpacking into the great outdoors, perfecting her moves at the dance studio, or enjoying some quality snuggle time with her furry feline companions. Emma’s enthusiasm for environmental sustainability is contagious, and she can’t wait to share her knowledge and passion with the Green Schools community.
Katie Reeves
Katie, our Engagement Officer at Green Schools this year, brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for sustainability to the team. With a background in Animal Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, she’s well-versed in the interconnectedness of nature.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys exploring our beautiful province with her husband, hiking in nature, and spending time with her 3 horses. She also enjoys learning the sport of dressage (ballet on horseback). Her love for the great outdoors fuels her commitment to environmental causes.
Allyson MacDonald
Ally is thrilled to take on the role of the New Engagement Officer. She graduated with a diploma in early childhood education in 2021.
Having grown up and currently residing in the countryside, Ally has a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. She enjoys spending her time immersed in nature, whether it’s taking leisurely walks, visiting the lake, embarking on adventures, or simply cherishing moments with her family and friends.
Ally is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to disseminate valuable insights on energy efficiency and promote sustainable living practices to a broader audience.
Ian Keating
Avery Varnes
With his background in marketing and communications, Avery brings his love of people and energetic personality to Green Schools Nova Scotia. Based in Sydney, Nova Scotia, he is incredibly excited to work with the schools of Cape Breton Island.