Meet Our Team
Our Team
Tim Hawkins
Tim Hawkins is the Executive Director of West Coast Aquatic (WCA) and specializes in negotiated decision-making in technical contexts. With 10 years of experience as a facilitator, mediator, and social science researcher, he helps organizations and groups understand and increase the effectiveness of collaborative decision-making processes. At WCA, Tim has focused on leading multi-party planning processes for salmon conservation and fishery management across BC, Yukon, and Atlantic Canada.
Before his time at WCA, Tim worked with Secwépemc First Nation and ranching communities on post-wildfire forest and fish habitat restoration planning in the BC Interior, with BC Hydro on cultural feature identification during hydroelectric dam development, and with Dene First Nations on mining infrastructure impact assessment in Northwest Territories. Tim holds a BSc and MSc from UBC Forestry and loves to fish, ski, and renovate his house.
Executive Director
Cass Middleton
Cass Middleton is the Operations Manager at WCA where she brings a grounded, detail-oriented approach to financial and administrative operations, organizational development, and project management. Cass has 14 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, with a focus on systems development, organizational administration, and program, project, and event coordination. She holds a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation Science and Management from UBC Forestry, and is completing a Non-Profit Management Certificate through SFU.
Prior to joining WCA, Cass worked across a range of environmental, community and resource-based organizations in BC including Pacific Salmon Foundation, Cheakamus Centre, Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society, and DFO Science. Outside of work, she enjoys raising her family in the Alberni Valley community, baby snuggles, and spending time in nature.
Operations Manager
Facilitator and Mediator
Astrea Strawn
Astrea Strawn is a Facilitator and Mediator with WCA, specializing in marine and terrestrial natural resource management, future planning processes and social science. With 11 years of experience in environmental science and management, she helps organizations navigate complex natural resource challenges and optimize their planning processes. Astrea has worked on several future planning processes, including an Oregon-based effort to increase carbon sequestration across natural and working lands; post wildfire restoration and future planning; and planning for climate change impacts to west coast commercial fisheries.
Prior to joining WCA, Astrea served as the Technical Review Lead for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. She holds an MSc in Marine Resource Management. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and exploring the Vancouver Island coastline with her husband and daughter.
Analyst
Kayla Wiens
Kayla Wiens is an Analyst with WCA. She supports the WCA team by providing in-depth research pertinent to the clients area of work and translates complex topics into accessible media through report writing and GIS. Kayla is passionate about collaboration and seeing groups achieve their objectives through collaborative discussion and is excited to grow her experience and skill set in facilitation. Prior to joining WCA, Kayla worked with the BC Conservation Foundation, supporting ungulate management projects alongside the province, First Nations, and local communities in northern BC.
Kayla recently completed her MA in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at UNBC in Prince George. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and gardening.