Contact Us
For general inquiries, please contact communications@emplans.ca | 778-795-0724
The Emergency Planning Secretariat is a growing team of talented individuals with skills tailored to different needs. Please see below for contact information for each of our staff:
GILLIAN FUSS, MANAGER
Gillian is a recovering biologist, who was drawn away from science towards science communication, watershed/landscape management, cross-cultural work, and decision-making, leading her to the United Nations, Let’s Talk Science, and ultimately her role at UBC. She has a masters from UBC in forestry. At the EPS, she was the first EPS employee, and now manages the EPS program, ensuring progress towards Hilekw Sq’eq’o goals, and advocating for UNDRIP at all levels of climate resilience and planning. She was born in Saanich, but has lived in Abu Dhabi, Montreal, Sault Ste. Marie, and more. In her spare time, Gillian finds her peace hanging out with her dog, in the garden, or walking up mountains.
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gillian.fuss@emplans.ca | 778-951-3776
MARIAH MUND, RESILIENCE LEAD
Mariah Mund began working with EPS in October 2018 in our landscape resilience department. As the Resilience Coordinator, Mariah supports a variety of ongoing projects that are all geared towards proactive community planning to understand resilience, understand community options when it comes to adaptation options, and to support sound decision making grounded in First Nation knowledge and science. Before joining EPS, Mariah completed a master’s in resource and environmental management with a focus on climate change and energy. Mariah is ready to support the 31 Mainland Coast Salish communities in their approach to climate adaptation as the impacts of climate change continue to increase in this region. In her free time, Mariah is an avid reader and is surrounded by a large community of family and friends to keep her busy and entertained!
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mariah.mund@emplans.ca | 778-995-8324
EMILY CHABOT, COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
EMILY'S BIO
AMBER RODOCKER, OPERATIONS LEAD
Amber Joined EPS in the summer of 2023. Amber has an extensive background in healthcare management which makes her a great fit to join us and help with our Human Resources and financial management as our team grows. She has a passion for helping people and enjoys building a collaborative, effective team environment. Her attention to detail, along with years of experience creating policy and procedures, makes her excited to take on this new role. Amber is also an avid Dragon Boater and when she is not paddling you can find her with her kids or in the garden.
TAKODA CASTONGUAY, COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Takoda is a member of the Sapotaweyak Cree nation and was born and raised in the Lower Mainland. He has worked in a variety of industries, including hospitality and carpentry, before coming to the Emergency Planning Secretariat. Takoda gained a passion for work focusing on First Nations from his mother who spent 20 years in the Correctional Service of Canada, with the latter years of her career focusing on the rehabilitation of First Nation inmates. After retiring, she then shifted her focus to writing Gladue reports for the province of BC. Takoda aims to bring his experience and drive to the 31 Coast Salish communities and be a resource for anything that can help these communities.
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takoda.castonguay@emplans.ca | 778-795-0724
KATE PEER, COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Kate is an EMR-in-training for Paramedic. She studied Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University. Her previous experience includes federal policy and legislative analysis, federal security, knife & axe coaching, and street medicine. During the pandemic, she helped her community form a mutual aid street medic collective – she’s been hooked on emergency medicine ever since. In her spare time, Kate enjoys painting, rock climbing, martial arts, and volunteering at the SPCA.
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kate.peer@emplans.ca | 778-795-0724
For general inquiries, please fill out our form below.