Our Team
Dr. Janice Gilbert, PhD
Dr. Janice M. Gilbert is the Founder and Executive Director of the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre. Dr. Gilbert received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science at Ohio State University and has over 15 years of experience in researching, monitoring, and managing invasive Phragmites. Dr. Gilbert established the Ontario Phragmites Working Group (OPWG) in 2011 and serves as the Co-Chair. She has contributed to the development of Ontario’s Invasive Phragmites Best Management Practices (BMP) and Roadside BMP documents and is frequently contacted to provide guidance on Provincial Government-related documents.
Dr. Gilbert is the Canadian representative and a scientific advisor for the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative, serves on the Technical Working Group for the development of a Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework, supported through the Great Lakes Commission and US Geological Service. She has managed Phragmites control programs, developed management plans, and provided site-specific control advice to numerous entities throughout Ontario including Provincial and National Parks, the Canadian Wildlife Service, Municipalities, Conservation Authorities, lake‐side communities, First Nations, NGOs, cities, community organizations, private individuals, and industrial, commercial, corporate organizations.
2025 Crew
Gerry, Control Program Manager
Gerry is an IPCC Southwest Program Manager, as well as a truxor and FAT truck operator. Formerly, he was an Addictions Counselor at Brentwood Recovery Home. Gerry’s interest in the environment and work with invasive species that IPCC is conducting led him to becoming part of the team and he is looking forward to this season.
Chuck, Manual Control Program Manager
Chuck is the Manual Control Crew Manager for IPCC and a former General Manager at NCC Electronics. He has a Degree in Business from the University of Windsor and is a sports enthusiast with a passion for hockey and lacrosse. Chuck is excited to be working with the IPCC crew this season and helping with the fight against Phragmites.
Nicole, Programs Coordinator
Nicole is a graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies, she is the Projects Coordinator for IPCC and was previously a Manual Control Crew member in 2019. Her passion for ecological restoration and protection has led her to this position in helping to manage Canada’s worst invasive species. Nicole has a love for nature and enjoys kayaking on the Grand River. She hopes to help make the world a better and more sustainable place for future generations.
Wesley, Species At Risk Project Supervisor
Wesley is a recent graduate from the University of Waterloo with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, specializing in Ecology, with a minor in Earth Sciences. With a keen interest in both studying and protecting the Great Lakes and their surrounding ecosystems, as a result of growing up in the unique biosphere of the Bruce Peninsula, he is looking forward to continuing to contribute towards the success of IPCC and its fight against Phragmites. He possesses firsthand awareness of the pressures that invasive species such as Phragmites, can have on sensitive ecosystems, such as the Oliphant Fishing Islands, his home community.
Jayden, Research and Development Supervisor
Jayden is a graduate from the University of Guelph with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. He is passionate about restoring and protecting some of Canada’s most fragile ecosystems which is showcased through his work here at IPCC as a returning crew member. His previously experience with the impacts of poor water quality on our aquatic ecosystems is highly valuable to our team. Jayden enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Ryan, Outreach and Urban Projects Supervisor
Ryan grew up the Niagara Region where he developed a love for all things outdoors. He has a background in forestry and adventure recreation from Sault College and holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies. Ryan joined IPCC in 2022 as a seasonal crew member and loves working on community projects. His favourite memory at IPCC is spending two weeks fighting invasive Phragmites in Oliphant’s Fishing Isles. Ryan enjoys meeting new people at outreach events and teaching them about the impacts of invasive species. When Ryan isn't fighting Phragmites and other invasives, he can be found at his local disc golf course or out fishing.
IPCC CREW SUPPORT
Francis, Executive Director’s Assistant
Francis assists organizations in the practice of environmental compliance, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Francis graduated from The University of Western Ontario with a degree in Biochemical and Environmental Engineering and a degree in Environmental Science. He is the Director at Francis Chua Consulting Inc. and is drawn to developing and shaping teams and organizations. He aspires to leave this world having made a difference in the lives of others.
Gabriele, Finance Manager
Gabriele is the bookkeeper and manages the payroll for IPCC. She has a diploma in Wood Technology, Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing as well a master diploma in Wood craft, Industrial wood processing and Restoration. After immigrating to Canada, she also worked in Office management/Bookkeeping for various non-profit organizations including an artist-run centre, a nursery school, a church and a drop-in centre. Loving nature and the outdoors she feels privileged to be a team member of IPCC.
Dana, Program Coordinator’s Assistant
Dana wants to make a positive impact with whatever she does and cares about the environment. She is very happy to be a part of the IPCC team.
Previous Crews
