The Brain Trust Behind the Canopy
Canopée Localeaf is led by a collective of specialists who view ecological restoration as a multi-disciplinary art. From high-level diplomacy and global landscape architecture to UX design and botanical science, our board brings a world of experience to Aylmer.
Suzanne | President & Principal Visionary
The Global Architect of Functional Nature
Suzanne is a visionary artist whose work is rooted in the intersection of functional space design and the natural world. With her educational training in landscape architecture, she has lived and worked in multiple countries around the globe and worked on a wide range of different projects, from the Hudson River in New York to the Fez River revitalization project in Morocco. This international perspective informs her approach to Canopée, where she rethinks functional spaces—from schoolyards to public squares—as living, breathing habitats. Suzanne’s core philosophy is one of circular giving: she envisions a continuous flow where the seeds and life from one completed project fuel the next, with children serving as the primary stewards and driving force. She designs not just for nature, but the human experience within it.
Allison | Director of Operations & Community Seed Strategy
The Conservation Strategist & Operational Engine
With a degree in Wildlife Biology and field experience in the wilderness of British Columbia, Allison brings a deep scientific understanding of ecosystems to the board. Her professional background demonstrates strong leadership, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit, with a proven ability to implement sustainable practices and drive organizational improvements. As a Corporate Services professional, managing complex operations while championing environmental initiatives comes second nature. Allison is the driving force behind the Aylmer Seed Project, where she applies her logistical expertise to coordinate every aspect of our non-profit and business partnerships, as well as flagship community events like Seedy Saturday. Whether managing a plethora of diverse volunteers or navigating environmental management strategies, Allison ensures that Canopée’s mission is translated into flawless, on-the-ground action.
Dominique | Director of Ecological Pedagogy & Stewardship
The Botanical Expert & Master Educator
Dominique’s expertise is built on a lifetime of botanical immersion. She holds degrees in both Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and successfully owned her own landscaping company before transitioning into education. While in the landscaping field, she led numerous schoolyard naturalization projects and has written a schoolyard naturalization handbook for the Commission scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais. Her scientific rigor was honed while participating in the native plant specimens reorganization project of the National Herbarium at the Museum of Nature and volunteering at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. As a Montessori teacher, she found a way to bridge these worlds, bringing the forest floor into the classroom. Known for her calm demeanor and level-headedness, Dominique is a relatable and invaluable educator who draws people into the complex beauty of native plants through a steady, approachable guidance that makes the ‘science of life’ accessible to all.
Ioana | Vice-President & Founder
Lead Advisor, Pollinator Habitats & Community Enablement
Ioana’s advisory role at Canopée reflects a diverse global journey. Her deep connection to the earth began in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains and was shaped by years of living abroad—designing immersive learning environments by day and exploring rainforests by night. With a professional background in adult education and user experience, she developed a keen eye for how individuals interact with their surroundings. Today, she applies those same principles to nature, focusing on the symbiotic needs of pollinators and host plants. Leveraging a Master of Education focused on experiential adult learning and communities of practice, Ioana mobilized the Pollinate Aylmer grassroots movement, and is a driving force behind Canopée’s unique approach to community engagement and experiential learner immersion. She remains dedicated to nursery-side and Learning Lab R&D, empowering residents to become active agents of ecological change.