Meet the Team
JASMINE MCCULLIGH, RPBio
Facility Coordinator
In 2013, Jasmine (she/her) joined the NSOBP after earning her BSc in Wildlife Biology from the University of Guelph. Her lifelong dream was to raise baby animals for eventual release into the wild. After over a decade of dedication, her dream came true in 2022 when the first NSOBP-born northern spotted owls were released. Jasmine manages daily operations at the breeding centre, coordinates outreach and partnerships, handles communications with funders and partners, and provides training. She still enjoys the hands-on animal care, especially daily encounters with the owls.
Contact: coordinator@nsobreedingprogram.com
NICH TUOVILA
Nich (he/him) coordinates all northern spotted owl projects for the BC Conservation Foundation, from the breeding centre to the field team, and works to secure the contracts, grants, and private donations that these projects rely on. Nich started his conservation career following his BSc in Biology from the University of British Columbia Okanagan and his work in management and business development in cutting edge agriculture.
Contact: NTuovila@bccf.com
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BCCF Project Coordinator
MEGAN CRUICKSHANK
Spotted Owl Technician
Megan (she/her) first joined the NSOBP as an intern for the 2022 breeding season. She grew up in the Greater Vancouver area, attended Simon Fraser University and earned her BSc. in Biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation. Megan boasts considerable experience in hand-raising and rehabilitating wildlife, but her ultimate passion is wildlife conservation. She finds fulfillment in contributing to saving the northern spotted owl as part of the NSOBP team.
KAYLEAH STAPLETON
​Kayleah (she/her) started volunteering at the NSOBP in 2019. Her fascination for wild animals and being a volunteer influenced her interest in ecology and wildlife conservation. She completed the 2023 Internship as a Co-op student and then graduated with a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation, majoring in Science and Management at the University of British Columbia. She also has experience in wildlife rehabilitation where she enjoyed learning about birds in BC. Kayleah is grateful to be part of an amazing group conserving a species so crucial to Canada's biodiversity.
Spotted Owl Technician
MAKAYLAH ROBLIN
Spotted Owl Technician
​Makaylah (she/her) began volunteering with the NSOBP in 2020. After earning her BSc in Biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution and conservation from Simon Fraser University, she completed the 2024 Internship. She has experience working in agricultural research and integrated pest management, but her true passion is for wildlife conservation. Makaylah is excited to be part of the NSOBP team and contribute to northern spotted owl conservation.
MELANIE BEJARANO
After a short time as a volunteer, Melanie (she/her) joined NSOBP as an intern in 2024. She has her BSc in Biology from the University of Nebraska, and brings more than five years of experience as a wildlife rehabilitator to the role, with a special interest in wild birds. Melanie is elated to continue pursuing her passion for wildlife conservation with such an impactful and inspiring initiative.
Spotted Owl Intern
ELIZA ESLAKE
Spotted Owl Intern
Eliza (she/her) joined the NSOBP as a new intern in 2025. Born and raised in British Columbia, she graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2020 with a BSc. in Applied Animal
Biology. Looking for more hands-on work in conservation, she completed the Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation diploma program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2024. She has
experience in wildlife rehabilitation and is looking forward to being part of the NSOBP team and learning more about conservation breeding programs.
AKANE SHONO
Akane (she/her) recently joined the NSOBP in 2025 as an intern and Co-op student to gain a better understanding of conservation breeding and other conservation work. Currently in her fourth year at the University of British Columbia, studying Natural Resources and Conservation, Akane enjoys learning about the different aspects of environmental conservation and hopes to pursue a career in this field after graduation. She is extremely excited to be a part of the NSOBP team, and is ready to take on the challenges of conserving an endangered species.
Spotted Owl Intern
ASHLEY SKORIC
Spotted Owl Intern
Ashley (she/her) joined the NSOBP in 2025 as an intern and is excited to be a part of the team! Since completing her degree at the University of Guelph, Ashley has dedicated her time to helping animals. Ashley spent several years rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife in Nova Scotia, as well as monitoring endangered piping plovers and banding passerines in Saskatchewan. She has worked with domestics in exotic vet clinics and fostered animals in her own home. Ashley is excited to continue her work contributing to wildlife conservation by joining the NSOBP and helping to rebuild the northern spotted owl's population in BC.
VINCE BEIER
Vince (he/him) worked as Caretaker for the Mountain View Conservation Centre for over 20 years. Following its closure in 2014, he joined the NSOBP, where he is responsible for upkeep of the 25 acre property, supervision of the construction of new aviaries and soft release aviaries, and assists the team with general tasks in any way he can.
Maintenance Manager
KATIE CALON
Katie (she/her) has been coordinating the NSOBP as a whole since 2014 and also coordinates the field portion of the NSOBP. She has coordinated and administered over 175 projects including contracts, grants, and private donations. Katie has a Bachelor of Science and began her career in conservation in fieldwork.
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Contact: kcalon@bccf.com
BCCF Project Coordinator
DR KEN MACQUISTEN
Ken (he/him) has been the NSOBP veterinarian since 2007, in addition to practicing at Townline Veterinary Hospital and holding the position of Managing Director of the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. Ken graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and has been practicing in British Columbia for over 30 years.
Veterinarian
We also want to credit and thank Lenore Baker, member of the Squamish Nation, for her support, advice, and contributions in incorporating Indigenous knowledge and teachings.
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As a non-profit project under the BC Conservation Foundation, many scheduling, logistical, administrative, and safety considerations are coordinated by staff at the BC Conservation Foundation.