OUR TEAM

Gil Walters brings over 30 years of experience in sustainable building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and real estate value creation. He has led the design and delivery of more than 20 large-scale energy performance contracts across Canada and Bermuda—including utility-scale solar farms and deep retrofit programs that have collectively reduced emissions by over 2 million tonnes of CO₂.

Widely recognized for his ability to translate complex building and financial systems into clear, actionable strategies, Gil helps owners see deep retrofits not just as environmental upgrades but as strategic investments in resilience and long-term value. At ReCover, he is focused on scaling impact, accelerating retrofit adoption across Atlantic Canada, and strengthening partnerships with building owners, industry leaders, and government.

His collaborative, hands-on leadership style reflects a belief that meaningful climate action is best achieved through trusted relationships and bold, coordinated effort.

Outside of work, Gil enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their dog.

Emma has over a decade of experience in Canada's energy sector, specializing in energy efficiency and deep energy retrofits. She is deeply passionate about the benefits deep retrofits can bring to Atlantic Canadian communities.

Emma has successfully intervened in provincial utility hearings to advocate for more ambitious demand-side management programs. She organized the Climate Jobs Roundtable, a series of events focused on job creation and transitioning the energy economy. As the Nova Scotia lead for the international project Smarter Energy Communities in Northern and Arctic Regions of Europe, Emma facilitated knowledge transfer between communities in Canada and Europe aiming to reduce their carbon footprint through smarter energy use.

Before joining ReCover full time, Emma served as the Atlantic Director with the Climate Emergency Unit, and at QUEST, a community energy planning non-profit. Prior to that, she worked on the Energy Team at the Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia's environmental watchdog.

When not working, Emma enjoys gardening, reading speculative fiction, cooking meals for friends, or playing fetch with her dog.

Lorrie is the President and Director of Sustainability at Habit Studio and the Senior Advisor at ReCover. With twenty years of retrofit design expertise, her goal is to reduce the financial and technical limitations of custom renovation projects, one building at a time, in the face of a looming climate crisis.

As a Certified Passive House Designer and a recognized building science expert, Lorrie possesses the experience and expertise needed to develop a repeatable and systematic approach to deep retrofits specifically adapted to the Nova Scotia context.

With nearly 20 years of professional experience, Krista is a collaborative and results-driven leader who has held key leadership roles in some of Atlantic Canada's most prominent organizations. Krista’s extensive experience in professional services, consumer packaged goods, biotechnology, and renewable energy uniquely equips her to support rapidly scaling organizations like ReCover as they pursue their growth ambitions.

Krista is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University. 

When she's not helping her clients grow their businesses, she enjoys running, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, downhill skiing, and spending time outdoors in Shubie Park with her son and husband.

Yash Vyas leads ReCover's efforts in creating a roadmap for deep retrofits in Atlantic Canada. His extensive experience in academia, research, education, and the private sector form the foundation of his accomplished, impact-driven career. His expertise extends to sustainable systems, decarbonization strategy, deep energy retrofitting, building envelope design, and building automation.

Beyond academia, Yash has excelled as a Building Scientist, showcasing a versatile skill set in energy modeling, retrofit analysis, decarbonization planning, and building condition assessments. He played a pivotal role in securing research projects funded by the NSERC Alliance Grant and Mitacs Accelerate, and collaborated with industry partners such as the National Research Council of Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Yash has been able to guide and inspire students through teaching virtual and in-person courses across Canada. His topics include, but are not limited to, sustainable energy systems, multidisciplinary sustainability, and building science studio focused on net-zero construction. Over the past three years, his instructional efforts have impacted approximately 600 students from Toronto Metropolitan University and 2000 students from 15 different institutions across Canada.

Yash envisions building a career in sustainable infrastructure, inspiring others to tackle multidisciplinary challenges for a clean-tech future.

Ellie Braham is a purpose-driven leader with 25+ years of success delivering digital and organizational transformation across banking, retail, government, and public sectors. She builds high-performing teams and fosters cultures of learning and continuous improvement. With expertise in project and program management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic delivery, she drives measurable impact.

As a Program Manager and Practice Leader at IBM, Ellie led multi-million-dollar initiatives and designed enterprise strategies that strengthened team capability, boosted client satisfaction, and streamlined operations. Her leadership style centers thoughtful governance, inclusive collaboration, and a strong coaching mindset — creating space for people to do their best work.

Ellie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Office and Administrative Studies and a Master of Education in Adult Learning (2024). She blends corporate discipline with human-centered leadership, aligning business goals with individual growth. As a leader, professor, facilitator, and PMI-Authorized Training Partner (ATP) Instructor, she’s mentored emerging professionals to find their voice, build confidence, and develop capabilities.

Her pivot from consulting to the non-profit sector reflects a deeper alignment with her values — empowering communities, advancing equity, and helping mission-driven teams thrive. Whether she’s guiding transformation or coaching change-makers, Ellie’s passion lies in helping others unlock their potential.

Beyond her professional work, Ellie recharges in nature with her four-legged companion Missy and youngest son Cassius, or cycling toward her goal of riding the Great Canadian Trail from coast to coast.

Maria McGowan is a seasoned digital marketing and social media strategist specializing in crafting and executing results-driven campaigns for businesses in the renewable energy sector and beyond. Maria’s leadership and creative approach have been recognized through both national and international awards, underscoring her ability to deliver measurable growth and elevate brand visibility.

As the host and producer of the weekly podcast Reimagined Energy, Maria brings together academics, industry innovators, and organizational leaders to spotlight groundbreaking renewable energy initiatives.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Maria is deeply committed to community service. She served as a board member for Healthy Minds Cooperative and the Blue Nose Marathon. She has been part of the leadership team for the BMO Ride for Cancer, Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser, helping to raise more than $1.7 million for cancer care. Since 2023, she has served as a mentor for How to Change the World, and recently joined WiRE (Women in Renewable Energy).

In her downtime, she can be found hiking, gardening, cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and attempting to complete a crossword.

Nigel joins the ReCover Initiative as Senior Project Manager, bringing decades of experience in engineering, energy efficiency, and large-scale project delivery. His career began in automotive manufacturing, where he spent over 12 years in project management, leading complex initiatives—including new vehicle programs from concept to production launch.

Since transitioning to the green building and energy sector, Nigel has leveraged his technical expertise to enhance building energy efficiency and industrial energy management. His work focuses on optimizing operational performance, reducing emissions, and guiding organizations through the shift to sustainable practices.

Nigel is a Certified Passive House Consultant and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. He earned a Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and an MSc in Strategic Management from the University of Derby, UK. He is currently completing an MSc in Green Building at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, UK.

Passionate about practical climate solutions, Nigel believes in the power of collaborative, community-led change. Outside of work, he enjoys CrossFit, cycling, swimming, travel, and spending time with his family—including his three long-haired miniature dachshunds.

Dr. Henry Penn has over a decade of experience leading interdisciplinary teams dedicated to climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and food-energy-water (FEW) security in rural, northern, and Indigenous communities across North America. He holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (Civil Engineering) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Loughborough University in England, combining technical expertise with a commitment to community-centered, culturally relevant solutions.

At ReCover, Henry collaborates closely with communities to co-develop capacity-building tools and resources that provide education and training tailored to local needs. He drives initiatives that accelerate deep retrofits and manage projects aligning with both community priorities and organizational goals. His approach prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusive engagement to create meaningful, lasting change.

Beyond his professional work, Henry is passionate about forging connections between people and places, spending his time in outdoor activities and community-driven sustainability initiatives.

Yvonne Ekpe brings strategic vision to her role, overseeing The ReCover Initiative’s communications efforts from planning to implementation and evaluation. Her knack for aligning messaging with organizational goals and stakeholder needs ensures impactful outreach.

Yvonne is a communications professional with over 11 years of international development experience. She has successfully led communications efforts for projects funded by the US and UK governments, working with diverse teams across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This demonstrates her expertise in navigating complex global contexts and her ability to rally teams and drive results.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor's in Biochemistry from the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria and a Master's in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, and Business Management from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she holds a diploma in Marketing Communications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.

Yvonne actively seeks opportunities to enhance her skills and believes in sharing knowledge. She is committed to positively impacting her community. When not at work, Yvonne is an avid volunteer, offering her skills and time in various capacities. She also indulges her curiosity through do-it-yourself projects, explores new recipes, and enjoys hiking and exercising. She misses her family and her dog, Buddie, in Nigeria.

Oreoluwa brings extensive experience in program coordination and administration to her role at ReCover, where she develops systems and workflows that ensure the smooth delivery of deep retrofit solutions across Atlantic Canada. Her background spans program development, stakeholder engagement, and operations coordination across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. She has contributed to initiatives at the intersection of sustainability, community needs, and organizational strategy.

Originally from Nigeria, Oreoluwa offers an international perspective to her work and holds a Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University. She is particularly passionate about driving environmental impact through structured systems, inclusive collaboration, and mission-aligned work. Her approach is rooted in clarity, efficiency, and a deep commitment to optimizing organizational operations.

Outside of work, Oreoluwa enjoys orchestrating events, spending time with loved ones, and unwinding with a good TV series—especially those with complex characters and clever writing.

As Senior Program Coordinator, Vanessa Hartley supports ReCover's capacity building and community engagement work. She brings deep roots and a powerful voice to the role as an eighth-generation Black Loyalist descendant from Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Her early experiences with anti-Black practices in education sparked a lifelong commitment to advocacy and leadership.

Vanessa’s passion for community engagement and Black history deepened during her time as Program Coordinator and Visitor Experience Supervisor at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. After completing her education, she returned home to support adults with diverse abilities. Her journey continued with the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education as a Community Outreach Coordinator, leading to her current role as Community Engagement Lead at The PREP Academy—a nonprofit dedicated to preparing African Nova Scotian students for post-secondary success.

In 2021, Vanessa was named Provincial Volunteer of the Year for the Municipality of Shelburne. She chaired the South End Environmental Injustice Society (2019–2022), an award-winning organization fighting environmental racism in historic African Nova Scotian communities. She also served with the Association of Black Social Workers as Rural COVID Community Coordinator and worked as a Community Regional Researcher with the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute.

Vanessa was a Youth Delegate at the 2022 National Black Canadian Summit and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the NSCC Foundation. She is Co-Founder and President of the Centre for Environmental Justice, speaking nationally on environmental racism and injustice. Her mission is to spark bold, transformative conversations that shift the narrative in Nova Scotia and beyond.

As Senior Program Coordinator at ReCover, Theresa leads the coordination, reporting, and continuous improvement of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. She brings a strong foundation in project development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic program delivery, shaped by a diverse background across the nonprofit, international development, consulting, and community sectors.

Theresa holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in International Project Management from Humber College, a Continuing Education Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership for Impact from the University of Toronto, and an Honours BA in International Development from the University of Guelph. She is currently pursuing her PMP certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Samantha has joined the ReCover Initiative as Program Coordinator, bringing a dynamic and diverse background in project management, customer service, and community-driven initiatives. Her expertise spans property and project management, where she has contributed to everything from construction planning to frontline case coordination. Samantha also brings specialized experience in deep retrofits, focusing on improving building performance while prioritizing resident needs and maximizing community impact.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University, along with a Diploma in Urban Land Economics and a Bachelor of Business in Real Estate from the University of British Columbia.

Samantha is deeply committed to fostering trust, resilience, and meaningful connections in her work. Whether collaborating with partners, supporting building owners, or ensuring seamless project execution, she approaches each task with thoughtfulness and dedication.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Samantha is actively involved in supporting youth initiatives. When she isn’t giving back to the community, you might find her engrossed in a good book—preferably outdoors on a warm, sunny day.

Steven joins ReCover as a Program Coordinator, bringing a strong background in energy efficiency, climate adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency. He specializes in building retrofit solutions that enhance both energy performance and climate resilience.

Before joining ReCover, Steven led program delivery and management in residential energy efficiency for Mi’kmaq communities—working to alleviate energy poverty and dismantle systemic barriers. Prior to that, he served as a core faculty member at NSCC, teaching in the Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology Program. His ability to connect with students allows him to translate complex concepts into clear, practical insights.

Earlier in his career, Steven served in the military as an Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technician, where he honed his attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

He holds a diploma with honours in Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology from NSCC, along with specialized training from his time in the military. When he's not solving problems, Steven can often be found at the firehouse sharpening his firefighting skills or enjoying a game of volleyball.

Kessiena leverages a multidisciplinary foundation in environmental studies, business administration, and community leadership to advance ReCover’s mission. 

With expertise in sustainable innovation and change management, she supports the Business Development team by fostering strategic partnerships and coordinating projects that accelerate deep retrofits across Atlantic Canada.

Chanyoung Lee is a Data Analyst at The ReCover Initiative, where she spearheads data-driven strategies to advance deep energy retrofits across Atlantic Canada. With expertise in building automated data workflows, conducting advanced analyses, and developing dynamic dashboards, she transforms complex datasets into actionable insights, empowering teams to make informed, strategic decisions.

Before relocating to Canada, Chanyoung spent over a decade in South Korea as a Project Manager and Business Analyst, leading large-scale branding, operational, and market research initiatives. Her strong foundation in business strategy complements her technical skills, allowing her to align data solutions with practical, real-world outcomes.

She holds a Diploma in IT Data Analytics from Nova Scotia Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Marketing from Seoul Women’s University. Passionate about using data to drive sustainability, equity, and meaningful change, she is dedicated to leveraging technology to create a more resilient future for her community.

Rebecca supports our team by keeping us on track and organized. With a passion for organization and a knack for problem-solving, she strives to make every day in our office efficient and enjoyable.

With years of experience in office management, Rebecca has honed her skills in handling administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, and maintaining office supplies, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine. She attended NSCC and Mount Saint Vincent University, where she studied Business.

When not immersed in the world of office management, Rebecca enjoys tending to her farm, walking on the beach, or savoring a good book. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and brings positivity to everything she does, both inside and outside the office.

Kelly brings extensive experience in business operations, legal support, and executive administration to ReCover, ensuring the office remains organized, focused, and efficient. 

Constantly striving to bring structure to the seemingly unmanageable, she keeps workflows smooth and behind-the-scenes operations running seamlessly.

Beyond the office, Kelly indulges her inner "Miss Marple"—knitting, sewing, and unwinding with classic British mysteries or a timeless Scooby-Doo mystery.