Stephanie joined the Toronto Botanical Garden in January 2022 to support the Garden through its transformational growth. Her career spans more than 23 years in non-profit and cultural organizations. Stephanie brings unique experiences and perspectives in planning, program delivery, community engagement, non-profit administration, and the essential work we must continue to do around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.
As a seasoned public garden leader, she focuses on inspiring a passion, curiosity, and awe of the natural world, in people of all ages, while fostering care and stewardship of ecosystems. This dedication is based in the awareness that public gardens and parks are one of the greatest tools to engage and connect our communities with nature while elevating a community's health, well-being, and prosperity.
Before joining the Botanical Garden, Stephanie served as the first President and CEO for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. During her tenure, Stephanie led the public/private partnership with the City of Des Moines, Iowa, transforming the former municipally operated facility into a vibrant public garden. Her work experience also includes positions at the American Horticultural Society, Smithsonian Institution, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Additionally, she has served on local and national boards of arts, environmental, and cultural organizations, including the American Public Garden Association, and the Garden Club of America.
Stephanie received her bachelor's and master's degrees in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota, where she also studied non-profit management and museum studies. In 2021 she completed the George Washington University— Center for Public Leadership Excellence's e-Co Leadership Coaching Certification. Beyond her professional experience, Stephanie is a nature enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by inspiring nature, just 20-miles from the shores of Lake Superior in Cloquet, Minnesota.
Patricia has been a long-standing member of Toronto's hospitality and culture industry providing exceptional customer service and overseeing venue-related services for special events, product launches, weddings, photo permits, film shoots, and corporate meetings. She has been supporting revenue-generating activities at the Toronto Botanical Garden for almost a decade and was previously a valued team member at Canada's National Ballet School.
Glenn joined TBG in December 2019. Glenn worked in the retail sector for more than 20 years including the last 15 with the LCBO holding various positions including retail training consultant, manager, and most recently as a product consultant. Glenn brings with him a passion for horticulture who enjoys collecting an hybridizing hostas. Glen previously owned his own landscape design company which furthered his love for plants and nature. He has also been a hockey coach for over 30 years and has held executive positions with various hockey associations.
Natalie comes to Toronto Botanical Garden following seven years at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), serving as the Acting Senior Manager/Supervisor, Education and Training. In this role, Natalie led a team running eight distinct programs in York and Durham, along with supervising the Claremont Nature Centre. Before joining the TRCA Natalie served as Executive Director of the High Park Nature Centre from 2013-2015 and served as the Supervisor/Coordinator of Children’s Programs at Toronto Botanical Garden from 2007-2015.
Natalie has a Bachelors of Education from the University of Toronto, a Certificate in Fine Art from Sheridan College, and a Certificate in Parks and Recreation Management from Schulich Executive Education Centre.
Robin is an accomplished finance and business manager with a background in various public, private, and not-for-profit organizations. She is also a certified Brain Based Coach helping her facilitate positive change in people by improving thinking. Robin is committed to guiding executive leadership teams and has a proven track record of building collaborative cultures, developing exceptional teams, and streamlining effective processes to achieve business goals and objectives. Robin is an enthusiastic problem-solver, strategic planner, and process improvement leader who guides organizations through effective decision-making. As she says, being a CPA is much more than crunching numbers. Robin’s skill set will be valuable as we update our systems and calibrate our financial reporting.
Jenny has worked in the charitable sector for over 25 years with educational institutions serving elementary and university students as well as life-long learners. She has been leading the brand stewardship, public relations, event management, and marketing efforts at the Botanical Garden since 2002. Jenny is a creative thinker, building visual and compelling stories for the Garden while forging sustainable strategic partnerships and creating fun, engaging (and delicious) public events.
Jenny is an active member of the Toronto Attractions Council, and the Vice Chair of the executive committee. She received the Media Person of the Year Award at the 2023 Canadian Garden Tourism Awards in Victoria BC. She is a regular contributor to Trellis magazine, writing and photographing her botanically inspired DIY projects and recipes.
