Our Team
Jill Doucette
Founder & CEO
Jill founded Synergy in 2008 after completing her studies in biology. Passionate about how business, industry and communities can mobilize towards a low-carbon future, Jill works on the frontier of a number of sectors including community development, tourism, and clean technology.
An active writer and speaker, with three published books, Jill is also the Executive Director of the Synergy Foundation. In her spare time, she can be found exploring the west coast, fishing, camping and hiking.
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Areas of Expertise: Carbon Accounting | Business & Strategic Planning | Clean Technology | Community Development | Tourism
Heidi Grantner
Partner & General Manager
Heidi works with a wide array of Synergy clients to integrate sustainability into planning, policy and operations. An expert in GHG inventories and Synergy's resident Excel nerd, she loves diving deep into data and solving complex problems with elegant solutions.
Heidi has a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Economics from Queen's University and completed her MBA at the Sauder School of Business at UBC. She is an approved verifier for the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme and has her GHG-IQ from the Canadian Standards Association.
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Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Air & Marine Ports | Environmental Metrics
Kira Rochefort
Chief Financial Officer
Kira is thrilled to work at the intersection of sustainability and finance with Synergy. After completing an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and political science, she obtained her CPA designation in 2016 while in a client services role. As a CPA and business owner, Kira understands that a client-centered approach to providing transparent financial reporting and analysis is vital to moving toward corporate sustainability goals.
Outside of work, Kira is also the Treasurer of the Synergy Foundation. Kira loves spending time in her garden, hiking the many trails around Victoria, and baking with her family.
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Areas of Expertise: Financial Reporting | Accounting standards and disclosures
Yasmeenah El Zein
Director of Operations
Yasmeenah is a leader known for her exceptional ability to drive project and operations management solutions across a variety of sectors. With extensive experience working alongside corporations, non-profits, and start-ups, she has a proven track record of empowering innovators to achieve their missions.
Yasmeenah is passionate about bringing together diverse teams to foster social change. Her leadership has been instrumental in the success of numerous local and global initiatives within industries such as: Clean water, Healthcare, Education, Government, Finance and Tech.
Outside of work, Yasmeenah is a life-long learner, enjoys trying new foods and cuisines. She also loves staying active and balanced by diving and cycling outdoors.
Areas of Expertise: Business and Strategy Planning | Operational Excellence | Marketing and Design
Arctica Cunningham
Client Services Lead
Arctica is passionate about sustainability and local food security. She loves working at Synergy to complete GHG Inventory assessments for businesses, create carbon reduction strategies and develop sustainability tools. Before working at Synergy, Arctica worked with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce to conduct carbon footprint assessments for local businesses.
Arctica grew up in Northern BC, but moved to Victoria after completing her BA in Environmental Studies and Political Science from the University of Northern BC. In her spare time, Arctica enjoys biking, gardening, and baking treats for friends and family.
Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Data Analytics | Carbon Reduction Strategies
Christian Muñoz Mejia
Senior Project Manager
Christian is passionate about working with businesses that protect, preserve, and restore our natural environment and local communities. With a background in commerce and international business, Christian wears two hats, working on both technical projects as well as educational content and digital media.
Born in Colombia and raised in Indonesia, Christian brings his multicultural perspective, enthusiasm and dedication to every project. When he's not analyzing data or developing new projects, you will often see him teaching Rico new tricks, folding origami, or headbanging to heavy metal.
Areas of Expertise: Marketing & Communications | GHG Inventories | Project Management
Amzy Vallenas
Senior Project Manager
Amzy is passionate about developing tailored sustainability solutions for organizations. With a background in Environmental and Chemical Engineering, she is excited about designing and implementing projects that help businesses adopt sustainable practices.
Before joining Synergy, Amzy led sustainability projects in Latin America, creating strategies, measurements, and public policies to assist businesses and governments in achieving their climate action and circular economy goals.
Outside of work, Amzy enjoys cooking delicious meals and spending time outdoors biking, hiking, or climbing.
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Areas of Expertise: Carbon Accounting | Sustainability Strategic Planning | Nature-based Solutions
Rachel Bond
Project Manager
As a Project Manager at Synergy, Rachel Bond works with businesses across various industries to measure and reduce their carbon footprint and implement sustainability solutions throughout their operations. With a background in managing supply chains and leading internal sustainability initiatives within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, Rachel understands the intricacies involved in product development. Her experience has positioned her to champion sustainable practices at every stage of the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical operations. Rachel has a BCom from the University of Victoria and is undergoing an advanced Sustainable Business Leadership certificate from BCIT.
Rachel’s passion for the environment extends beyond her work. She enjoys hiking, cycling, and free-diving around Vancouver Island in her free time.
Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Project Management | Strategy Development
Margaux Martin-Jarrand
Project Manager
Margaux holds a Post-Degree Diploma in Applied Tourism & Hospitality Management from Camosun College and a double master's in Communications and Corporate Journalism. Her expertise extends beyond traditional hospitality roles, as she specializes in integrating sustainability into every aspect of the tourism experience.
Her commitment to environmental stewardship led her to a role as a Sustainability Coordinator at a prestigious Hotel on Vancouver Island, BC. While there, Margaux spearheaded implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
In her spare time, Margaux can be found surf paddling on the beautiful coasts of the Pacific Rim and participating in beach and land clean-ups.
Areas of Expertise: Tourism & Hospitality Sustainability Strategy | Sustainability Planning & Coaching | Regenerative Tourism
Kayla Klym
Project Manager
Kayla's professional journey began at the University of Victoria, where she worked for two years, contributing her skills to lab coordination and administrative assistance at interdisciplinary research labs. Her time there was marked by significant contributions to renewable energy academic research and project coordination, including conducting research on community-based renewable energy projects in British Columbia.
She develops Synergy's sustainability-focused workshops, provides technical assistance for GHG inventories and regenerative tourism projects, and writes qualitative reports. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from UVic, focusing on geography, resource management, and urban economics.
Outside of work, she enjoys running alongside the ocean, collecting beach glass, and trying every vanilla latte in Victoria.
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Areas of Expertise: Workshop Development & Report Writing | Regenerative Tourism | Program Management
Kyle Bouwknecht
Technical Lead
Kyle works with Synergy’s diverse client base as Technical Lead. Much of his time is spent modeling emissions reductions, developing excel tools, and supporting other team members on technical work.
Kyle joined the Synergy team after completing a BSc Environmental Science. He is passionate about energy systems and sustainability and will spend hours talking about clean energy technology.
When he isn’t at work, Kyle is usually playing sports, reading, writing, or eating good food.
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Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Decarbonization Strategies | Complex Emissions Modeling
Megan Chan
Project Analyst
Megan works on GHG inventories with the Synergy team and is most excited by the many sustainable solutions that she comes across in her work. She spends her time entering data, researching, and always learning more about sustainability for businesses.
Megan is a settler in Lekwungen, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ Territories and grew up in Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory. She joined Synergy after completing a BSc in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria.
In her free time, Megan enjoys playing ultimate, cooking good food and spending time outdoors.
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Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Data Analytics | Tools & Systems Management
Robert Hewitt
Project Analyst
Rob spends most of his time working on GHG inventories and decarbonization strategies for Synergy’s diverse client portfolio. His day-to-day work involves managing data, researching sustainable solutions, and identifying business reduction opportunities.
Born in South Africa, Rob and his family moved to Kelowna while he was at a young age. Rob attended the University of Victoria where he completed a BSc in Biology. After several years working in the service industry, he returned to school and earned a Diploma in Environmental Technology through Camosun College.
Outside of work, Rob is either watching, playing, or talking about soccer. He also enjoys hiking and camping along Vancouver Island’s beautiful coastline with friends and family.
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Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Solar Modeling | Carbon Reduction Strategies
Chloe Shore
Project Technician
Chloe is a project technician co-op student who is passionate about sustainability, biodiversity, and reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Chloe was raised in Howe Sound, surrounded by the ocean, forests and mountains, which gave her a deep appreciation for the natural world, and a drive to protect the natural world.
In her free time, Chloe enjoys spending time with plants and exploring the outdoors, hiking, climbing, diving and more.
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Areas of Expertise: Biodiversity | Ecosystem Health | GHG Inventories
Cameron Thompson
Project Technician
Cameron Thompson leverages a robust educational background and hands-on experience in the environmental science field. Born and raised in Victoria, Cameron holds a degree in Environmental Science from Dalhousie University. During his time at Dalhousie, he showcased his leadership skills as a valuable member of the Varsity Hockey team. This experience honed his teamwork and communication abilities and instilled a sense of discipline and perseverance.
After his academic success, Cameron commenced a summer internship at the Synergy Foundation, a pivotal point in his professional journey. His dedication, attention to detail, and effective team collaboration were immediately evident. Currently, he oversees and coordinates various environmental projects from their inception to successful completion.
Cameron advocates for environmental awareness and participates in local initiatives outside of work.
Areas of Expertise: GHG Inventories | Data Analysis
Gaby Beaudoin
Marketing & Communications Manager
Gaby’s passion for communication led her to a career in marketing after realizing her creative flair was better suited beyond her initial studies in the sciences. As a marketer, she has carved out a niche in clean tech and decarbonization services. Gaby’s expertise includes brand design, messaging, strategic planning, and content marketing, all focused on crafting impactful stories and strategies.
Originally from Montreal, Gaby holds a BSc in Environmental Science from McGill University and a certificate in event marketing from BCIT. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys running, painting, reading, and cooking for friends and family.
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Areas of Expertise: Brand Design & Messaging | Strategic Planning | Content Marketing
Erica LeBrun
Office & Events Manager
Erica is passionate about supporting good work, which she does by managing and organizing Synergy-led or supported events with both the Enterprise and Foundation.
Erica was born in Quebec and moved to Fernie, BC, to attend the Mountain Adventure Skills Training Program. After graduating, Erica enjoyed a seasonal lifestyle, traveling around British Columbia and connecting with people and the wilderness. She landed in Victoria periodically over the years and immersed herself in the culture of Vancouver Island, which sparked a passion for urban farming, education, and food security initiatives.
When Erica is not being an organisational wizard, she plays outside with her dog, Watson. They love hiking, biking, surfing, and exploring.
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Areas of Expertise: Urban Agriculture | Adventure Tourism | Printer Whisperer
Gill Orris
Associate
Gill Orris is a highly skilled environmental and sustainability consultant with a rich strategy, measurement, marketing, communications, event logistics, and partnerships background. Her extensive experience spans across diverse sectors, including for-profit and non-profit organizations such as the Canuck Autism Network, Greenpeace, and Cirque du Soleil, among others. Since pursuing further education in Sustainable Business Leadership and launching her consulting firm, Gill has successfully collaborated with a wide array of clients, including major entities like Cirque du Soleil and Vancity, as well as numerous local initiatives. She excels in guiding businesses, government bodies, non-profits, and social enterprises towards practical and impactful climate solutions, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainability on both local and global scales.
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Areas of Expertise: Marketing Strategy | Sustainability Strategic Planning | Sustainable Events
Robin Russell
Associate - Strategic Communications
Robin brings 20 years of communications experience, during which time he has successfully led local, national, and international strategies and campaigns. He’s worked for high-profile brands, including Destination Canada, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the creative agency Cossette, the Rick Hansen Foundation, and Tourism Whistler.
Robin blends proven communications best practices and an analytical, data-driven approach with emotional, culturally relevant storytelling and regenerative thinking.
Robin was born and raised in Vancouver and studied marketing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He’s an avid urban cyclist, loves local craft beer, and is a member and volunteer with the Stanley Park Ecology Society.
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Areas of Expertise: Communications Strategy & Planning | Content & Storytelling | Media Relations | Brand Marketing | Stakeholder Engagement | Tourism
Rico
Director of Office Morale & Barketing Executive
Rico is a chocolate lab who loves office days, belly rubs, treats, and barking at mail carriers. As our resident paper shredder and client greeter, he is always eager to see new faces.
Ask to see his famous "Namaste" trick!
Rico doesn't have a
LinkedIn profile (yet)
Areas of Expertise: Being Cute | Chewing Toys | Greeting FEDx Deliveries