Staff & Associates

Cathy Blott, B.Sc.
Associate Habitat Restoration Biologist

Cathy is currently an Associate Habitat Restoration Biologist with 8Trees Inc, specializing in hydrological system monitoring. She graduated with an Honours B.Sc. majoring in Biology from the University of Waterloo in 1993, and has 27 years of experience working on wildlife restoration and conservation projects. Some of her responsibilities at 8Trees Inc. include conducting field work, analyzing data, preparing reports and proposals, and help mentor younger staff, students and volunteers in the field. Cathy also conducts outreach events and builds partnerships with landowners, municipalities, and agencies to gain support for several ongoing projects.

Katharine Yagi, PhD, CERPIT
Research Associate

Katharine is a Research Associate with 8Trees Inc., and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University. She is also currently a member of the COSEWIC Amphibian and Reptile Specialist Subcommittee as well as a member of the Fowler’s Toad Recovery Implementation Team (2011 to present). She received her doctorate in Renewable Resources from McGill University in 2018 under supervision of Dr. David M. Green. At 8Trees, Katharine assists with various research projects and outreach initiatives. 

Erica Yagi, M.A.
Social Media Coordinator

Erica completed her M.A. in Communications, Popular Culture and Film at Brock University in 2017. She has been working as the Social Media Coordinator for 8Trees Inc. since January 2018. Some of her responsibilities include public communications via social media and creating new educational posts about species-at-risk and updates on ongoing 8Trees Inc. projects. She also worked as an online English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, and has completed her law clerk diploma.

Heather Yagi,
Outreach Illustrator

Heather completed her Diploma in 3D Animation, Art & Design in 2017 at Humber College, and currently works for 8Trees Inc. as the Outreach Illustrator. She spends her time designing outreach materials, promotional materials, and merchandise. Heather also works as a 3D modeler and background artist for a 3D Animation company called Keyframe Digital Productions. While she always loved animals, Heather has recently discovered her love for plants as well, and has started a substantial indoor plant collection!

James Butler, B.Sc.
Research Technician

James works for 8Trees as a Research Technician. He received his B.Sc. (Hon) in Environmental Biology and Technology from Nipissing University in 2022, and completed the Environmental Technician – protection and compliance diploma at Canadore College in 2020.  James is passionate about the protection of species-at-risk (SAR) and conservation initiatives. He plans to incorporate his skills in the environmental industry and passion for SAR protection to pursue a career in conservation.

Summer Staff, Students & Interns

TBD 2024

Previous Staff & Students

  • Alanah Joyce, B.Sc.
  • Curtis Abney, M.Sc.
  • Byron Garcia, Dipl.
  • Brie-Anne Breton, M.Sc.
  • Rebecca Anderson, B.Sc.
  • Rylee Goerlitz, B.Sc.
  • Helen Hermansen, B.Sc.
  • Matthew Jung, B.Sc.
  • Theresa Bukovics, M.Sc.
  • Cole Vandenberg
  • Priya Kannankulathu
  • Savannah Stuart
  • Scott Falk
  • Victoria Zachar
  • Mike Hoggan
  • Mingxuan Su
  • Calvin Dickens
  • Wynne Reiccheld
  • Willow Holmes
  • Grace Jackson
  • Thenuja Vittanachchi
  • Abitha Thavanesan
  • Tiana Bilodeau
  • Luc Goulet , M.Sc.
  • Sharaya McCollum-Brown
  • Michael Babin, B.Sc., CERPIT
  • Bethany Kuntz, M.Sc., RPB (BC)
  • Justin de Vuyst, BBRM