Our Team
Know History’s core team is comprised of formally trained historians, each with their own unique skills and subject-matter expertise, and all with a shared passion for unlocking the past for our clients. If you would like to join the Know History team check out our current job postings.
Ryan Shackleton, MA
Chief Executive Officer
Ryan is the founder and CEO of Know History. He has 20 years of experience working as a public historian and consultant. He has successfully managed hundreds of projects across Canada, and is an expert in project management and designing research plans. Ryan relies on his broad network to build an exceptional team for each of Know History's clients.
Connie Wren-Gunn, MA
Director, Content & Interpretive Products
Connie oversees the production of Know History's written deliverables and interpretive products, including research reports, books, and museum and virtual exhibits. Connie is an accomplished writer with a background in corporate communications and extensive experience in historical research, oral history, and project management. Connie is passionate about creating exceptional projects for our clients.
Nicole Marion-Patola, PhD
Director, Treaty Claims and Residential Schools Research
As Director of Litigation and Residential Schools, Nicole is an expert in Indigenous legal claims. Nicole oversees projects relating to treaty, land claims, and residential schools research. She has authored expert reports for a variety of clients, including the Department of Justice. Fluent in both French and English, Nicole has ample experience conducting archival and genealogical research for litigation.
Emily Keyes, MA
Director, Engagement & Fieldwork
Emily is an expert project manager and oral historian who oversees Know History's community engagement and fieldwork projects. She has more than 10 years of experience conducting oral history interviews and Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Studies across Canada. Emily is a formally trained facilitator who adeptly plans and leads workshops and engagement sessions for a wide variety of projects and clients.
Tom Van Dewark, MA
Director of Digital History
As the Director of Digital History, Tom utilizes digital tools to share history in innovative and engaging ways. He has spearheaded the creation of numerous digital artifact management tools for our clients, ensuring that communities have complete control over their own stories. Tom's work on a series of short documentaries was recognized by the National Council on Public History.
Alison Begley, BComm
Director of Human Resources
Alison has over 15 years of experience working in human resources. An expert in recruitment and contracting, Alison’s strength lies in finding the kind of passionate people Know History wants on its team, and in ensuring our team members get the chance to develop their potential and reach their career goals.
Alice Glaze, PhD
Research Director
Alice is an award-winning historian with extensive research experience across a variety of projects and subject areas. She takes pride in producing high-quality work for a broad set of clients, and is proficient in genealogical research, database design, Social Network Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Alice is a highly proficient project manager who adeptly organizes and manages large archival projects.
Elina Hill, MA
Director of Registries
Elina oversees Know History's registry projects, working with Indigenous clients to customize systems to best support rights assertion and programs. An experienced project manager, Elina develops standard operating procedures and best practices for citizen and harvester registries, and manages registry teams (from client services, to research, quality control, and data management). Elina has worked with Indigenous organizations from across Canada to research and write about traditional knowledge, land use, reserve creation, and more.
Ashley Henrickson, MA
Director of Outreach and Partnerships
As the Director of Outreach and Partnerships, Ashley works closely with clients to ensure their project goals are executed seamlessly. She has experience engaging audiences through national print publications, museum programming, and exhibitions. Her creativity and strong communication skills are an asset to Know History's team of directors.
Beth Sollis, MA
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff, Beth oversees many facets of Know History's work. Her organization and management skills are a valuable asset to her role in organizing and managing project teams, handling project resourcing, and supporting our team of directors. Beth also has significant archival research experience and has worked on many of Know History's genealogical projects.
Nathan Smith, PhD
Senior Historian
Nathan brings over a decade of experience conducting research and consulting on a variety of history projects for non-profit and public sector organizations. He has provided research and reports in support of specific and comprehensive claims for First Nations clients.
Karine Duhamel, PhD
SENIOR ADVISOR
Karine is renowned Anishinaabe-Métis historian. She served as Director of Research for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, drafting the Final Report and managing its Forensic Document Review Project and Legacy Archive. She was formerly an Adjunct Professor at the University of Winnipeg and Director of Research for Jerch Law Corporation. From 2016 to 2018, she also served as Curator at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Lyle Dick, MA, LLD
Senior Advisor
Lyle Dick is a public historian with more than 40 years’ experience in research and publication in Arctic, Inuit, and Western Canadian history as well as Cultural Resource Management (CRM). He has led or served on national and international CRM teams in Western, Northern and Central Canada, and in Europe. A former President of the Canadian Historical Association, he also served on advisory committees of the Canadian Museum of History and the National Capital Commission. Lyle brings research and writing expertise to Know History and provides our associates with training and mentorship.
Elizabeth Todd Doyle, MA
SENIOR ADVISOR
Elizabeth has more than 25 years’ experience in the museum and heritage fields in Ottawa and on the west coast. She led the education and programming departments at the Museum of Vancouver and the Portrait Gallery of Canada before founding Todd Doyle Heritage Services to develop public-facing projects, create interpretive plans, and produce interpretive text and immersive digital experiences for a variety of clients. Elizabeth is an acknowledged storyteller, as well as an expert in the use of culture in building citizenship.
Stacey Devlin, MA
Project Manager
Stacey is a meticulous researcher who specializes in digital history. Her inventive methods of digital research and presentation allow for deeper historical analysis and efficiency. Stacey employs Social Network Analysis to analyze community and kinship on a variety of genealogy research projects. She also has ample experience creating and operating Geographic Information Systems.
Kierstin Stewart, MA
Registry Manager
As Registry Manager, Kierstin oversees a large team of researchers to ensure our registry work operates smoothly and to the highest possible standards. She brings to our team several years of genealogical experience, as well as a talent for leadership and organization. Kierstin's background also includes archival research, collections management, and culture and heritage education.
Jennifer Bate, MA
Project Manager
Jennifer is an accomplished archival researcher. She has extensive research experience in both digital and archival material, and is also a specialist in cemetery conservation. At Know History, Jennifer has led numerous projects tracing genealogy, land use, and documenting Indigenous rights.
Skylee-Storm Hogan-Stacey, MA
Historian
Skylee-Storm is a published historian with expertise in residential schools history, Crown-Indigenous relations, and digital repatriation and accessibility. Their strong archival research and writing skills are a key asset on Know History's archival and residential schools projects. Skylee-Storm also brings significant experience in oral history and interpretive projects, having produced documentaries and GIS story maps for a variety of clients and communities.
Todd Brown, MA
GIS Specialist
As Know History's GIS Specialist, Todd supports a wide variety of research and deliverables. He is an expert at synthesizing historical and contemporary data into clear and engaging maps for our clients. Todd is also a skilled genealogist and archival researcher. He has conducted oral history interviews and map biography interviews across Ontario.
Emily Cuggy, MA
Historical Researcher
An accomplished writer and researcher, Emily applies her skills to a wide range of projects including commemorative books, media products, and interpretive content. She also has extensive experience in archival research, genealogy, and oral history. Emily excels at bringing research and stories to life in creative and engaging ways.
Sara Wilmshurst, MA
Historian
Sara is a skilled historian whose portfolio includes both academic and journalistic publications. She has performed extensive archival and genealogical research. Sara specializes in synthesizing this research into clear and comprehensive research reports.
Nick Johnston, MA
Registry Lead
Nick is a trained genealogist with several years of experience leading large research projects. As the Registry Lead, Nick oversees a large team of researchers to ensure their work meets rigorous quality standards. He is responsible for training team members and creating and implementing guidelines and workflows.
Anna Kuntz, MA
Historical Researcher
Anna is a highly organized historical researcher who brings many years of experience to our team. She has applied her skills to a wide variety of projects, including archival and genealogical work, interpretive products, and registry work. A skilled image research expert, Anna has reviewed hundreds of thousands of photos, and is just as comfortable securing image rights, captioning, and tracking credits, as she is at ensuring that our clients get the best images for their needs.
Deanna McAvoy-Bailey, MA
Registry Manager
As Registry Manager, Deanna oversees a large team of researchers to ensure that all work is completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Deanna brings several years of archival and genealogical research. She excels at data management, and has experience with report writing and both archaeological and historical artifact analysis.
Thomas Berton, BA
Client Services Lead
Thomas is a skilled communicator and leader who oversees the registry's client services team. With strong problem-solving skills and a knack for detail, Thomas provides training and support, implements workflows, and liaises with clients and community members. His dedication ensures that our clients receive exceptional service.
MacKenzie Brash, MA
Historical Researcher
MacKenzie has experience in archival and genealogical research, and managing research teams. She brings a detail-oriented eye to historical record analysis, ensuring that geneological documents meet the burden of proof. MacKenzie has also worked at historic sites in both Canada and Europe, where she held roles such as curatorial assistant and monument conservator.
Meagan Breault, MA
Historical Researcher
Meagan is an experienced leader on genealogical research projects. Her close attention to detail allows her to efficiently navigate archival records to connect citizens to their ancestors and ensure a high burden of proof. Meagan also lends her quality assurance skills to archival research projects, and has experience with digital Geographic Information Systems.
Samantha Clark, MSc
Historical Researcher
Samantha is a skilled researcher with a strong background in archival research and curatorial work. Her keen eye for detail makes her a valuable asset to Know History's archival projects. Samantha also contributes her leadership and management skills to our registry work.
Victoria Doran, MA
Project Manager
Victoria is an adaptable researcher who specializes in content-driven projects. Her exceptional communication skills allow her to share history in engaging and creative ways. As a Project Manager she oversees various research projects. In addition, Victoria coordinates Know History's editorial content.
Sarah Dougherty, PhD
Historical Researcher
Sarah is a published historian with a background in Canadian history and a particular interest in local history. She has extensive archival research experience, which she applies to a wide range of projects. A talented writer, Sarah has contributed to written deliverables including research reports and interpretive products.
Christine Englot, MA
Historical Researcher
Christine is a talented researcher who applies her skills to a wide range of projects. She has used her oral history skills to lead the creation of documentary films. She also lends her archival expertise to genealogical and archival research projects. Christine has experience working in and digitizing archival resources in Canada and internationally.
Claudine Fortin, MA
Historical Researcher
Claudine is a bilingual researcher specializing in oral history and community engagement. An experienced interviewer, Claudine has conducted oral history projects across Ontario. She is also proficient at interview transcription and French translation.
Michaela Francis, MA
Historical Researcher
Michaela is a bilingual historical researcher with training in sociocultural anthropology. She draws on this background to support various historical research projects. As a past member of the client services team, she has an extensive background in customer service and communication.
Jamie Gallupe, BAH
Historical Researcher
Jamie joined Know History as a client service advocate before transitioning to the research team. With a background in Indigenous relations, Jamie is experienced in community-based research and engagement. She currently applies her skills to Know History's registry projects.
Nick Gillen, MA
Historical Researcher
Nick has a keen eye for detail, ensuring all genealogical research meets our high standard of proof. He has lent his expertise to numerous projects, with many involving land grant and historical commission research. Nick also contributes his strong organizational and administrative skills to operations at our Calgary office.
Mark Goudie, MA
Historical Researcher
Mark has extensive experience creating exhibits and developing educational programs for museums. He has worked with organizations in Canada and abroad to research and interpret their artifacts to form compelling historical narratives. Mark also lends his archival research skills to genealogical projects.
Lyndsie Bourgon, PhD
Oral Historian and Project Manager
Lyndsie is an oral historian and writer with over a decade of experience in journalism. As an Oral Historian, Lyndsie has studied the interconnection of history, culture, identity, and the environment with oral history as a pillar for her dissertation and published works. She is a valuable addition to the fieldwork and engagement team.
Rimsha Hamid
Senior Client Services Advocate
Rimsha has a background in client services, communication, and administration. Rimsha’s superior interpersonal skills and welcoming manner ensure that our registry clients receive the best service and attention from their very first interaction with our company.
Jenna Klassen, MA
Historical Researcher
Jenna is a published historian with a research background in Canadian immigration and ethnicity, material culture, and gender history. She has experience working in archival institutions and with museum artifact collections. In addition to historical research, Jenna has worked in the public history sector as a collections manager and museum curator.
Emily Manson, MSc
Historical Researcher
Emily is a meticulous researcher who applies her skills to Know History's registry and archival projects. With a strong background in genealogy, Emily trains and supports other team members to ensure that our registry projects maintain a rigorous standard of accuracy.
Casandra Masse, MA
Historical Researcher
Casandra is a bilingual researcher with a background in historical research, archaeology, and museums. She has significant experience working on Know History's registry projects. Casandra recently contributed research and writing skills to Know History's work with the Juno Beach Centre.
Elizabeth McLeod, BA, BSW
Historical Researcher
Elizabeth is a skilled archival researcher, with experience conducting historical research into First Nation legal claims. On genealogical projects, Elizabeth ensures that all lineages meet Know History's high standards of proof. Similarly, she interprets historical documents and maintains quality assurance on archival research projects.
Andrew Narraway, MA
Historical Researcher
Andrew is a historical researcher with a strong knowledge of Indigenous historiography and a passion for Canadiana. He applies his research skills to many of Know History's archival projects. A strong writer, Andrew also contributes to a range of interpretive products.
Danica Renke, MA
Historical Researcher
Danica is an experienced historical researcher, specializing in genealogical projects. She also has extensive experience analyzing archival documents. Danica uses these skills to support other team members and to ensure that projects meet a high level of quality assurance.
Tanyss Sharp, MA
Historical Researcher
Tanyss is a detail-oriented researcher who is adept at palaeography, archival research, and transcription. She is an valuable leader within the Registry team, and excels at analyzing and summarizing complex research findings.
Andrew Taber, MA
Historical Researcher
Andrew is proficient at all things data-related, applying his skills to Know History's genealogical and registry projects. He compiles and analyzes both historical and contemporary data to support statistical analysis, GIS mapping, and Social Network Analysis. Andrew also contributes to project administration by creating forms and databases that track and analyze work.
Kyla Vachon, BA
Human Resources Associate
Kyla is an HR associate with over five years of experience in human resources, specializing in recruitment, onboarding, and health and safety. Kyla is passionate about fostering equal opportunities, healthy environments, and professional development that empowers team members to thrive.
Paige Walker, MA
Historical Researcher
Paige contributes her research and writing skills to Know History's projects. With a strong attention to detail, Paige works to ensure a high level of quality on our registry projects. She also has a background in oral history transcription and archival research.
Basma Saad, MA
Historical Researcher
Basma conducts archival and genealogical research on various projects. A highly organized and creative problem solver, Basma has extensive administrative and project support experience. In addition to research, she also supports the Operations team with finances and accounting.
Cormac Alexander, MA
Historical Researcher
Cormac uses his strong archival research skills to connect people to their ancestors on genealogical projects. Working efficiently with a meticulous attention to detail, Cormac's ability to quickly locate key documents makes him an asset to genealogical projects.
Ahmed Gheriani, BSc
Web Developer
As a member of the digital history team, Ahmed supports database design and web development. Ahmed holds a BSc in Computer Science with a specialization in data science and has developed software solutions for a variety of clients in the telecom and fintech industries.
Mark Johnston, BA
Historical Researcher
Mark is a precise historical researcher. His close attention to detail ensures a high standard of quality on genealogical projects. Mark's ability to glean information from historical documents makes him an asset to genealogical research and the development of museum exhibits.
Alice Howard, BA
Senior Client Service Advocate
Alice brings several years of experience in customer support, team leadership, and community outreach to our client services team. Passionate about activism and disability advocacy, Alice is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and holds a BA in Literature with minors in Disability Studies and American Sign Language.
Samuel Derksen, PhD
Historian
Samuel is a historical researcher and skilled writer. His dissertation research focused on the history of trade and consumption in colonial North America during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He has experience securing federal funding and planning historical conferences. Samuel has led research projects and worked with numerous national stakeholders.
Beatriz Zanin
Multimedia Coordinator
As Know History's in-house multimedia designer, Beatriz brings historical research projects to life for our clients. A highly adaptable and creative designer, Beatriz is trained and experienced with multimedia design, including graphic and web design, digital photography and editing, and social media and branding.
Blake Butler, PhD
Historical Researcher
Blake is a proficient historical researcher with extensive experience in archival and interdisciplinary research, writing, and public speaking. He contributes this experience to Know History's archival projects.
Bradford Gyselman
Creative Design Manager
Brad has 15 years of experience executing and managing media projects. He has created graphic, animation, video, and web content for boutique marketing agencies, public education, entertainment, and some of Canada’s biggest companies.
Elyse Abma-Bouma, MA
Historical Researcher
Elyse is a detail-oriented researcher, supporting various research and genealogical projects. As an active member of the Edmonton heritage sector, she has shared Edmonton's history through various digital exhibits and oral history projects.
Tereasa Maillie, BA
Historical Researcher
Tereasa is a skilled archival researcher with a background in residential schools research. She lends her expertise to a variety of genealogical and residential schools research projects. Tereasa is currently obtaining her Master's of Heritage Studies at Athabasca University.
Samantha, BA
Office Manager
Sam brings over a decade of experience in administration and operations, as well as marketing and communications, logistics, and customer service. She oversees administrative and operational functions, including managing Know History's Ottawa and Calgary offices amd implementing policies and processes.
Christian De Jager, MA
Historical Researcher
Chris is an experienced researcher who contributes to our registry projects. Chris has conducted archival research across Canada and internationally. He also brings experience in museum curation.
Dengi Ogoriba, BA
Client Service Advocate
Dengi works one-on-one with registry clients, providing calm and professional support with applications and information on various services. She brings over 5 years of administrative and customer service experience in the non-profit and healthcare sectors.
Elizabeth Spence, BA
Senior Client Service Advocate
As a member of our client services team, Elizabeth is passionate about supporting and advocating for clients. She also supports the registry team, completing intake and administrative tasks.
Ella Hartwick, MA
Historical Researcher
Ella is a historical researcher with experience working in several archives across Ontario. She currently applies her skills to our registry projects.
Erin Blair-Steele, BA
Client Service Advocate
Erin is a dedicated member of our client services team. Having worked in a wide array of fields, including public-facing customer service and supervisory roles, Erin brings strong interpersonal and leadership skills to her work as a client service advocate.
Jacob Landers, BSc
Client Service Advocate
Jacob is a bilingual client service advocate who brings several years of experience to the client services team. He has experience working in customer service and museum environments, as well as teaching English abroad.
Jason Farr, BA
Administrative Assistant
Jason is an administrative assistant with years of HR and clerical experience. He works with Operations to provide administrative and organizational support, including equipment management and technological assistance.
Jazmin Bordin
Client Service Advocate
Jazmine brings several years of experience working in a variety of non-profit, social services, and customer support roles. Jazmine specializes in relationship building, communication, and de-escalation skills, and brings this knowledge to her work as a client service advocate.
Julia Grummitt, PhD
Historical Researcher
Julia is a historical researcher who specializes in Canadian Indigenous history. She is skilled at archival research and experienced with working in libraries and museums, on various public history and cultural heritage initiatives, and developing learning content for a wide range of audiences.
Kyle Johnson, MA
Historical Researcher
Kyle used his genealogical research skills and knowledge of Canadian Indigenous history to analyze records and connect citizens to their ancestors on our registry projects. While studying history, Kyle has also built experience in teaching, museums, and community research.
Marielle Rochefort, MA
Historical Researcher
Marielle first joined Know History as a client services advocate, where she gained experience working with citizens and in the community. As a historical researcher, Marielle has a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of genealogical tools and applications.
Maxime Delaquis
Videographer
Maxime is Know History's in-house videographer, accompanying researchers on fieldwork to shoot, edit, and produce video components for projects. He brings over a decade of experience as a videographer, photographer, and editor on a variety of video projects, from documentaries and news segments to music performances and scripted television. Maxime is also a Transport Canada-certified Advanced Drone Pilot.
Meghan Smith, MA
Historical Researcher
Meghan is a historical researcher experienced in the design and implementation of databases for historical research and record management. Meghan uses her ability to organize and synthesize complex historical data to support registry and cultural resource management projects.
Micah Norris, MA
Historical Researcher
Micah is a historical researcher who applies his knowledge to conduct archival and genealogical research on our registry projects. He has a background in Canadian and Indigenous history, and is interested in the role heritage plays in strengthening communities.
Mohammad Al-Ahdal, BSc
Web Developer
Mohammad is a web and mobile developer with over seven years of experience coding websites, mobile apps, and designing comprehensive UI/UX. Mohammad has a strong interest in technical infrastructure design, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and developing creative solutions that empower clients.
Nicole Taylor, BSc
Client Service Advocate
Nicole is a client service advocate with a background in social sciences and extensive experience in customer service, administration, leadership, and community outreach. They are one of the first points of contact between clients and Know History, working one-on-one to address questions and concerns.