Our Team
Holly LillieExecutive Director
Holly joined the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) team in June 2014 after previously managing a wildlife rehabilitation centre and then going on to work as an Oiled Wildlife Specialist for Focus Wildlife.
Originally from England, Holly has spent the past 17 years working with domestic, exotic, and native North American wildlife. Her experience with animals ranges from American robins to Amur tigers.
Holly has extensive project management experience, she loves to learn and enhance her skills and enjoys attending the National Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Association conference annually, where she has presented for the past several years. She is proud to be a wildlife rehabilitator, giving wildlife the second chance they so richly deserve.
RAelee BarthClinic Operations Manager
Raelee got her start in wildlife rehabilitation in 2017 by volunteering with AIWC while finishing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Calgary. Her time spent volunteering confirmed that she wanted to turn her passion for wildlife and conservation that she had developed while growing up in Southern Alberta into a career. This led her into spending the next six years working at four different rehabilitation centers across Canada (as well as volunteering at one in Costa Rica) to try and gain as much experience in the field as possible. After these years spent away she was extremely excited to be able to come back to Alberta to help rescue wildlife here and to share the knowledge she acquired with the dedicated staff at AIWC.
Robyn Cunningham-DunlopFundraising & Development Manager
Robyn joined AIWC in November 2017 as a part-time support in the office, assisting with administrative tasks and small fundraising initiatives. What began as a short-term role quickly evolved into a long-term commitment, as she transitioned into a full-time staff member and took on multiple roles and responsibilities across the organization.
Over the years, Robyn has contributed to the growth and development of AIWC’s Hotline and Rescue Programs, as well as its fundraising events, donor campaigns, and Sponsorship and Membership programs. Her passion for learning and willingness to explore new areas have made her an adaptable and valued team member.
With a background in Physical Anthropology, Zooarchaeology, and Forensic Science, Robyn brings a unique and creative perspective to her work. Her academic journey began at the University of Victoria and included international archaeological fieldwork before shifting her focus toward the meaningful and rewarding field of wildlife conservation.
Robyn continues to be inspired by AIWC’s mission and is dedicated to helping the organization thrive, supporting her team, and ensuring animals in need receive the care and protection they deserve.
Alex KellingtonCommunity Engagement Coordinator
Alex’s background is in human health sciences, and she received her degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Calgary. Her work experience includes research and animal husbandry, and she is now growing her career in conservation and education. She is excited to be joining the AIWC team, as she has always had a passion for animals and sharing her perspective with others.
Outside of work, Alex loves to hike, camp, and cross-country ski. She is grateful to live so close to the mountains and experience the natural world around her.
Scottie PotterCommunications Coordinator
A born and raised Calgarian, Scottie has spent her life sharing her passion for Alberta’s wildlife in any way she can..
Scottie has a diverse background in educational video production, in-person natural history interpretation, and social media content creation. By sharing the story of AIWC’s patients, staff, and volunteers, Scottie hopes to inspire a sense of wildlife stewardship in all of our audiences.
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Outside of work, Scottie is also an avid birder, herper, and nature photographer. She has a big soft spot for species that don’t often receive the spotlight – including bats, snakes, and salamanders.
Hannah ForbesOffice Manager
With a lifelong passion for animals and over six years of experience in emergency veterinary medicine, Hannah brings both compassion and efficiency to her role as Office Manager at the wildlife rehabilitation centre. Her background in fast-paced veterinary settings makes her a pro at handling challenges with calm and care, ensuring both the team and the animals get the support they need. When she's not keeping the centre running smoothly, Hannah loves traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and hitting the court for a game of basketball.
Gerhard doegeFacilities Coordinator
Gerhard, who joined AIWC in May 2022, likes to contribute and collaborate jointly with volunteers to ensure the institute and its facilities stay in the right shape to enable the crucial wildlife rehabilitation work. He has a University Degree in Business Economics and graduated in 1991 on his final year project to discuss the proactive inclusion of environmental requirements into company policies and processes.
Gerhard moved from Germany with his family in 2008. Living only within minutes from the AIWC, they value the natural treasure that many Canadians still have the privilege to experience.Gerhard believes that we need to constantly try and reflect on our actions and aspirations with regards to their impact on the natural environment. Processes we have once unknowingly initiated, have lead to a daily loss of species, and they will further damage vital ecosystems if not reversed.
Gerhard loves to explore Alberta on longer journeys with his canoe in the company of family and friends.
Dr. Cara NewberryVeterinarian
Dr. Cara Newberry is our wildlife veterinary intern. She is a California native, where she grew up and went to both undergrad and veterinary school. She has always had an interest in conservation and got involved in both wildlife research and rehabilitation during school. After graduating, she completed a small animal internship with a focus on exotics, prior to starting at AIWC. She is super excited to get to work in wildlife full time and gain experience with a whole range of new species. In her free time, she loves to be outside - climbing, snowboarding, or exploring the mountains with her dog.
Cassandra Lacusta Rehabilitation Manager
Cassandra moved to Alberta in the spring of 2023 from British Columbia where she was born and raised. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria where she majored in both biology and earth and ocean sciences.
During her time in university she started working at a wildlife rehabilitation center outside of Vancouver where she specialized in avian and bat patients. She also spent time working at the Vancouver Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Rescue Center where she got to expand her love and knowledge of all the ocean organisms. In her spare time she enjoys shooting and developing film photography and getting into the mountains as often as she can.
Cassandra is very excited to learn about and work with Alberta's wildlife, and lead AIWC's wildlife rehabilitation team.
Cecile RosychukAssistant Rehabilitation Manager
Cecile moved to Calgary in 2023 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from MacEwan University. She grew up in a rural town north of Edmonton where she always loved being outside and watching the wildlife which surrounded her. While pursuing her degree she volunteered at Edmonton's WildNorth Rehabilitation Center which fueled her passion for wildlife rehabilitation. She continued to follow her passion which led her to the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society before coming to AIWC.
Outside of work Cecile loves spending time with her dog, skating at the outdoor rink, and exploring new trails.
Renée MagnanSenior Wildlife Rehabilitator
Born and raised in Alberta, Renée attended the University of Victoria to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. Her passion for marine conservation grew throughout her undergraduate studies when she had the opportunity to work at an off-grid, cold-water scuba diving lodge.
After graduating in 2023, Renée moved back to Alberta, eager to broaden her scope and gain experience working in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. She spends her free time running, doing yoga, and taking trips to the mountains. Renée is thrilled to be a part of the AIWC team, where she hopes to mitigate the impact of humans on Alberta's wildlife and inspire others to do the same.
