Meet YCC Courtenay's Co-Leads

This week, several of our 2026 programs began, including Courtenay. We'd like to introduce you to our program leads, Mikasa and Heather.

Mikasa

Mikasa Quaife is excited to be returning to her second season at YCCBC as co-lead of the Courtenay program. She is proud of the learning, connections, and progress made in the inaugural season and is looking forward to being able to continue this work and create an even more impactful program this year. Before joining YCCBC Mikasa pursued a BSc in marine biology and then worked as an educator and outdoor guide on the ocean and in the forests of the Coast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, Kwak’wala, Haida, Heiltsuk, and Kitasoo Xai’xais peoples. This work allowed her to share her passion and knowledge of the environment and its inhabitants to a diverse group of people while doing some of her favourite activities, including sailing, kayaking, and hiking.

Heather

Based on the unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation in Courtenay, BC, Heather Welch (she/her) is an environmental practitioner with a background in anthropology, GIS, forestry, invasive species management, and non-profit work. Her practice is rooted in environmental education, community connection, and accessible approaches to stewardship. Outside of work, Heather can be found bike touring, hiking with her dog Ziggy, and expressing her creativity through dance,  painting and cooking.

We're excited to have these amazing Co-Leads on our team!