Notre équipe

Our team

Composed of individuals passionate about promoting natural environments, the team shares a love for water resources and is dedicated to protecting rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which it considers to be the treasures of the Laurentians.

Team members have a wide range of expertise in fields such as biology, environment, geography, geomatics, as well as consultation and communication. This diversity contributes to the team’s effectiveness in addressing the various water-related issues in the region in a global and complementary manner.

Mélanie LauzonB. Sc., DESS

Executive Director

Main responsibilities: Administrative management, strategic development, coordination, representation

About Mélanie

With a bachelor’s degree in Ecology from the University of Sherbrooke and a master’s degree in Project Management from ESG UQAM, Mélanie has always been motivated to contribute to projects that have a positive impact on the environment and the community.

Drawing on her professional experience in the municipal sector and in communications, she is now proud to apply her skills to integrated water management in the region where she lives.

Marilyne OuimetB. Comm.

Communications Manager

Main responsibilities: Corporate communications, event coordination, and media relations

About Marilyne

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Marketing from the Université du Québec à Montréal. Her interests and professional experience are diverse, spanning work with organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large private companies. She also studied classical music for many years, trained in computer graphics, and has a strong interest in website redesign.

What motivated her to join the OBV is its values and the sense that her work can have a meaningful impact on the well-being of others.

Eric Guerra-GrenierM. Sc. biologie

Wetland Restoration Project Manager

Main responsibilities: Agri-environment, conservation and restoration, fauna and flora, geomatics

About Eric

Eric is a biologist specializing in entomology, herpetology, conservation, and evolutionary ecology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Montreal and a master’s degree in Biology from Carleton University.

While working on the conservation of endangered species in Quebec, he discovered a strong passion for protecting wetlands and aquatic environments. A firm believer in voluntary conservation and citizen science, he chose to join the team at the Organisme de bassin versant de la rivière du Nord, drawn by its positive, collaborative approach and the opportunity to continue contributing to a healthier environment.

Marie-Pénélope GuayB.Sc. Géographie environnementale

Project Manager

Main responsibilities: Mois de l’eau, Plan de protection des sources d’eau potable, Grand Ruisseau, MÉRIGE, geomatics

About Marie-Pénélope

Marie-Pénélope holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geography from the University of Montreal. Her background has provided her not only with a deep understanding of environmental systems, but also with a genuine passion for the natural world.

Driven by a desire to protect our environments, she firmly believes that ecosystem conservation goes hand in hand with collective action. The mission of the Organisme de bassin versant de la rivière du Nord aligns perfectly with her values, and her eagerness to learn makes her a valuable member of the team.

Marie-Belle AchkarM. Sc. A en génie civil

Project Manager

Main responsibilities: Défi Eau propre, Plan de protection des sources d’eau potable, MÉRIGE, OGAT, Châtaigne d’eau

About Marie-Belle

Marie-Belle holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Lebanese University and a master’s degree in Water and Environmental Research from Polytechnique Montréal. Her expertise focuses on assessing urban water demand in the context of climate change and human pressures.

She has worked as a research associate and lecturer, while actively collaborating with local and regional organizations, as well as networks of young water enthusiasts. She is convinced that communication and scientific outreach are essential components of integrated water resource management.

Benafsha AmiriM. Env.

Project Manager

Main responsibilities: Plan de protection des sources d’eau potable, Programme de suivi de la qualité des cours d’eau, Châtaigne d’eau, MÉRIGE, OGAT

About Benafsha

Benafsha holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on Management from the University of Sherbrooke, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from UQAM. She specializes in climate change, sustainable development, and water management.

Benafsha has extensive experience in the municipal and community sectors, where she has implemented environmental plans and strategies. Highly motivated to improve the quality of life in communities, she believes it is essential to leave the natural environment in better condition than we found it.

Cynthia GagnièreM. Sc. Géographie

Project Manager (on temporary leave)

Main responsibilities: Plan de protection des sources d’eau potable, mise à jour du PDE, geomatics, flooding

About Cynthia

Cynthia holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geography from the University of Montreal and a master’s degree in Geography from Université du Québec à Montréal, specializing in land-use planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

She has a strong interest in hydrogeomorphology, urban river dynamics, and geomatics. Since 2019, she has been fully committed to integrated water management and the protection of natural and aquatic environments in the Rivière du Nord watershed.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composed of eight members elected from among the delegates of the members. At least three of them come from the following sectors: municipal, community, and economic. In addition, a co-opted seat is available if needed, and the person holding this seat is appointed by the Board of Directors.