Meet the Team

Directors

Paula Baxter

Chair

Paula Baxter is one of the owners of Exemplar Horticulture, a perennial and grass nursery servicing the Independent Garden centers and landscape trades. Paula has been in the horticulture industry for 30+ years. She is extremely passionate about agriculture and is thrilled to represent her industry. Paula is also currently serving her second term as a member of AgSafeBC’s Board of Directors.

Victor Kulla

1st Vice Chair

With a unique blend of experiences, Victor offers a diverse skill set honed over nearly two decades across multiple industries including residential landscape contracting, mineral exploration, and a medical 3D printing startup. His journey has been marked by leadership roles, technical expertise, and a passion for fostering innovation. As someone with a love for complex challenges, Victor acts as the current Technical Chair for the Skills Canada BC Landscape Competition, promoting the industry as a career choice for aspiring professionals and contributing to the Skills Canada National Technical Committee. This journey has shaped his leadership philosophy, characterized by empowerment, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Michelle McEachern

2nd Vice Chair

Michelle McEachern is one of the owners of Denbow, a manufacturer of engineered soils, compost and mulches.

Michelle has 29 years of experience of serving customers in the horticulture and landscape industries and is looking forward to serving with BCLNA.

Simon Traskey

Treasurer

Simon from Qualitree Propagators Inc. serves as our Treasurer.

Robert Wein Jr

Grower Committee Chair

Robbie’s interests lie in research, propagation, pest control, plant breeding and automation. He has also spent time in Clearview’s Garden Shop, working with customers.

As a fifth-generation grower, Robbie understands the industry practically as well as theoretically. Having started at the nursery when he was 7, (his first word was ’tractors’), Robbie has worked professionally at Clearview for 15 years. He believes his knowledge and experience provide a good basis for becoming a director at the BCLNA.

Mike Lalonde

Landscape Professionals Committee Chair

With over 30 years in the landscape construction industry, Mike Lalonde brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his role as Landscape Chair. A firm believer in the values of honesty, fairness, integrity, generosity, and hard work, Mike is passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals. He actively supports young people in the industry and other businesses, helping them navigate their careers with confidence.

Since founding Blue Pine 25 years ago, Mike has cultivated a thriving workforce through four operational companies with approximately 350 full-time staff across offices in Surrey and Duncan. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by the successful establishment of multiple businesses, showcasing his dedication to growth and innovation.

Outside of his professional commitments, Mike enjoys traveling, relaxing at his lake cabin, and spending quality time with his wife and two step-kids. His multifaceted approach to leadership and mentorship continues to inspire those around him.

Jason Carton

Director at Large

Jason from Hyland Landscapes serves as our Director at Large.

Heike Stippler

CNLA Director, BC Representative | Past Chair

Heike has built strong relationships with contractors and suppliers and is actively involved in the community and various associations. As B.C. Representative at the Canadian Nursey and Landscape Association (CNLA) board of directors and Past Chair at BC Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA) Board of Directors, she is involved in various aspects of the horticulture industry. Heike is a director with HortEducationBC and past director with the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) and brings experience and passion to all meetings as well as back to the jobsites. She is a horticulture advisor with the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC) and Heike Designs is ‘invasive-free’ certified.

Heike Stippler operates a Landscape business in Whistler, B.C., offering all aspects of Landscaping. Heike Designs Inc. provides Design, Installation and Maintenance, along with Consulting and Project Management services. Experience and passion paired with education and certification are the base for all her professional work.

She is a Red Seal certified Landscape Horticulturist with a degree in Architecture from Germany. After immigrating to Canada, originally for ski instructing, she has been working successfully in Whistler since 1999, producing various projects of all sizes and several award-winning landscapes. Heike focuses on environmentally conscious projects that fit each individual location.

Staff

Coreen Rodger Berrisford

Executive Director

Coreen knows how to ask the right questions and make the right connections, which is why she excels as our Executive Director! She loves meeting members and learning about their amazing diversity of plants. When she’s not sourcing funding opportunities or putting together workshops, you can find Coreen hiking, snowshoeing, or relaxing with a good book with her dog, Towel!

Angie Miller

Program Coordinator

Angie is BCLNA’s Program Coordinator focusing on ensuring the events and committees, as well as certification and educational programs run smoothly. After spending the first 10 years of her career in corporate support roles, she decided to follow her passion and join the Horticulture industry. She has studied Horticulture at UFV and been a Grower in propagation of shrubs, perennials, and annuals. She enjoys a deep discussion over a great cup of coffee, playing with her kids (including her dog), gardening, and getting out into nature.

Srini Makkapati

Membership Coordinator

Srini Makkapati is the Membership Coordinator at BCLNA, dedicated to enhancing member engagement and supporting the growth of the association. She manages membership applications and renewals while also overseeing communications to ensure members are informed about valuable resources and events. Outside of work, Srini enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, and participating in community events.

Hannah Nicolle

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Hannah is working on BCLNA’s membership communications, social media, marketing copy, and everything in between as our Communications and Marketing Coordinator. She is a part time digital marketing strategy student at BCIT, and also has an arts, media, and culture degree from Trinity Western University. Her life revolves around getting outside, getting creative, and most of all, getting coffee.

Tina Wang

Office Administrator (Part Time)

Tina has a Bachelor of Science from UBC and, since transitioning from lab technician to lab administrator, she has developed a love for all miscellanea that is administration. Her ultimate dream is to fill every corner of her house with plants and to have an edible garden to feed her family of four (plus the dog). At home, she enjoys crafting with her kids, cooking and baking, and playing the piano.

Brandon Birk

Administration and Communications Assistant

Brandon comes to us as an experienced and detail-oriented professional with a proven track record of efficiently managing administrative tasks in fast-paced environments. Possessing a strong aptitude for organization and client satisfaction, he strives to provide the best support and assistance in any role! Brandon enjoys working with others and creating engaging experiences in many different mediums.

Doris Mars

Financial Officer (Part Time)

Meet the BCLNA Team