Daria Koscinski
Executive Director
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Daria is a passionate advocate for nature and for building collaborative programs to care for land and biodiversity. Daria joined Thames Talbot Land Trust in 2014 as the Conservation Property Manager and moved into the role of Executive Director in 2021. She has been actively involved in conservation and land stewardship in Ontario since 2000 through her education, work and volunteer experience with environmental groups. Daria received her BSc and MSc from Queen's University and her PhD from Western University with a focus on ecology, population genetics and habitat fragmentation. She brings experience related to ecological conservation, land care, partnership development and non-profit management. Daria enjoys spending time in nature, seed collecting, gardening with native plants and sharing her passion for local biodiversity.
Lily Vuong
Conservation Director
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Lily brings a background in conservation management and urban tree planting, holding an Advanced Diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology from Fleming College and a BSc in Environmental Science from Trent University. She is deeply passionate about land conservation and enjoys connecting with landholders to hear their unique stories. Lily strives to make the land acquisition process a positive and rewarding experience for those looking to permanently protect the lands they cherish. Outside of work, Lily enjoys discovering treasures at thrift stores, exploring new cuisines, and—most importantly—taking slow, peaceful walks with her beloved rescue chihuahua, Dolly.
Get in touch with Lily if you have questions about land protection, acquisitions, land donations, Conservation Easement Agreements, research permits and data requests, or nature reserve maintenance, including hazard or encroachment issues.
Darby Alderson
Operations and Engagement Manager
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Darby has always been surrounded by nature, having lived most of her life in rural communities. From a young age, she was the litter patrol at her school and spoke with the trees on her walks. Her love of nature translated into an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph and later an Environmental Management and Assessment post-graduate certificate from Niagara College. Outside of nature, Darby is a lover of jigsaw puzzles, playing piano, and being a goof.
As the Operations and Engagement Manager at Thames Talbot Land Trust, Darby is responsible for administration, finances, outreach, communications, and managing some of her coworkers (aka the Toad Team).
Payton Landsborough
Stewardship and Outreach Coordinator
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Folks are encouraged to reach out to Payton to inquire about stewardship partnership opportunities, share their observations of notable flora, fauna, and/or species at risk on TTLT nature reserves, and ask questions about ecology, species identification, and land stewardship practices.
Avery Vojvodin
Volunteer Coordinator
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Avery joined Thames Talbot Land Trust first thing in 2024. She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts and has a background in outdoor and history education. She is an avid outdoors person, having guided in Gros Morne, Newfoundland and thru-hiked the Great Divide Trail and Bruce Trail. Avery loves to spend her free time hiking and canoeing with her dog, Rowan. She is passionate about sharing her love for nature with others and hopes everyone has the opportunity to experience its beauty.
Feel free to reach out to Avery about all things volunteering!
Ellise Proctor
Land Stewardship Assistant
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Ellise has a background in ecology and conservation, holding an MSc in Geography from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph. As the Land Stewardship Assistant, Ellise applies her knowledge in species at risk monitoring, invasive species management, and restoration projects, while also assisting Lily and Payton in any way she can. Outside of work, Ellise enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and reading a good book at the beach.
Feel free to contact Ellise about all things species-at-risk, restoration, invasive species management, trails and maintenance, and health and safety representative-related.
Alexander Casciano
Fund Development Assistant
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Alexander joined TTLT in 2025, bringing with him a diverse background in business development and arboriculture. With experience spanning both the corporate and environmental sectors, he offers a unique perspective on conservation and community engagement. Alexander holds a bachelor’s degree from Western University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in nature with family and friends, especially on the water in a canoe or kayak. A passionate cook and avid gardener, he loves blending both hobbies to create fresh, seasonal meals he’s always happy to share.
Contact Alex if you have questions about fundraising.
Nela Jankechova
Conservation Intern
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Nela joined TTLT in May 2025. She received her BSc. in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 2024. She has a background in field research, invasive species management, and science communication. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading novels, and identifying plants.
Sarah Law
Communications and Marketing Intern
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With a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation and Master of Management from the University of British Columbia, Sarah joined TTLT in May 2025 as the Communications and Marketing Intern. This was the perfect opportunity to combine her passion and knowledge in community engagement and environmental protection. She has previously worked and volunteered for environmental and community-based non-profits to inspire the public in learning more about the importance of the nature around them. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, watching hockey, and drawing and painting.
Skye Martineau
Communications Specialist
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Skye joined TTLT in May 2025. She recently received her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication Studies at Western University, and has a background in radio production and outreach and engagement, both campus and community-wide. In her spare time, Skye enjoys going for walks and bike rides with friends, watching indie films, and going to local live music performances.
Meet Our Furry Nature Guardians!
Dolly
Don’t let the big eyes and tiny paws fool you—Dolly is more than just a pretty face. Though she may give off strong “I’m just a baby” vibes with her soft glances and petite frame, she’s got a spunky spirit that makes it clear who’s really in charge. One look at her is all it takes to motivate her mom, Lily, to work a little harder—after all, someone has to fund Dolly’s pepperoni stick obsession.
