Joining RiverWatch in the spring of 2023, Michelle is our visionary science lead, managing all CreekWatch water science programs and citizen science initiatives. Michelle is an honours graduate from Mount Royal University, holding a BSc in Environmental Science. Her academic journey ignited her passion for water resources, including hydrology, water quality, pollution, and watershed management. Data analysis, one of her favourites, serves as her tool to uncover the intricate connections between people, water, and the environment. As a former interpretative guide for RiverWatch, Michelle thrived on educating others about waterway importance, its impact, and mitigation strategies. She firmly believes that fostering this understanding sparks environmental advocacy and inspires citizen scientists. Michelle’s fervent goal is to contribute to a sustainable future. A self-professed “data nerd”, Michelle can often be spotted doing water tests along Calgary creeks and rivers in her spare time. A proud Calgarian, Michelle enjoys the Bow River, Fish Creek Park, and creative pursuits at home with her cats, Stevie and Luna.

Chris Girard is now in his 3rd full season with RiverWatch. He is a father, husband, son and an accomplished river, wilderness, alpine and heli-ski guide. He lives most of his life outdoors, constantly on the water, either surfing, paddle boarding or rafting and during the winter months, he’s in the mountains sliding down frozen water, guiding in skis. His passion for learning and teaching is without bounds. Being able to guide thousands of guests through amazing life-changing wilderness experiences safely is his raison d’être. Whether making new friends or seeing the annual arrival of a migratory species of bird on the river, every day there is something new to experience.

River Hoffos joined the RiverWatch team in 2020 as a Guide and is now the team’s Float Operations Manager. He loves sharing his passion for nature, education, conservation, and rafting with the many students, guests, and staff who make RiverWatch a part of their lives. River’s favourite part about his job is fostering a fun, supportive, and effective teamwork environment!

Outside of work, River is a Semi-Professional Ukrainian Dancer with the Viter Ukrainian Dancers in Edmonton. He spends most of his free time hiking, backpacking, camping, and canoeing across the great outdoors! In the moments between work and wilderness, you’ll find River hard at work planning events in the Ukrainian Community.
He hopes to see you on the river!

Now in her 4th year with RiverWatch, Emma Schneider is our Citizen Science and Creekwatch Coordinator for the Northern Alberta region. She is an experienced environmental enthusiast with a diploma in Natural Resource Technology from Portage College. Emma brings her passion and experience in water management, wildlife conservation, and environmental law to the organization. She is committed to practical, hands-on learning, which she integrates into her role at CreekWatch. In her current position, Emma aims to connect science with the community, focusing on water conservation and inspiring others through her passion for environmental stewardship. She enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking and volunteering in community environmental projects. Emma’s prior experience as a lead River Guide for RiverWatch for 3 seasons further solidifies her dedication to our mission and environmental stewardship, showcasing her leadership skills and genuine love for her work.

Lucas has been a RiverWatch guide for four seasons. His passion for water has led him to many adventures and experiences worldwide. Whether that is chasing waves to surf, snow to ride down, or rivers and lakes to swim in, his love for anything water-related has shaped him into the person and river guide he is today. He is also very passionate about sharing that love with people, helping them create their own adventures and experiences with water and the outdoors. He believes in creating meaningful and impactful moments and memories with those around him, always learning and exploring. According to Lucas… every day is an adventure.

Jay Ball is an accomplished nonprofit executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, including 18 years as CEO and Executive Director. Known for his strategic vision and team-building expertise, Jay has strengthened RiverWatch’s position as Alberta’s premier provider of educational and interpretive environmental experiences on local waterways, fostering environmental stewardship and community engagement across the province. Jay is a Professional River Outfitters Association Of Alberta (PROAOA) board of directors member.

Appointed in the summer of 2022, Jay Ball has led RiverWatch to significant growth, establishing it as Alberta’s largest interpretive and educational river rafting organization with over 13,000 annual guests, including students and the general public. Overseeing the School Science Float, EcoFloat River Tours, and CreekWatch water monitoring programs, Jay has revitalized RiverWatch’s staff culture and set new standards for operational excellence. His commitment to expanding RiverWatch’s impact and awareness includes the successful launch of EcoFloat River Tours in Edmonton and Calgary, which earned the 2024 Edmonton Tourism Award for Sustainable Tourism. Under his leadership, CreekWatch has expanded its role in Alberta’s water monitoring space, now offering municipal water monitoring services under a cost-effective social enterprise model to improve community water health. Of all the things that have happened since joining RiverWatch, Jay is most proud that he’s been able to retain and promote top-tier talent from within the organization to lead Riverwatch programs.

PERSONAL: In his spare time, Jay is an avid hockey fan and has worked with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club as a game night media relations assistant and press box announcer for nearly 29 years. During his time with the Edmonton Oilers, he has worked the press box for two Stanley Cup finals, two Heritage Classics, and over 800 NHL regular season and playoff games. Jay has served local and international communities as a volunteer leader in various capacities for numerous community and sports events and boards, such as the Tour of Alberta, FIFA Women’s World Cup, two IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, Edmonton Special Olympics, Kids Up Front and a two-term trustee of Edmonton Public Library. From 2016 to 2019, Jay also held a 4-year tenure in pro sports as GM of FC Edmonton in the NASL and Canadian Premier League. A Leadership Edmonton’s Charter Class member, Jay resides in Edmonton with his wife, two children, and a dog named BarryBall.