OUR TEAM
​
STAFF
Executive Director
Kimberly Howitt
After interning at MESS in the Spring of 2024, Kim is excited to return as the Executive Director. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the Fraser Valley, specializing in environmental science and science communications. With a deep appreciation for nature, Kim is passionate about being part of the change to keep Mission’s beautiful and diverse landscape clean. She finds MESS’ mission of promoting land stewardship and environmental education admirable and looks forward to bringing her passion for environmental sustainability to the organization.
Program Volunteer
Maddison Reist
Maddison is studying geography and environmental studies at the University of Victoria. Ever since she was little, she has had a passion for protecting our environment and loved being outside. Maddison has been a part of MESS since she was in elementary school and has enjoyed seeing it grow into what it is today. She believes that MESS is a great way to get our youth and community involved in educating themselves about our environment and learning how to protect it.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Lisa Reist
Lisa first became involved in the Society's anti-litter program approximately 14 years ago, as an elementary school teacher through conducting Litter Audits & painting garbage barrels for the city with her class. Lisa has been involved in various programs including the Jr. Anti-Litter Bug Club, assisting at group cleanups, and working with her class to adopt Griner Park. She enjoys the enthusiasm she sees in her students when they are cleaning up our environment. They are performing such great citizenship work and having a fun time, too. Lisa looks forward to being a part of our future expansion into the school programs and the new youth program. She also looks forward to helping the Society expand its community litter abatement education programs & community clean up events.
Member at Large
Jennifer Walton
Jenn first became involved with MESS when she worked for the organization as a staff member from 2019 to 2021.Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Environment from Simon Fraser University and a Masters of Planning from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. As a Mission resident for most of her life, Jenn's passionate about fostering a greater sense of community in Mission and working towards environmental sustainability. She's looking forward to continuing to be involved with MESS as a member of the Board of Directors and helping to keep Mission clean.
Member at Large
Cristina Favero
Cristina is a geography student at UFV with a passion for sustainable transportation! Sustainability in general is something she increasingly finds herself caring about, especially paired with equity issues. She is working to be environmentally conscious in her own life, in ways that may seem small because she believes the ‘small’ and more local level is the best place to start. We all need a foundation that we can build upon – this is how lasting change can be made. That’s why she joined M.E.S.S., to support fellow Mission residents as we work together to create change in our community.
Member at Large
Terry Peressini
Terry has lived in Mission since 2009. He and his wife moved to Mission after living in the BC Peace River area for over 40 years. Terry has always been an active volunteer. He joined MESS to help keep Mission beautiful and to protect the environment. His dream is that there is no longer a need for MESS; all citizens recycle responsibly and there is no litter on the streets.
Member at Large
Penny Bjurman
Penny is a long time Mission resident , mother of two young children and small business owner with strong roots within the community. She is passionate about caring for our local forested areas and engaging with children to foster a deeper connection with nature. Penny and her family are committed volunteers who enjoy cleaning up our local greenspaces, planting native shrubs and trees and teaching others how to be good land stewards. She is looking forward to being an active board member of M.E.S.S and hopes to be able to contribute in a hands-on and meaningful way. As our community of Mission continues to expand, she hopes to see the citizens come together to care for the land, parks and waterways that make Mission so beautiful. She wishes to make a positive impact and help at maintaining a clean city for all of us to enjoy.