Meet The Team

Damon Stapinsky (He/Him)

Damon is a graduate of Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Program and as Expedition Manager he ensures everything about your trip is ready to go once you arrive. He manages our awesome team of sea kayak guides.

Damon’s love of the great outdoors means that each trip is based on his detailed knowledge of the area and the favourite spots only a resident local expert knows how to find.

Stephen Gabrysh (He/Him)

Stephen has had a passion for the water since moving from Alberta in 1992. He is a avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Stephen lives in Campbell River and loves spending time with his family. His two daughters are 5 and 12. They have enjoyed spending more time on the water and share his passion for the outdoors.

His business background as an entrepreneur has grown a company from 30 employees to 75. Stephen has a Bcom in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University. He is a trained naturalist, Commercial Bear Viewing Association Level 1 bear viewing guide and is Transport Canada Certified for small commercial vessel operations. Stephen also holds a Multi Engine IFR Pilots License, and a Class 1 Commercial Drivers License.

He also currently serves as President of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association, member of the City of Campbell River Tourism Advisory Committee, and member of the Discovery Islands Tourism and Forestry Working Group.

Tyler Bruce (He/Him)

Tyler has grown up on the water. His early years were spent down in the Gulf Islands, before moving north and exploring Nootka Sound, Discovery Passage, and the Johnstone Strait.

He’s been involved in the commercial sportfishing and ski industry since 2001. He was the Assistant Slope Supervisor at Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort, and was tasked with supervising a crew of 20 in day-to-day operations. He is also a commercial sports fisherman in Nootka Sounds Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait.

Tyler has a Leadership and Safety Excellence certificate from ACSA, MED 3A- Marine Emergency Duties, Marine First Aid CPR/AED Level C, VHF Radio Operators License, and Small Vessel Operators Proficiency from Transport Canada.

Maddie Lemke (She/Her)

Maddie was born and raised in the countryside of southern Germany. Although she grew up far from the ocean, childhood camping trips to the Atlantic coast of France and the Baltic Sea sparked a lifelong fascination with the marine environment and ocean creatures.

Maddie holds a bachelor’s and master's degree in tourism and destination management and has been a part of our team since 2023. She has found her dream job in the ethical whale watching industry, where she finds herself immersed in constant learning about wildlife, while also fulfilling her passion for creativity and sustainable development. Maddie utilizes her marketing expertise as a tool to communicate the importance of ethical practices in wildlife viewing, inspiring guests to join educational tours and fostering a deep interest in ocean conservation awareness.

Outside of work, Maddie loves spending time outdoors - mountain biking, hiking, or enjoying a quiet beach day with a good book and plenty of time swimming. She also volunteers with Kitty Cat PALS, helping socialize feral cats, and enjoys creative outlets such as painting, linocut printmaking and baking.

Anaïs Barnes (She/Her)

Born on the island and raised in the rural Northern Rockies, Anaïs' love for the outdoors and adventure is grand. The ocean was calling, and she found her way back to the island in 2015.

Anaïs graduated University in the Arts and in Administration. She is thrilled to join the team in 2025 and be a part of sustainable eco-tourism. Helping others to experience and enjoy the incredible beauty of our local area and wildlife, while helping to educate them on the importance of sustainable and responsible practices is of great importance to her.

When not helping others have their dream day on the water, Anaïs can be found enjoying time with her busy little family in the garden, on the trails, or singing in local choirs or productions.

Taya Rice (She/Her)

Taya grew up on Vancouver Island, where spending time on the water and immersed in nature was simply part of everyday life. Those early experiences shaped her connection to the marine environment and led her to pursue a Management Degree with a major in Sustainable Tourism and Recreation.

Taya has been working in the tourism industry since 2012 and joined the Campbell River Whale Watching team in 2018. Having always envisioned a career rooted in nature and the ocean, she feels right at home in an industry that allows her to share meaningful wildlife experiences with guests. One of the aspects she values most about her role is working for an employer that truly puts people first and is committed to building supportive, long-term careers for its team.

When she’s not at work, Taya loves exploring and playing outdoors with her young kids and spending as much time as possible on the water aboard their own boat during the summer months.

Olivia Rumbell (She/Her)

Olivia was born in Toronto and raised in a rural community in Southern Ontario, both far from the ocean. However, spending her summers visiting family on Vancouver Island ignited a fascination with marine life and the coastal environment.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Carleton University, Olivia has worked in communications with environmental non-profit organizations, and produced a podcast episode exploring solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change in rural Uganda. Olivia joined us as Sales and Marketing Assistant, helping to promote ethical wildlife viewing and meaningful guest experiences.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys hiking, camping, and immersing herself in the natural beauty of the coast. On rainy days, she can often be found baking or working on creative projects like crocheting.

Scarlett Manson (She/Her)

Scarlett joins the Wildcoast team all the way from New Zealand, bringing a wealth of experience and a massive passion for the great outdoors. She has spent the majority of the past decade working as an outdoor guide and instructor, building up an impressive background in white-water kayaking, sea kayaking, and even healthcare. For Scarlett, the best part of guiding is the opportunity to work with people, be outside, and help guests connect with breathtaking parts of the natural world that they might never get to experience on their own. This year marks her very first season with the Wildcoast Adventures team, and she is incredibly stoked to spend her days alongside like-minded adventurers, exploring beautiful places, and - most importantly - watching whales!

Favorite Tour Sightings: She is on high alert for porpoises, whales, and any birds of prey soaring overhead.

Off-Clock Adventures: When she isn't guiding on the ocean, you can usually find Scarlett white-water kayaking or winding down with a good book.

Laura Neal (She/Her)

Laura grew up in North Vancouver and has a diploma in outdoor leadership. Now in her second season with Wildcoast, she previously spent several summers working with youth at a summer camp on the Sunshine Coast. The wide variety of marine life in the Johnstone Strait and Discovery Islands is what brought her to Wildcoast and her favourite part of guiding is sharing that with guests from all over the world.

When she’s not paddling, Laura can be found enjoying the slower moments spent with her dog, Bentley, and channeling her creativity through art. In the winter she can be found downhill skiing and working as a ski patroller.

Zoe Mar

Zoe is a seasoned adventure guide who brings five years of experience in the outdoor industry to our team. She holds a double bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, & Tourism and Geography. Zoe is deeply passionate about building a strong, meaningful community and developing shared spaces where everyone can explore rare and unique opportunities together.

Having worked in the industry since early 2021, Zoe joined the team in 2022 as an assistant overnight guide. She was drawn to the industry through her lifelong love of working on boats and her desire to expand her knowledge of the ocean, which she reveres as our planet's vastest and most ancient ecosystem. She considers it a huge privilege to work alongside industry experts and others who share her passion for marine life. For Zoe, the most cherished aspect of her job is gaining unique access to remote and isolated regions of this beautiful country.

She loves bringing guests into unfamiliar territories and watching them embark on awe-inspiring, unforgettable journeys.

When she is out on a tour, her absolute favorite wildlife to spot is fish!

When she isn't out on the water, Zoe is a multifaceted creator. She loves the venture of building anything and everything, with interests spanning digital media design, arts, sculpting, music, and functional utilities. She always has multiple projects on the go and loves doing research to acquire new skills she can integrate into her work.

If you're wondering about her favorite local treat, Zoe is a big fan of farm-to-table food - specifically cinnamon sugar donut holes!

Allison Painter

Originally from Colorado, Allison moved to British Columbia 12 years ago and hasn't looked back! An avid outdoors enthusiast who has been going on sea kayak expeditions since she was 12 years old, she officially turned her passion into a career five years ago and is now entering her third season with the Wildcoast team.

Allison was drawn to the industry for the opportunity to deeply connect with nature and foster a sense of environmental care and community. She strongly believes that education is one of the best tools available to show people from around the world just how special our oceans are. For her, the absolute best part of the job is sharing the region's natural beauty with guests and teaching them about local species.

While whales are always a major highlight, Allison’s absolute favorite wildlife to spot on tour are nudibranchs - she loves bringing attention to the amazing small creatures hiding beneath the surface!

When she isn't guiding on the water, Allison stays active mountain biking, cycle touring, hiking, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends.

After a great trip out on the water, her favorite local spot to unwind with a nice cold drink is Beachfire Brewing.

Georgia Bird

Hi! I'm Georgia, I'm originally from New Zealand and I'm a self proclaimed nature nerd. Growing up I always had a connection to the outdoors, especially the ocean, so as an adult I've chased that connection and became a kayak guide. Any activity that promotes spending time outside is something I enjoy, and sea kayaking is 100% that!

Growing up in NZ I was lucky enough to have access to an epic outdoors playground where I learnt how to be a guide, and was always infatuated by the awesomeness of BC's coastal waters which lead me here today. I've been working in the outdoors industry for the past 5 years, having done 3 summer seasons in New Zealand and this will be my second here in BC with Wildcoast.

I love that I'm able to be a part of a person's journey in the outdoors, and this industry is an epic way to do so. Getting to watch someone spot their first whale, watch dolphins do acrobatics or when people learn about a new animal is just such an awesome experience to be a part of. I just really like it when the people around me are smiling.

The best part of my job is helping people create a connection to nature and have as much fun as I am on our trips!

When not working, I enjoy more kayaking! I love planning expeditions, surfing at surge narrows, and just going for a float to spot some wildlife. In classic kiwi culture I also enjoy soaking up the sun and drinking a cup of coffee.

Absolutely everything we see on our tours is a highlight from the big guys to the little guys. It's always awesome to see orca and humpback whales, but I get particularly excited when eagles are hanging around!

Jeff Bruce

Jeff grew up on Vancouver Island, and spent 20 years as a chef in the Kootenays. He has run Food and Beverage operations at ski hills, helicopter ski lodges, fishing lodges and eco tourism operations as well as running a successful catering and food truck operation. This is his third year working for Wildcoast Adventures.

He enjoys cooking for people who are experiencing our land and our wildlife and loves being part of a strong dedicated team.