Board of Directors

Meet Our Board Members

Lauren Gregory

Lauren Gregory

Chair of the Board

Lauren Gregory joined the Echo Pond board in June 2023, serving as Secretary and later becoming Chairperson in June 2024. As a Teacher and Assistant Principal at a small rural school, she has been bringing her students to Echo Pond every year since 2016. Her love for this special place and the joy she sees on her students’ faces during each visit inspired her to join the board. Passionate about the outdoors, Lauren is dedicated to helping children fall in love with nature and protect it for future generations.

Todd Philpott

Todd Philpott

Vice Chair
Todd Philpott is currently serving as Vice Chair on the Echo Pond board, marking his second year with the organization. A dedicated teacher with NL Schools for 26 years, Todd joined the board to support the invaluable programming that Echo Pond offers. He is deeply committed to ensuring its continuation for future generations. Todd values Echo Pond’s mission of teaching young people to connect with the natural world—a vital lesson in the face of today’s global challenges in environmental stewardship.

Don Spencer

Don Spencer

Treasurer
Don Spencer has been involved with the Echo Pond board for over 14 years, serving in roles including Chair, at-large member, and currently as Treasurer. A retired mechanical engineer, Don brings expertise in project management, budgeting, and proposal writing. He has extensive experience working with youth as a leader with Scouts Canada and as a volunteer Kindergarten reader.Don’s connection to Echo Pond began through his wife, Helen, who worked as an Educational Assistant and Lead Teacher at the Centre. Initially volunteering with projects and maintenance, he later joined the board. Don is passionate about reconnecting youth with nature and helping them build a lifelong bond with the forest.

Hayley Myers

Hayley Myers

Secretary
Hayley Myers has been involved with Echo Pond since 2022 and currently serves as the board Secretary. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Master’s in Environmental Policy from Memorial University of Newfoundland. With a background in the humanities and social sciences, Hayley brings a unique perspective that emphasizes the connection between natural landscapes and human interactions.Her journey with Echo Pond began as an Environmental Educator in 2022, and since then, the camp has become a place she holds close to her heart. Hayley is inspired by the wonder and excitement Echo Pond sparks in both children and adults. She believes Echo Pond offers a unique and welcoming space for people to connect with nature—both mentally and physically—while exploring and learning about the beauty of the forest.

Debbie Smith

Debbie Smith

Member at Large
Debbie Smith is a dedicated K-12 educator and administrator with over 30 years of experience. Her career has been defined by a passion for fostering growth and learning in students of all ages. Debbie’s connection to Echo Pond began through her daughter’s work as a summer counselor, which introduced her to the unique and inspiring programs offered by the Centre.With her extensive experience in education, Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and valuable perspective to the board, particularly in supporting Echo Pond’s school programs. She understands the importance of connecting students with the natural world and the role outdoor education plays in their development. Debbie is committed to helping Echo Pond continue to inspire future generations through its meaningful and engaging programs.

Stephen Hamlyn

Stephen Hamlyn

Member at Large

Stephen Hamlyn has been a Member-at-Large on the Echo Pond board since 2023, though his connection to the Centre began in 2019 when his children attended the summer camp program. A mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience, Stephen also has a passion for the outdoors as an avid cyclist and fly-fisher.

Beyond his work with Echo Pond, Stephen has volunteered with Ordinary Spokes, a community bike repair shop, and the Anglican Cathedral Labyrinth Committee. He was drawn to the board by Echo Pond’s values, which align closely with his own, particularly its focus on environmental education, disconnecting from devices to connect with nature, and respecting Indigenous territories. Stephen is committed to supporting Echo Pond’s mission and ensuring its programs continue to inspire future generations.

Chris Hogan

Chris Hogan

Member at Large

Chris Hogan joined the Echo Pond Board in 2024, bringing extensive experience from environmental NGOs like the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Network. He has also worked with the United Nations Environment Program’s Secretariat for Biological Diversity. With a passion for addressing the crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, Chris brings skills in strategic planning, advocacy, and network building.

A self-employed carpenter and woodworker, Chris is motivated by his deep connection to the environment and his role as a parent. He values Echo Pond’s mission of immersing children in nature to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards, fostering a lasting love and respect for the natural world.