Meet the Team
The Spirit Bear Lodge team consists of passionate people willing to share their knowledge of the wildlife, culture and the Great Bear Rainforest.
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Almost every family is involved in tourism in some way, whether as a boat operator, tour guide, hotel staff or in marketing. It's the second biggest industry here and an extremely important one for the community.
John Czornobaj
General Manager
Growing up on Vancouver Island, John began venturing into the wilderness with his family as a young child. This inspired his later years of travel, both locally and globally, in search of wild places. His passion for outdoor adventure led him to an education in Adventure Tourism and later to guiding and management positions with a variety of coastal wilderness tourism operators. John has many passions routed in the outdoors, including fly fishing, kayaking, river rafting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. John is passionate about sharing experiences with visitors from around the world.
John has been with Spirit Bear Lodge since 2016 and is thrilled to continue working with the Kitasoo/Xai'xais to share their culture and territory with guests of Spirit Bear Lodge. For John, there is no better place to be than on the side of a river in an untouched valley right in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, especially with his wife Elissa and daughter May by his side.
Roxanne Robinson
Lodge Manager
Raised in Klemtu, Roxanne has a passion for her Kitasoo/Xai'Xais Language and Culture. In her position as the Language and Culture Instructor at Kitasoo Community School, Roxanne had the opportunity to work with a knowledge keeper on helping to revitalize the Xai'xais language. Most recently Roxanne served two terms on the Kitasoo Band Council, first term as Councillor and the second term as the first ever female Chief Councillor of the Nation.
Roxanne Resides in Klemtu with her husband and 2 children who are the light of her life. We are thrilled to have her lead us at Spirit Bear Lodge as the Assistant Manager.
Krista Duncan
Operations Manager
Krista was born and raised in the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nations village of Klemtu, on the central coast of British Columbia, in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Krista is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to her community and the Kitasoo/Xai'xais lands surrounding it.
Having worked with bears as a guide at the village-owned Spirit Bear Lodge and as a field technician with Spirit Bear Research Foundation, Krista spends many days on the ground observing bears and guiding international guests that come to her territory to enjoy the wildlife, the marine life and to learn about her unique and powerful culture. Krista is passionate about conserving the wildlife and the ecosystems that her people have relied on and will continue to rely on for future generations, including the future of her four children. In previous year Krista spent the winter months working as a Sgüüxs transcriber apprentice and data management with the Language working group of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais, helping revive the Southern dialect of Tsimshian, Sgüüxs. Since 2023 we have been fortunate to have Krista back full time, 'ntoyaxsn Krista!
Cassandra Duncan
Reservations and Marketing Specialist - Guide
Cassandra was born and raised in Bella Bella and shared time growing up in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. In 2018, Cassandra participated in the Aboriginal Ecotourism Training Program hosted by Heiltsuk Tribal Council in partnership with NIC and VIU. This led her to a path of self-discovery and was the beginning of her love for adventure and exploring in tourism.
Though her immediate blood ties connect her to the Haíɫzaqv and Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, her lineage ties her to further places like the Xai Xais (Kynoch), Haisla (Kitamaat) and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola). Cassandra has relocated to Klemtu and is creating roots with her now wife, Krista and step children. She has spent the last 6 years getting to know her cultural ties, family connections and participating in language revitalization when she worked with the Kitasoo Xai Xais Languages Working Group. Cassandra started as a guide at Spirit Bear Lodge and later in 2022, she signed on as apart of the reservations and marketing team. Her ability to adapt has led to stronger connections and she looks forward to sharing her knowledge and creating memories with those coming to experience what we have to offer.
Wendy Mason Hall
Housekeeping Manager
Wendy has been with Spirit Bear Lodge for a few years now and is a key part of our housekeeping department. Wendy has an eye for details and is a joy to work with. Wendy works year round at the lodge keeping rooms and common areas clean and comfortable. Her husband Simon skippers for the lodge and their daughter Mercy has spent time guiding for as well. Though many of our guests never meet Wendy, all our guests appreciate her hard work and attention to detail.
Cheyenne Mason
Housekeeper
Raised in Klemtu, Cheyenne's soft, bubbly nature is felt once she enters a room, it is evident in her attention to detail and the way that she supports the housekeeping team. Cheyenne has been a part of the housekeeping staff for a few seasons now, and in the last few has worked both the off-season and season at the Lodge.
We are grateful for Cheyenne and her quiet energy that often brings a balance to the day-to-day operations. It is more than making sure rooms are cozy and about the lodge feeling just as fresh as it appears. Cheyenne has an eye that is detail oriented and each room is left feeling like it was meant just for our guests. Cheyenne is a proud mother to two sons and demonstrates what it means to be a strong, kind, and gentle being.
Anne Brown Reid
Housekeeper
Anne has been at the lodge in different capacities over the years, we have been grateful to have her in the last two seasons as a housekeeper. Anne spent time growing up in Klemtu, and has since raised her three sons here too. A proud mother, sister, aunt and all the roles that come with growing up in a community like Klemtu.
Anne has a sense of humour, kindness and the energy that one can feel comfortable with! She moves quick, and gets the work done well, the comfort of the lodge and the energy put into the place starts with our housekeeping crew. Annes contribution to that is felt from beginning to end! We are so lucky to have Anne back in this capacity and we hope that one day we can have her guide again.
Darcey Robinson
Marine Operations Manager - Boat Captain
Darcey has been working with the lodge since 2017, he is returning this year as our 2023 Marine Operations Manager. Darcey has been on the water learning from his dad, Clark Robinson Sr., and other elders in the community since he was a boy. Growing up in Klemtu means growing up on the water, Darcey is as at home on the boat as he is on land. Darcey knows his territory like the back of his hand and loves to take guests out. Darcey is also a talented marine mechanic and takes good care of our fleet, we are so grateful to have him on board this season!
Cat Cowan
Operations Assistant - Guide
Cat has joined the team as a guide and skipper for the season, she is from and grew up in Toronto, Ontario and has been in Golden BC since 2015. Cat brings knowledge and experience from places like Banff and Lake Louis and previously managed at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge. The knowledge of bear behaviour, the importance of understanding care plans and release initiatives is held closely as she joins our guide crew.
A valuable set of transferable skills and education that make her a wonderful addition to the team! Cat finds joy in activities such as; horseback riding, camping, fishing and paddling. Becoming immersed in the community and environment that we call home is something that she looks forward to. She hopes that guests can take a new found appreciation from this experience, and leave with a new, rejuvenated, and heightened appreciation for the world that we live in and the importance of conservation.
Byron Olsen-Grant
Guide - Skipper
Aikaymas (Byron) grew up in Cimcoa, a community near the town of Kitimat. Byron comes from the Haisla and Xenaksiala Nations of the Douglas Channel and Garner Canal.
Byron comes from the Grant/Duncan/Wilson and Smith families, ties that are shared between many of the Kitasoo Xai Xais People. Byron has worked with Spirit Bear Lodge before and has made connections to family, our team and often spoke about the passages that are connected by the mountains. With a strong ability to provide and traditional harvesting; you can find Byron fishing, hunting or processing foods for the winter. Byron hopes that guests can find a sense of peace, connections to the land, and all that is here. We are so grateful to have Byron returning! Welcome back Byron!
Sam Kickbush
Guide - Skipper
Sam grew up on Vancouver Island and has always had a love for the outdoors and an eagerness for grand adventures! This led her to discover a love for working on the water. In previous years Sam has worked as a guide doing marine wildlife tours on Vancouver Island and worked with a conservation organization doing public outreach, education, and advocacy for marine mammals. She also assisted in hands-on field work for various whale research projects. Currently Sam is pursuing education in Environmental Conservation.
Sam has a passion for connecting with people from all walks of life and helping others appreciate the beauty of nature and understand the importance of protecting it. Sam hopes that she can help all the guests she meets create lifelong memories of epic adventures, build a connection to the outdoors, and have experiences that inspire them to support conservation efforts. Sam encourages people to enjoy the moment and appreciate the incredible opportunity to explore and witness wild spaces.
Heather Robinson
Lead Guide
Heather has been a part of Spirit Bear Lodge for nearly a decade. Since 2016 Heather has been sharing her knowledge and passions for the culture, history and experience on the lands and waters. Since being apart of the Spirit Bear Lodge, Heather has been a key component in guide training and support to our future guides. Her willingness to share her knowledge has created inspiration and a space for teaching.
Her experience provides a comfortable and safe space for guests and coworkers alike. When not working at Spirit Bear Lodge, she spends her off season already looking forward to the next! Her care for the environment, bears and wildlife motivates her return each year. Heather's energy and humour is memorable and we are fortunate to have her!
Justin Neasloss
Guide - Storyteller
Justin is returning to the Lodge for the first time in a few years! After taking time to complete his studies, Justin has returned home to Klemtu and has stepped back in without missing a beat. Justin carries a wealth of traditional knowledge, histories and information, ranging from our histories and some of the most neat facts you'll ever hear!
Justin and his family, have returned home to spend a portion of this season with us, having opportunities to reconnect to land, culture and to return to heartfelt spaces isn't a second nature to him. It is who he is, having him back for the 2026 season reminds us that learning is a life-long journey! The art of storytelling, and the expertise that it is done is, it creates space and a picture of the Kitasoo Xai Xais People. Witnessing a story told by Justin, it reminds us just how important teachings, lessons, and the openness to learn is. Welcome home Justin!
Margo Anderson
Guide - Front of House - Kitchen Support
Margo has been a part of the lodge team in other roles, she previously worked with our back of house staff creating delicious snacks, baked goods and helping our chefs in other tasks. Margo has decided to return to us as a guide! When Margo isn’t with us at Spirit Bear Lodge, she is at Kitasoo Community School supporting our youth as an educational assistant.
Margo grew up here in Klemtu and spent former years in Bella Bella too, she is a proud sister, aunt, wife and mother to her three beautiful children. Margo has many hobbies and her favourite's include crocheting, beading and recently, weaving with wool. Her willingness to learn new crafts, softness, patience and quiet nature transfers into a wonderful skill set of a guide! We are so grateful to have Margo return in this role. She hopes that guests feel welcome and enjoy their stay here at Spirit Bear Lodge, we look forward to having her as a part of our field team this season!
Aaron Bechard-Starr
Guide
This is Aaron’s first season with Spirit Bear Lodge, Aaron is excited to be a part of a team that brings awareness and understanding to those willing to be both brave and open to adventure. Aaron has connections to the Starr, Brown and Robinson families here in Klemtu. He comes from these lands and waters, and is reconnecting to them after relocating to the city as a child where he received his education and construction experience over the duration of 20 years.
Aaron recounts his hobbies of outdoor adventures and wild rides. From hiking and biking to 4x4 adventures, exploring the unknown is something most enjoyable while seeing glimpses and full beauty that this world has to offer. Aaron believes that “the deeper we get ourselves into adventure, the more clear our personal journey is paved out.” Our guests will get to share the experiences of thrill, adventure and joy with our guides as eager as themselves while exploring a land full of heritage, mystery and knowledge. He is looking forward to being a part of our team and sharing knowledge and adventures with guests and explorers alike.
Jamie Mason
Guide
Jamie has returned home to Klemtu for the season, while you can find her completing her studies in Vancouver for Carpentry, having Jamie back as a guide has been a pleasure! Carpenter in training, guide, and skipper in training, Jamie brings a calm, light spirited sense of humour that leaves lasting impressions in the best way.
Jamie grew up in Klemtu, and has had the fortune of spending time with some of the best skippers and boat captains in this community. Jamie has grown, and has perspectives that remind us to stay open, to remember that learning is just one part of being a guide. While on break from her studies, Jamie makes coming home, to the ocean and land life appear seamless; a beautiful reason that connections to place are key. Jamie hopes that our guests can experience the Lodge and leave with more than the hopes they started with. Welcome home Jamie!