Our Team

Nicole Eplett

I have been a Canmore local for 11 years now. I have a background in HR, hospitality and event planning. I work full-time as an Event Manager for a hotel in Kananaskis and have just launched my own Event Planning business in the Rockies a year ago. While I'm not working you can find me camping, golfing or on a ski hill! I have been with CYAN for three years now and have seen us continue to grow - I can’t wait to see the future with all the amazing people we have now on board and paid to support CYAN’s dream with their own specialized skill sets!

Lisa

Originally from the UK. I first entered the Bow valley in 2017 and fell in love with the mountain life straight away. I spend my time hiking, climbing, ice skating, paddles boarding, skiing and whatever other fun things are on offer. CYAN has been a major part of my journey here in the valley and I have loved going to events and making new friends and connections within the community. I’m so happy to now be part of the team and get involved even more.

Sidney Bruckeder

I’m originally from Ontario, but I’ve called Canmore home since June 2020. One of my favourite things about living in Canmore is the sense of community, which is why I’m excited to give back and support local young adults through my involvement with CYAN. In my free time, you’ll likely find me outdoors hiking, biking, camping, paddle boarding, or taking my dog for a walk on one of the local trails!

Hannah

Hey! I am originally from Calgary but after living in various places across Canada I have found my way back to Canmore. I spend my free time teaching yoga, hiking, skiing and rock climbing. I have absolutely loved working for Cyan and being apart of this amazing community. I have met some amazing people and have had many opportunities to try new things through their events.

Shaina Sutton

Originally from Ireland, I moved to Canada in 2024 to be closer to the mountains and build a life around my passion for the outdoors. I know what it’s like to start fresh in a new town, which is why I love being part of CYAN, helping others build connections, create opportunities, and feel at home in this incredible community. Outside of CYAN, I work in the finance industry here in Canmore and when I’m not working, you’ll find me out in the mountains, whether on the trails, the rock, or in the snow!

Sarah Fletcher

I landed in Canmore for a job at the local museum in 2022 after spending time travelling post-undergrad. I first started with CYAN by teaching yoga and am grateful for the opportunity to now coordinate CYAN’s events! Outside of work, you’ll usually find me climbing, snowboarding, or out on the trails.

Julia Demaer

I moved to Canmore in 2021 and have really enjoyed everything it has to offer. I work remotely as an analyst, and one of the things I’ve appreciated most about working with CYAN is the opportunity it’s given me to meet so many great people in town. In my spare time I like cycling, swimming and paddleboarding.

Tolga Akkaya

I’m originally from Turkey, but mostly grew up in Ontario and have lived in 4 provinces now. I’ve been in Canmore since August 2022 and came here for adventure - the opportunity to rock climb and snowboard, but I’m choosing to stay after building such good community and a sense of belonging. I work in the climbing gym at Elevation Place and I’m quite active in our community in various other ways. I was on team cabbage for the Canmore Community Gardening Society this summer, I occasionally volunteer with Community Cruisers as a bicycle mechanic, I've volunteered with the Canmore Folk Festival every summer, I planted trees around town with the Urban Forest Initiative Canmore and have regularly attended CYAN events. I’m super excited to get involved with CYAN on a more regular basis to give back to the organization that has enriched my life here, and to spread the word on what our beautiful community has to offer. Besides that I also really enjoy yoga, dancing, slacklining, cycling and exploring different art mediums at ArtsPlace.

Jopell Eslava

Ever since working in Lake Louise in 2022, I've fallen in love with the mountains and embraced an outdoor lifestyle. After briefly moving back to Edmonton to be with my family and finish school, I knew I wanted to return to work and play in the mountains again. I was thrilled to find a job in my field in Banff, which led me to settle in Canmore. I joined CYAN to connect with other young adults and become part of the community. Now, I'm looking forward to making meaningful connections.

Yasimin M

I’ve been a Canmore local for 4 years now, having moved to Canada in 2019 for a lifestyle change. I have a professional background in finance and it’s been great to bring that expertise to support the growth of the CYAN organisation as their treasurer. I understand the challenges of relocating and starting anew, which fuels my passion for helping others build connections and find their place in our community.

Brittney Balcaran

Last May, I packed up my life to move across the country from Kingston, my little uni town, to beautiful Canmore. It all started when I landed my first real 'big girl' job at Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, where it’s Earth Day every day. My day-to-day involves the usual, but according to my 6-year-old niece, I save bears for a living (which I’m totally cool with saying instead). Leaving Queen's party culture and academic hustle for mountain views and warm matcha has been surreal and such an incredible shift. I have a Sunshine Pass and a Wildheart membership this year, and I'm always looking for someone to go out with so hit me up!

Maren Doernbrack

Hi, I’m Maren, the builder of this website and CYAN's most recent member at large! My boyfriend and I moved here in July 2020 and my beginnings in this town were definitely lonely. After many months of lockdowns and working remotely, getting involved with CYAN allowed me to form friendships and helped me find a greater sense of purpose in this community. Find me exploring all of Canmore’s delicious food options or catch me hiking, biking, skiing, running, climbing and netflixing!

Beth Thompson

I’m from a small seaside town in the UK and came to Canmore seeking a change of pace in the mountains and a new way of life. Much like my hometown, Canmore has such an amazing, tight-knit community, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Though I’m new to the CYAN team, I’m eager to dive in and contribute! I enjoy my career is in HR as it’s always interesting, but outside of work, you’ll often find me outdoors—whether it’s hiking, or learning how to ski and ice skate.

Heather Menaglio

I am an Australian/Canadian lawyer that came to visit the valley in 2018 (and never left). I am passionate about human rights and want to help ensure that young adults receive a "fair go" in the community. Outside of work, I enjoy mountain biking, kiteboarding and xc skiing. CYAN provides an excellent opportunity to build solid friendships in this highly transient community. I look forward to connecting with more people.

Sian Shah

I’m from the UK and I’ve swapped the calm British countryside for an adventure filled mountain lifestyle. I’ve lived in Banff for two years but I’ve only recently found out about CYAN and the absolutely incredible work they do at bringing people together. And I’m super excited to be part of CYAN’s journey! I used to work in the charity sector in the UK and now I’m a hotel front desk manager. When I’m not working you can find me doing all the adventuring - hiking, climbing, cycling, snowboarding and trying out the trivia spots in Banff & Canmore.

Mark Haworth

I’m originally from the UK and made the leap from London to the Rockies in search of more nature and a lot more adventure. I’ve been living in Canmore for six months now and, as someone who works remotely, discovering CYAN has been a total game-changer. My background’s in marketing and I’ve spent the past few years working with start-ups and purpose-led organisations. These days, I split my time between remote work and making the most of life in the Bow Valley. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me training for triathlons, hitting the slopes, lifting at Oak & Pine Athletics in Canmore, or hunting down the best burgers and breakfast spots in town.