Our team of experts
MANAGEMENT
Yuho Okada
President
Yuho Okada, MBA, is the President of Barkley Project Group. In addition to engaging in his current executive management role, Yuho has over 10 years of hands-on experience in project management, including project development, financing, strategic planning, economic analysis, and business planning for numerous clean energy projects in BC and Yukon. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Business Administration from Royal Roads University. He serves as the board-appointed secretary and was the past chair of the Board of Directors for Clean Energy BC.


Ben Whyte
Director and Senior Advisor
Ben Whyte, P. Eng., PMP, is a Director and Senior Advisor with more than 15 years of experience in heavy civil and industrial construction. Ben has successfully led and delivered multiple clean energy projects in remote locations throughout British Columbia as a Project Manager with Barkley Project Group. Prior to joining Barkley Project Group, Ben was responsible for site engineering as the Owner’s Representative overseeing the spillway program for BC Hydro’s Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse Upgrade project. Ben’s project experience also includes site project engineering and construction coordination of EPC contracts for solar power, nuclear power, and natural gas projects across Canada. Ben holds a degree in Civil Engineering and Management from McMaster University.

Kass (Harbottle) Kolola
VP of Operations and Geothermal Team Lead
Kass (Harbottle) Kolola (they/them), M.Sc., P. Eng. is the VP of Operations and the Geothermal Department Lead. Kass is responsible for leading and managing teams delivering geothermal energy projects during planning, development, and construction. They are a Professional Engineer with a Master of Science in Sustainable Development and a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering. They have over 12 years of industry experience working in both non-renewable and renewable energy sectors. Kass has worked with multiple remote and First Nation communities to develop community-owned energy projects. They bring a wide range of project experience, including geothermal feasibility and development, community engagement, construction management, technical analysis, design coordination, and community energy planning.


OUR TEAM
DEVELOPMENT
Mary Vasey
Project Manager
Mary Vasey (she/her), B.Sc., M. Eng., PMP, CEM, is a Project Manager providing specialized services in community energy planning and the development of renewable energy systems in grid-connected and off-grid communities. Mary holds a Master of Engineering in Clean Energy from the University of British Columbia. She collaborates with several remote and urban First Nation communities to develop projects that align with community priorities and objectives. Her diverse experience in renewable energy technologies includes solar, wind, wave, energy storage, and hydropower development.

Erin Quon
Project Manager
Erin Quon (she/her), P.Eng., is a Project Manager with over 10 years of experience across infrastructure, renewable energy, and clean technology sectors. Bringing varied technical and managerial skills to the team, her project experience includes geotechnical investigations and engineering design, construction monitoring, solar and marine energy development, wind farm optimization, data management, emissions management, and several business growth initiatives. Erin holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University and volunteers with various climate and social action organizations.

Darrell Eason
Project Manager
Darrell Eason, BBA, CEM, EA, CRE, is a Project Manager with over 16 years of experience in energy efficiency, demand-side management, and deep-retrofit analysis. He has completed over 2,000 commercial and residential energy assessments and has worked alongside 18 Indigenous communities across BC to advance practical, community-focused energy solutions. Darrell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Portsmouth and professional certifications as a Certified Energy Manager, Energy Advisor, and Certified Renewable Energy Professional. His experience spans the full project lifecycle, from initial assessment and modelling to community engagement, planning, and implementation. Committed to low-carbon design, healthy buildings, and social equity, Darrell brings a strong technical foundation and a solutions-driven approach to supporting Nations and communities in achieving their energy and sustainability goals.

Kai Foss
GIS Analyst and Project Coordinator
Kai Foss, MGIS, ADGIS, BA, is a GIS Analyst and Project Coordinator responsible for developing and supporting Barkley Project Group’s various projects and GIS services. Kai is well-versed in spatial data management, editing, analysis, and web mapping application development. Before working with Barkley Project Group, Kai worked at Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, where she gained experience working with Stakeholders and managing large data sets for use in online web applications. Kai has a master’s degree in GIS from Vancouver Island University.


PROJECT MANAGERS
Andrew Medgyesi
Project Manager
Andrew Medgyesi, M.E.L., P.Eng., is a Project Manager specializing in the development, feasibility, and delivery of Indigenous-led renewable energy projects across British Columbia. He provides technical and project management leadership for run-of-river hydropower, wind, solar, and microgrid initiatives, supporting projects from early concept through permitting and funding. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria and a Master of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy from the University of British Columbia. His work focuses on energy modelling, feasibility analysis, funding applications, and collaborative project delivery with First Nation leadership, technical consultants, and regulatory agencies.

Nick Balaban
Construction Manager
Nick Balaban B.Ed., B.A., Construction Manager with more than 15 years of experience in construction. Nick has over 10 years of experience working on hydropower development projects, including 8 years as a carpentry foreman. He specializes in working with concrete, including suspended slabs. Nick operated his own construction business for eight years, where he managed subcontract trades and performed estimating and budgeting work for projects. Nick’s personnel management and communication skills allow him to thrive as the interface between design and construction.


PROJECT COORDINATORS
Taylor Stubbins
Project Coordinator
Taylor Stubbins, B.Sc., EIT, is a Project Coordinator who graduated from Queen’s University in Geological Engineering in 2015 and is a Geological EIT registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. He has developed strong working relationships with many First Nation communities and contractors in coastal BC. His experience spans the on-site coordination of a variety of energy and transportation infrastructure projects. Taylor is proficient in a wide variety of computer programs and languages utilized in project engineering and management, and has proven his ability to complete fieldwork in all conditions and environments with training in Fire Safety, Swift Water Rescue and Safety.

GEOTHERMAL
Megan Eyre
Sr. Geothermal Geoscientist
Megan Eyre, PhD, P.Geo., is a Project Manager and Senior Geothermal Geoscientist at Barkley Project Group. She has a Master’s in Geophysics from the University of Liverpool, UK, and a PhD in Geophysics from University College Dublin, Ireland. With over 10 years of experience in the natural resources sector, including 6 years in Canada’s geothermal industry, Megan has extensive expertise in performing comprehensive resource assessments, techno-economic feasibility studies, and risk assessments. Megan is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce and is a member of the Women in Geothermal (WING) Canada Chapter Committee, where she leads event planning initiatives.

Ben Boudreau
Senior Project Coordinator, Geothermal
Ben Boudreau (he/him), P.Eng., PMP, is a Project Manager specializing in Indigenous-led clean energy projects, with a focus on geothermal and geoexchange development. He manages complex, multidisciplinary projects from feasibility to implementation, including engineering design coordination, procurement, permitting, and construction planning. Ben holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University, is a licensed Professional Engineer in BC, and is a certified Project Management Professional. His experience includes coordinating environmental, archaeological, and engineering field programs, supervising consultant teams across diverse site investigations, and managing stakeholder engagement with First Nations, regulators, and utilities. He has worked closely with remote and First Nations communities across Western and Northern Canada to advance community-owned projects, emphasizing collaboration, capacity building, and long-term sustainability.

Nicolas Garroni
Geothermal Geoscientist
Nico Garroni, PhD, G.I.T., is a part of the Geothermal Team as a Geothermal Geoscientist at Barkley Project Group. He holds a Master’s in Geology from the University of Calgary and a PhD in Geology/Planetary Science and Exploration from the University of Western Ontario. Nico has diverse geological experience, having previously worked in the gold, oil and gas, and geothermal industries, and brings expertise in subsurface modelling, reservoir characterization, and geological interpretation. His passion for the outdoors extends to his commitment to addressing climate change and eliminating pollutants from the energy sector, which is why he has dedicated his career to providing clean, baseload energy to Canada’s most remote communities.

Vanessa Moodabe-Smith
Project Engineer - Process
Vanessa Moodabe-Smith (she/her), BE (Hons), is a Project Engineer – Process within the Geothermal Department. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, with a minor in Energy Processing Technologies. Vanessa brings six years of experience in the energy sector, including more than four years in New Zealand’s established geothermal industry. Her expertise includes geothermal power station and reservoir gathering system operation, design, construction, and commissioning (binary and steam/flash plants), as well as experience with direct heat energy projects, from feasibility through to operation. Vanessa also volunteers with the Canadian Chapter of Women in Geothermal (WING).

Olivia Moores
Project Coordinator, Geothermal
Olivia Moores (she/her), MCP, BA, is a Project Coordinator on the Geothermal Team. She holds a Master’s in Community Planning from Vancouver Island University and a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University. As a former Community Planner in the private sector, Olivia has led projects across Vancouver Island, focusing on land use, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. Her passion for fostering inclusive communities extends to her involvement in disability advocacy, including over 10 years as an active volunteer and board member with Special Olympics St. John’s. Olivia has presented at national conferences, where she shares her expertise in land use, sustainable development, and inclusive community practices, actively contributing to advancing equitable policies and solutions.


OPERATIONS
Dan Valliquette
Operations Manager
Dan Valliquette is the Operations Manager, providing technical and management services in power plant operations, systems management, inspection and maintenance, and plant operator training and supervision. Dan is also experienced in hydrometric data collection, electrical energy load monitoring, project planning, design, and construction. Dan is a certified Red Seal Electrician with over 10 years of experience in commercial and residential installations. He is experienced in the installation of grid-tied and off-grid renewable energy systems, including Micro-hydro, PV, wind, and battery.


PROJECT ORIGINATION TEAM
Tim Matthews
GIS and Regulatory Advisor
Tim Matthews, B.Sc., ADGISA, is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Regulatory Advisor with over 10 years of experience supporting clean energy development projects from concept to operation. Tim works with team members to advance projects through pre-feasibility and feasibility phases, including the regulatory permitting process required to obtain major project approvals. Tim also supports construction and operation phase projects with GIS services and regulatory support.

Dee Street
Grants and Development Advisor
Dee Street (she/her), BFA, is a Grants and Development Advisor responsible for providing high-quality, professional consulting services to support Barkley Project Group’s clean energy and infrastructure projects, business development, and marketing. Dee holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). She has over 5 years of non-profit fundraising experience in BC and over 15 years of experience as a business analysis and HR professional in public and private companies in BC, Ontario, and internationally.

Sambhavi Kudia
Geographic Information Systems Technician
Sambhavi Kudia (Sam – she/her), B.A., PG. BSc, MGISA, currently works as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician. She is skilled in geospatial data management, map creation, spatial analysis, editing, and developing web mapping applications. In 2023, she completed a GIS Master’s internship with Barkley Project Group, where she contributed to the advancement of several clean energy projects. Outside of work, Sam enjoys travelling and discovering new places. She has a passion for singing and has learned classical Indian music.

Cheryl Eardley
Communications Specialist
Cheryl Eardley is a Communications Specialist with a background in digital media and marketing. She supports Barkley Project Group’s website and media initiatives. She has 7 years of experience in Economic Development for a treaty First Nation, managing projects and developing strategic initiatives focused on Indigenous tourism. Cheryl liaised with industry stakeholders, supported executive councils and committees, managed budgets, contributed to strategic plans, and oversaw the management and marketing of a tour operation.

ADMINISTRATION
Diane Walton
Finance Manager
Diane Walton is Barkley Project Group’s Finance Manager. Diane has over 25 years of experience in corporate accounting and office administration in the renewable energy, forestry, construction, and service sectors. Diane provides financial and administrative services to Barkley Project Group, operational hydropower companies, and development projects.

Lara Kareem
Human Resources Coordinator
Lara Kareem is a Human Resource Coordinator who handles end-to-end recruitment, HRIS management, and HR administration at Barkley. Lara holds a bachelor’s in psychology and Women’s studies from the University of Ottawa, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management from Algonquin College. Lara has over 5 years of managing end-to-end recruitment, talent acquisition, HR administration, and labour relations.

In Loving Memory of Anitra Paris
1993 – 2022
"I am driven to protect the environment and create a better world for people and nature. I know that climate change is an existential threat already impacting the Earth, and I will do everything I can to contribute to positive change.
I am creative and believe in the healing power of creating.
I lead my life with a sense of adventure and am open to new experiences, and I will not slip into complacency.
I am a constant and loyal friend; my loved ones feel valued and appreciated through my support.
The world is vast and its infiniteness humbles me. I strive to challenge myself intellectually and thrive when I expand my knowledge.
My mind and body are important; I respect myself through sleep, nourishment, movement and spending rejuvenating time in nature."
-Anitra
Anitra Paris Campership Fund
Anitra Paris Scholarship Fund
We’re hiring.
Barkley Project Group prides ourselves on the quality of work we produce. Our team provides the technical capacity for Indigenous communities to realize their clean energy and sustainable development goals.