Our People

MIKE REIMER
Mike’s role in Churchill Wild is twofold; he oversees the future direction of Churchill Wild and is the Ultimate Outdoorsman. His love for all things created led him north after high school to realize his dream of becoming a wilderness guide and outfitter. And realize it he did! Mike is an invaluable asset in the bush. He has paddled, hiked, boated, flown over, dog sledded, snowmobiled, and explored over 100,000 square miles of the subarctic land he loves. Mike is a jack-of-all-trades and master of all. The leadership and management that Mike and Jeanne have provided at the lodges has undoubtedly created the repeat business Churchill Wild is famous for.

JEANNE REIMER
Jeanne is the consummate hostess for Churchill Wild, and also happens to be an incredible chef with an extensive pedigree in the luxury lodge business. Jeanne’s parents founded Webber’s Lodges, and her skills in creating the ultimate home away from home for guests were acquired from early childhood. Her commitment to guest comfort has been unwavering ever since.

Jeanne’s cooking skills are legendary, and an invitation to her table is never turned down. The Arctic culinary sensations that guests experience inside our lodges are as memorable for our guests as their first encounters with the polar bears outside our lodges.

The blend of her husband Mike’s dreams and ambitions combined with Jeanne’s attention to detail has resulted in the ultimate wilderness experience, and Churchill Wild’s four remote ecolodges have become THE destination for wildlife enthusiasts around the world who are eager to hike the tundra and see polar bears and beluga whales in their natural environment, all while being wined and dined in elegantly Arctic fashion.

Adam has been a part of the greater Churchill Wild family since the age of 14, when he landed a job working at North Knife Lake Lodge, a fishing resort owned by the family of our co-founder, Jeanne Reimer.

He spent a few summers as a do-whatever-needs-to-be-done employee, learning the ins and outs of remote lodge operations, customer service, and family-run businesses.

His own family owned a kitchen and bath company and that soon became his focus. He dove into learning that business, working in the shop, scheduling projects, and crunching numbers in the accounting department. After graduating from the Asper School of Business with an honours degree in finance, Adam continued adding to his responsibilities in the company until ultimately becoming CEO in 2015.

Through his longstanding relationship with Mike and Jeanne Reimer, Adam learned of the opportunity to come be a part of the Churchill Wild team, and after nearly a year of preparations to ensure both businesses would prosper from the move, it all become a reality at the beginning of 2021.

Adam lives just outside Winnipeg with his wife, who he says is the smartest person he knows, and their children Alicia and Owen. He loves nothing more than spending time with friends and family in the great outdoors, making him an excellent fit for our team!

Shari Wright is the master of organization at Churchill Wild. As Director of HR and Logistics, one of her most noteworthy jobs is managing the movement of staff and guests in and out of our remote lodges throughout the season. This is a feat in itself, but she also coordinates freight shipments, hires and oversees training for staff, deftly shifts to Plan B when weather upends plans, and does it all with a cheerful smile. Oh – and did we mention she’s also in charge of supervising our accounting staff?

Shari graduated from Business Administration at Red River Community College in 1991, then began working for her parents’ company, Webber’s Lodges, performing all the various jobs needed to run their northern lodges. Without doubt, this experience has made her the asset she is today. In 1994 Shari moved from Churchill to Thompson and job-shared the role of Director of Finance and Administration at the YWCA with sister Toni.

Shari continued to spend summers at the lodges while raising her four children and by 1997, she returned to the family business as bookkeeper. After moving to Alberta in 2004, she began helping her mom, Helen, and Helen’s best friend Marie, by processing orders for their Blueberries and Polar Bears cookbook series.

In 2009, she joined the Churchill Wild management team and Shari’s role has been evolving ever since. In addition to her office responsibilities, Shari manages North Knife Lake in summer.

Whether it is watching the company grow or the changing tides of the Hudson Bay, Shari enjoys being a part of something so magical in the Canadian North.

Jackie’s high energy, desire for adventure and general love of people make her a perfect fit as Churchill Wild’s Vice President of Business Development. Jackie has worked in hospitality for over 35 years starting as a server at a small local restaurant. Throughout her career she has managed restaurants, developed food service programs for schools and held senior sales and business development positions in hotel chains including Lakeview Hotels & Resorts and Alt Hotels. Her outgoing personality and positive outlook have a lasting impact on people, contributing to an unprecedented collection of friends and acquaintances.

Jackie has a deep connection with nature and is happiest when gardening, interacting with animals or exploring the outdoors, whether on an adrenaline pumping hike or lounging on the dock with her friends. She loves her family deeply and, as an avid home cook, is often hosting large dinners for them.

Jackie is deeply passionate about Canadian and Manitoban tourism, doing all she can to encourage others to fully embrace what her home has to offer. When not exploring locally, she can be found travelling the world learning what else is out there.

Gord joined the Churchill Wild team as Operations Manager in May 2022 after serving as Plant Superintendent at a large personal care home in Winnipeg. The opportunity to work at the remote lodges with all the unique and exciting offerings appealed to his “outdoorsman” side.

Gord grew up in Winnipeg spending as much time in the outdoors as possible; fishing, snowmobiling, dirt biking, playing sports and camping. He loves to spend time in the Whiteshell enjoying the Canadian Shield with his wife and kids. Fishing is his passion and he enjoys exploring new water and the challenge of finding where the fish are. Sitting by a fire either at home, lake or lodge is also one of his favourite things.

Gord has always enjoyed working with his hands and has worked in the maintenance/construction field throughout school and university, deciding to stay on that path for his career. He obtained his 5th class power engineering ticket, became an electrician, started an electrical contracting business with his friend and moved over to the care home maintenance department years later.

Gord enjoys the fast pace aspect of his job, working in awesome locations with amazing people, all while getting to know people from around the world and hearing about their unique stories. Seeing the wildlife in their natural habitat is a privilege as well. Gord looks forward to the projects that will enhance and contribute to the guests' experiences with Churchill Wild.

With an artistic flair and an enviable head of red hair, Sue Brown has worked her way up through the ranks from Graphic Designer and Sales Assistant to Sales Manager at Churchill Wild. Since 2014, she has been instrumental in putting Churchill Wild’s best foot (paw?) forward as the first point of contact for many guest and partners.

Sue can always be counted on to create flow and harmony throughout the company and this is invaluable during our busy season. It’s no surprise that multitasking and adaptability are two of her strengths, but it’s her creativity and cheerful demeanour that make her an irreplaceable team member.

After being a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful girls for more than 12 years, Sue went back to school to study graphic design, something we benefitted from when redesigning our logo, while creating print and digital ads, and throughout countless other projects.

During her third year with Churchill Wild, Sue travelled to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and had her first polar bear encounter. Even after the thousands of photos she’s seen come across her desk, the real thing still left her speechless.

Maggie Cole is Churchill Wild’s new Sales and Marketing Manager, and we’re happy she found us! The 29-year-old arrives in balmy Manitoba from Dunnville, Ontario, on Lake Erie, where she oversaw sales, marketing, and management at her family’s restaurant.

Maggie worked her way up through the ranks at her family’s business and understands customer service the way only someone who has done it can. She started out busing tables, progressed to serving, moved up to management and then on to marketing, where her customer relations skills really began to shine. Maggie was the face of her family’s business for seven years, bringing their brand to the forefront with an enhanced web and social media presence, and specializing in interacting with customers both online and offline. There’s a real art to taking the tone and warmth of great customer service online, similar to what we have done at Churchill Wild, and Maggie is a perfect fit!

An avid snowboarder and a certified makeup artist, Maggie also loves animals, as her Great Dane, Silver Labrador and cat will tell you. Her sister lives in Winnipeg, and she’s excited to discover what Manitoba has to offer.

With an impressive 35-year career as a journalist, George Williams has been a cornerstone of Churchill Wild's digital presence since 2009. As a seasoned digital marketing strategist, George's expertise has been instrumental in bringing Churchill Wild to the global stage. His exceptional writing skills have earned him five Sovereign Awards, a testament to his talent and dedication.

When he's not crafting compelling content, George loves spending time at his favourite destination, North Knife Lake. He enjoys the company of his lovely wife, their three kids, and their trio of German shepherds. Fun fact: George used to sing in a band, adding a musical note to his diverse range of talents!

Leanne Slatcher, our Bookkeeper at Churchill Wild, brings over two decades of experience and a passion for numbers that is truly unparalleled.

Leanne's journey in the world of finance began in 1999 when she graduated and promptly enrolled in the Computer Accounting Technician program at Red River College. Her career kicked off as a Customer Service Representative in Winnipeg, swiftly transitioning into the role of AP/AR Coordinator, where she honed her skills for six years.

In 2008, Leanne ventured into a new challenge as the Office Manager for a local construction company. Wearing many hats, she managed a spectrum of responsibilities. Leanne's dedication and expertise earned her the position of General Manager in 2015. Throughout her 13 years, Leanne continued to enhance her knowledge base through additional courses at Red River College, covering Financial Accounting and Payroll/HR.

In 2021, Leanne took a bold step in her professional journey by founding Slatcher Bookkeeping. Driven by a desire for more flexibility and to be her own boss, she embraced the challenge of running her own business, rekindling her love for working directly with numbers.

When she's not immersed in the world of finance, Leanne is an avid baker. In an alternate universe, she envisions herself running a bakery in her quaint hometown of Lorette, Manitoba.

Leanne’s commitment to precision, her wealth of experience, and entrepreneurial spirit make her an invaluable asset to Churchill Wild. Her passion for numbers is matched only by her dedication to providing exceptional financial services.

Meet Dana, our enthusiastic Sales Associate at Churchill Wild, who joined our team in June 2023. Dana is a passionate advocate for the Arctic's wonders and takes immense joy in curating unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Dana developed an early appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Canada. Her life's journey led her to Mabou, Cape Breton N.S., where she not only fell in love with the region but also found the love of her life. Dana is a proud parent of three wonderful children and three adorable four-legged grandchildren.

Dana's heart for hospitality and care extends beyond her immediate family. As a foster parent for 15 years, she provided a loving home to numerous children in need. After this fulfilling chapter, Dana entered the workforce, gaining valuable sales and customer service experience at Canada Post and a plumbing and heating company.

Dana's husband aptly describes her superpower as learning and adapting, a quality that she embraces wholeheartedly. She thrives on challenges, constantly pushing herself to grow both personally and professionally.

Dana's journey with Churchill Wild reached a pinnacle when she visited Dymond Lake Ecolodge on the Great Ice Bear Safari last October. This experience was a dream come true for Dana, who marveled at polar bears up close, witnessed the mesmerizing northern lights, and reveled in the cozy ambiance of the lodge. This Arctic adventure left an indelible mark on Dana, and she delights in sharing this passion with others.

Meet Chelsea, our seasoned Sales Associate, bringing a decade of dedicated customer service expertise to the forefront of Churchill Wild. Beyond her professional prowess, Chelsea finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors, and she's excited to embark on this new chapter with us.

With ten years of customer service under her belt, Chelsea excels in creating personalized experiences for each guest. Chelsea's goal is clear - to not only meet but surpass your expectations, ensuring that your journey with Churchill Wild is nothing short of memorable.

Outside the office, Chelsea is a nature enthusiast at heart. Whether it's sitting around a campsite, splashing in a pool, or having a blast tobogganing with her daughter, nature fuels her spirit.

We are very fortunate to have Chelsea as a part of our team. Her diverse skills, infectious enthusiasm, and love for the outdoors enrich the experiences we provide. With Chelsea on board, you can expect a seamless journey marked by exceptional service, genuine care, and a touch of adventure!

Meet Elliot Froese, our dedicated Executive Administrator at Churchill Wild.

Before joining the Churchill Wild family, Elliot honed his skills as a window-washer at Insight Service Solutions, where he dedicated six years of hard work. Unfortunately, an injury sustained on the job necessitated a change in career direction. Undeterred, Elliot embarked on a new path by enrolling in a course in Administration at Red River College.

Armed with fresh knowledge and a determination to succeed, Elliot completed his course and gained practical experience through a short-term practicum at Barkman Concrete. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for administrative work, paving the way for his arrival at Churchill Wild.

In our office, Elliot has seamlessly integrated into the team, bringing with him a wealth of administrative and Excel skills. His attention to detail, organizational prowess, and positive attitude have made him an invaluable asset to our operations.

Beyond the office walls, Elliot is a nature enthusiast who relishes spending time outdoors. Whether it's a camping trip, cycling around town, or nurturing a garden, Elliot finds solace and joy in the great outdoors. His love for technology is evident in his passion for working with computers, while his downtime is often filled with friendly board game competitions.

At Churchill Wild, we are fortunate to have Elliot as part of our team, bringing his diverse skills, enthusiasm, and love for the outdoors to enhance the experience for our guests.

It's not often that you apply for a seasonal position as a server and end up full time at the office as the Administrative Assistant, but that's just what happened when Gaylene applied at Churchill Wild. And with two decades of experience in the travel industry, she turned out to be the perfect fit.

Although her many duties keep her on her feet throughout the day, she still manages to make it back to her desk to answer the phone every time it rings (maybe it's a superpower of hers?). Her primary responsibility is making sure Churchill Wild always leaves a great first impression, and her cheerful attitude and bright smile guarantees that happens. Besides managing office details, handling incoming inquiries, and keeping everyone on track (she creates the calendars after all!), she also helps fulfill orders for spices, cookbooks, anniversary books, clothing, merchandise, specialty food items, and, and, and! It's the year end staff party where she really gets her groove on, and the shindig wouldn't happen without her.

When she's not hard at work (though she makes it look easy!) at the office, she fills up on sunshine and fresh air, enjoying camping, fishing, playing baseball and skating. She is Auntie Extraordinaire to her nieces and nephews and regularly has stories to tell of her adventures with them.

Her lodge initiation started at Nanuk, where her niece happened to be working as a server! Besides spending time with family, her favourite lodge experiences (if she absolutely had to choose) were enjoying the beautiful fall colours out in the Rhinos and watching the wolves and hearing their spine-tingling howls from only yards away! Gaylene started in 2021 in her administrative role, but it's a dynamic business. Who knows? She may get her chance serving up at the lodge yet!

Nicole is bubbly, enthusiastic and an organized go getter, which makes her ideal for her position as lodge manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge. Previously a competitive gymnast and a national cheerleading competitor, Nicole pursued a career in Developmental Psychology working with young adults with autism. She then jumped professions and became a dining room manager at a fishing lodge and an onsite manager at a wilderness lodge in Tasmania, Australia.

Nicole joined the Churchill Wild team in 2018, and alongside Ben, they create the ideal balance of work and play. Keeping staff and guests happy is not always an easy task, but she handles it well.

Nicole has a true heart for the wilderness. She loves the absolute remoteness of the lodge and the feeling that you’re the only one who has ever stood in that place. “The landscape is breathtaking and is constantly changing. Watching the tide change what the coastline looks like is incredible.”

“The first time I saw a polar bear I couldn’t believe that this was my life; that I would get to enjoy this privilege on a daily basis. Watching the bears in their natural habitat is indescribable and really reminds me that we are insignificant beings in comparison,” Nicole says.

Ever active, she lives for anything that gets her outdoors and, in the off-season, enjoys snowboarding in Alberta and surfing with Ben in Australia.

Ben began his journey as lodge manager at Seal River Heritage Lodge in 2018 and has taken to the job like a polar bear to the first ice floe of the season. With a history in the military, Ben brings a great sense of humour along with his no-nonsense work ethic.

He began his working career in hospitality in small cafes, but soon sought more of a challenge and began serving in the Australian Army for five years, working primarily as a parachute rigger. He later certified as a personal trainer, wanting to help people reach their goals and find a healthier way to live life. His iron will is an inspiration to all of us! One of the few people not tempted by Churchill Wild’s divine desserts, he leads by example and doesn’t eat sweets. However, it’s been witnessed that he is still a lover of food and fully enjoys pizza, pasta and everything else delicious in the savoury world.

His love of an active and adventurous life led him to run a gym on a cruise ship for a year, and then to working in remote mining sites across Australia. When he met Nicole, they moved on to working and managing high end lodges across Canada and Australia.

What made him look to working with Churchill Wild? “I never thought I would get to see a polar bear in the wild so we couldn’t pass up the chance to work with Churchill Wild. I love how remote the lodges are and the challenges that come with it,” he says.

Emma grew up in rural New Zealand in a region called Manawatu. Much of her spare time was spent either out on the farm with her dad, exploring other parts of the country with her mum, stepdad, and sister on weekends, or playing sports.

After leaving school, Emma completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminology in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, where she also started working in her first corporate job. She spent many years working as a People Manager for a large team operating between both New Zealand and Australia. After meeting Danny, she became a Project Manager in an engineering team within the same company, but based in Taranaki, the region Danny grew up in. While working as a Project Manager, she also completed her postgraduate diploma in Project Management to further extend her skillset.

In addition to her professional achievements, Emma was heavily involved in numerous sports, including netball, CrossFit, boxing, volleyball, and rugby. Weekend hikes and trips with Danny and their friends were also part of her active lifestyle.

With both sets of parents, as well as Danny's parents, being avid travelers, it was no surprise when, almost two years ago, Emma and Danny made the exciting decision to move to Canada. Since then, her working life has included hospitality work and hotel management, while their spare time has involved snowboarding and exploring Canada and other parts of the world with friends and family.

As someone who is both curious and excited by the idea of a new challenge, the opportunity to manage one of Churchill Wild's lodges with her fiancé Danny greatly piqued her interest. Not only was this a new challenge, but it was also an opportunity to have a role that encompassed her love for the outdoors in a part of the world where the natural environment is unbelievably unique and special.

Danny was born in the province of Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand. He grew up on his parents' dairy farm, which fostered his love for the outdoors. Whenever he could, he was out hunting, fishing, and exploring nature. He spent eight years building in Taranaki, leading a team of carpenters, where he gained valuable people and project management skills to keep the site running smoothly.

Then, the travel bug hit him and his partner, Emma. They moved to Canada, where the outdoors were even more impressive. They started by following the snow seasons, beginning in Whistler, where Danny started in the hospitality industry as a maintenance worker in a 4.5-star hotel. Churchill Wild then gave him his first opportunity to visit Dymond Lake Eco Lodge in the 2023 season as a maintenance worker. He fell in love with the northern lights and all the wildlife that the lodge had to offer. He had to bring Emma back to see it. After a second snowboarding season in Revelstoke, Churchill Wild offered them a chance to become co-managers at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge – it was a dream come true.

To be offered a role that combined his love of the outdoors with the management skillset he had from his carpentry and maintenance background was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that they just couldn't say no to. From their side of the world, seeing a polar bear in 'real life' is unheard of, so to be able to work with polar bears and other incredible Arctic animals under the northern lights will always be a surreal experience for Danny.

As the youngest member of the Reimer family, Adam has had the privilege of learning from the wealth of experience passed down by his grandparents, parents, and sisters.

Always eager for adventure, Adam has been working in the North and around polar bears for as long as could walk and talk. Starting out in lodge maintenance and working his way up to becoming a Wilderness Guide, he embraces every opportunity to learn and is dedicated to creating unique and unforgettable wildlife experiences for his guests. Adam's passion for his work, the wildlife, and his community is evident in everything he does, as he strives to uplift those around him and care for the wilderness he explores.

Meet Jessica Day, our adventurous Polar Bear Guide at Churchill Wild, whose love for the wild extends from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

Jessica is not your average guide—she divides her time between working with Churchill Wild during the summer and fall seasons and guiding on expedition cruise ships in the Antarctic during the Austral summer. Her passion for polar regions knows no bounds, and she brings a wealth of experience to every expedition.

Born in Canada, Jessica's journey took her to New Zealand at the age of 3 and Australia at 6. However, her heart always yearned for the Canadian wilderness. In 2005, she returned to Canada for what was supposed to be just one ski season. Little did she know, the call of the wild would keep her captivated, making Canada her home ever since.

Jessica holds a dual degree in Business Management and Psychology. While her academic path led her to this unique combination, her childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist still lingers. Despite being told there were too many marine biologists and not enough jobs, Jessica harbors a deep love for biological sciences.

When not guiding in the Arctic or Antarctic, Jessica finds solace in the landscapes of British Columbia—be it the mountains or the coast. Her free time is a whirlwind of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.

Jessica's journey with Churchill Wild began in 2018 when she started as a server/housekeeper at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Polar bears are undoubtedly cool in her eyes, but her love extends to beluga whales, lichen, and chocolate. Notably, Jessica bucks the trend by staying off social media, preferring a more direct and immersive connection with the world around her.

Terry’s spends his days with polar bears and other iconic Canadian wildlife while guiding our safaris, but his favourite experiences are on the Barren Lands during our Arctic Safari. “Part of it is knowing how remote you are, how vulnerable you are. It takes a few days of isolation but then you get in tune with the place and it’s a very primitive, very primordial feeling. You’re in a place where you can hear your heart beating. It touches you very deeply.”

Terry works almost nonstop for five months. He wakes up early to check for wildlife and helps develop the day’s itinerary. He leads excursions morning and afternoon, and frequently gives evening presentations. Then, he periodically wakes up during the night to rouse guests if the aurora is dancing.

He credits his parents for his love of the outdoors. His dad took him camping and fishing and his mom encouraged him to learn about the things he loves. This is probably why he’s got what he calls a “self-taught master’s degree in Life in the Arctic.”

As a naturalist, Terry is well versed on the geography, geology, plants, birds and wildlife of northern Manitoba. There’s not a plant at Seal River Heritage Lodge that Terry can’t identify; he’s even found two species that were undocumented for the area.

He has an extreme profession, but he spends the off-season honing his golf game and gardening at his Vancouver Island home—a home that he built. There, he recharges his batteries alongside his wife Kirsten of 14 years and their two dogs.

Boomer (don’t ask where the name came from), hails from the Yukon and North West Territories, but now calls Vancouver Island his home. A professional photographer for over 25 years, Boomer now dedicates his time between guiding in the Hudson Bay area, Antarctica, Svalbard, and off the West Coast of Vancouver Island driving whale watching boats.

His photography experience has him filling the role as not only polar bear guide but also a photo leader, helping to facilitate those “ahhha” moments when a technical camera setting or new photo technique has the photographer off to the races and excited to capture new images! At home, Boomer delves into his work as an artist, whew, too many hats!

“One of my most poignant Polar Bear experience’s is being on the bow of our ship pushing into the ice and experiencing with a guest her first Polar Bear sighting, she looked at me afterwards with tears in her eyes and was unable to speak other than to give me a big hug”, Boomer has been working with Churchill Wild since 2019 and having learned from the very best, now fills the role as one of Churchill Wild regular guides.

Albert Saunders, the 65-year-old Swampy Cree First Nations guide has worked with Churchill Wild at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge for over 10 years, but he’s been helping outdoorsmen in the area since the late 1970s.

Saunders’ practical experience is further enhanced by the teachings of his elders. His direct ancestry in the area traces back to the 17th century and the birth of the fur trade in Canada, but evidence of the Swampy Cree on the Hudson Bay coast dates back almost six millennia.

Saunders loved the wilderness and became an accomplished outdoorsman. He married his wife Patricia in 1981 and the couple raised three children. Saunders took a job working for the government at York Landing airport, and later joined Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge as a polar bear guide.

Saunders has seen more polar bears than most will ever see in a lifetime and been in close proximity to them on numerous occasions. He recalled a day when there were 13 polar bears, mothers and cubs, gathered together in the Nanuk compound. “I think someone got seven of them in a photo,” he said.

Butch spends a lot of time teaching guests about his Cree heritage and how to survive on the land. On the Nanuk Emergence Quest, he started teaching everyone Cree words for animals and birds.

Norm grew up on an organic vegetable farm in south-eastern Manitoba. As a youngster he fell in love with everything outdoors-related, spending every free moment hiking, identifying plants and birds, fishing, or picking berries and mushrooms. He knew that as an adult he wanted to work in the outdoors and had a dream of one day working with polar bears.

Norm graduated from college with a diploma in Outdoor Education, which he used to gain experience in the guiding industry for over a decade. This work has brought him from coast to coast in Canada and even some international work.

In 2018, Norm was welcomed to the Churchill Wild team. On his first flight to Seal River Heritage Lodge, his dream came true as three polar bears were seen immediately after landing - seeing those first bears is an experience he won’t ever forget. As a guide, Norm's favourite part of the job is looking at guests faces when they realize their dreams have come true as well.

Norm’s goal is to pass on his love of nature and share how great the outdoors and the wildlife that call it home can be. When not working with Churchill Wild, Norm works in conservation and this is a passion he intends to share with others as well.

Grew up with a deep appreciation of all things wild from diving with the creatures under the sea to walking with those that wonder the vast arctic. The boreal forest imprinted him at a young age and his first visit to the treeline of Canadas north at the age of 12 opened the door to keep exploring all things towards the pole.

An avid outdoorsman, wildlife guide and expedition leader who's goal is to make you feel at home in the wildest of places while embracing the beauty that surround you.

Emri has been with Churchill Wild since 2014 and learned how to walk with polar bears with the best in the industry.

Introducing Michael Gerhartz, our Polar Bear Guide at Churchill Wild, whose unwavering passion for the natural world has taken him from the depths of the ocean to the frozen landscapes of the Arctic. Born in 1974, Michael is a native German with a rich background that includes a fascinating journey from law enforcement to becoming a scuba instructor and eventually settling in Canada in 1999. Michael currently residing in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, with his wife and two cats.

Michael wears many hats - a scuba instructor, tour guide, and underwater photographer. His commitment extends beyond exploration, as he actively engages in scientific diving and environmental awareness initiatives.

In 1992, Michael submerged into the mesmerizing underwater world, and the affair began. This love deepened when he acquired his first underwater camera in 1993. With over two thousand dives, Michael remains captivated by the ever-changing underwater landscapes. His career has not only allowed him to explore Canada's beauty from coast to coast but also to pursue his passion for photography above the surface.

Michael transcends the role of a mere photographer. He is a storyteller who captures moments, narrates tales, and kindles raw emotions through his lens. As an ambassador for wildlife, he utilizes his photographs to give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. Michael's images are untouched by excessive post-editing, presenting wildlife authentically, showcasing unique moments frozen in time.

Beyond photography, Michael channels his creative energy into writing. As the eight-time international award-winning author of "THIN ICE" and "DARK TIMES," he crafts novels focused on the young and adventurous Natascha and EuroSec Corporation. Michael has showcased his literary prowess with book readings in major Canadian cities, Germany, and during the FEIS Literacy Council.

Karla brings twenty years of experience exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the rugged mountain ranges of British Columbia. After three seasons as a Grizzly Bear Viewing Guide, she naturally transitioned to become a Polar Bear Guide with Churchill Wild. Her passion for nature and deep appreciation for the natural world drive her dedication to ensure the safety and enrichment of her groups, whether exploring majestic mountain peaks, dense forests, or the Hudson’s Bay boreal forest and tundra landscape. Karla is excited to share the unique wilderness of Churchill Wild.

In her free time, she thoroughly enjoys backcountry recreation and mountain climbing any high peaks that challenge her physically and mentally. Karla is a certified Hiking and Snowshoeing Guide with the ACMG (Association Canadian Mountain Guides) and holds a Level 1 certification from the Commercial Bear Viewing Association. She is also Swiftwater Rescue Technician, and a Non-Urban Emergency Care Level 3 Responder. Karla is certified in driving ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles. Additionally, she also holds an SVOP, Radio Operator Commercial License and a 60 GT Masters certificate for the inland ferries in the West Kootenays.

Karla takes on many roles, but her true passion is leading guests from around the world through Canada’s wild spaces.

Colleen's journey into the wild began with a deep-rooted interest in the natural world, sparked by her childhood fascination with marine animals and the ocean. This early interest grew as she pursued her major in Biological Sciences, focusing on ecology, conservation, and marine biology.

Before finding her true calling, Colleen gained diverse experience as a field research assistant, environmental consultant, and within the fisheries industry. Despite these roles, something always felt missing until she discovered guiding. Her passion for guiding took off in 2022 when she worked as a Grizzly Bear Tour Guide in the Great Bear Rainforest. This experience was a turning point, solidifying her desire to share the wonders of wildlife with others, which she is thrilled to continue at Churchill Wild.

Outside of guiding, Colleen enjoys a myriad of hobbies, including SCUBA diving, hiking, backcountry backpacking, rock climbing, and skiing, as well as badminton, cycling, dance, piano, reading, crochet, sewing, and more. She has an adventurous mentality and is open to trying most experiences once.

Luke, a native of the serene Cultus Lake in British Columbia, is an outdoor enthusiast whose passions extend from canoeing and camping to frolicking with his beloved two dogs and cat. With a keen interest in local flora, he is on a quest to commit to memorize every edible berry that the forest has to offer. An adept in the ancient art of fire making, Luke possesses a wealth of knowledge in various primitive fire-making techniques.

Embarking on his journey as a guide amidst the Coast Mountains of BC, Luke discovered his affinity for the canoe and paddle. This love affair with the waterways led him to over a decade of guiding and teaching canoe expeditions across British Columbia and into the rugged Yukon Territory. It was during these ventures into the untamed backcountry that Luke gained a true appreciation and passion for bears.

In 2021, Luke transitioned to bear monitoring, a role that has taken him to the remote reaches of the North Warning System in the high Arctic. His expertise has since been instrumental in monitoring bear populations across coastal and interior BC, as well as Northern Alberta. With years of experience under his belt, Luke now channels his expertise into his role at Churchill Wild.

Andrew “Andy” Charles MacPherson, who was widely acknowledged as the world’s top polar bear guide, and a major force behind the evolution of polar bear safaris and walking tours at Churchill Wild over the past 15 years, passed away suddenly and peacefully at the age of 51 in his home in Ucluelet, B.C. on January 30, 2022.

Regarded by his peers as the most knowledgeable and experienced polar bear guide in the world, Andy was heavily involved in the development of Churchill Wild’s industry-leading safety program for walking with polar bears. He was among the first people ever to witness polar bears hunting beluga whales during the summer, and was one of the lucky few to observe true romance among polar bears, but his wilderness experiences were not just limited to the great white bears.

Andy’s guiding adventures included viewing grizzlies, black bears, whales and wolves on Canada’s West coast, stalking muskox in the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, paddling with manatees and looking for jaguars in Belize, leading photo-ops for penguins in the Antarctic, exploring for narwhals in the high Arctic, dancing with caribou and howling with wolves on the tundra, and finally, walking with polar bears on the Hudson Bay coast — where he trained numerous guides to do the same — and fell in love.

Andy had a rare intuition for understanding and communicating with all living things. He understood how everything in nature was connected, from the tiniest tundra flower to the largest land predator on the planet, to family, friends and guided guests.

“While Andy loved wildlife and the great outdoors, it was his ability to connect with people that made him even more special,” said his online memorial.

Andy’s passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of many people, including all of us at Churchill Wild. He is survived by his love Jody, his parents Al and Sherron, his sister Dawn and brother-in-law Wade, his niece Sarah and nephew Stefan, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins, life-long friends, new friends and colleagues too many to name or count.

“He will be sadly missed by so many,” said Churchill Wild owners Mike and Jeanne Reimer.

Tyler grew up in the countryside just south of Winnipeg Manitoba. He spent his time helping on his grandparents farms and spending every minute outside. He is an avid canoeist and spends over a month each spring paddling before he heads to work at the lodges for our summer season.

Tyler started working for Churchill Wild in 2019 as a maintenance man for Seal River Heritage Lodge and has since worked at all of our lodges and outpost in some form or another. He has grown to love the north and enjoys the adventure and challenges that entails. He keeps the lights on and the water hot for guests from around the world!

After a combined total of 45 years with Churchill Wild (Karli’s childhood counts, right?), Riley and Karli have held a variety of positions with the company. Riley has worked in maintenance, had a hand in building each lodge and numerous camps, spent several years in lodge and camp kitchens, and guided film crews. Karli officially started her career as a server/cleaner, then as assistant chef, and finally head chef at Seal River. After years of dating and working together, the two were married in 2013. Since then, Karli has worked in both HR and Sales at the office, and they continue to work together in their latest venture, Prairie Wild.

Over the years of working in the kitchen, the two gained an appreciation for quality, locally grown produce, and along with Mike and Jeanne, launched Churchill Wild’s first regenerative agriculture branch in Kleefeld in 2019. Along with their three kids, Riley and Karli tend Prairie Wild’s 3-acre orchard and market garden, growing close to 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables. They supply the lodges with fresh produce during the summer and fall months, and sell locally through markets, grocery stores and a vegetable subscription service.

When they’re not busy raising fruits and veggies, Riley and Karli spend their time planning which fruits and veggies to raise next year. (No, really!) Riley spends his winters building furniture and tending their flock of chickens, while Karli keeps busy writing, homeschooling and finding new ways to get their kids to eat vegetables. Together they enjoy traveling, all outdoor winter sports and activities, and raising their kids Wild.

Allison is Churchill Wild’s lead expeditor and logistics coordinator. As one of Mike and Jeanne’s daughters, she has held a lot of different positions in the company. From a young age, she acted as co-hostess at the lodge, charming guests with her delightful chatter. By age 12, she’d transitioned to dishwasher and continued her quest for the perfect position from there, graduating to head server, dabbling as assistant chef, and even filling in as a construction helper during lodge renovations.

In 2016, Allison started a two-year program for Business Administration, majoring in marketing and working for Churchill Wild during her summer breaks as an HR and marketing assistant. After graduating, Allison joined the team full time in early 2019. She splits her time between working in our head office for the first half of the year and expediting in Churchill from July through November.

According to Alli, standing on the shores of Hudson Bay with a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, watching the northern lights dance is one of the best incentives she could ask for in a job. (Don’t worry, we pay her too.)

Allison loves to spend her downtime traveling, hiking and exploring alongside her husband, Jason and their dog, Kita.

Glen Newstater, originally from Calgary, has been a dynamic presence in Churchill since moving there in 2019. With a wealth of experience in sales, management, customer service, and logistics, Glen has seamlessly integrated into the community, bringing his extensive skill set to bear in various roles.

Upon his arrival, Glen initially worked with construction crews, gaining hands-on experience and fostering a deep connection with the local workforce. By August 2019, he had transitioned to expediting and tour guiding, roles that perfectly align with his expertise and passion for the northern frontier.

As the Lead Expeditor in Churchill, Glen is involved in nearly every aspect of the town's logistics. His comprehensive understanding of the supply chain means that if something comes through Churchill, Glen has likely touched it. His role also places him at the forefront of interaction with visitors and residents alike, making him a well-known and respected figure in the community.

Glen finds the history and adventure stories of the north endlessly fascinating and enjoys sharing these narratives with others. His move to Churchill also fulfilled a unique dream. As Glen often remarks, "I always wanted to live near the beach, never thought it would be here."

Glen Newstater is dedicated to ensuring that every logistical detail in Churchill runs smoothly and that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable place. His commitment and enthusiasm make him an invaluable asset to the community.

Christine Lee brings a wealth of life experience and a passion for hospitality to her role as the Blueberry Inn Manager at Churchill Wild. Raised with a deep sense of family values, Christine is a mother of five children. Her dedication to education and community involvement is evident in her 20 years of volunteering within children's schools, where she played an active role in enhancing educational experiences for young learners.

With a penchant for creativity and organization, Christine served as a backstage manager for the children's divisional musical theatre, seamlessly coordinating performances that brought joy to both participants and audiences alike. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her diverse interests, ranging from outdoor activities such as camping and exploring nature to indulging in the arts through reading and attending theatre productions.

As her children have transitioned into adulthood, Christine embraces this new chapter as her time for adventure. Leaving behind the confines of the corporate world, she found her calling with Churchill Wild and the Blueberry Inn, where she thrives in providing guests with exceptional service and memorable experiences. With her warm demeanor and passion for hospitality, Christine ensures that every guest at the Blueberry Inn feels at home and welcome.