Meet our Team!
Clarence Cachagee
Executive Director/Founder​
​He/Him​
​Cree
Clarence Cachagee, from Chapleau Cree First Nation, is a community leader, author, and founder of Crow Shield Lodge, a non-profit organization focused on land-based healing and teaching. He has worked in social services, supporting Indigenous communities in areas like homelessness and education. His biography, North Wind Man, shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma and oppression, and his path to becoming a helper and leader.
Ben Willsteed
Community Navigator, Facilitator and Lands Team member
He/Him
Anishnaabe
Ben is Anishinabe with family ties to Rainy River First Nation. His diverse background includes IMA training, restorative justice and circle work. As a Forest School practitioner and ceremonial firekeeper, Ben is deeply connected to both traditional practices and natural environments. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his pets, exploring the outdoors, and expressing his creativity through art.
Tom Karges
Lands Team
He/Him
German/Polish/Irish​
Tom is a retiree from a long career in the tool and die industry, now bringing his passion and love for the outdoors to the Lands Team at Crow Shield Lodge. He values the opportunity to collaborate with what he describes as “the best people” on the team, highlighting the supportive and inspiring work environment. Outside of his professional role, Tom loves to bushcraft, camp, bike ride, hike, snowshoe and travel around Canada.
Carleigh Cachagee
Financials
She/Her
Cree
Carleigh is the CSL financial advisor, handling the behind the scenes that ensures our programming can stay operational. Carleigh is of Cree/Dutch Mennonite background from Chapleau Cree First Nation. Much like the rest of the family here at CSL, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and paddle boarding, and can even be found baking or crafting should the mood strike.
Shelley Schanzenbacher
Program and Administrative Support​
She/Her
German/Scottish/Irish​
Shelley has a background in Mediation and Conflict Management and Leadership Coaching Certification (CPPC ACC). Her commitment extends to supporting the Grand River Water Walk, where she contributes to environmental and community wellness initiatives. Shelley embraces life's lessons from her loyal dog, Findlay, learning daily how to be a better human.
Sydney Keedwell
Operations Lead ​
​She/Her
​Métis, French, English
Sydney is a seasoned hospitality professional with 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Known for her strong organizational and administrative skills, she excels in streamlining operations. As a member of the Wisahkotewinowak Collective, she is dedicated to addressing food insecurity and supporting sustainable food systems in underserved communities.
Nick Bejarano
Grant Writer/Helper​
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He/Him​
​
Mestizo Chicano and German/Irish
Nick is a PhD student at University of Waterloo. In addition to his commitment to academia, he enjoys reading and is always eager to learn new things. He enjoys hiking and engaging in outdoor activities, reflecting his love for nature and exploration. Nick’s enthusiasm for learning and the outdoors is a driving force in both his professional and personal life.
John Small
Outreach and Program Support
He/Him
Cree/Ojibway
John is from Moose Cree First Nation, Through his work through outreach, John has volunteered in several indigenous advisory committees and volunteered during the indigenous day celebrations at the Multicultural Festival. John has also volunteered for a grassroots pow wow committee.
John has worked as a Child Wellness Worker for Anderson Therapy Services, and a Supervisor at Indigenous Family Centre including a Resource and Information Specialist, and employment counsellor. John has worked as Manager of Business and Partnership Development for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in Ottawa. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the trailer and coaching his son’s ball hockey team.
​Hunter Johns (Odieminkwee)
Lands Team Lead
She/They
Oneida/Ojibway
Hunter Johns is a Haudenosaunee(Oneida) and Ojibway (Wikwemikong) professional with a passion for leadership, sport, and traditional crafts. With a Diploma in Security and Investigation from Mohawk College, Hunter brings a strong analytical and supervisory background to their current role as the Lead of the Lands Team at CSL. This leadership was build on four years of practical experience in commercial roofing, where she advanced to the position of Service Technician Supervisor. A talented athlete, Hunter is heavily involved in the sports community, coaching at both the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and Conestoga College. Their favorite sports include basketball, hockey, and lacrosse. Hunter also maintains a keen interest in woodworking, leather work, and traditional beading.
Dana Young
Indigenous Support Worker, Mental Health and Justice
She/Her
​Cree from Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba
Dana is currently attending the University of Guelph, and working towards completing my BAH degree with a double major in Sociology and Anthropology. Previous formal education - Native Community Care and Counselling, Communications Operator (911 operator). Dana is also trained and worked as a reflexologist, and numerous other holistic practices such as Reiki, Indian Head and facial rejuvenation Massage, Ayurvedic Foot Massage, Hot Stone Therapy and Raindrop Therapy. She believes that Health and wellbeing is circular - all aspects of our being need to be cared for - Mental emotional, physical and spiritual.
Scott Norton
Lead Outreach Coordinator
He/Him
Anishnaabe/ Mixed Ancestry
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Scott is a proud Father, Friend, and Uncle with over 30 years of dedicated service to his local community as a helper (Oshkabaywis). He currently serves as the Lead HART Hub Outreach Coordinator, where he continues to support and uplift others through culturally
grounded care and connection. Deeply rooted in tradition, Scott is also a singer and grass dancer who carries his teachings with humility and pride. Scott also enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishes moments with family and friends.