Our Team
Since 1998, Beringia Community Planning has completed over 100 projects with Indigenous and First Nation communities, groups and related agencies across the country. Beringia’s work involves collaboration between a diverse and experienced team of employees and colleagues.
Jeff Cook, MCIP, RPP
Principal
Jeff Cook is the Principal of Beringia Community Planning Inc. Supporting over 150 Indigenous communities and organizations since 1991, Jeff is a planning facilitator, community engagement specialist, educator, trainer and analyst with a diverse range of community development and planning experience (comprehensive, sector and project planning). Jeff has engaged in over 100 community development and planning projects.
Paula Hay, MCIP
Senior Planner
Beringia welcomed Paula Hay to the team in June 2017. Paula worked in South Africa on projects related to disaster risk reduction, public health education, and the application of Indigenous knowledge for climate change adaptation. Before joining Beringia, Paula was a Planner with the First Nations Health Authority where she supported organizational planning and transformation. Paula’s areas of interest include community-based planning processes, participatory and applied research, and innovative facilitation and engagement techniques.
Åsa Berggren, MSc
Intermediate Planner
Åsa completed a master’s degree in architecture and urban design in her native Sweden. She then spent 10 years in London, UK, working on and leading planning, research, and design projects focused on how people interact with and experience spaces and cities. She has a strong background in community engagement, with experience working alongside diverse community and accessibility groups in the UK, France, and North America. Åsa brings a deep interest and experience in urban design, placemaking, wayfinding, and experience strategy.
Nathan Stewart, MSc
Intermediate Planner
Nathan brings 10+ years of experience in strategic planning, consultation, and research and analysis. Originally from Ontario, Nathan has a background in learning, teaching, and travel, having worked on planning and municipal advisory topics with indigenous and non-indigenous peoples across Canada, Latin America, and Asia. Working with the Beringia team, Nathan brings knowledge in urban and strategic planning, data analysis and technology, and management to help enrich our team and ensure that our work stays true to voices of those we work with.
Cloé St-Jean, MCIP
Intermediate Planner
Cloé brings a background in Indigenous community planning, policy analysis, and community-based research, with a strong focus on relationship-driven, culturally grounded planning processes. She holds a Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia, specializing in Indigenous Community Planning, and worked closely with the Musqueam Indian Band on their Comprehensive Community Plan and 2024 Census engagement and data strategy. With a BA in Anthropology and a Social Service Worker diploma, Cloé combines qualitative research, engagement design, and governance-aware planning to support Indigenous self-determination and long-term community priorities through trauma-informed practices.
Maya Blood, MCRP
Junior Planner
Maya brings a passion for community engagement, participatory planning, and equity-driven research. She holds a Master’s in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia, specializing in Indigenous Community Planning, and a Bachelor’s in Geography from Simon Fraser University. Maya worked closely with the Musqueam Indian Band planning team to support the development of their community census, deepening her understanding of culturally responsive planning and community-led research. She also worked with the Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC), where she helped coordinate programs, fundraising, and community.
Emi Kingan, MA
Junior Planner
Emi brings expertise in economic development and sustainability planning alongside qualitative and quantitative research experience. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Geography from the University of British Columbia where she studied flood resilience efforts across Canada. Before joining Beringia, Emi worked with local municipalities and research networks to develop strategies focused on strengthening local economies and emergency management. She also supported community and youth engagement during the 2025 Canadian federal election.
Max Taylor
Junior Planner
Max brings expertise in spatial data analysis, urban planning, and sustainable development. Originally from Ontario, Max earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geographic Information Science from the University of Western Ontario, where he developed a strong foundation in urban planning, data analysis, and policy evaluation. Before joining Beringia, Max worked on various urban planning projects, focusing on data analysis, environmental impact assessments, human mobility patterns, and urban design. He also contributed to initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, food security and improving community well-being.
Douglas Amundaray, MA
Operations Manager
Douglas brings experience in project management, business operations, and both qualitative and quantitative market research. Originally from Venezuela, he moved to Canada in 2012 to pursue postgraduate studies, completing a double master’s degree in Global Communications at Simon Fraser University. Before joining Beringia, and following a short stint in China as an academic researcher, Douglas worked with a few local and global market research firms. In these roles, he led not only operations but also strategic planning, data analysis, reporting, and facilitation across a wide variety of organizations and industries.
Maya Motyka
Junior Planner
Maya joined Beringia full-time in 2025 after several years collaborating with the team as an external consultant. She brings extensive experience in sustainable resource management, collaborative planning, and policy review. With a degree from an interdisciplinary faculty of Land and Food Systems, Maya has built a strong foundation in research, design, and analysis through systems-based approaches. She has worked with communities across Canada, Africa, Asia, and South America, supporting projects grounded in local knowledge, sustainability, and meaningful dialogue.
Brooke Sutherland, MA
Planning Coordinator
Brooke brings experience in community-based research, participatory planning, and project coordination. She holds an MA in Geography from the University of Toronto and a BA in Economics and Political Science from the University of British Columbia. Brooke supported equitable climate action research through the Climate Policy & Action Lab and co-authored the 2024 Parkdale Community Planning Study, weaving community feedback into local planning priorities. She also supported the launch of CoSphere at the UBC Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, coordinating initiative planning and communications. She’s passionate about community-led work that strengthens equity, belonging, and caring relationships with the environment.
Stefanny Gómez Villa
Office Administrator
Stefanny joined Beringia in 2024, bringing experience in supporting doctoral-level programs and enhancing quality assurance in higher education. With a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Education, Stefanny combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to academic standards. Her background includes contributions to national accreditation processes in Colombia, as well as international initiatives, where she developed automated self-evaluation tools and facilitated data-driven program improvements.
Bob Mack
Graphic Designer
Bob is a multidisciplinary Graphic Designer and Illustrator with a passion for bringing ideas to life through bold visuals and dynamic storytelling. With a strong background in branding, illustration, 3D modeling and animation, motion graphics, video production, and digital design, Bob thrives at the intersection of creativity and strategy. Over the years, he’s partnered with a wide range of teams and clients to craft impactful print and digital materials that are not only visually stunning but also aligned with accessibility and brand standards. From eye-catching brochures and infographics to animated videos and immersive presentation boards, Bob knows how to make information engaging.