Meet our Team

LISA GRAVES, Director

Lisa has been providing aquatic instructional programs for the West Rouge/Centennial community for 30 plus years. In addition, she has co-ordinated and taught high school Science courses, many Physical Education courses including the Aquatic Focus Course and Cooperative Education courses, and coached the very successful Swim Team for 15 years at Sir Oliver Mowat C.I.. Along with providing swim instruction for the younger students, she is a Red Cross Instructor Trainer with High Five Certification which opens up the opportunity for senior students to continue into leadership training and instructional opportunities. Lisa's passionate involvement in the aquatic and outdoor world is driven by the pleasure she receives while providing young children and teens with activity, enjoyment and most importantly, water safety and other life skills.

NICOLE BUTKOVICH, Mowat Pool Manager

Working alongside Lisa, Nicole has been providing aquatic instructional programs during the summers for the West Rouge/Centennial community and Scarborough Bluffs community for 30 plus years. She is a Red Cross Instructor Trainer as well as provides High Five Certification. Nicole manages the Mowat Pool deck which includes supporting and supervising all staff and students. Nicole also has a Bachelor of Education degree and is a Primary Teacher in the Toronto District School Board. She enjoys reading, coaching, playing baseball and spending time with her three boys and family dogs. 

BRAD GRAVES, Program Coordinator

Brad is a teacher with the Durham District School Board. His involvement in educating youth reaches far beyond the school environment through swim and ski instruction and coaching, as well as being a camp counselor and now Coordinator for Dogwood Acres Camp. Brad's love of sports and the outdoors has provided the perfect combination of interests to develop and teach within the camp setting. As Program Coordinator, Brad is responsible for managing various projects such as program development and implementation, aquatic instruction, and leadership training. In the future Brad plans to further develop Dogwood Acres Camp programs.

MICHELLE GRAVES, Program Coordinator

Michelle is a teacher with the Durham Catholic District School Board and has worked as a summer camp counselor and facilitator throughout her high school and post-secondary years. She is passionate about working with youth and increasing their awareness of the environment by simply spending time in the outdoors and reconnecting with nature. As Program Coordinator for Dogwood Acres Camp, Michelle is responsible for managing various projects such as program development and implementation, office and admin work, and leadership training. She is an advocate for ongoing learning, positive character development, and youth leadership and is excited to share her love for the environment and for camp with youth of all ages!  

BRITNEY GRAVES, Program Facilitator

Britney recently completed her degrees in Ecosystem Management and Forestry and is now studying Arboriculture at Fleming College . She has worked as a summer camp counselor for the Dogwood Acres Camp since its inception and has gained valuable experience in leading groups through camp activities. Britney has been the Nature Fit Program Facilitator, specializing in teaching campers about ecosystem interactions, tree, plant, and insect identification, and much more! Britney has been developing her teaching skills as a certified swim and ski instructor for much of her life. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and canoeing. Upon completion of her degree, Britney hopes to work as an Ecosystem Management Field Technician and continue educating others about the environment.

ALEXA WISNOSKI, Program Facilitator

Alexa is currently studying Psychology at York University. Upon completion of her degree, she plans to pursue a career as a children’s behavioural therapist. Through her work as the Arts and Crafts Specialist at Dogwood Acres Camp, Alexa has been able to develop her teaching and leadership skills. Alexa loves riding her horse, spending time in the outdoors, and creating art. As the Arts and Camp Program Facilitator, Alexa hopes to develop and enhance campers’ knowledge of art forms and creative skills through unique and challenging projects. She recognizes the benefits that creative arts can have on children and plans to incorporate art therapy into her future career.