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. Brad and Michelle are also in their third year of operating Dogwood Acres Forest School and have seen immense growth and interest in their programs, now being offered three days per week. Check out www.dogwoodacresfs.ca to learn more!

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. Michelle is excited to share her love for the environment and for learning and exploring with youth of all ages at camp and now all year long at Dogwood Acres Forest School.