Valery’s passion for conservation and natural sciences drove her to study biology and mathematics at the University of Ottawa. She has a background in research that includes mathematical modeling at the Max Planck Institute in Germany and conservation work in Taiwan. Valery traveled Canada extensively by motorcycle before settling in Vancouver to build a life near the sea and the mountains. She has contributed to several projects with the David Suzuki Foundation and is currently with the Canadian Mental Health Association where she works as a branch relations manager. Valery joined the NatureKids Board in 2014.