Meet the Coastal ISC Team

Jessica Bayley

 Executive Director 

Jessica Bayley joined the Coastal ISC team as Executive Director in 2022. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Simon Fraser University. Having previously worked for the Metro Vancouver Invasive Species Council, she has a strong background in invasive species management. She is familiar with the importance of regional invasive species organizations in prevention and integrated pest management. Jessica has also managed provincial conservation lands throughout the South Coast of BC, conducted research on the effects of invasive plants on pollinators in the Garry Oak ecosystem on Vancouver Island, and worked on restoration projects to conserve salmon populations.

Jessica resides on the Sunshine Coast and enjoys exploring the beautiful trails and beaches at her doorstep with her husband, Paul, and pup, Andie.

Sydney Vandermale

Operations Coordinator

Sydney Vandermale holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria. Here is where her passion for plants flourished. Sydney focused on courses covering topics in ecology, permaculture, and ethnobotany during her undergraduate degree. Sydney has worked in many different fields since completing her undergraduate degree, including small-scale vegetable and flower farming, small business operations, and ecological restoration. She is currently enrolled in the Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma program through the University of Victoria and is excited to apply the valuable knowledge gained here to her work with the Coastal ISC. 

Sydney enjoys spending her time off looking for new plants to identify on iNaturalist, knitting, and either mountain biking, skiing, or surfing depending on the season. 

Paige Taylor

Field Operations and Education Lead

Paige Taylor holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Calgary (2023) and brings a strong foundation in ecological science and field-based environmental work. She has professional experience as an Environmental Field Technician, contributing to environmental monitoring and remediation projects throughout BC. During her time at the University of Calgary, Paige explored diverse areas of study including plant biotechnology, animal development, and the physiology of flora and fauna, building a well-rounded understanding of biological systems. Her interest in invasive species began through volunteer work with the Invasive Species Council of BC and has since grown into active involvement in a grant-funded project focused on improving community education around invasive species and species at risk in BC.

Outside of work, Paige is rarely indoors by choice. She’s usually skiing, hiking, fishing, or camping somewhere on Vancouver Island, taking full advantage of any chance to be outside (and often overpacking for it).

Erin Rasmussen 

Lead Invasive Species Technician

Erin Rasmussen  joined the CISC team in 2026 as the Lead Invasive Species Field Technician. Originally from Lethbridge, AB, Erin brings a robust background in vegetation management, having previously served as the Integrated Pest Management Technician for her hometown. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the University of Lethbridge (2020) and is deeply committed to protecting local ecosystems from the impact of invasive species. While she is passionate about invasive mitigation, she remains a dedicated admirer of native flora.

When she’s not fighting the good fight, Erin is an avid backcountry hiker, camper, and skier. She is best described by her friend’s as the resident “daisy sniffer,” rarely finishing a trail without stopping to identify and appreciate the wildflowers along the way.