Amanda L. Hooykaas, PhD, MPhil, BES, FRCGS
/ 226-747-4682
EDUCATION
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2008 - November 2012
•Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
- Advisor: Dr. Mary Louise McAllister
- Committee: Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald, affiliation, Dr. Scott Slocombe, affiliation, Dr. Sarah Wolfe, affiliation
- Thesis: “Enduring Gardens: Woven by Friends into the Fabric of the Canadian Community”
- Certificate in University Teaching, teaching dossier upon request
College of the Atlantic, School of Human Ecology, Bar Harbor, ME
September 2006 - June 2008
•Master of Philosophy in Human Ecology
•Thesis: “The Study of Placelessness: Toward a Conceptual Framework”
- Committee: Dr. Karen Waldron, Dr. John Anderson, and Dr. Rich Borden
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2001 - December 2005
•Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Environment and Resource Studies) Co-op Program
•Thesis: “Wilderness Therapy: An Examination of Ecopsychology for At-Risk Youth”
- Advisor: Dr. Mary Louise McAllister
Wild Rockies Field Institute, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
August - November 2004
•Montana Afoot and Afloat: Human/Land Relations
•extended field course examining various traditions/practices of being with the land
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
Subject Matter Expert, Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON
April 2016 - January 2017
• LIBS 1560: “Our Domain: Geography and Human Populations”
- provided content for a 42-hour/3 credit fully online course (14 weeks of instruction), including analysis and planning, content preparation, instructional design, and development for OntarioLearn
•worked with Curriculum Consultants, Instructional Designers, Vendors, Animators, etc. to produce storyboards and present material through gamification
Geographic/Environmental Education Consultant, Self-Employed, Kitchener, ON
September 2014- Present
•projects include: Field Challenge Developer, Canadian Geographic Challenge National Championship, Ottawa, ON (2015); “Sense of Place” Course Consultant for Singer/Songwriter Erica Wheeler, Colrain, MA
Urban Wilderness Clinician, Self-Employed, Kitchener, ON
September 2014 - Present
•employ aspects of wilderness therapy with more conventional therapeutic approaches
•work with women who are challenged by old ideas, misdirected core beliefs, and general senses of being unwell, help them to foster their innate abilities while encouraging growth in new ways
Field Course Developer,Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2014 -September 2015
•mapped out main types of learning outcomes associated with field courses in post-secondary geography and environmental studies across Canada
•created a template to enable instructors within the Faculty to refine and better articulate learning objectives associated with various field courses and programs
- assessed 2014 syllabi from all departments and programs in the Faculty to identify opportunities for both exemplars or experiential education and opportunities for further development
•developed new geography field courses, documenting how they contribute to undergraduate education, and producing appropriate risk-management assessments
Adjunct Faculty, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
January - April 2014, May 2015 - Present
•GEOG 1220 (Human Impact on the Environment): 400 students (four sections)
•GEOG 2210 (Environment and Resources): 100 students
•GEOG 2260 (Applied Human Geography): 80 students (twice)
•GEOG 3490 (Tourism and the Environment): 100 students
•GEOG 4390 (Rural Geography Seminar): 12 students
•GEOG 4690 (Geographic Field Research - Maine): 20 students (new course – run twice)
•SOC 2280 (Society and Environment): 100 students
Additional Certification: Student Mental Health Education Training, Level 1: More Feet on the Ground, University of Guelph/Council of Ontario Universities
Waterloo Professional Development (WatPD) Program Report Marker, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
March 2012 - December 2015
Potter, Pedestrian Artistry (personal small business), Kitchener, ON
September 2011 - Present
•art sold in numerous galleries in Ontario, online, and at craft shows
•proceeds invested in organizations that improve the lives of under-supported women and children
Sales Associate, Assistant Office Coordinator, Assistant Seminar Coordinator, Lee Valley Tools, Waterloo, ON
August 2011 - August 2013, November 2013 - December 2013, November 2015 - December 2015
Guide, Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company, Brantford, ON
June 2010 - August 2013
Adjunct Faculty, Faculty of Environment,University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
May - August 2010, January - August 2011, September - December 2012, May 2013 - April 2014, September 2014 - August 2015, May - August 2016
•ERS 341 (Conservation and Restoration Practice): 15 students (field course)
•ERS 360 (Nature: Art, Myth, and Folklore): 15 students (field course), student work featured on
•ENVS 444/REC 437 (Ecosystem and Resource Management in Parks/Natural Areas): 60 students (twice)
•GEOG 101 (Human Geography), spring term: 100 students, winter terms: 400 students (twice)
•GEOG 201 (Fluvial Geomorphology): 185 students
•GEOG/REC 333 (Recreation Geography): 65 students
•GEOG 430A (Rouge National Urban Park: Geographic Interpretation, Communication, and Outreach in Practice): 20 students (field course) (twice); see
Sales and Marketing Coordinator, The Art Studios, Waterloo, ON
June 2009 - August 2010
Research Assistant, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September - December 2009
Teaching Assistant, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2008 - May 2009, January - April, September - December 2010
•GEOG 101 (Human Geography) (twice)
•GEOG 222 (Geography of Canada)
Tutor, Office for Persons with Disabilities, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2008 - May 2009
Program Leader, Summer Field Studies, Dorr Museum of Natural History, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
June - August 2008
•co-led ecology based curriculum for children ages 5-14 and organized teen leader program
Summer Program Coordinator, “Islands in Time,” College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
October 2006 - August 2008
•worked in conjunction with College administration to design and implement a summer recruitment program (opportunity for college credit for high school students) (
Teaching Assistant, Arts and Sciences, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
January - March 2008
•taught Environmental Education and Field Interpretation (in partnership with Acadia National Park)
•co-led lectures and provided academic guidance and consultation for 10 undergraduate students
Instructor, Outward Bound Canada, Burk’s Falls, ON
June 2007 - October 2007
•participated in an intensive training program, including a 10-day whitewater canoe trip for Instructors
•led community programs for young women at-risk (incl. a 24-day paddling trip in northern Ontario)
River Safety/Teaching Assistant, Arts and Sciences, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
March - June 2007
•taught “Whitewater and White Paper” (river conservation, environmental law, and whitewater canoeing)
Summer Program Coordinator, “Islands Through Time,” College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
October 2006 - August 2008
•worked in conjunction with University faculty and National Parks Service to design and implement a summer recruitment program (opportunity for college credit for secondary school students) taking place on the Maine coast (
Teaching Assistant, Arts and Sciences, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
September - November 2006
•led Ecology tutorials in Acadia National Park for 20 undergraduate students, provided academic consultation
Canoe Tripper/Intern Coordinator, Project C.A.N.O.E., Temagami, ON
May - September 2005, May - September 2006, March, September 2007
•led canoe trips through the Temagami-region for youth at-risk (aged 12-19)
•participated in two intensive 6-week training programs (behavioural, psychological, and social issues, medication, wilderness skills, risk-management, emergency procedures, etc.)
•coordinated Intern training for summer, co-led winter trips (i.e. winter camping, dog sledding, etc.)
Outdoor Educator, Tawingo Outdoor Centre, Huntsville, ON
January - April, September - December 2003, January - February 2004, September - October 2005
•taught fall/winter outdoor education to school and family groups and created/implemented new programs
Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
January - April 2005
•taught ERS 101: Issue Analysis & Problem-Solving for Environmental Studies II (full-credit course)
•led tutorials for 20 undergraduate students, conducted evaluations, held weekly office hours
Conservation Program Assistant, Couchiching Conservancy, Orillia, ON
May - August 2002, May - August 2004
•developed stewardship plans and conducted community outreach to promote conservation objectives
AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS
2014Named to College of Fellows, The Royal Canadian GeographicalSociety (lifetime appointment)
2012UW Graduate Scholarship ($6,400)
2010Canadian Graduate Incentive Scholarship ($3,000)
2009Canadian Graduate Incentive Scholarship ($3,000)
2008Canadian Graduate Incentive Scholarship ($3,000)
UW Entrance Scholarship ($2,000)
Nominated as one of “Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Top 100” (Future Leaders category)
2007 Rothschild Fellowship (College of the Atlantic) ($10,000)
Graduate Fellow ($8,500)
2006Rothschild Fellowship (College of the Atlantic) ($10,000)
Graduate Fellow ($8,500)
2005Grebel Student Award (Conrad Grebel University College) ($500)
Guelph Organic Conference EcoScholar
2004Matt Thomas Scholarship, Wild Rockies Field Institute, University of Montana ($500)
2003George E. Schroeder Residence Scholarship (Conrad Grebel University College) ($800)
2002Grebel Student Life Scholarship (Conrad Grebel University College) ($500)
PUBLICATIONS
Refereed Contributions:
Davies, M.M. & Hooykaas, A.L. (2016). “The end of a way of life: examining the effects of ocean acidification on lobster fishing communities in Downeast Maine, USA.” Society and Natural Resources. UNDER REVIEW.
Hooykaas, A.L. (2016). “Enduring Gardens: Woven by Friends into the Fabric of the Canadian Community.”The Canadian Geographer. UNDER REVIEW.
Hooykaas, A.L. (2016). “Team-Based Learning in a Multi-Disciplinary Classroom.”Journal of Geography in Higher Education. UNDER REVIEW.
Hooykaas, A.L. (2009). “The Study of Placelessness: Toward a Conceptual Framework.” The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Volume 5, Issue 3, pp.295-304.
Hooykaas, A.L. "AlterNotes”. Alternatives Journal. Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo. Colours of Green. Volume 29, Number 3. 2003, 4 pages.
Non-Refereed Contributions:
Hooykaas, A.L. Ancillary Components for Norton, W. “Human Geography” (7th ed). Oxford University Press, 2011.
Hooykaas, A.L. "Raising a Generation of Ecologically Literate Students". Tawingo Outdoor Centre, 2004, 47 pages.
Hooykaas, A.L. "Prescribed Burning on the Carden Alvar". Couchiching Conservancy, 2004, 32 pages.
Hooykaas, A.L. "Justification for Native Studies in an Outdoor Centre Environment". Tawingo Outdoor Centre, 2003, 52 pages.
Hooykaas, A.L. "Couchiching Conservancy Lands”. Orillia Packet and Times. 2002. Weekly column.
Hooykaas, A.L. "Journeying with Outward Bound". Business Woman Canada. H.R, Bradshaw, 2002, 4 pages.
Technical Reports:
City of Kitchener. (2014). Cultural Heritage Landscapes.Kitchener, ON: The Landplan Collaborative Ltd. et al. Retrieved from
Book Reviews:
Hooykaas, A.L. (2013, November 15). Canoe Nation [Review of the book Canoe Nation: Nature, Race, and the Making of a Canadian Icon]. Alternatives Journal. Retrieved from
Hooykaas, A.L. (2013, September 26). Digging the City [Review of the book Digging the City: An Urban Agriculture Manifesto]. Alternatives Journal. Retrieved from
Hooykaas, A.L. (2012, November 8). We Were an Island [Review of the book We Were an Island: The Maine Life of Art & Nan Kellam]. Alternatives Journal. Retrieved from
GRADUATE SUPERVISION
Doctorate Comprehensive Committee Member:
2015 - Present
Alexiuk, E.,“Your Grandparents Are Calling: Exploring the Role of Place in Complex Systems Thinking at Great Mountain Lake near Sudbury, Ontario,”Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Studies, Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON. (Committee)
Master’s Thesis Committee Member:
2015
Reagan, B., “Best Practices and Critical Criteria to Support Successful Youth-Based Environmental Engagement Programmes: An Evaluation of the YEEP Framework,” Master of Environmental Studies, Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON. (Reader)
2013 - 2015
Kusiak, M. “Conservation or Exploitation? Assessing the Education Impact of Accredited Zoological Institutions,” Master of Environmental Studies, Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON. (Committee)
Senior Honour’s Thesis Advisor:
2010 - 2011
Cho, E., “Fostering Stewardship: Nature-Based Programs for New Canadians,” Bachelor of Environmental Studies,Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo,Waterloo, ON.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE
Adjunct/Sessional Faculty Representative, Faculty of Environment Teaching and Learning Committee, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
2015 - Present
•faculty and student representatives serve as an advisory board for the Teaching Fellow, and provide a communication channel within each departmental unit
- mandate of the Committee and the Faculty of Environment Teaching Fellow: to foster teaching excellence in the Faculty of the Environment
“Sense of Place and Experiential Education”Discussion GroupCoordinator, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON
2014 - 2015
•faculty/grad student group to disseminate literature, prepare for presentations/defences, share resources, etc.
Special Session Organizer, Canadian Association of Geographers, St. Catharines, ON
May 2014
•“Beyond Academia: Careers in Geography” (an initiative to promote networking, career advice, self-promotion, etc.)
Invited Panelist, Geospatial Niagara, St. Catharines, ON
May 2014
•“Geographic Education Town Hall Meeting” (secondary school outreach initiative):
Invited Summit Participant, Canadian Association of Geographers, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Canadian Geographic Education, St. John’s, NF
August 2013
•“Geographic Education for Canadians: Vision, Engagement and Action: A National Meeting”
•Canadian Geographic blog post:
Special Session Organizer, Canadian Association of Geographers, St. John’s, NF
August 2013
•“The Role of Heritage in Rapidly Urbanizing and Expanding Cityscapes”
Faculty of Environment Teaching and Learning Committee Roundtable Participant, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2012 - Present
•“Outside the Lecture Hall: A Roundtable Discussion Exploring Intriguing Approaches”
•“Teaching Roundtables for Faculty of Environment Instructors”
•“Graduate Supervision: Recruitment, Challenges, and Successes”
- “The World is Our Classroom: An Exploration of Field Trip Possibilities for the Faculty of Environment”
Information Officer,Congress 2012, Waterloo, ON
May - June 2012
•Humanities and Social Sciences Federation of Canada Annual Conference
Graduate Students’ Endowment Fund Board of Directors, University of Waterloo,Waterloo, ON
November 2009 - September 2010
Project Application Review Committee, Graduate Students Association, University of Waterloo,Waterloo, ON
June 2009 - January 2010
Waterloo-Laurier Graduate Program in Geography Committee, University of Waterloo Student Representative,University of Waterloo,Waterloo, ON
March 2009 - January 2010
•served as Liaison between Faculty and Faculty Graduate Students of University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University
•annually created, conducted, and compiled student-wide program evaluations, reported feedback to Committee
Student Moderator,A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium,Alliston, ON
November 2009
Faculty of Environment Executive Committee Graduate Student Representative,University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2008 - September 2010
•served as official representative of graduate student body on Faculty Executive Committee
Associate Editor,The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability.
December 2008 - September 2009
SPLASH Outdoor Guide,College of the Atlantic,Bar Harbor, ME
September 2006 - August 2008
•organized and lead College of the Atlantic community (students, staff, faculty) on various wilderness trips (half to multi-day)
Faculty Personnel Committee, Student Representative,College of the Atlantic,Bar Harbor, ME
January - March 2008
•undertook a Continuing Review of Faculty that aims to assist in job-related professional development and performance
Student Council President, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON
April - September 2003
•served as Chief Executive Officer of Student Council
•served as official representative of students on College Council, Scholarships Committee, Construction Coping Committee
Student Council Vice-President, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON
August - December 2002
•served as Second Executive Officer of Student Council
•served as official representative of students on College Council, Student Life Endowment Fund Committee
Orientation Leader,Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON
March - September 2002
Environment Representative,Conrad Grebel University College’s Larger Leadership Team, Waterloo, ON
January - August 2002
•encouraged environmentally-responsible actions in all aspects of student life
•researched and applied knowledge towards the implementation of vermicomposting in residence
Campus Response Team Member, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
September 2001 - August 2002
•provided emergency medical assistance to both faculty and students
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Heritage Planning Advisory Committee, Region of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON
January 2017 - Present
•Advise Waterloo Region's Commissioner of Planning,Development andLegislative Services on Regional heritage issues
•Gather information, such as identifying locally significant heritage resources, and comment on development plans that affect these resources
•Assist in the development and implementation of Regional heritage policies and strategies
•Help promote Regional heritage by increasing public awareness of local history
•Collaborate with local post-secondary institutions and other heritage organizations
Mentor, MentorConnect, online
January 2016 - Present
- provide consistent, weekly individual support and guidance to individuals struggling with eating disorders
Head Soccer Coach (Under 14/15 Girls),Kitchener Soccer Club, Kitchener, ON
May 2015 - February 2016
Judge, Canadian Geographic Challenge National Championship, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Ottawa, ON
May 2015
- judge/timekeeper for in-person finals (with grade 7-10 students from across Canada), hosted by Alex Trebek
Supervisor, Venue Management, PanAm Games, Hardwood Hills, ON
November 2014 -July 2015
- responsible for briefing, deploying, and supporting Event Services Hosts at Hardwood Mountain Bike Park
Citizen Representative, Heritage Kitchener Committee, City of Kitchener, Kitchener, ON
January 2013 -November 2014
- citizen/committee representative with the Cultural Heritage Landscape Study Consultation Group, which identified, evaluated, and documented significant cultural heritage landscapes within the City boundary
- identified and performed field evaluations of potential heritage properties to determine if they qualified for listing as non-designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal Heritage Register
Vice-President of Board of Directors, Waterloo North Condominium Corporation, Kitchener, ON
April 2012 - May 2013
Front Line Youth Support Worker, ROOF: Reaching Our Outdoor Friends, Kitchener, ON
December 2010 - December 2012
- worked directly with the youth as a helpful adult figure and was part of a multi-disciplinary team
- helped youth meet service needs such as food, clothing, showers, laundry, etc.
- ensured youth were appropriately referred to crisis counseling, housing, and other immediate needs
- participated as part of a team in crisis intervention
Therapeutic Riding Volunteer Leader, Central Ontario Developmental Riding Program: Pride Stables, Kitchener ON
June - August 2012
Christmas Kettle Drive Volunteer, Salvation Army
December 2010
Jackrabbit Nordic Ski Coach,Waterloo Region Nordic Ski Club,Waterloo, ON
November - March 2008