Meet Our Team

Barry Rakewich has served as president of Nichols since 2021 and is a professional agrologist and environmental expert, with extensive knowledge, experience and leadership skills. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences from the University of Alberta, earned in 2001. Throughout his career with Nichols, Barry has maintained a keen focus on providing our clients with a cost-effective and sustainable approach in the management of their environmental matters.

In his career, which spans over two decades, Barry has made significant contributions to Nichols – most recently by uniting our leadership team and providing a strategic path forward. He takes great pride in providing visionary leadership while overseeing a diverse multidisciplinary team comprising professional engineers, scientists, geologists, biologists, technologists and project support staff.

Barry has successfully managed and completed environmental projects as far east as Quebec and into the southern United States, and has achieved his Professional Agrologist designations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. His experience, skills and insights have earned him invitations to present platform sessions at numerous industry-leading conferences, solidifying his reputation as a respected and engaging speaker.

With his broad knowledge base, dedication to creating sustainable solutions and commitment to creating value during every interaction, Barry strives to inspire positive change. Born and raised in Edmonton, he takes immense pride in his roots and welcomes the opportunity to make his hometown a better place.

Away from the office, Barry enjoys spending time with his family pursuing the great outdoors, travelling, golfing, and all aspects of music; from performing to attending performances and generally, just listening.

Ryan Taylor is an executive vice president, working out of head office in Edmonton. Ryan is a professional biologist (2008), registered in Alberta, with 27 years of consulting experience. Ryan graduated from the University of Alberta where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree with Specialization in Environmental Biology in 1997 and worked briefly for the University, after which he joined the ranks of environmental consulting in 1998. Ryan started out as a junior scientist in 2000 and has grown with Nichols over the last 24 years. Ryan oversees staff working on projects ranging from soil and groundwater assessments and investigations to site remediation evaluation, design and implementation, in situ remediation and chemical oxidation, spill response and clean-up, and hazardous building materials assessment/abatement.

Reflecting on his career, Ryan acknowledges that when he joined Nichols was a life-changing moment. Grateful for the opportunities and the supportive work environment, he values the impact of the people he collaborates with daily. His passion for consulting, dedication to mentoring, and the joy he finds in watching his team grow and succeed are the most rewarding part of his professional journey.

Outside of work you would find Ryan on the field or on the ice helping to coach his girls in soccer/hockey. He finds it very rewarding to work with young players, helping build their skills for both the game and for life. Now that his girls are in post-secondary, Ryan has more time to enjoy travelling, camping, hiking, golfing, and playing hockey.

David Nuell is a seasoned environmental consultant with a wealth of experience and expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. With professional agrologist designations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, he brings a comprehensive understanding of environmental regulations and best practices to every project.

David's journey into environmental consulting began after graduating from the University of Calgary in 2002 with a degree in Environmental Science. This is where he honed his skills and developed a passion for environmental stewardship.

Since joining Nichols in 2007 and establishing our Calgary office, David has been instrumental in the company's success and growth. As an Executive Vice President, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the firm and overseeing its operations. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in establishing Nichols as a trusted partner in the environmental consulting industry.

David's commitment to excellence and dedication to environmental sustainability are evident in his work. He has successfully led numerous projects across diverse sectors, ranging from energy and infrastructure to agriculture and government. His ability to navigate regulatory complexities and find innovative solutions has earned him a reputation for delivering results that exceed client expectations.

Beyond his professional endeavors, David is actively involved in his community and supporting his two children in their soccer, ringette, and volleyball endeavours.  David also enjoys exploring the great outdoors and spending time relaxing at the lake.

Matthew Dean is a professional engineer registered with APEGA, EGBC and APEGS and has greater than 20 years of experience in solving geotechnical and civil engineering challenges. Matthew initially joined Nichols as a co-op student in 2001, while completing his B.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the U of A and worked his remaining work terms with Nichols. In 2004, Matthew took an opportunity to enhance his knowledge in heavy earthworks and pursued the opportunity to work on large projects in northern Alberta and northern Ontario. However, in 2012 Matthew returned to Nichols, bringing with him his experience and the lessons learned in heavy earthworks construction to the geotechnical and civil group. Now in the role of EVP – Engineering, he oversees a diverse team of professional engineers and certified technologists. His areas of expertise include geotechnical and slope stability investigations, civil and stormwater management design, retaining wall design, earthworks construction support and project management. Matthew is based out of head office in Edmonton and is passionate about growing the Nichols' engineering group. 

While away from the office Matthew is an active member in the northern Alberta rugby community, holding a volunteer position on the board of the Edmonton Clan RFC. Beyond his professional and volunteer endeavours, Matthew pursues every opportunity to track fresh powder on his skis, explore new trails on his bike, travel, and hang out with his family and friends.

Veronica Lee has been an integral part of the Nichols team since 1999, dedicating herself to the growth and development of our organization. Working as a member of the executive team she holds herself accountable in her role as CFO. Veronica played a crucial role in facilitating the recent employee buyout, driving the corporation forward and contributing significantly to its continued growth.

With over 40 years of experience in financial management, Veronica is a seasoned professional committed to delivering high-quality financial management services. She began her career in public practice before transitioning to industry in the early 1980s. Over the years she honed her skills in business organization, system development, and human resources management, making her an indispensable asset to our team.

Veronica's extensive expertise enables her to provide insightful advice to management on various business and financial challenges. She specializes in offering creative solutions that add tangible value to our organization. Veronica excels in financial and management reporting, enhancing business processes and procedures, adapting them to new technologies, implementing new systems, and managing organizational changes. Her diverse client portfolio includes real estate brokerage, development/property management, environmental consulting, manufacturing, retail, public accounting, and not-for-profit sectors. Veronica’s dedication to excellence makes her an invaluable member of the Nichols team.

When she's not at work, Veronica’s zest for new experiences will see her spending time with her family and friends, exploring new small towns, hiking in the mountains, swimming, and indulging in her love of reading.

Kyle Jackson is a senior project manager within our environmental team, working out of head office in Edmonton. Kyle is a registered Professional Technologist under ASET, with 15 years of experience in the world of environmental consulting. Kyle’s areas of expertise include soil and groundwater assessments, site remediation, in situ remediation, and spill response.   

Kyle began his career in environmental consulting after graduating with distinction from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in 2009. After spending a brief time in Calgary, Kyle joined Nichols in the fall of 2009. Since then, Kyle has completed countless environmental assessments and remediation programs while also becoming an integral part of the leadership team at Nichols.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Kyle tries to find balance by embracing life outside of the office. This includes enjoying sports, spending quality time with family and friends, or basking in the sun at the lake.

Tawnya Anderson is an accomplished environmental consultant with 16 years of experience in the industry. She has dedicated her career to working with clients in municipal settings across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan and has managed several multi-property portfolios over the years for key clients. Tawnya’s expertise lies in providing risk-based solutions and strategic guidance to address environmental challenges.

Tawnya holds a B.Sc. (with distinction) in Environmental Science (2006) from the University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty, where she honed her skills and passion for environmental science and chemistry. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her Environmental Professional (EP) designation, which reflects her deep knowledge and dedication to environmental stewardship.

Tawnya embarked on her journey at Nichols in 2007, immersing herself in every facet of the company’s environmental services. Over the years, she has evolved into an experienced senior project manager, managing a wide variety of scopes. Tawnya’s current role involves spearheading the Nichols Phase I ESA and quality control groups, where her leadership and expertise contribute to the success of the projects undertaken by the company. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Tawnya’s passions extend to gardening, where she cultivates green spaces and connects with nature. She also explores the world of herbalism, appreciating the healing properties of plants. Her commitment to self-sufficiency aligns with her environmental values, emphasizing sustainable living practices.

Dr. Laxmi Kant Kachhwal is a senior project manager and geotechnical engineer with Nichols, working out of head office in Edmonton since 2011. With over 16 years of invaluable experience in the field of civil and geotechnical engineering, he has been instrumental in the company’s growth, providing mentorship and delivering exceptional results in his areas of expertise.

Laxmi Kant holds a Ph.D. degree in Geo-Environmental Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and prior to that, he earned his master’s degree in Hydrology from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India. He is a registered professional engineer with APEGA. His areas of expertise include geotechnical assessments and designs, slope stability, earthworks construction, and designing with geosynthetics. A well-rounded professional in the field of geotechnical engineering, his knowledge is matched only by his years of practical experience.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Laxmi Kant remains actively engaged in academia, sharing his knowledge and insights with the next generation of engineers. He has authored several publications in reputable journals, international conferences, and magazine articles.

In his free time, Laxmi Kant enjoys the outdoors with his beautiful wife and two children, both travelling the world and exploring the Rockies. In addition, he finds pleasure in watching games of cricket and hockey. Being a first-generation immigrant from India, his journey continues to be shaped by the values of inclusivity, diversity, and equality. His experiences as an immigrant have instilled in him a profound respect for diversity and a commitment to creating a world where everyone feels valued and included.

Markus Hansen has over 12 years of experience in project management, civil and geotechnical engineering, site remediation, Phase I and II environmental site assessments, emergency spill response, and hazardous materials and building condition assessments. As such, is a seasoned professional with a comprehensive background in both civil and environmental engineering.

Markus is a graduate of the University of Alberta and holds a B.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering degree and is a registered professional engineer with APEGA and EGBC. His academic foundation has laid the groundwork for a successful career dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. 

Markus currently is a project manager in the Calgary office and plays a pivotal role in supporting the management and growth of our southern civil and geotechnical engineering department. With a deep passion for the field, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to sustainable practices, he ensures the successful execution of projects and meetings, exceeding industry standards.

Outside of work, Markus is driven by a passion for web-based applications and multi-media programing, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and innovation in his field with a commitment to excellence and a drive to make a positive impact on the world around him. He also enjoys travelling and trying new culinary and dining experiences.

Hong Liu joined Nichols as a Senior Accountant in 2022, working out of head office in Edmonton. Hong is an experienced Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with an extensive 14-year journey in diverse industries. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting from NAIT. Collaborating closely with the CFO, she oversees accounting activities, conducts reconciliations, and orchestrates month-end closing. Hong brings a wealth of proficiency to her role and actively seeks out opportunities to refine and optimize accounting procedures, thereby increasing efficiency and accuracy.

In her free time, she enjoys travelling, hip-hop dancing, snowboarding, and spending time with family.

Lauren Pickering graduated with a B.A.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from the University of British Columbia and the University of Northern British Columbia and joined the Nichols Calgary office in 2014, working her way up from a technical operations entry level position to project manager over the past ten years. Lauren has been involved in a variety of environmental consulting projects including Phase I and II ESAs, a variety of remediation programs, and spill response and clean up. Working with Nichols has allowed Lauren to continually be challenged on new projects, to travel to remote and interesting places in Canada, and to meet different people from a variety of places and industries.

Outside of work she also enjoys travelling and is looking forward to getting back into this after a few years of staying home. When she’s not at the office or in the field Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, gardening in the summer, and bike riding on the streets of Calgary.

Armando Bernabe is a project manager at head office in Edmonton, supporting the senior project managers in the successful execution of our client’s projects. He manages numerous programs simultaneously, coordinates and executes field work for more complicated projects (which includes training and mentorship of our team of project coordinators and technical operations staff), and manages client portfolios, all while maintaining strong relationships with all client representatives. He is a registered professional engineer with APEGA, EGBC, and PEO and holds a PMP designation from the Project Management Institute.

Throughout his career, Armando has successfully managed diverse projects, from planning through design and execution. His background provides a wealth of knowledge, ensuring the structural integrity of projects and effective geotechnical solutions. As an accomplished professional, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering successful outcomes in the civil engineering domain.

His journey to this point in his career in Canada began with graduation from Adamson University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1984. He also completed the academic requirements for a Master of Engineering major in Structural Engineering from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) in 2002. In addition, he holds a certificate in Project Management from the University of Calgary in 2012.   

Beyond his professional work, Armando is actively involved in the church and community as well as spending quality time with his family. He is passionate about volunteering during his spare time. He enjoys travel, field trips, and outdoor activities together with family and friends.

Drake Dykeman has over 13 years of experience in the fields of project management, civil and geotechnical engineering, surveying, and design and drafting.

As a graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology Co-op program at NAIT, Drake brings a solid foundation of technical expertise and practical experience to his role as a project manager with the civil engineering team. Inspired by the company's core values of growth, respect, accountability, and flexibility, Drake is dedicated to pursuing excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

In his role as a project manager in head office in Edmonton, Drake oversees and coordinates numerous civil engineering work programs simultaneously, ensuring efficient project management and client satisfaction. He is deeply committed to maintaining strong relationships with clients and providing valuable engineering support.

Outside of work, Drake finds balance and rejuvenation in his hobbies, including volleyball, hiking, snowboarding, and both watching and playing hockey.

Kurt Forsch is a project manager within our environmental team, working out of head office in Edmonton. Kurt graduated from the University of Alberta in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree with a Specialization in Geology. Kurt is a registered professional geologist under APEGA, with over five years of experience in environmental consulting. Kurt’s areas of expertise include soil and groundwater assessments, site remediation, and spill response programs across western Canada.

Nichols has provided Kurt the opportunity to travel to numerous locations within western Canada, encompassing a diverse range of projects.

Recreationally, Kurt is a dynamic individual with a passion for travelling, outdoor adventures, and technology. Outside of work, you can often find him indulging in activities like fly fishing, ice fishing, golfing, skiing, and hiking, where he can immerse himself in the beauty of nature. He also enjoys spending days on one of BC’s lakes, wakesurfing and boating – especially with family and friends.

Kyle Hunter is a project manager within our environmental team, working out of head office in Edmonton. Kyle is a registered Agrologist with the AIA, with nine years of experience in environmental consulting. Kyle’s areas of expertise include soil and groundwater assessments, site remediation, in situ remediation, and spill response.  

Kyle began his career in environmental consulting as a summer student while completing his degree in Environmental Sciences – Land Reclamation Major at the University of Alberta, and quickly realized this was the career for him. Kyle enjoys the competitiveness, fast-paced nature, and high standards in the consulting world and nine years in the industry have flown by, with projects completed from British Columbia to Manitoba. Now having stepped into a management role at Nichols, Kyle enjoys passing on the guidance and mentorship he received at Nichols to the next generation of staff members.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Kyle enjoys travelling the world, skiing and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, and spending time with family and friends. 

Justin Zunti is a project manager with our environmental team, working out of head office in Edmonton, and has been with Nichols since 2017. Justin graduated from the University of Alberta in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences with a Business minor. Justin is registered with APEGA, working toward his professional geoscientist designation, and has over 10 years of experience in environmental consulting across western Canada. Justin’s areas of expertise include Phase I ESAs, soil and groundwater assessments, site remediation, in situ remediation, and spill response programs.

Justin enjoys the challenges of delivering and exceeding client expectations, particularly for clients who come to Nichols with a diverse range of environmental issues that need to be addressed

Outside of work, Justin loves spending time with his wife and being a girl dad to three beautiful daughters (and a dog). Along with time spent with family, he enjoys travelling, volunteering, hiking, golfing, and playing hockey. Go Oilers Go!

With a decade of industry experience, Samuel Langman is an experienced professional specializing in hazardous building material assessments and occupational hygiene. Samuel holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences from Grant MacEwan University, and a certification as a Council-certified Microbial Investigator and is actively pursuing his registered occupational hygienist designation.

Samuel's expertise spans diverse assessments, including indoor air quality evaluations, hazardous building materials assessments, asbestos abatement air sampling, and lead/mould/silica air/surface sampling. He has managed hazardous material removal projects valued at greater than $1 million, as well as numerous projects that were more than $250,000 in overall value. For hazardous building materials or indoor air quality assessments Samuel is your Nichols’ point of contact, offering tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. He is committed to and passionate about occupational health and safety, and ensuring clients' compliance with legislative requirements and industry best practices.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Samuel is an avid food enthusiast, a devoted foster carer of greyhounds, and a passionate traveller who has explored 10 countries – and counting!