Len Preeper is the Owner and Partner of Thinkwell Shift and President at Thinkwell Research. With a career in market research spanning back to 1995, Len held various roles within the Nova Scotia Government before founding Thinkwell Research. A proud resident of Dartmouth, he is an avid sports fan and enjoys keeping up with the latest business trends.

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Carrie MacDonald is a Partner and the President of Thinkwell Shift. A passionate consumer behavior specialist with a strong appreciation for client relationships, she has been with Thinkwell since its inception and oversees all aspects of client service and operations. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys skiing and equestrian events.

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Ruvi Mugara is the Director of Projects at Thinkwell Shift, a resource conservation company. She manages multiple teams on different programs, including Efficiency Nova Scotia's Green Schools and Efficient Product Installation Service. Ruvi majored in psychology at Saint Mary's University and is pursuing her EMBA through Quantic School of Business and Technology. Her career began in support services for adults with intellectual disabilities, where she discovered the value of consistent community engagement. After becoming a mother, Ruvi transitioned to a role as an engagement officer for Green Schools Nova Scotia. Ruvi attributes her success to strong communication skills, an inquisitive nature, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

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Shandel Brown joined the Thinkwell Shift team in January 2016 as an Engagement Officer for the Greenschools Program in Cape Breton. Her educational background includes a Liberal Arts and Science degree from Quest University Canada, where she developed a deep interest in environmental issues. After teaching English in Sherbrooke, Québec, Shandel pursued a master's degree in Environment and Resource Studies from the University of Waterloo, focusing on the impact of climate change on fishing communities in Nova Scotia. Originally from Alberta, Shandel has settled on a fifth-generation farm in Cape Breton's Margaree Valley with her partner. In her free time, she enjoys cross-country skiing, farming, and promoting environmental awareness among children.

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Delia Topitzer is a Program Coordinator at Thinkwell Shift, where she focuses on our Navigator programs. She is passionate about helping customers navigate the often complex financing and rebate landscape associated with the retrofit process. Delia's interest in people and their stories led her to study Philosophy and English at Dalhousie University. In her free time, Delia enjoys running and surfing.

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Katie joined Green Schools NS in 2023 as an Engagement Officer and now works as a Program Specialist on projects with Thinkwell. With a background in administrative roles and a degree in Agriculture, she brings a strong understanding of the natural world and a love for connecting with people. Katie enjoys exploring Nova Scotia with her husband, hiking, and spending time with her two horses.​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Fiona Turmel is a Financing Navigator at Thinkwell Shift, where she supports our Navigator programs. She is dedicated to guiding both English and French-speaking customers through the complexities of financing their journey towards an energy-efficient home. Fiona's passion for helping others led her to major in French and International Development Studies at Dalhousie University, and she actively volunteers in her community. Outside of work, Fiona enjoys the company of her two cats, Salem and Momo.

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Nick is a University student currently studying for a bachelor of Finance at Concordia University. Primarily working as a Financing Navigator, he's interested in environmental sustainability and growing as a professional while at Thinkwell Shift. 

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Elvira Tutic is a Program Coordinator at Thinkwell Shift, where she supports businesses and residents in their energy savings journey.  Elvira also works on the Green Schools Nova Scotia helping to administer and coordinate the project.With over 20 years of experience in customer service, Elvira is committed to making a meaningful impact for clients at every stage of their business, regardless of scale.

She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University and has a background in Art and Design. Outside of her professional work, Elvira remains active in her creative pursuits, drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and music.

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Elisa is an ambitious team member at Thinkwell Shift, driven by her passion for helping others and creating a positive impact. Elisa joined Thinkwell Shift in January 2025, first as a Navigator where she supported homeowners through the challenging financial journey of making their homes more energy efficient. After just 4 months, her role broadened as she stepped in to support the Green Schools Nova Scotia team as an Engagement Officer within HRM.. In her role as the Green Careers Engagement Officer, Elisa inspires youth to explore the wide range of careers that are within the green sector through hands-on activities. She highlights the importance of identifying and using personal values to help set the youth up for success and open doors to future opportunities in sustainability. Outside of her work, Elisa enjoys dancing, cooking, and exploring local shops and restaurants.

Aaron Van Tassel is an Engagement Officer for the southern region. Born, raised, and based out of Digby; he is super enthusiastic to interact with students about energy efficiency, climate change, and how we can generally take better care of our world. Aaron has an educational background in justice studies, and a hunger for work in the public service.

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Jonah is an engagement officer with the Green Schools NS program. He engages students on energy efficient behaviors in both English and French. When he is not working he enjoys camping, hiking, biking, and all sorts of other fun outdoor activities. And if he’s not outside, you can find him inside the theatre performing improv and sketch comedy around Halifax.

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Taolue is back as a Green Schools Engagement officer for the second year. 

With an M.A. in TESL from the University of Idaho, Taolue has taught Mandarin Chinese as an additional language in secondary schools in the United States.  In 2023, Taolue moved to Maritime Canada and earned a certificate in American Sign Language (ASL) from the NSCC. Taolue is excited to inspire students across Nova Scotia to explore energy efficiency and environmental awareness. In free time, you can often find Taolue wandering along the breathtaking coastlines and hidden hiking trails of Atlantic Provinces with a camera in hand, capturing the beauty of everyday moments.

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uisa is the Engagement Officer in Northern Nova Scotia, and she's thrilled to be reconnecting with students and communities across the region. Luisa has a strong passion for environmental stewardship, she brings both experience and enthusiasm to the role. She holds an undergraduate degree in Aquatic Resources from STFX University and a Master’s degree in Marine Science and Climate Change from the University of Gibraltar. Her academic background fuels a deep commitment to promoting sustainable practices and empowering others to develop positive habits. Outside of work, Luisa can often be found exploring the outdoors on camping trips, enjoying the peace of nature, or gathered around a table for a good board game.

Amanda Wale-James is a Co-op Program Assistant with the Navigator service at Thinkwell Shift, where she supports the team in helping customers take meaningful steps toward energy efficiency in their homes. A Commerce student at Dalhousie University majoring in Marketing, Amanda is passionate about helping others and building strong connections within her community. She brings a thoughtful and organized approach to her work, always ready to lend a hand where it’s needed. Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys staying active and spending quality time with the people close to her.

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Riley is a Programs Assistant at Green Schools and a co-op student from Dalhousie University, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Riley moved to Ontario in 2019 for high school before settling in Halifax in 2023 to begin his post-secondary studies.

Passionate about community engagement and sustainability, Riley is excited to be part of the Green Schools team, supporting educational programming that empowers students to make environmentally conscious choices. They thrive in roles that allow them to connect with others and bring energy and positivity to every interaction.

Outside of work, Riley enjoys spending time with friends, playing guitar, and meeting new people. He is always looking to build new connections and enjoys sharing experiences that bring people together.