World-class expedition leaders: Experts in biology, genetics, environmental science, wilderness survival and photography
Meet our team
We often brag and say "we have the best trip leaders in the business". Well, we believe that's true. Our team of expedition leaders and instructors are some of the most experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable in the business. They are biologists, geneticists, wilderness guides and world class photographers. On top of these great skills they're fun-loving, caring and adventurous with a wide variety of local knowledge and a passion for educating.
​
Safety is always #1. With Kattuk guides, you know you're in good hands. All of our guides have a minimum of WRFA (Wilderness and Remote First Aid) and three years of experience leading trips.
​
Fred Stillman - Company owner, expedition leader, hiking & sea kayaking guide, survival instructor and team building facilitator. Fred has been leading eco/adventure tours throughout Atlantic Canada since 1999. Fred has taught the Outdoor Guiding program and Outdoor Food Preparation courses at the Nova Scotia Community College. Fred has recently completed his 57th trip to Sable Island NPR and has been trained to assist with winter research with the Sable Island Institute.
Caroline - Office Manager, brings 20 years of experience in business support to our team. In addition to tour operations administrative positions, Caroline had also held roles as a surf guide in Mexico and scuba diving instructor in the Caribbean. Caroline is passionate about the outdoors whether underwater or above. In addition, she is also fluent in English and Polish.
Devon Gillighan - Expedition leader, has a tremendous passion for people, nature, and science. He has a varied skill set and brings a wide range of knowledge to the team. Devon has a BES degree from Saint Mary's University. He holds both AWRFA and Paddle Canada Level 2 certifications. Devon is a confident leader and has been involved with expeditions to Sable Island NPR by helicopter, plane, and ship.
Garry Donaldson - Expedition leader, Garry is a biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service managing a network of 26 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and National Wildlife Areas across Atlantic Canada. He has a mild Sable Island addiction and has visited the island multiple times including by aircraft, helicopter and ship. His knowledge of Sable and kind-hearted personality add to the experience of our guests.
Lauren Hughes - Expedition leader – Lauren's experience in research and healthcare fuels her passion for helping others explore the outdoors and nature. With a master's degree in genetics, her fascination with biodiversity extends to all of Sable island's unique species. An active volunteer with the Sable Island Institute, she eagerly shares her love for horses and Sable with fellow enthusiasts. Lauren passions also include photography and her work can be viewed here: laurenhughesphotos.com
Adam Zita - Hiking and sea kayaking guide, brings a wealth of outdoor leadership and team building knowledge and experience to the team. He loves what he does and it shows. Adam has a solid understanding of group dynamics from children's groups to corporate adults. Adam has a wonderful personality and is happiest outdoors with people. He is also an active hiking and sea kayaking tour guide and a Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor.
Dr. Joey Yazer - Hiking and kayaking guide, has an incredible amount of knowledge and skill. He's great at teaching survival, leading hiking and sea kayaking tours. He's also a fantastic photographer and many of his photos are featured on this website. Joey is also a paramedic, a paramedic instructor and a
Dr. of Veterinary medicine.