Our Team
A group of dedicated lawyers, professionals, law students, and community members
Benjamin Isitt– Managing Director
Ben is a lawyer, author, and grassroots community advocate based in Lekwungen territory (Victoria, BC). He serves in a pro bono capacity as Managing Director and Director of Legal Services at the Red Cedar Advocacy Centre. In his spare time, Ben enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and low-carbon travel.
Jayne Johnson – Caseworker Coordinator
Jayne is a 3L JD student at the University of Victoria. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, which inspired her interest in public interest environmental law. Jayne continues to expand her knowledge of environmental issues by engaging in Indigenous led educational opportunities, such as the WSANEC field school. She was previously a co-president of the UVic Environmental Law Club and is an active board member of the Environmental Law Centre Society. Outside of school, Jayne enjoys yoga, running, hiking, and skiing.
Erich Kelch – Mediator
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Erich went to school here completing a Masters in Dispute Resolution at Uvic. Most of his professional life has been working between Government and First Nations trying to find common ground on how to work together on many different projects. Erich teaches opportunity in conflict courses with the Roy Group, has taken numerous courses relating to dynamics of conflict and keeps up to speed with readings, practice and awareness of the field as part of a personal passion. In his spare time he is an avid community volunteer, lives in a house with 7 people, enjoys sports and the great outdoors and gets an opportunity to practice approaches to conflict regularly in his life.
Antonia Mendel – Caseworker and Mediator
Antonia holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Political Science from UVic and has significant experience in grassroots organizing, Indigenous and international solidarity work. She has completed mediation training through the Justice Institute of British Columbia, ADR Learning Institute, and Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, with additional training in trauma-informed, nonviolent communication and cross-cultural mediation. In her free time, Antonia enjoys sailing, community projects, and live music.
Teleena Whitwick – Caseworker
A JD Candidate at UVic Law, their studies focus on public interest environmental law. They have held executive positions in UVic’s Environmental Law Club, LGBTQIA+ Club OUTLaws, and act as a Student Board Member for the Environmental Law Centre. They are committed to continued work with community groups to push for legal reform and change. Outside of their studies they enjoy painting, nature walks, and badminton.
Caitlyn Waterhouse – Co-op Student
Caitlyn is a second-year JD student at the University of Victoria. She is passionate about public interest law and environmental advocacy and serves as co-president of the Environmental Law Club and a Student Board Member of the Environmental Law Centre. Outside of her studies, Caitlyn enjoys playing sports, camping, and reading.
