A: I’m really passionate about making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place for people to live and work. I love just about any outdoor activity and spend as much time as I can hiking, camping, kayaking, skiing, etc. Professionally, I’m Director of Digital Health Solutions with Branch Innovations, a division of Seafair, where we design and deliver technology solutions that create better access to health and community care in our province and across Canada.
Q: Wow! You’re a busy person. What types of other organizations do you volunteer with?
A: The ECTA is the only organization I currently volunteer with and that’s intentional. With a busy personal and professional life, I wanted to choose an organization that is important to me and ensure I kept enough free time to give the role what it needed. Previously, I’ve engaged in in advisory, committee, and/or board work with Queen’s University, Memorial University, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the City of St. John’s, and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE NL).
Q: You’re super experienced, and we are so glad to have you on the team! Tell us about your volunteer experiences with the ECTA so far.
A: I’m new to the ECTA, so still getting my feet wet, but a highlight has been attending the AGM in November and hearing from so many passionate members and volunteers. I was also able to join in on a trail maintenance hike this Fall and am excited to join more this year. So far, I’ve had coffee with around a dozen folks who are active volunteers or interested in becoming one – I’d be thrilled to hear from more of the membership and volunteer base. If you’re interested in connecting, please email me at melissa.berkshire@
Q: What motivates you to volunteer? What do you find most rewarding? What are you looking forward to?
A: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people with common interests. I was living in Ontario for a few years and moved back home to NL in 2023, so it’s been a nice way to reconnect to the local community. I’m excited to continue to meet people who are passionate about preserving the trail network that so many dedicated people have poured their hearts and souls into building. I’m also excited to grow our membership and introduce more people to our hiking community.
Q: What’s your favourite path and why?
A: Can I have a top 3? Deadman’s Bay, Sugarloaf and Cobbler’s Path are the three I hike multiple times a year. This is mostly because they’re so easily accessible from my home in Georgestown, St. John’s, and because they always take my breath away – figuratively with the view, and literally, with some of the big climbs. They’re a great workout!
Q: Excellent choices! Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had on the Trail.

Q: What’s next for you as your position of VP of Volunteers and Members? Anything exciting on the horizon?
A: From a V&M perspective, there’s a lot of big plans for the ECTA. Our awards and recognition event is coming up in April; we’re looking at new technology solutions to help better manage and communicate with our members and volunteers; and we’re consistently recruiting volunteers for our Board, committees, guided hiking and trail maintenance programs. I really want to prioritize getting to know our existing volunteers and members better, too.
Q: What would you say to somebody who is interested in volunteering with the East Coast Trail Association? (but perhaps doesn’t know how to get started).
A: I think participating in a maintenance hike or guided hike is a great place to start. It will provide a great opportunity to experience the trail alongside some really passionate people and we’re actively recruiting folks to volunteer within these programs. Additionally, we do have some Board and Committee vacancies at the moment that we’re looking to fill – if that’s more aligned with your interests, reach out through the web form or to me directly!
Thanks so much for chatting with us Melissa! We can’t wait to see how you expand the Volunteer and Members offerings and programs in the year ahead! Interested in volunteering with us? Check out the current vacant positions, and reach out to Melissa!