Experienced consultant/process/project manager in the fields of water, nature, delta management and regional planning. Identifies, initiates and inspires. Looks for common interests and as a generalist is focused on strengthening both the project process and content. In recent years he has worked on several high-profile projects in the field of eco-engineering: Natural Climate Buffer Oester Dam, the Sand Motor, the Vismigration River Afsluitdijk and the North Sea Canal as an eco-corridor for migratory fish. He has also carried out various international projects in the field of water and delta management.

Melissa is a water professional and ecologist with an integrative perspective. As a consultant or project leader, she is committed to robust ecosystems, (water) nature and biodiversity - both below and above water - in a wide range of landscapes. From the mudflats, where she is still active in the summer months as a mudflat guide, to coastal and dune systems, rivers, streams and marshes.
At OAK, she works with enthusiasm and creativity on diverse issues in the fields of landscape, ecology, water and climate, always focusing on the connection between people and nature. For example, on landscape ecological system analyses (LESAs), ecological connection zones, nature-inclusive landscape design or urban biodiversity. She also strongly believes in the power of imagination and experience to connect people with the wonderful world of nature. As a visual thinker, she has therefore developed a passion for illustrating, which she enjoys using within her projects.

As an aquatic ecologist, he has a broad perspective and interest within the fields of ecology, nature restoration, fish migration, water quality, aquaculture and recreation in nature. Driven and result-oriented, he uses his substantive knowledge to supervise projects, direct them in terms of content and bring them to a good result. In recent years Wilco has also worked internationally on habitat restoration and fish migration projects, both within and outside Europe.

Ernest deals with spatial issues that require vision and leadership. He knows how to connect parties, bring interests to the surface and translate them directly into concrete steps. Some of the projects he has worked on in recent years include: Schaalsprong Almere Centrum Weerwater (Floriade), landscape park Lingezegen, IJsselvecht Delta Province Overijssel, Máxima Park Leidsche Rijn Utrecht and Singelpark Leiden. With his personal approach Ernest knows how to get people moving, dares to enter into conflicts and is result-oriented. He has good communication skills and is a pleasant person of integrity who is learning in life. In projects his strength lies in connecting parties who want to realize a common ambition. Creating support and a relationship of trust with clients, project staff and cooperating parties are defining aspects of his work.

Daan has a passion for people, nature and forests. He is an experienced program leader and concept developer and is always looking for new ways to connect people and nature. Daan thinks big, but has learned to start small. He is creative, imaginative and believes in the power of stories. This allows him to inspire and activate people to make their own environment greener and more biodiverse.

At the hotel school in Maastricht, he learned to put the guest's experience at the center of his work and this is also how he views the programs, where the wishes of all users (including plants and animals) are leading. Between 2011 and 2023, Daan worked for IVN nature education. At IVN he led various multistakeholder programs with municipalities, provinces, state, schools and entrepreneurs. For example, he stood at the cradle of Tiny Forest in the Netherlands, England and Belgium and helped realize over 300 urban forests in the Netherlands.

Over the past ten years he has worked mainly on nature in the city and now joins OAK to work with municipalities, provinces and water boards to make the urban fringes and surrounding areas more attractive to people, animals and plants.

Barend's passion is ecology, with a role as consultant or project leader. He sees knowledge of species and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as the basis of his advice. From that content he likes to contribute to the visioning and design of nature, nature inclusive projects and the sustainable promotion of biodiversity. Originally an aquatic ecologist, but as a Wageningen native, he is used to acting in integrated projects involving water, nature and landscape. His work ranges from the execution of comprehensive landscape ecological system analyses (LESAs), impact studies (MER, WFD, N2000, NNN), nature development plans and management visions to the landscaping of residential areas and infrastructural works such as highways (Blankenburg, ViA15) and dikes. Barend likes to transfer his knowledge to others. Not only in projects, also as a teacher at the Wateropleidingen foundation (Integral Water Management) and at the Werk aan de Linie foundation (water plants, water quality and system analysis).

Stephan has a great passion for ecology. As an aquatic ecology consultant, his expertise focuses on fish (migration), area design, landscape and systems analysis and ecology. He has a background in biology and aquatic ecology from Wageningen University. With both practical experience and theoretical knowledge and using various tools, Stephan works on his projects with great enthusiasm.

Gwenaël is an aquatic ecologist and experienced in nature projects in larger and/or flowing water systems, whether saline, brackish or freshwater. He enjoys working to develop more biodiverse and robust ecosystems that have a unique story to tell and can be experienced that way. From his broad experience with rewilding ecology, tidal nature, biogenic reefs and fish migration, he likes to think just a little further at OAK on how to make the underwater world both wilder and more visible. From creek systems to the North Sea, discovering the natural features and natural potential in an area is what he enjoys most, and from good listening and recruiting enthusiasm he develops ambitious nature and landscape visions and designs for nature and people. Gwenaël also has a good understanding of how water and nature projects can go hand in hand with climate adaptation, making an impact on the human environment.

As an aquatic ecology consultant, Laura is committed to healthy water systems in which ecology and other user functions are in balance. She works on improving water quality, strengthening ecosystems in and around water, or developing innovative solutions to complex issues. With a broad perspective on landscape and water systems, she connects ecological knowledge with creative, hands-on applications.

Tessa likes to be the one who arranges and executes everything, who connects and leads in the right direction. She prefers working in a place where people make impact and where people think in terms of solutions.
At OAK, she can maximize her work experience in various support roles due to the diverse range of tasks. Do you have a question? Feel free to ask them, and she will be happy to see if she can help further.

Jasmijn has a broad interest in social issues and enjoys biting into new challenges. With her background in Management and Organization Science and her experience in management and policy making, she knows how to make processes run smoothly and connect people.

During her studies at Utrecht University, Jasmijn completed two board years, where she gained valuable experience in creating support and organizing complex processes. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Organizations, Change and Management, where she is studying effective collaboration and change within organizations.

At OAK, Jasmijn supports ongoing projects as a project assistant. She enjoys providing structure, thinking about innovative solutions and making sure everyone is heard and involved.

Besides her work, Jasmijn is a nature lover at heart. Whether summer or winter, you can regularly find her in the mountains, enjoying the peace and beauty of nature!

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