At Your Service

This all started with a complete infatuation with fishing and hunting. Growing up around Lake Superior there were many opportunities to chase trout and salmon which led me into the guiding world. I attended the University of Waterloo, graduating with an MS in Biology, specializing in polar bears. This led to an amazing job as a biologist in Canada’s high arctic, tagging walrus, whales and doing some pretty wild fieldwork. But the outfitting world pulled me back, I took a guiding job at Scott, and quickly moved into the office: this will be my 11th year as GM and I love every minute of it. Most importantly, the people I get to spend my summers with, the guests and staff, are simply amazing. In between seasons I’m based in White Fox, SK with my wife and labs, fishing, running a waterfowl outfitting business in BC and adventuring around the world.

When it comes to making Scott Lake a second home, Dani knows a thing or two. Being at the lodge since 2012, she continues to return to the North, always amazed by it’s pristine beauty. Originally born in Ontario, she attended the University of Guelph and has continued to take courses related to her interests: yoga, wine and nutrition. Working at Scott Lake gave her the opportunity to fall in love with Saskatchewan, travel the western side of Canada and explore many other countries. From backpacking to volunteering to fishing trips, Dani always finds herself in beautiful parts of the world. You can find her with her dog Halle, exploring new countries, teaching yoga, keeping up with the hospitality industry or talking about what’s next at Scott Lake. She is always looking forward to seeing her Scott Lake Family and welcoming those new to the island.

The things Amelia loves most in the world are people, food, and travel. That curiosity has led her across the world, from the Serengeti desert to Machu Picchu, meeting great people and learning about different cultures. Hospitality has always been the industry for her. It has allowed her to embrace the adventurous lifestyle and learning about her interests as a bonus. Growing up in Ontario, she received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph in Hospitality and Tourism Management and from there she’s had the opportunity to work at some of the highest rated hotels and restaurants in the country. Currently, Amelia lives near White Fox, SK with her little family whom you may recognize around the island (both the tallest member of our team and the smallest), where we enjoy the Canadian wilderness and the occasional escape from winter. Amelia’s experience is showcased in the coordinating and training of the hospitality team.

This will be Ben’s first year working at SLL on the Maintenance Team, but he has been working as a carpenter for much of his life. Ben completed his red seal at just 23. Ben had been working for his family business for years when he decided to buy the company in 2017 and successfully maintained the high standards his father had set for several more years. Ben decided to pursue a new path and venture into seasonal lodge work. We are happy to have Ben join the Scott Lake team this season. When he isn’t working, Ben and his partner enjoy camping and hiking with their dog.

Ayden grew up in Laird, SK, a small village located an hour north of Saskatoon. Ayden can best be described as an old soul and will bust a move on the dance floor if Elvis is playing. He has worked primarily as a mechanic but has numerous skills and a large array of experience and knowledge that will serve him very well on the SLL maintenance crew. Ayden is excited to be a part of this expansive team that keeps the island running smoothly.

Born in Antigua & Barbuda, Chef O’Shea Dunning was raised in a family that loved cooking. He developed a passion for cooking by watching, helping, and learning alongside his mother. He attended Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Institute, where he studied hospitality management with a focus on culinary arts. Chef O’Shea moved permanently to Canada in 2016 to be with his family. His career highlights include positions at Canadian Brewhouse, Regional Corporate Chef and Executive Chef at Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo, Alberta. Prior experiences include work in the British Virgin Islands, opening a new Plantation Hotel in Bequia, and as Executive Chef at the Sandals Resorts International in Antigua. His vision is always to create an atmosphere where his team enjoys their work while improving their culinary knowledge. He leads by always having a customer service focus and his cooking reflects his constant inspiration. Chef O’Shea enjoys working around his home, planting crops, camping, and flying drones. You may catch him saying a quote he’s known for: “living the dream”!

Zoe first worked at Scott in 2019 and we’re thrilled to have her back for another season. She’s looking forward to hearing the loons call, watching colourful sunsets, and connecting with old and new friends. With a deep passion for living fully, Zoe embraces every opportunity to explore and experience all that life has to offer. She began traveling at 19 and has since adventured all over the world, living in Australia, Wales, and Costa Rica. Eventually she found a place to call home in Nelson, where she loves to snowboard, bike, hike and camp. Zoe has taken many courses to expand her knowledge in massage therapy including bodywork, yoga and most recently, her RMT certificate. Zoe’s biggest passion is surfing and she is hoping to go to Nicaragua this fall for a surf trip.

Valerie is from SE Manitoba where the Sandilands Provincial Forest hosts a beautiful paradise for hunters, foragers, and ATV enthusiasts. Valerie has a soul for adventure and true passion for travel. After several years of experience in the hospitality industry, she decided to open a charming hotelito and restaurant in Nicaragua. When Valerie met Nuggs and heard his stories of Scott Lake and the island’s pristine, remote beauty she was intrigued. After moving back to Manitoba to be near family, she spent time in property management and attending classes for hospitality/special events. Despite fishing every summer, Valerie has surprisingly never caught a fish! So she is very excited to work on an island where “the fishing gets real”. Valerie is very excited to exchange fishing stories, serve fabulous new friends, and work alongside a fun and dedicated team.

This is Sierra’s second year at Scott and she is looking forward to being back in the Canadian north. Sierra is a well-versed traveler and is always in search of a new adventure. Her favourite places have been Greece and Spain with many more countries on her bucket list! When not travelling or studying Anthropology and History at McMaster University in Ontario, she is at the gym working on being the strongest girl in the room. The importance of personal fitness and mental health are a priority in her life and she hopes she can help others feel the same. She also loves cooking, baking, forest hiking along new trails, sparking up impromptu adventures and hangin’ with her cat, Bandit. Sierra can’t wait to have a chat on the wood chipped-trails or hear about your fish stories at the end of the day.

Jackie is no stranger to Scott Lake Lodge but is now in a new role on the island. Jackie started her adventure at Scott back in 2015 on the hospitality team but continued her education as she went to school for her Medical Massage Therapy Course. She has been running her own business in Nipawin, SK for the last two years and building her skill as an RMT. In the off season, if she is not working, she is usually doing something that gets her outside, from guiding whitetail in the fall, running her trapline in the winter, and riding her horse in the spring. This year she will be our island Massage Therapist, taking care of our guests after a long successful day of fishing.