2026-2028 Intern Councillor Nominees
Ali Ebadi
I am interested in serving as Intern Councillor because I am committed to supporting emerging professionals and contributing to the continued growth of the landscape architecture profession through the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA). I am a Landscape Designer at SHIFT Landscape Architecture and recent MLA graduate from the University of Guelph, currently working toward full professional membership. My academic research focused on communication in both landscape architecture practice and education via hand-sketching, exploring how ideas are effectively conveyed through design processes. This work strengthened my understanding of the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional dialogue within the discipline. I was honoured to receive the ASLA Student Merit Award, which reflects my dedication to design excellence and professional development. Through my academic research, teaching assistant roles and professional experiences, I have developed strong communication and teamwork skills that would allow me to represent the perspectives of interns thoughtfully. I am particularly interested in supporting initiatives that strengthen connections between education, practice, and the licensure process, including the PDP and LARE pathway, while fostering an inclusive and supportive professional community.
Emiley Switzer-Martell
I’m interested in serving on Council because, as an intern member, I’ve relied on the OALA many times and have really valued the support and resources it provides. Being able to give back and contribute to that work feels important to me at this stage in my career.
I previously served as the University of Toronto representative from 2022–2023, which I really enjoyed. That experience gave me a better understanding of how the association supports students and emerging professionals, and I’m looking forward to becoming more involved. I was also a student representative at the 2023 Pre-Congress, which further strengthened my interest in Council work.
I’m also currently preparing to write my third LARE exam, so I’m very familiar with the licensure process and understand how valuable OALA’s resources are for interns. I would be glad to support their continued availability and improvement.
Currently, I am practicing at JRS, where I’m continuing to build my professional experience and perspective within the field.
Charissa Teal
I am driven by a profound passion for the landscape and the ways people connect within it.
My goal for serving on OALA Council is to advance landscape architecture in Canada by strengthening the profession’s relevance, excellence, and impact, while ensuring it continues to evolve and inspire the next generation of practitioners.
My professional journey, though still early, has given me a broad perspective on the field. I earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph in 2023, worked at a design-build company, gained international experience as a landscape architect assistant in England, and am now contributing as a landscape architectural technician in Ottawa, where I aim to achieve my full license in the near future.
As an Intern member, I have come to recognize the unique power we hold—the power of curiosity: to ask challenging questions, think boldly, and bring fresh ideas to the profession. On Council, I will bring this energy and perspective to advocate for Intern members, support innovation, and contribute to meaningful positive change within OALA.
