MEET THE
PARKLANE LANDSCAPES
TEAM
Passionate professionals committed to bringing your outdoor vision to life through sustainable design
and enduring build quality.
CASSIE ZALEWSKI
PRESIDENT
Cassie’s passion for horticulture began on her mother’s herb farm, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for nature and a strong work ethic. After graduating college in 2006, she joined Parklane full-time, gaining hands-on experience in Garden Care and Construction before moving into operations and project management.
After earning her D License and Crane Operator certification, Cassie spent several years driving the 7-ton truck, developing a strong focus on logistics, efficiency, and quality workmanship.
As a third-generation owner and General Manager, Cassie proudly led Parklane into its 65th year in 2022 and remains dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor spaces while building a passionate team.
JOANNE MOHAN
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Joanne joined Parklane in 2011 as a Landscape Designer. Raised in her family’s landscape construction and garden centre business in Ireland, she developed a strong appreciation for family-run companies. She holds a degree in Property Economics, a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, and a certificate in Ecology.
Joanne leads Parklane Living, offering therapeutic horticulture programs focused on plant therapy, climate-resilient gardening, and sustainable practices that help people reconnect with nature through plants.
Joanne is a Fusion Landscape Professional and Trainer, DePave Co-Ordinator, and sits on the Ramara Climate Action Committee.
ALLY LAUER
SALES MANAGER + CONSULTANT
Ally joined Parklane Landscapes in 2021 as a Sales Consultant and quickly advanced to Sales Manager and Marketing Coordinator. With a diploma in Sales and Marketing and a lifelong background in customer service, she brings a strong client-focused approach to every project.
Passionate about construction, landscapes, and the outdoors, Ally isn’t afraid to get hands-on, she even designed and completed the build of her own home.
She enjoys building genuine relationships with clients and guiding them through the landscape design and build process, helping bring their outdoor spaces to life.
JENNIFER RIMMER-WATTS
SALES CONSULTANT
Jennifer joined Parklane Landscapes in 2024 as a Landscape Sales Consultant, bringing strong sales experience and a passion for the outdoors. With a background in sales at Barrie Harley-Davidson, she developed a reputation for exceptional customer service and building lasting client relationships.
Jennifer now applies those skills to the landscape industry, working closely with clients to understand their vision and guide them through the design-build process. Her enthusiasm for nature and commitment to thoughtful service help ensure every project is carefully planned and executed from concept to completion.
AMANDA HENDERSON
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER (BA, RSE)
Amanda joined Parklane Landscapes in 2024, bringing over 20 years of hands‑on experience in landscape construction and installation. She holds a BA in Psychology and Environmental History from Trent University and completed her Diploma in Landscape Design with distinction, specializing in computer‑aided design, through the University of Guelph. A certified horticultural professional through Humber College and Ontario Trades, she blends technical expertise with a strong understanding of plant life. Her thoughtful approach to landscape design blends ecological principles with functional, beautiful outdoor spaces that express a natural sense of balance and purpose.
EMILY JOHNSTON-HARTIN
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER + OFFICE ASST
Emily joined Parklane Landscapes in 2024, bringing experience in Human Resources, ecosystem management, and construction. Her HR background supports company compliance, employee wellbeing, and a positive workplace culture.
With a background in Ecosystem Management and Technology and a passion for entomology, Emily contributes to Parklane’s environmental and sustainability initiatives. Her experience in mechanical contracting, custom home construction, and design strengthens her understanding of the landscape design-build process.
DREW WISEMAN
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Drew joined Parklane Landscapes in 2013 as a labourer, bringing experience in construction ranging from interior renovations and roofing to full home builds. Eager to learn and passionate about working outdoors, he quickly advanced to Team Lead and became a Foreperson within five years.
A certified Horticultural Technician with strong masonry and construction expertise, Drew is a valued leader on the Parklane team. He takes pride in delivering landscapes that are both functional and visually appealing, creating outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.
MAISSIE LOWDEN
HORTICULTURE + SERVICE MANAGER
Maissie joined Parklane Landscapes as a Landscape Technician, bringing a background in zoology and plant science along with a lifelong passion for gardening. Working with both the Ongoing Garden Care and Construction crews, she has quickly built strong hands-on experience in the field.
Maissie is especially passionate about native plants and incorporating features like rain gardens and bioswales that support biodiversity and natural water management. Committed to sustainable practices, she prioritizes reusing materials and composting garden waste whenever possible.
With a strong interest in ethnobotany and continuous learning, Maissie takes pride in creating healthy, beautiful outdoor spaces clients can truly enjoy.
ANNA VAN MARIS
PAST PRESIDENT
Anna often says she grew up in a garden center. Between the ages of 4 and 15 Anna’s back yard was the Parklane Retail Garden Center on Finch Avenue, Toronto. She boasts that she was able to read blueprints by the time she was 8 years old and her super power is to draw the perfect inch.
Anna attempted to pursue a career in environmental studies attending University of Waterloo 1980-1981 but the lure of residential landscape proved to be too enticing for her. More suited to healing the earth “one garden at a time” Anna refocused her education and graduated from Humber College Landscape Technology program in 1983.
Anna’s creative inspiration, like that of her father, is heavily influenced by Ontario’s northern beauty. Anna’s secret passion is to create the perfect outdoor classroom for classes in ecology, food security and herbal medicine.
