STAFF
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Magali Grégoire (she/her)
Founder & Executive Director Magali is a science educator and museologist with a passion for animal life. She completed her B.Sc. in Biology and Physics at McGill University followed by an M.A. in Museum Studies from UQÀM. Magali worked as the Educational Programs Coordinator at the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium giving her direct experience within the community aquarium model. It was there that she was inspired to create Back to the Sea. Magali has occupied leadership volunteer roles with the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society and the Canadian Network for Ocean Education, ensuring she has close ties with ocean education and sustainability in Nova Scotia. She currently sits on the Port of Halifax Community Liaison Committee and is a Board member of the Eastern Passage and Area Business Association. Magali lives in Eastern Passage with her inspiration, the ocean itself, as her backyard. | magali@backtothesea.ca Laurel Dykun Program Manager (she/her) Hailing from Ontario, Laurel moved to Halifax to fulfill her life-long dream of studying marine biology, which stemmed from family trips to the Atlantic ocean in Florida. She went on to complete her Masters of Resource and Environmental Management at Dalhousie University, where she learned about the importance of community-lead conservation and developed her skills in project management. Laurel has worked in ocean education roles with the Canadian Sea Turtle Network, and SuperNOVA at Dalhousie University, and is excited to bring her experiences from there to Back to the Sea Society to help people spark a curiosity in marine life. During her masters, she worked at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans which allowed her the opportunity to work with local commercial and Indigenous fisherpeople, giving her a fresh perspective on marine conservation issues. Laurel is looking forward to helping realize Back to the Sea's goal of opening a permanent community aquarium in the HRM that showcases amazing local marine species. | info@backtothesea.ca |
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Isabel Ross Animal Care Coordinator (she/her) Isabel is an undergraduate student at Dalhousie University, who moved to Canada to pursue a degree in Marine Biology. She is currently working to complete her Honours project examining the threat of predators to Nova Scotian seabirds. Isabel is from Texas but grew up internationally, which led to her interest in how different communities engage with conservation. Her passion for animals came from digging around in her garden when she was younger, and she still enjoys hands-on learning about the environment. As a co-op student Isabel has worked at the National Research Council and marine laboratories at Dalhousie University. As the animal care coordinator, she will help keep our animals healthy, as well as share knowledge about what makes them special. | backtotheseaaquarium@gmail.com Seth O'Brien Communications Coordinator (he/they) Seth spent most of his life growing up between the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Strait, giving him an appreciation for marine life and how important the sea is. He’s happy to be in a position where he can more effectively advocate for our oceans through his work at Back to the Sea Society, and that he can help protect and educate about the places that brought him so much joy as a child. Seth is currently studying at Dalhousie University to complete his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Certificate in Aquaculture and the Environment. When he’s able to visit his childhood home, Seth enjoys both kayaking and swimming in the Northumberland Strait. | backtotheseastaff@gmail.com Shwayam Vinayak Volunteer Coordinator (he/him) Meet Shwayam, a passionate biology major with a deep love for the ocean. He is currently in his final year of his Bachelor of Science CO-OP undergraduate degree and is excited to take his knowledge from the classroom to the real world. Growing up near the ocean, Shwayam developed an appreciation for the water and the life it sustains. He firmly believes that the ocean should be respected and protected, as it is the reason we are all alive. With a desire to make a positive impact on marine life, Shwayam joined the Back to the Sea Society as a Volunteer Coordinator. His role includes coordinating volunteer efforts and answering any queries about volunteering opportunities. Shwayam is excited about working with volunteers and applying the knowledge he has gained in university to real-world situations. He is passionate about the environment and eager to make a difference in the world. If you are interested in volunteering with the Back to the Sea Society, feel free to reach out to Shwayam directly. He would love to hear from you! | backtothesea.volunteering@gmail.com Grace Van Alstyne
Program Coordinator (she/her) Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Grace was inspired by her summers spent along the St.Lawrence River to pursue a career in marine biology. She has just graduated from Dalhousie University, earning a BSc in Marine Biology and Statistics and is excited to spread her lifelong passion for marine conservation. While studying biology, Grace worked alongside scientists and community members from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in addition to York University to protect freshwater turtle nests and reduce road mortality in freshwater wetlands. Through her conservation work, Grace has learned the importance of community involvement in conservation and accessible science education. Grace has joined the Back to the Sea team as program coordinator to bring the ocean to eye level for those young and old who want to connect with the ocean. She is excited to engage and educate those who are curious about what lives under the sea! | backtotheseaprograms@gmail.com |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Natasha Tucker (she/her)
President
Natasha, a Nova Scotia native having previously lived in Vancouver, is a lover of marine adventures and most importantly, a fierce advocate for the health of our oceans through the elimination of single-use plastics. Natasha is currently the Executive Director of Plastic Oceans Canada and has an educational background in Business Management. Natasha spends the majority of her time near the ocean, whether it's scuba diving, learning to surf, walking her dog or most importantly, leading beach cleanups! Natasha has been involved with Back to the Sea for many years and most enjoys learning and engaging with others about the wonders of the ocean and how we can best protect it.
Natasha Tucker (she/her)
President
Natasha, a Nova Scotia native having previously lived in Vancouver, is a lover of marine adventures and most importantly, a fierce advocate for the health of our oceans through the elimination of single-use plastics. Natasha is currently the Executive Director of Plastic Oceans Canada and has an educational background in Business Management. Natasha spends the majority of her time near the ocean, whether it's scuba diving, learning to surf, walking her dog or most importantly, leading beach cleanups! Natasha has been involved with Back to the Sea for many years and most enjoys learning and engaging with others about the wonders of the ocean and how we can best protect it.
Meghan Borland (she/her)
Vice President
Meghan has always had a fascination for the ocean and all that lives within it. After completing her undergraduate degree in Biology at Queen’s University, Meghan moved to Halifax to complete her Master’s in Marine Management. Meghan has been involved with the Back to the Sea Society since 2017 as both, a scientific interpreter at the Touch Tank Hut and secretary for the Communications Community. As a Back to the Sea Society Board Member, Meghan looks forward to using her knowledge and passion for ocean education and conservation to support the organization in opening a sustainable community aquarium. Meghan currently a Project Manager at the Ocean Tracking Network. In her spare time, Meghan can be found exploring the outdoors with her dog, Ceiba, volunteering within the community, and travelling to places around the world (bonus points if they're coastal) when possible.
Meghan Borland (she/her)
Vice President
Meghan has always had a fascination for the ocean and all that lives within it. After completing her undergraduate degree in Biology at Queen’s University, Meghan moved to Halifax to complete her Master’s in Marine Management. Meghan has been involved with the Back to the Sea Society since 2017 as both, a scientific interpreter at the Touch Tank Hut and secretary for the Communications Community. As a Back to the Sea Society Board Member, Meghan looks forward to using her knowledge and passion for ocean education and conservation to support the organization in opening a sustainable community aquarium. Meghan currently a Project Manager at the Ocean Tracking Network. In her spare time, Meghan can be found exploring the outdoors with her dog, Ceiba, volunteering within the community, and travelling to places around the world (bonus points if they're coastal) when possible.
Julie Balasalle (she/her)
Secretary
Julie grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and spent countless hours at the beach and one of her favorite places on earth, The New England Aquarium. She now calls Halifax, Nova Scotia home and loves to explore the beaches and coastline all over the province. As a trained social worker and policy practitioner, Julie is interested in advocacy and the connection between policy, community health, and environmental justice. She is excited to be a part of the Back to the Sea Society Board and support the incredible work of ocean education in Nova Scotia.
Julie Balasalle (she/her)
Secretary
Julie grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and spent countless hours at the beach and one of her favorite places on earth, The New England Aquarium. She now calls Halifax, Nova Scotia home and loves to explore the beaches and coastline all over the province. As a trained social worker and policy practitioner, Julie is interested in advocacy and the connection between policy, community health, and environmental justice. She is excited to be a part of the Back to the Sea Society Board and support the incredible work of ocean education in Nova Scotia.
James Nicholls (he/him)
Treasurer
Growing up, James has lived in every Maritime province, connecting him to Canada’s ocean from a young age. In 2013 he returned to Nova Scotia and has enjoyed following the activities of the growing ocean technology sector in the province. James holds a BComm in Accounting from Dalhousie University and obtained his CPA designation. He works in Halifax as an Accountant with Grant Thornton. James has been seeking to connect his profession with his interest in ocean conservation and is excited to be the Treasurer of Back to the Sea. He is eager to take part in ocean conservation through education within the Maritime region in which he was raised!
James Nicholls (he/him)
Treasurer
Growing up, James has lived in every Maritime province, connecting him to Canada’s ocean from a young age. In 2013 he returned to Nova Scotia and has enjoyed following the activities of the growing ocean technology sector in the province. James holds a BComm in Accounting from Dalhousie University and obtained his CPA designation. He works in Halifax as an Accountant with Grant Thornton. James has been seeking to connect his profession with his interest in ocean conservation and is excited to be the Treasurer of Back to the Sea. He is eager to take part in ocean conservation through education within the Maritime region in which he was raised!
Jonathan Primack (he/him)
Secretary
Jonathan's connection to the ocean is more personal than professional. Since childhood, his sense of oneness with the natural world has been a driving factor in wanting to know more and do better. Curious at heart, Jonathan brings his problem solving skills and project management experience from his day job. His professional background also includes eCommerce strategy, marketing, and brand development. Jonathan is a parent of two young children and he believes it is his responsibility to teach them to love and care for our environment and ocean, and all of their inhabitants. He sees Back to the Sea as his opportunity to do good for his children and his community.
“Protect our planet, as though our children's future depends on it.” possible.
Jonathan Primack (he/him)
Secretary
Jonathan's connection to the ocean is more personal than professional. Since childhood, his sense of oneness with the natural world has been a driving factor in wanting to know more and do better. Curious at heart, Jonathan brings his problem solving skills and project management experience from his day job. His professional background also includes eCommerce strategy, marketing, and brand development. Jonathan is a parent of two young children and he believes it is his responsibility to teach them to love and care for our environment and ocean, and all of their inhabitants. He sees Back to the Sea as his opportunity to do good for his children and his community.
“Protect our planet, as though our children's future depends on it.” possible.
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Altaf Bhulji
Director at Large Living in Ottawa, Altaf has an educational background in accounting and finances. His experience in banking and hotel operations gives him a unique perspective on conservation. Since 2009, Altaf has worked with the Aga Khan Foundation, an international NGO, and oversees all aspects of building operations, property management, budgeting, event logistics, insurance, and IT. Altaf's passion in sustainability and reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions is what lead him to Back to the Sea Society. He believes that marine biology is a large extension of improving our built environment, and looks forward to making a meaningful impact to Back to the Sea. |
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Liam McCully (he/him)
Director at Large Liam grew up in Nova Scotia, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and its wildlife, particularly the ocean and its inhabitants. As the Head of Technology at MacArtney Underwater Technologies, Liam has been searching for a way to merge his professional skills with his interest in ocean conservation. That's when he discovered the Back to the Sea Society. Now as a board member and an ocean enthusiast, Liam is thrilled to contribute his expertise and passion to the society's mission of promoting marine conservation and awareness. Through the society's various initiatives and programs, he hopes to inspire individuals and communities to take action and make a positive impact on the ocean environment. |
SENIOR VOLUNTEERS
Haley Guest, Member of the External Actions Committee
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Kaitlin Burek, Chair of the Communications Committee
Haley Guest, Member of the External Actions Committee
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Kaitlin Burek, Chair of the Communications Committee
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Kaitlin Burek, Chair
Alex Tesar
Sarah Vokey
Kaitlin Burek, Chair
Alex Tesar
Sarah Vokey
LEAD CONSULTANTS
The Back to the Sea team is honoured to be working with Ocean to Eye Level Consulting to make this vision a reality.
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"Back to the Sea Aquarium will be an exciting addition to the "mini aquarium" family of the five collect-hold-and-release aquariums across Canada. Ocean to Eye Level Consulting is proud to provide tried-and-tested expertise to Magali and her team on how to make this project a reality. We share strong values of hands-on education of local marine life with the goal of inspiring conservation. This makes us natural partners and collaborators in fostering curiosity for people of all ages in Nova Scotia."
-Melanie Knight CEO of Ocean to Eye Level Consulting |
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ADVISORY BOARD
We are privileged to have the following individuals as valuable advisors:
Ruby Banwait, Senior aquarium biologist at the Vancouver Aquarium and 2013 Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium curator
Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark, University Veterinarian at Dalhousie University
Lisanne Jacklin, Lawyer with Heritage House Law Offices
John Lindley, University Diver at Dalhousie University
Paul Fraser, Wet Lab Supervisor at Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Mazarine Treyz, Founder of Wild Woman Fundraising
The staff and Board of the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium
Ruby Banwait, Senior aquarium biologist at the Vancouver Aquarium and 2013 Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium curator
Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark, University Veterinarian at Dalhousie University
Lisanne Jacklin, Lawyer with Heritage House Law Offices
John Lindley, University Diver at Dalhousie University
Paul Fraser, Wet Lab Supervisor at Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Mazarine Treyz, Founder of Wild Woman Fundraising
The staff and Board of the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium