STAFF
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Magali Grégoire
Founder & Executive Director Magali is a science educator and museologist with a passion for ocean 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 and Volunteer Coordinator at the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium giving her direct experience within the community aquarium model. Magali sits on the Communications Committee of the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society and is a Board member of the Canadian Network for Ocean Education, ensuring she has close ties with ocean education and sustainability in Nova Scotia. Magali lives in Eastern Passage with her inspiration, the ocean itself, as her backyard. | magali@backtothesea.ca Joseph MacIsaac
Science Communicator & Volunteer Coordinator Joe divided his early years between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, spending many summers combing Atlantic beaches to spot local wildlife and collect sea glass. Since then, he has developed a passion for learning all he can about the world around him and loves nothing more than to share this knowledge with others. Currently completing his Bachelor of Science at Université Sainte-Anne in Church Point, NS, Joe draws inspiration from the ocean and the beautiful beaches surrounding the community. As a summer student with the Back to the Sea Society, Joe is excited to help others build curiosity and make connections with the natural world. In his free time, he can be found hiking throughout Nova Scotia or studying at a local café. | volunteers@backtothesea.ca Lauren Farley
Science Communicator & Executive Assistant Lauren grew up in New Brunswick and moved to Nova Scotia to study marine biology and sustainability at Dalhousie University. Lauren has a strong passion for the ocean and loves to share it with others. Since moving to Halifax she has discovered the importance of science communication and conservation education. Lauren loves to engage in conversation about all the amazing animals that call the ocean home, big and small! This summer while working with Back to the Sea Society, Lauren hopes to spark lots of curiosity and promote ocean conservation. Outside of work and school you can find Lauren watching ocean documentaries, enjoying iced coffee, or trying to keep all her plants alive! | programs@backtothesea.ca |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Erin Burbidge
President A native Nova Scotian, Erin grew up with the smell of the salt air in her lungs and the ocean in her heart. After finishing up a B.Sc. (Combined Hons.) in Microbiology and Social Anthropology and a Law degree at Dalhousie, Erin spent several years practising law at a Toronto boutique litigation firm. It was an incredible learning experience, but by 2009 she was ready to return back home to Dartmouth. Erin completed her Masters in Resource and Environmental Studies in 2010 and started with the Clean Foundation a few days after finishing, where she still works to this day as the Director of Programs & Regulatory Affairs. Erin has been inspired by the vision of the Back to the Sea Society, and is excited to work with a dynamic and passionate team to educate and enthral others about the wonders of ocean life. |
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Courtenay Parlee Vice-President Courtenay has an interdisciplinary PhD from the University of New Brunswick. Her research is focused on resolving conflict over risk management in the marine environment. She sits on the Scientific Committee and the Board of Directors of the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society and is an alumna of the Canadian Fisheries Research Network. Courtenay knew she wanted to help bring a mini aquarium to Nova Scotia as soon as she heard about this unique idea. She brings her knowledge and experience with oceans management, social policy, conflict resolution and food security to this Board along with her contagious enthusiasm. Kerri McPherson Secretary Kerri has always had a passion for the ocean, and all of the creatures that live there. Originally from Ontario, Kerri moved to Halifax after completing her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at the University of Guelph. Kerri completed her Bachelor of Education at Acadia University and is currently a high school science teacher for the Halifax Regional Center for Education. To combine her passion for the ocean and education, Kerri completed a Master of Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University writing her graduate thesis on the importance of ocean education for youth in Nova Scotia. Kerri is a Board Member of the Canadian Network for Ocean Education and her mission is to bring the ocean into the classroom educating our youth today for a better ocean tomorrow! Kerri has been inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of Back to the Sea and looks forward to contributing to educating the community about the ocean. Meghan Borland Director at Large 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 works at the Clean Foundation, supporting recent graduates in finding meaningful work placements within Canada's environmental sector. 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 are coastal) when possible. |
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Jennifer Currie Director at Large Jenn works with the Faculty of Science at Dalhousie University. Currently living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, she grew up in this province exploring nature. Jenn is also a SUP tour guide at Sup Monkey Cycle on Lake Banook and volunteers for the Nova Scotia Bird Society, We Day, and Feed Nova Scotia. This year she created Making Waves, a project that supports organizations that work on ocean and freshwater conservation. Passionate about the outdoors, you’re likely to find her surfing, snowboarding, SUPing, biking, camping, hiking or plogging! James Nicholls Director at Large 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 is currently working towards 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 a member of the Board 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 Director at Large 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 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.” Tim Rissesco Director at Large Tim has lived his whole life in Nova Scotia spending his childhood summers on the shores of the minas basin in awe of the power of the tides. He studied history at King’s College, French at Laval and obtained an MBA from St. Mary’s University. Since 2012, he has worked as the executive director, of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission, championing the vitality of Downtown Dartmouth, its people and uniqueness. Tim likes the feel of downtown Dartmouth as an urban village on the harbour and is looking forward to helping the Back to Sea Society grow its mission to educate about ocean life. He still finds himself in awe of the power of the ocean! Lawrence Taylor Director at Large After a mix of commercial stills photography, seal husbandry and undergrad studies at Guelph, and two years teaching at Pickering College, Lawrence set out for Nova Scotia in ‘87. This fulfilled his dream to return to the Maritimes after spending the entire summer in the region with his family, while his father filmed for Expo ’67. After completing his MSc degree at Dalhousie University, his underwater filming career was launched by a three-year sea scallop study that opened the door to communicating ocean stories for science, television, radio and magazine articles. His passion to show others what lies in their underwater backyards turned from giving his sons’ grade school classes underwater presentations to numerous public speaking events, and a marine education video puppet play with Mermaid Theatre. Lawrence is now really looking forward to helping the Back to the Sea Board and staff reach their goals. Natasha Tucker Director at Large Natasha is originally from Nova Scotia, but has spent the last decade between various Canadian provinces. Her background is in business management and she has worked at the Vancouver Aquarium for 5 years. Natasha has volunteered for the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, taking care of rescued harbour seals, as well as participating in local conservation efforts. The ocean has always held a special place in Natasha’s heart, and she is very passionate about nature conservation. She has now returned to the Atlantic Coast, and is ready to put her skills and experience to a good use. Natasha became involved with Back to the Sea's Communications Committee remotely while living in Vancouver and is very excited to be joining the Board of Directors. Natasha runs a coffee shop in downtown Halifax. She loves exploring local beaches with her dog in tow, and that’s where you can often find her, because there is nothing more beautiful than the ocean. |
SENIOR VOLUNTEERS
Brett Frazee, Treasurer
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Kaitlin Burek, Chair of the Communications Committee
Brett Frazee, Treasurer
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Kaitlin Burek, Chair of the Communications Committee
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COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Kaitlin Burek, Chair Meghan Borland, Secretary Leah Robertson Alex Tesar |
SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY & ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE
Desta Frey, Chair Ruby Banwait, Secretary Jessica Lohnes Christina Nunn |
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 catch-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