STAFF
Magali Grégoire
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
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
Sarah Holleran
Animal Care Lead
Sarah grew up in Southern Ontario, however frequent visits to the surrounding Great Lakes sparked an early interest in aquatic species. This interest lead her to move to Nova Scotia for school. Sarah is currently attending Dalhousie University in the biology co-op program, with the goal of obtaining the Aquaculture and Environment Certificate. Sarah's past work with both the Discovery Center and the Back to the Sea Society in 2019 fostered a passion for science interpretation and sharing her knowledge and love for ocean animals with others. Sarah is excited to be working with Back to the Sea Society again and continuing to support their future goal of a permanent community aquarium in the HRM!
| info@backtothesea.ca
Sarah Holleran
Animal Care Lead
Sarah grew up in Southern Ontario, however frequent visits to the surrounding Great Lakes sparked an early interest in aquatic species. This interest lead her to move to Nova Scotia for school. Sarah is currently attending Dalhousie University in the biology co-op program, with the goal of obtaining the Aquaculture and Environment Certificate. Sarah's past work with both the Discovery Center and the Back to the Sea Society in 2019 fostered a passion for science interpretation and sharing her knowledge and love for ocean animals with others. Sarah is excited to be working with Back to the Sea Society again and continuing to support their future goal of a permanent community aquarium in the HRM!
| info@backtothesea.ca
Makadunyiswe (Maka) Ngulube
Volunteer Coordinator
Makadunyiswe (Maka) is an Environmental Scientist, who completed her BSc. Hons. in Environmental Science at Saint Mary’s University. Having gained some field work on coastal ecosystems, Maka decided to gain further knowledge on marine life through working with the Back to the Sea Society. Maka is originally from Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, and this has led to her great appreciation for the ocean. She is excited to be a part of the Back to the Sea Society, sharing in their vision to continue to educate communities about local marine life off the coast of Nova Scotia, all while fostering a desire to protect our ocean.
| volunteer@backtothesea.ca
Sarah Vokey
Communications Coordinator & Executive Assistant
Sarah grew up in Northern Ontario, however family ties to the East Coast instilled within her a love of the ocean which led her to complete a B.Sc. in Earth Sciences at Dalhousie University. During summer breaks she worked as an interpreter at Science North, her hometown science center, where she developed a passion for science communication. This passion led her to complete a M.S.Com in Science Communication at Laurentian University and work in other science centers, before moving back to her beloved Nova Scotia to work as a science communicator. Sarah is excited to be working with Back to the Sea and can’t wait to do her part to pull back the big blue blanket!
| programs@backtothesea.ca
Sarah Vokey
Communications Coordinator & Executive Assistant
Sarah grew up in Northern Ontario, however family ties to the East Coast instilled within her a love of the ocean which led her to complete a B.Sc. in Earth Sciences at Dalhousie University. During summer breaks she worked as an interpreter at Science North, her hometown science center, where she developed a passion for science communication. This passion led her to complete a M.S.Com in Science Communication at Laurentian University and work in other science centers, before moving back to her beloved Nova Scotia to work as a science communicator. Sarah is excited to be working with Back to the Sea and can’t wait to do her part to pull back the big blue blanket!
| programs@backtothesea.ca
Lindsey Wamboldt
Science Communicator
Lindsey is a local grade 12 student who plans to study Conservation Biology when she graduates. Growing up in Nova Scotia, she has always been familiar with the ocean but has never truly dived into learning about its incredible variety of marine life. She hopes that while working at the Back to the Sea Society, she can help others foster a love for the ocean, whether they're from Nova Scotia or have never seen the ocean before!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
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.
Natasha Tucker
Vice 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
Vice 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.
Julie Balasalle
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
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
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
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!
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 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
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
Michael Reid
Director at Large
Michael has always been drawn to the ocean and as a result has spent his whole life living, studying, and working in Nova Scotia. He completed a B.Sc. in Geology at Acadia University and continued his education with a M.Sc. in Earth Sciences from St. Francis Xavier University. His pull to the ocean and the Maritime provinces kept him from travelling west and he now works as an Estimator for Lindsay Construction in Dartmouth. In his downtime, Mike can be found hiking, exploring Nova Scotia’s coastlines, or on the water on his stand-up paddle board. Mike has been inspired by the work of the Back to the Sea Society and is excited to help educate the community about our local ocean life
Michael Reid
Director at Large
Michael has always been drawn to the ocean and as a result has spent his whole life living, studying, and working in Nova Scotia. He completed a B.Sc. in Geology at Acadia University and continued his education with a M.Sc. in Earth Sciences from St. Francis Xavier University. His pull to the ocean and the Maritime provinces kept him from travelling west and he now works as an Estimator for Lindsay Construction in Dartmouth. In his downtime, Mike can be found hiking, exploring Nova Scotia’s coastlines, or on the water on his stand-up paddle board. Mike has been inspired by the work of the Back to the Sea Society and is excited to help educate the community about our local ocean life
Scott Seamone
Director at Large
Born and raised in Halifax, Scott grew up participating in ocean activities such as a surfing and scuba diving. His oceanic experiences led him to complete a BSc in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University. Scott then completed his PhD at the University of Calgary, studying the biomechanics and behaviour of swimming in stingrays and sharks. He is now working in Halifax as a Lab Manager and Project Coordinator at Dalhousie University and MEOPAR. Scott is passionate about aquariums, and enthusiastic about their potential as community attractions, educational platforms, and providers of employment opportunities.
Scott Seamone
Director at Large
Born and raised in Halifax, Scott grew up participating in ocean activities such as a surfing and scuba diving. His oceanic experiences led him to complete a BSc in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University. Scott then completed his PhD at the University of Calgary, studying the biomechanics and behaviour of swimming in stingrays and sharks. He is now working in Halifax as a Lab Manager and Project Coordinator at Dalhousie University and MEOPAR. Scott is passionate about aquariums, and enthusiastic about their potential as community attractions, educational platforms, and providers of employment opportunities.
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!
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!
SENIOR VOLUNTEERS
Jenn Currie, Member of the External Actions Committee
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Kaitlin Burek, Chair of the Communications Committee
Jenn Currie, Member of the External Actions Committee
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Kaitlin Burek, Chair of the Communications Committee
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Kaitlin Burek, Chair
Lauren Farley
Leah Robertson
Alex Tesar
Naomi Boon
Kaitlin Burek, Chair
Lauren Farley
Leah Robertson
Alex Tesar
Naomi Boon
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