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 with the “mini aquarium” concept. 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 |
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Paige Lewis
Scientific Interpreter & Animal Care Coordinator Paige grew up in Calgary, AB and moved to Victoria, BC to study Marine Biology at the University of Victoria. Her love for the ocean began when as a young girl reading whale books. She has a strong background in conservation biology and ecology. She has worked as a wildlife biologist in Tasmania, Banff, and on Vancouver Island. This is Paige’s first season at the Touch Tank Hut and in Halifax. |
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Charlotte Craig
Scientific Interpreter & Volunteer Coordinator Charlotte is a third year student at the University of Toronto, currently pursuing majors in Environmental Biology and Environmental Studies with a minor in Forest Conservation Science. She was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia but spent her teenage years in the Bahamas and Florida where she further cemented her love of the sea. Being back in the Maritimes for the summer gives her the chance to share her passion for the ocean and conservation with the local community.
| voluteers@backtothesea.ca |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Maggie Sutherland
President Maggie grew up on the Northumberland Strait exploring beaches and learning everything she could about marine life. She completed a BSc. and MSc. in Geography from Memorial University of Newfoundland and after spending a couple years traveling and working in Italy and England she returned to St. John’s, NL and became the Program Manager with Women in Science and Engineering (WISE NL). Maggie joined the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium Board of Directors in 2014 and served until she moved to Halifax in 2016. She now works as the Engagement Officer for the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Maggie was thrilled at the opportunity to be involved in the Back to the Sea Aquarium and is excited to share her passion for marine life with Nova Scotians. |
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Rodrigo Menafra Vice-President Rodrigo hails from Uruguay, but has made Nova Scotia his home since 2008. He has over 16 years of experience in the fields of marine conservation and environmental sciences, with emphasis on coastal and marine conservation and management, community-based co-management, marine protected areas, artisanal fisheries and species at risk. Rodrigo is a Research Manager at the Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) and is responsible for project management and support to new research initiatives in marine renewable energy. Rodrigo brings a broad range of skills in communications, research, knowledge mobilization and project management experience to the Board and is looking forward to help establish the Back to the Sea Aquarium as a marine interpretative centre that will strive to spark the curiosity for local marine life and promote ocean conservation. |
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Kimberly Croft Secretary Kimberley grew up in Labrador and spent many summers vacationing in Newfoundland. Her passion for the ocean began as a little girl exploring the beaches of Bonavista Bay. Kimberley completed a BSc in Marine Biology and Oceanography from Dalhousie University, a BEd in Secondary Science and Math from the University of New Brunswick, and a MEd in Curriculum Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University. She is a high school teacher and has been teaching biology and oceanography for 10 years. Kimberley visited the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium in the summer of 2016 and was excited to learn that there were plans to open a similar concept aquarium in Halifax. She became a part of the Back to the Sea team, volunteering and worked as a marine interpreter at the Touch Tank Hut. Kimberley hopes to foster a sense of curiosity and compassion for our oceans in her students and her two young boys. She feels that we work to protect what we love! |
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Courtenay Parlee Director at large 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. |
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Greg Sheffer Director at large Greg is a Senior Wealth Advisor with ScotiaMcLeod who obtained an MBA from Dalhousie University. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science and a graduate degree in Agriculture. Greg has extensive experience serving on Boards including being the Chairman of the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers Association, a member of the Council of Leaders for the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, a Director of Agrapoint International Inc and president of the Rotary Club, Halifax Northwest. Greg is a husband and and father of three and has loved watching his grandchildren interact with the marine life that Back to the Sea showcased during their proofs of concept, the Touch Tank Days and the Touch Tank Hut. |
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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.” |
SENIOR VOLUNTEERS
Paul DeWolfe, Project Launch Advisor
Brett Frazee, Treasurer
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Leah Robertson, Chair of the Communications Committee
Desta Frey, Chair of the Safety Committee
Paul DeWolfe, Project Launch Advisor
Brett Frazee, Treasurer
Stefan Gagliardi, Jack of All Trades
Leah Robertson, Chair of the Communications Committee
Desta Frey, Chair of the Safety Committee
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COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Leah Robertson, Chair Meghan Borland, Secretary Kaitlin Burek Natasha Tucker |
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
John Batt, Aquatron Manager at Dalhousie University
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
John Batt, Aquatron Manager at Dalhousie University
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