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 |
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 Photo and bio coming soon. Meghan Borland Director at Large Photo and bio coming soon. |
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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 Photo and bio coming soon. 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 Photo and bio coming soon. |
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