Board of Directors

Kiley Best is the Chair of the Board and has been involved with the mini since 2013 as a board member, and was drawn to the excitement of the project by founder Melanie Knight, friends since undergrad at MUN. She has been there since construction started and the water first started flowing. She is a fisheries technician at Marine Institute by day and loves the outreach and education aspect of her work and research, which translates to her love and passion for the mini aquarium. She can be found in, on, and around the sea… marathon swimming, conducting scientific research and educating.

Rebecca is a social worker who brings a wealth of expertise in policy and program development. She is particularly interested in the areas of eco-social work, sustainability, and environmental/ecological justice. It is her belief that social workers can utilize their knowledge and skills to assist in the transformation of consciousness toward more earth-friendly actions to address the unprecedented realities of rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions.

As a member of the Board, Rebecca brings a unique perspective informed by her social work background, enriching discussions with insights on social justice, community engagement, and collaboration. Her passion for creating positive change and i the importance of collective action in preserving our planet for future generations, aligns seamlessly with the Mini's mission of promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. 

Since joining the Mini family in 2023, Rebecca has enjoyed learning about our diverse marine ecosystem, and expanding her knowledge of all the little (and big!) creatures living in our oceans. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Rebecca is deeply engaged in community activism. When she's not volunteering, you can likely find her hiking one of our local trails or curled up with her cat Leroy reading a good book.

Sarah began her journey with the Mini Aquarium in 2013 as a Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) student, and she instantly fell in love with all of the ocean creatures that call the Mini Aquarium home each summer season. Since then, she spent some time working and volunteering as an Interpreter and Aquarist, and later joined our board in 2022. Currently working as a mental health educator for children and youth, Sarah is passionate about delivering educational programming in a way that is accessible, evidence-based, and fun for everyone. She also brings experience working and volunteering with non-profit and community organizations. In her free time, you can find Sarah exploring new places, spending time with animals, and enjoying the outdoors.

Kevin O’Shea has been PLIAN’s Executive Director since 2014. He is proud to lead a team of dedicated and caring professionals in St. John’s and Happy Valley-Goose Bay who provide legal education and information services and
support to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Originally from St. John’s, Kevin completed a law degree at the University of Ottawa in 2009 and a Master of Laws at the University of Turin in 2013. He was called to the bar as a Member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
in 2011. Prior to joining PLIAN, Kevin worked as Crown Attorney with Public Prosecutions in St. John’s. He also has prior experience working in the fields of education and human rights advocacy in the United States, Cambodia, and Tanzania. Kevin currently serves as the Chair of the Access to Justice Steering Committee for Newfoundland and Labrador and is a member and former Chair of the Public Legal Education Association of Canada.

Leah is a lawyer with a big love for the ocean and collect and release aquariums. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Law Degree with a Marine Specialization. She first became involved with the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium as an interpreter in 2013. After working at PHMA, she also had the opportunity to work and volunteer with the Back to the Sea Society in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She is excited to continue her involvement with PHMA on the Board of Directors.

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Meredith is a Marine Biologist with an M.Sc. and part of the family since 2013 has taken time between working at WorldFish Cambodia, the Ocean Sciences Centre, and DFO to run the operations of the aquarium. She started with us in 2013, transitioned to curator and operations manager in 2015, co-executive director for 2017, and now sits on our board. She has a deep love for animals (aquatic and land-lovin’ alike), a knack for exhibit design and loves teaching others about all the weird and wonderful ocean life in our beautiful province. You are likely to find her and her big lovable Bernese Mountain Dog out assisting the scuba divers and setting up the newest exhibits.

Matt is a Chartered Professional Accountant and an incredible asset to the Board of Directors. He jumped at the opportunity to become involved with the Mini as he is passionate about the ocean and all of its inhabitants (even though some of the ocean creatures are kind of scary!). The ocean is such a huge part of our culture in NL and it’s important to be involved as much as we can.  Matt loves the outdoors, running and yoga. Matt is on the board executive as treasurer.

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Pam is a GIS Specialist/Order Desk Manager and long-time member of the Mini Aquarium family. With a background in marine biology and coastal management, she is no stranger to the ocean or the aquarium animals. Pam began as a volunteer interpreter when the Mini Aquarium opened it’s doors in 2013, transitioning to the role of Program Coordinator in 2015 and 2016. She joined the Board of Directors in 2017, currently in the role of Secretary.