Meet The Team

 Kimberly O'Hare

Kimberly O’Hare has been on The Hamilton Aviary’s Board of Directors since 2017. She has a BSc (Hons) in Ecology from University of British Columbia and
has the BC designation of Registered Professional Biologist. Her experience working with wild
birds as a biologist and wildlife toxicologist for the past 25 years has been an asset to the Aviary
in managing our Flock’s health and enrichment through collecting data and monitoring trends.
Her interest in wild birds and habitat conservation has also inspired our native pollinator garden
creation and community education on how we can all help our local birds through planting
flowers. She is also a very active local resident of Hamilton.

 Levi Clemens

Levi started volunteering at The Hamilton Aviary in early 2022 and has taken on many roles in his short time here. He has come from being a crew member, to restarting and running the health and enrichment shift, hosting the Sunday Open House and now joining his fellow dedicated bird lovers on the Board of Directors. Levi is a knowledgeable Plumber and licensed Backflow and Cross Connection Technician with 6 years of experience. His true passion lies in behavioural analysis and using it to help teach animals and people to communicate with each other, along with advocating for animal health and welfare.

Caitlin Smyth

Caitlin Smyth first joined The Hamilton Aviary’s Board of Directors in 2017, and has served as
the Board Secretary since 2021. She started volunteering with THA in 2015 and has held various
roles as a crew leader, tour guide, and Health and Enrichment Committee co-chair. Caitlin has a
BSc (Honours) in Physics from McMaster University. She brings data collection, analysis, and
report drafting experience to the Board, as well as a passion for education and knowledge on
parrot husbandry and health.

Marika Gulyban

Marika Gulyban joined The Hamilton Aviary’s Board of Directors in April 2022 and was elected
Treasurer in July 2022. She has an MBA from Queens' University and her BSc in Chemistry from McMaster University. Marika has over 30 years of experience in Finance, Compliance and
Controllership, including strategic planning, business case review, budgeting, financial
reporting, and project management. She has also provided business case and financial consulting services to a large pension fund. She is a member of the Fresh Start Project
Burlington support group and is an avid reader and backyard bird enthusiast.

Emily Anne Karges

Emily began volunteering at the Aviary in 2022 with the health and enrichment and Open House programs. Emily is passionate about behavioural enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and responsible pet stewardship. Emily holds a Master's degrees in Applied Science focusing on developmental psychology, and rehabilitation science. In her day job, Emily is an allied health professional working in mental health. Emily's professional experience has helped her develop strong organization, communication, and project management skills. Emily hopes to bring these skills to her role on the board while remaining an active volunteer.

Tom Priestly 

A savvy volunteer, Tom has been a member of the Aviary for over 20 years. He first joined the
Board in 2018 and has served as the Chairperson since 2019. He is a Registered Nurse with
extensive experience in psychiatry, diabetes, and hemodialysis. He is a reef and freshwater
aquarium hobbyist with a passion for wildlife conservation and health sciences. His BSc in
Biology from Western University and BSc in Nursing from McMaster University bridge a holistic
link between animal and human health. As a dedicated mentor to nursing students, a tour
guide at the Aviary, a parrot lover and owner, he offers support and guidance in our education
efforts.

Stephanie Watson

Stephanie Watson has been on The Hamilton Aviary’s Board of Directors since 2019 and was

most recently Vice-Chair. She is a Registered Nurse and obtained her BScN from

McMaster University in 2008. Stephanie has broad management experience as a director

and regional manager in Long Term Care, bringing people management and

performance outcome skills to THA. For her, The Hamilton Aviary offers an opportunity to

advocate for all birds and animals, while building lasting relationships in a safe place.

Marissa Casale

Marissa Casale has been on The Hamilton Aviary’s Board of Directors since 2018. She holds an
Honours Diploma in Community and Justice Services from Mohawk College. Marissa brings her
passion and experience with community services to The Hamilton Aviary, helping to guide our
vision and initiatives for what The Hamilton Aviary can offer to our community, visitors, and
supporters alike.

Mirnaly Saenz de Miera 

Mirnaly Saenz De Miera joined The Hamilton Aviary’s Board of Directors in 2021. She is a
Metallurgist Materials Engineer with a PhD in Corrosion and Protection. She has extensive
volunteer experience. She serves on the Board of Directors with the ASM (American Society for
Metals) Ontario Chapter (since 2022), serves as Secretary for ASM Materials Camp for Teachers
(since 2021), and serves on the Board of Directors of the NACE Foundation of Canada (since
2020). She also volunteered on the executive of Humbercrest Nursery School from 2012 to
2016.