Our Oak Knoll location is now closed to the public.
Meet Our Team
For the Love of Birds
Our Board of Directors is a diverse leadership team that provides both visionary and hands on support to our mission.
Emily Downs
Chair of the Board and Co-Director of the Health, Enrichment & Training Team
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.
Levi Clemens
Vice-Chair of the Board and Co-Director of the Health, Enrichment & Training Team
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.
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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.
Treasurer
Kimberly O'Hare
Co-Director of the Health, Enrichment & Training Team
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.
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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.
Caitlin Smyth
Board Director
Michelle Davies
Social Media Consultant, Director of Fundraising, and Director of Communications
Michelle began volunteering at The Aviary in May 2022. She started as a member of the cleaning and feeding shifts and was then hired as our Social Media Consultant in the summer of 2023 after completing her studies. Michelle has a BAA in Media and Communication Studies and Diploma in Media Communications from the University of Guelph and Humber College respectively. Her experience as a camera operator, production assistant, editor, videographer and photographer are invaluable assets in helping us with all our social media needs, communications and volunteer management. Her interests lie in both wild and exotic companion birds. When not volunteering at The Aviary, Michelle often spends her free time birdwatching locally. It was birdwatching that originally provided the spark for her to join The Aviary and foster a love of photography.
Teresa Sanges
Secretary & Co-Director of Operations
Teresa joined the Board of Directors in 2024, bringing with her a profound passion for avian care and conservation. Teresa has been a dedicated volunteer at the Aviary since 2023, diligently serving on the Sunday morning shift and during open house events. As a home daycare provider, Teresa understands the importance of nurturing and providing a safe environment, a philosophy she extends to her love for birds. With a special soft spot for birds in need, Teresa has welcomed 11 birds into her home, adopting 8 of them who required rehoming.Teresa has a notable history of community service, having served on the Downs Syndrome Association of Hamilton board for 10 years. This experience reflects her commitment to advocacy and support within the community. Teresa is enthusiastic about contributing to the Hamilton Aviary's new mission, working towards innovative programs and initiatives that promote the well-being of birds and enhance public education on bird conservation.
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.
Co-Director of Operations
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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.
Marissa Casale
Board Director
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Taunia Samoyloff
Director of Education & Outreach Team