As the founder of MARS in 1999, Tonya Wimmer now serves as Co-Executive Director and Director of Conservation, bringing nearly 30 years of experience studying cetaceans and advancing collaborative marine conservation. Throughout her career, Tonya has worked to reduce the impacts of human activities on marine species, with a strong focus on practical, relationship-based conservation. 

Tonya began her career through graduate research at Dalhousie University and has since worked with government, industry, and non-government organizations. A strong believer in building relationships, she has collaborated closely with researchers, First Nations, the fishing industry, shoreline communities, and international partners. Through her leadership at MARS, Tonya helps guide effective and safe response efforts while ensuring that research and data meaningfully support conservation and recovery initiatives. She has led the response to many marine animal incidents throughout the Maritimes, including the investigation of the mass mortalities of North Atlantic right whales in Eastern Canada in 2017 and 2019. 

Outside of work, Tonya loves travelling, enjoying time with her amazing nieces and nephews and being on the water watching animals as much as possible.

Contact Tonya: twimmer@marineanimals.ca

Coburn Maclean supports MARS as Co-Executive Director and Director of Conservation, bringing extensive experience in program development and management, financial administration, and non-profit operations. Originally from Eastern Ontario, she has called Nova Scotia home for more than 30 years after coming east for university.

Coburn holds degrees in psychology and marine biology from Dalhousie University and began her career with a 15-year tenure at WWF-Canada, where she developed a strong appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps conservation organizations running effectively. Having worked with MARS in various capacities for nearly 10 years, Coburn is proud to contribute her skills and experience as part of the Executive team and is honoured to work alongside such passionate, committed individuals.

Outside of work, Coburn stays busy with her husband and three active children, cheering at sporting events, working out, and traveling. In quieter moments, she enjoys reading with a chai, snuggling her two dogs, dreaming about home design projects, and admiring photography.

Contact Coburn: cmaclean@marineanimals.ca

Danielle Pinder leads marine animal response operations for MARS, drawing on a lifelong passion for marine wildlife and hands-on experience in research, fieldwork, and wildlife health. Originally from central Canada, Danielle earned her BSc in Marine Biology and Environmental Sustainability from Dalhousie University before working internationally on great white shark research in South Africa, where she also developed a Marine Mammal Medic training program in partnership with MARS. 

She has contributed to whale acoustic analysis and species identification databases in Canada and completed a Master’s in Wildlife Health and Conservation in Australia, including marine animal rehabilitation work. Danielle joined MARS in 2019 and now focuses on growing response capacity to make the greatest possible impact for animals in need. 

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys travelling across the globe with her husband and son and going on adventures with her two huskies. In her spare time, you can find Danielle in her craft room crocheting animals, creating a new cosplay for comic con, or playing Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

Contact Danielle: dpinder@marineanimals.ca

Michael MacNeill serves as a Response Program Technician with MARS, focused on logistics, equipment management, and supporting response readiness both in the field and at the MARS Lab. He developed a passion for fish and wildlife at his family cottage in Calabogie, Ontario, where summers spent exploring waterways sparked his interest in biology.

After completing high school, Michael pursued marine biology at Dalhousie University, gaining hands-on experience through co-op placements with the Atlantic Salmon Federation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He began his time with MARS as a volunteer in 2020 and has since become an instrumental member of the core team, bringing strong attention to detail and a deep interest in marine conservation to his work.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys quiet mornings with a good book and coffee, while tending to his many plants. Michael also enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors through hiking and coastal adventures, including seeking out moments of natural wonder like Nova Scotia’s summer bioluminescence.

Contact Michael: mmacneill@marineanimals.ca

Andrew Reid supports MARS as a Response Specialist and Financial Clerk, combining extensive field experience with operational support to strengthen response efforts and organizational capacity. Born and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, his interest in marine biology began at Dalhousie University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science. Andrew also works at Dalhousie University in the Department of Medical Neuroscience, studying the human and dolphin brain in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. His research background and practical experience have contributed significantly to the development and growth of the MARS Response Program.

Andrew joined MARS as a volunteer in 2004 and has since served in a wide range of roles, including response coordination, volunteer coordination, and financial management. Over the years, he has participated in numerous marine animal responses across the Maritime Provinces, from refloatations to disentanglements, and brings deep experience and institutional knowledge to the response team.

Contact Andrew: areid@marineanimals.ca

Jarrett Corke supports MARS as Creative Communications Specialist, blending a passion for marine wildlife with visual storytelling and conservation communication. Originally from Stratford, Ontario, he has always felt connected to the ocean and coastlines, which drew him into marine conservation and wildlife education. 

Before joining MARS, Jarrett worked at WWF-Canada, developing and implementing conservation solutions in collaboration with fishers, scientists, and community partners to address bycatch in Atlantic Canadian waters. He also manages online conference interfaces for the Society for Marine Mammalogy. At MARS, Jarrett documents wildlife and conservation issues through photography, video, and outreach, helping share critical work with diverse audiences. 

Outside of work, Jarrett spends his time outdoors on adventures in the woods near his cabin—cooking over a fire, woodworking and tackling home renovation projects, and exploring and enjoying the ocean whenever possible through freediving and surfing.

Contact Jarrett: jcorke@marineanimals.ca

Calida Kello supports MARS as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator as well as being part of the Response Support Team as a Hotline Operator and Response Technician. In these roles, she supports marine animal response efforts while engaging and educating volunteers and the public about the animals that call our oceans home.

Calida holds a BSc in Animal Biology from Thompson Rivers University, with a focus on marine mammal conservation and research, and a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia. Her background includes conservation research and management studies in Australia at Southern Cross University, NSERC-funded research on animal communication and behaviour, and public education roles at Science World and the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre. She has worked as an educator since 2008 and brings this experience into her outreach and response work at MARS.

Outside of work, Calida enjoys travelling to observe animals in their natural habitats, spending time outdoors, and pursuing creative interests such as acting, singing, baking, and crocheting.

Contact Calida: volunteer@marineanimals.ca