Our Team

Our Team

Get to know the people behind the museum!

At the Quinte Museum of Natural History, we are more than a museum—we are a gateway to discovery, a space where curiosity meets conservation, and a place where the past, present, and future of our natural world come to life. Deanna WayExecutive Director

Deanna WayExecutive Director

Background 

Deanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy from Carleton University, a Master of Library and Information Science from Robert Gordon University, and a Certificate in Applied Museum Studies from Algonquin College. With over a decade of experience in the arts and heritage sector, she brings a versatile skill set spanning museum administration, collections management, exhibition development, and heritage conservation. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to public access, storytelling, and the role of museums as catalysts for connection and change.

deanna@quintemuseum.ca

Finnegan ParnassusMuseum Manager

Finnegan is our current museum manager. He got his degree in biology at the University of Florida while simultaneously working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as an educator and animal behaviourist. After spending hundreds of hours with gorillas, tigers, and dozens of birds, he moved to his husband’s hometown of Quinte West. At the Quinte Museum of Natural History, he has helped develop 3 exhibits, and loves inspiring people to protect the natural world through tours and programs

finn@quintemuseum.ca

Zoe ParsonsonMuseum Assistant

Zoe is one of our Museum Assistants. She attended East Northumberland Secondary School, where she graduated with Honours. She is a dedicated team member with a passion for natural and human history. Zoe is easily identifiable by her brightly coloured hair. She is often seen at the front desk, always greeting visitors with a smile!

zoe@quintemuseum.ca

Emmett Quibell-QuickMuseum Assistant

Background 

Emmett is one of our Museum Assistants. He graduated from Bayside Secondary School with a SHSM designation in Environmental Sciences and is currently enrolled in the Social Service Worker program at Northern College. Emmett first got involved with the QMNH in 2023 as a co-op student, where he quickly fell in love with the museum. Since then, he’s stayed on as a volunteer and Museum Assistant. He enjoys connecting with visitors and answering questions – so if you stop by, be sure to say hi!

emmett@quintemuseum.ca

 

QMNH Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is served by a variety of local leaders, experts and elected representatives who are guiding QMNH in the execution of our start-up activities and meet regularly to oversee the development of the Museum project.

  • Suzanne Andrews
    Suzanne AndrewsQMNH Chair | CEO, Quinte West Chamber of Commerce
  • David Evans
    David EvansBoard Member | Temerty Chair in Vertebrate Palaeontology, Royal Ontario Museum
  • Kurt Gregoire
    Kurt GregoireBoard Member | Partner, Wilkinson & Company LLP
  • Peter May
    Peter MayBoard Member | President, Research Casting International
  • Leslie Roseblade
    Leslie RosebladeBoard Member | Councillor, City of Quinte West
  • Karen Baldwin
    Karen BaldwinBoard Member | Dean, School of Business and Creative Industries, Loyalist College
  • Marina Defferrari
    Marina DefferrariBoard Member | Founder and Director, Crafty Science Co.
  • Kevin Kerr
    Kevin KerrBoard Member | Research Director at Centre for Biodiversity Genomics