Colony of Avalon
Staff & Board of Directors

Lino is a Ferryland native who worked with Dr. Jim Tuck at the Colony of Avalon site from the inaugural season of 1992 to the fall of 1998. He is a licensed Chiropractor at clinics in St John’s and Bay Roberts, and a Certified Addictions Counsellor and Educator at Vida Nova Recovery Centre. Lino has served on several professional boards over the years, during a work career that has taken him to Dawson Creek BC, Cork Ireland, Clarenville and St John’s. He is delighted to be a member of the Colony of Avalon Board, and proud to help preserve and advance the history of his beautiful hometown.

Shelly grew up in Ferryland, and her interest in archaeology began when she joined the early stages of the Colony of Avalon Foundation, taking part in a research trip to the Red Bay archaeological dig to get guidance on how to set up and support an archaeological site in Ferryland. She worked on the archaeological dig in Ferryland for the first seven seasons under Dr. James Tuck while earning her Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University, with a major in Archaeology. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology and an HR Management Certificate. For the last 25 years, Shelly has been living in Ottawa, Ontario and working in Human Resources. She is currently a Human Resources Strategist with the City of Ottawa. Even though she has been away from Ferryland for a long time, she still has a love and passion for archaeology and the Ferryland archaeological dig and visits it every summer when she is home on vacation. Shelly plans to move back to Ferryland when she retires and hopes that her contributions as a board member can help to ensure that the Colony of Avalon and the archaeological dig are still thriving at that time.

Jennifer Browne brings a lifelong connection to the Southern Shore and a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history. Raised in Renews, she developed an early appreciation for the region’s heritage and has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Colony of Avalon and the Ferryland archaeological excavations. Jennifer spent five summers working on the Ferryland Dig in both field and laboratory roles, gaining firsthand experience in archaeological research and heritage interpretation. She also previously served on the Colony of Avalon Board of Directors from 2008–2012 and is pleased to continue supporting an organization that has played such an important role in her personal and professional journey.

Jennifer brings extensive leadership and governance experience through her service on numerous local and national boards, including her current role as a Board Director with the Counselling Foundation of Canada.

Professionally, Jennifer is the Director of Student Life and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University, as well as an Assistant Professor (PT/LD) in the Faculty of Education at Western University. She also serves as Editor of the SSHRC-funded Canadian Journal of Career Development, contributing to the advancement of career development research and practice in Canada and internationally.

Jennifer is honoured to serve on the Colony of Avalon Board and is passionate about ensuring that future generations can learn from, engage with, and be inspired by one of North America’s most significant archaeological and cultural heritage sites.

Mike joined the Board in 2014 and was Board chair for seven years. He is a Newfoundlander-by-choice who moved to the Southern Shore from the United States in 2012 with his wife, a native Newfoundlander. He is now a dual Canadian and US citizen. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College in the US and has worked for more than 42 years at a private Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering firm there. During his career, he did two stints as the vice-president of Engineering and retired as the company’s Chief Marine Engineer. He continues to provide engineering consulting services to a client in the US. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and previously served for many years on the Scholarship Committee of the American Society of Naval Engineers.

Jane has had a keen interest in the community, and the historical Colony of Avalon in particular, as far back as she can remember. She grew up hearing stories of the Colony from her family. Her ancestors on her father’s side have lived in Ferryland for centuries. Portions of the Colony property were acquired from Jane’s family to pursue archaeological work and research that has lead to the current living archaeological site, the dig. Jane holds a doctorate in Research and Technology Enhanced LEarning from Lancaster University, UK. Jane resides in St. John’s where she works at Memorial University.

Laura Tuck was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the daughter of renowned archaeologist Dr. James A. Tuck. She joined the Colony of Avalon Foundation Board of Directors in 2021 and became Chair in 2025.

Her educational background reflects her diverse professional interests. She earned an Associate of Science in Landscape Contracting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Maine.

She lived and worked throughout the New England region from 1994 to 2011, spending more than 20 years as a landscaper and foreman before returning home to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Laura was invited to join the Colony of Avalon Foundation Board by a member of the site’s staff and initially became involved to help restore the historic Gentlemen’s Garden. Her passion for the site is deeply personal, and she remains committed to preserving and strengthening the Colony of Avalon for future generations. As Chair, she hopes to see the organization return to the strength and vitality it enjoyed in its early years and continue to fulfill the vision her father held for one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most important archaeological and historical treasures.