New England Aquarium Services works in partnership with our clients, their designers, and their contractors every step of the way. Not using outside designers or contractors? No worries, our staff is highly experienced in exhibit design and are ready to work with you directly to create exactly what you’re envisioning for your unique space.
Combined experience of over 100 years!
Rick Oellers- C.E.O
attended the University of Southern Maine and formed New England Aquarium Services , Inc in 1985, which specializes in the design, installation and maintenance of aquariums. He lives in Saco with his beautiful wife and has two children. He founded the Maine State Aquarist Society in 1991 and opened a premier aquarium store that same year, with the intention of teaching hobbyist responsible aquarium husbandry. He later began work as the chief aquarist at the Science & Nature center in Seabrook, New Hampshire, a position he still holds today. Rick was a founder of the American Marinelife Dealers Association (AMDA), serving as president from 1997 to 2001. He taught aquarium husbandry at the University of New England where he became an adjunct scientist in 2008 and is currently an advisor to the ornamental marine fish and breeding project in the Marine Science department. He is an experienced diver and has worked recently surveying and studying lionfish behavior in the Caribbean.
Mandie Valentine- General Manager
started as a freshwater technician and has become the General Manager. She has been keeping fish since childhood when she helped her dad with his aquariums at home and at work. She received her associates degree in applied science with a Marine biology focus, from Southern Maine Comminity College in 2015. She has worked with NEAS since 2016. She lives in Waterboro with husband, Brooks. She services both fresh and saltwater aquariums. As well as facilitating and designing new tank installs, and older tank redesigns. Certified scuba diver and mermaid since 2014. She is a part of a local scuba dive club and spends lots of time underwater. Her biggest interest is invertebrates, both fresh and saltwater.
Sarah Kenney- Aquarist
Has been with NEAS since 2019. As a child, her home was filled with a variety of exotic animals including fish. She started actively working in the field of aquatics as a young teenager in high-school, realizing that she had a strong passion for it. In 2013 she graduated with her associates degree in liberal studies at YCCC. During this time she was also volunteering at the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, caring for injured, orphaned, and non-releasable animals. Sarah works with both fresh and saltwater, but her specialty is in freshwater planted aquariums. She is known for tackling algae ridden aquariums and turning them into beautiful works of art. Problem solving with attention to detail and understanding each aquariums unique needs is what she does well.
Zoë Ferris- Aquarist
Has a Bachelors degree in Marine Affairs from the University of New England and an associates degree in Marine Science from Southern Maine Community College. She Lives in Old Orchard Beach with fiancé Al, and pet octopus gus. Before NEAS, Zoë worked at an animal shelter. She has hands on experience working with and doing research on sharks, and has experience with salt and freshwater aquariums. She also designed and manages the company website. 🐠