Election 2025 Candidate Statements

I have had the privilege of working as a Registered Dietitian for over 30 years. For the past 6 years, I have had the honour of working along with the board and staff at the College of Dietitians of Ontario, serving as a Director, Vice Chair and Chair of the Board. The combination of my board and career experience has allowed me to develop the competencies and attributes required to effectively contribute to the success of the board’s strategic initiatives.

I have a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition from the University of Guelph and a Master of Science degree from Brescia College at Western University.

My career in dietetics has provided me the opportunity to work in diverse practice environments, including Hospitals, Home and Community Care, Public Health, Private Practice, Long Term Care and as a Faculty Member at Brescia College at Western University. In 2011, I transitioned to Health Care Leadership and have worked as the Manager of Diabetes Programs, Dialysis, Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition and Food Services. I also held a volunteer position as a Director on the Board at The Local Community Food Center in Stratford for 6 years.

If elected, I look forward to participating in the continued work of governance modernization, implementing the new strategic priorities, and working within the CDO’s mandate of public protection.

With nearly 2 decades of clinical dietetic experience and a current Sr. Manager role in a habit change corporate organization, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges with public health. Through my work with the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) in registration and quality assurance activities, I’ve gained firsthand insight into the need for a progressive and responsive approach to dietetics.

 My eureka moment came 18 years ago when I shared a simple homemade recipe for Oral rehydration solution (ORS) with a mother whose child was dehydrated. It worked wonders—and didn’t break the bank! That’s when I realized: food is alchemy, and as dietitians, we’re the alchemists turning everyday ingredients into true nourishment.

I am committed to continuous learning and improvement, staying abreast of the latest research, policy changes, and trends in nutrition and dietetics. This knowledge allows me to advocate for actionable improvements within our profession and to the diverse communities we serve. I am especially passionate about supporting the inclusion of underrepresented groups in dietetics, ensuring our profession evolves to meet society’s growing needs.

 As an immigrant, I understand the challenges faced by newcomers navigating the Canadian health system, and I am committed to promoting equitable opportunities for all. My leadership style is collaborative and transparent, informed by both evidence and the real-world experiences.

 As a member of the board, my goal will be to ensure public protection through a forward-thinking, inclusive, and grounded in evidence-based approach. I aim to ensure that dietitians remain a credible force at the forefront of healthcare delivery, driving positive change and expanding the profession into newer possibilities.

It has been an honour to serve on the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) Board of Directors over the past six years, including the privilege of holding the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair during the last four years. Working alongside a diverse and dedicated group of Board and Committee members, I have deeply valued contributing to the College’s progress and collective success.
       

Professionally, I am a primary care dietitian and the Quality Program Manager at the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. I also hold a lecturer appointment at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. My career is dedicated to improving health outcomes for Ontarians through evidence-based clinical practice, data-driven decision-making, and coordinated client care.
       

I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition & Food from Toronto Metropolitan University and dual Master’s degrees in Human Health & Nutritional Science and Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph. My leadership experience includes serving as Acting Chair of Dietitians of Canada’s Ontario Family Health Teams Network and as Lead for the Diabetes Community of Practice at the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario.
       

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my contributions, including:

• Quality & Innovation Faculty and Staff Impact Award – University of Toronto

• Member Recognition Awards (Leadership) – Dietitians of Canada

• Preceptor Award of Excellence – Brescia University College


As a Board member, I have gained valuable insights into governance, strategic planning, and collaboration. If re-elected, I am committed to continuing my work with fellow Board members to advance the College’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2029.
       

Together, we can ensure that CDO continues to protect the public interest while supporting dietitians in delivering safe, ethical, and high-quality care across Ontario.
       

Thank you for your consideration and support.

I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and a Diploma in Gerontology at U of T, and a dietetic internship at Toronto General Hospital. I worked as a Community RD, in Private Practice (Clinical and Sports Nutrition), also consulting with groups including federal and provincial ministries, media and national food companies. Until recently I taught Nutrition, Communication and Counselling at the Faculty of Dentistry (UofT) where I received two Master Teacher awards. I had the honour of representing Canada at two Olympic and three Pan American Games.

Throughout my current and previous positions on the Board, my varied national and local experiences with dietitians have enhanced many skills needed to contribute positively, as the College fulfills its mandate to protect the public interest. These experiences have reinforced the pride I have in the high calibre of the academic and practical training accomplishments of our profession. I am also impressed with the significant and ongoing efforts of the College, working with talented and committed Ontario dietitians, to expand programs and resources for internationally trained applicants.

I am enthusiastic, focused and goal oriented. My priorities include fairness, equity, inclusivity and a team-approach. Early in my teaching career, my students taught me an important lesson, and I realized how essential it is that we ask the right question rather than rushing to an answer. I asked many, and still do, which fits well with the Board’s thorough approach considering options and decision-making.

I would be honoured to complete a last term, to contribute further, especially as the Board continues to provide just “the Right Touch” to all its regulatory duties, something I consider paramount in the health regulatory field. I would respectfully invite and appreciate your support.