OHEA Welcomes New November Members

Niki Bales, P.H.Ec.

I have been a Family Studies teacher for 20 years. I am the Assistant Department Head in Family Studies, Geography and History for 10 years with the Grand Erie District School Board.  I am  the central west regional representative for OFSHEEA and I have been involved as a writer for the revised Ontario Social Science and Humanities curriculum in 2013 and Financial Literacy writer for the HFC and HHS Family Studies courses in 2016. 

I have also been involved in several writing projects developing resources for teachers, reviewing Family Studies textbooks and writing on-line courses. I have taught various courses in Family Studies but my area of focus is Nutrition and Health. I have a passion for cooking and travel and share this with my students in the classroom every day!

Brittaney Berendsen, Student

Hello, my name is Brittaney! This spring I graduated with my undergraduate degree HBScFN from Brescia University College at Western University in London ON. I have since started my Dietetic Internship at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener ON this fall. 

I have always felt close to the Home Economics field as cooking/ baking with my mother and grandmother is what initially sparked my interest in food and nutrition (I was probably stirring cake batter before I could walk haha).  Looking forward to interacting with all of you!

Andrea Lopez, Student

I am a 4th year student at Brescia University College in the Specialization in Nutrition and Family Studies program. I am the current Vice President of Family Studies on Brescia’s Students’ Human Ecology Association, and am interested in pursuing a career in education. 

I am passionate about    promoting food literacy in children, family research, and family policy in Canada. I look forward to a future with the Ontario Home Economics Association, and getting to know other members!

Jessica Wiles, Student

I am in the third year of my undergraduate degree at Brescia University College in London Ontario in the Foods and Nutrition Program. 

I've done lots of volunteer work with various organizations, including teaching elementary school lessons about nutrition and healthy eating and assisting with children’s gardens and group cooking classes in the community. I really enjoy cooking and trying new recipes in my spare time.

​In addition, I love to sing and have been a member of the Amabile Choirs of London Canada for 13 years, and have traveled to compete in Newfoundland, Hawaii, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria with the Choir.

I am really enjoying the Foods and Nutrition Program at Brescia, and my goal for the future is to acquire an internship and pursue the Registered Dietitian designation as well as the Professional Home Economist designation.

Amy Choi, Student

My name is Amy Choi and I am currently finishing the last year of my Bachelor's in Nutrition and Food at Ryerson University, in the hopes of becoming a Registered Dietitian. 

Regardless if I become an RD or not, I plan to work within the food service sector because food is my passion! I am excited to join OHEA to meet other members who may share the same passion as me and hope to collaborate on exciting programs/initiatives one day!