Current Board Vacancies:
The following positions are still vacant & you are welcome to join us immediately.
If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, please contact [email protected].
1. President-Elect
2. VP Communications
3. VP Communications (Social Media)
If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, please contact [email protected].
1. President-Elect
2. VP Communications
3. VP Communications (Social Media)
Email [email protected] for more information about any position descriptions or questions you have.
OHEA Board of Directors
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President-Elect
Vacant |
Chair/Past Co-President
Jason Eaton, P.H.Ec. |
President
Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec. |
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Secretary/Treasurer
Mary Johnston, P.H.Ec. |
VP Professional Development
Jessica O'Flaherty, P.H.Ec. |
VP Public Policy 1
Cailin Whincop, P.H.Ec. |
VP Public Policy 2
Vacant |
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VP Membership 1
Brooklyne Buckley, P.H.Ec.
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VP Membership 2
Vacant 
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VP of Communications
Vacant
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VP of Communications
(Social media) Vacant
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OHEA Member-at-Large 1
Isabelle Giroux, P.H.Ec. 
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OHEA Member-at-Large 2
Vacant
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OHEA Board of Director Biographies
Chair/Past Co-President: Jason Eaton, P.H.Ec.
Jason graduated from Brescia University College in 2014 with a double major in History and Family Studies. He was a member of SHEA while attending Brescia.
Jason brings a wealth of experience with social media to this role. He is an accomplished food and travel blogger, Canadian Beef Blogger Ambassador, and cooking class instructor for the City of London.
Jason graduated from Brescia University College in 2014 with a double major in History and Family Studies. He was a member of SHEA while attending Brescia.
Jason brings a wealth of experience with social media to this role. He is an accomplished food and travel blogger, Canadian Beef Blogger Ambassador, and cooking class instructor for the City of London.
President: Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec.
Cathy Enright is a professional Home Economist and a Fellow in Board Governance from the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC). She has dedicated her career to having consumers’ voices heard and has been recognized for her “Lifelong Contribution” by the Ontario Home Economic Association. Beginning her career in the private sector, Cathy was the Director of the test kitchens, national publicity, and a liaison service for customers and clients of a large food manufacturer. After joining Canada’s public service, she held several positions and retired as the Director of Consumer Services and Outreach. Cathy has worked extensively in strategic communications and directed a Contribution Program, which provided funding for research and development for non-profit and consumer, voluntary organizations. As a result of her contributions she has received many awards, including the Deputy Minister Award for Innovation, as well as “Mentor of the Year” from the University of Alberta. Cathy’s mentoring skills continue with both public and private sector professionals with an interest in strategic communications. Her contributions to Ontario as a Trillium assessor and to OHEA as a policy maker have led her down amazing paths.
Cathy Enright is a professional Home Economist and a Fellow in Board Governance from the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC). She has dedicated her career to having consumers’ voices heard and has been recognized for her “Lifelong Contribution” by the Ontario Home Economic Association. Beginning her career in the private sector, Cathy was the Director of the test kitchens, national publicity, and a liaison service for customers and clients of a large food manufacturer. After joining Canada’s public service, she held several positions and retired as the Director of Consumer Services and Outreach. Cathy has worked extensively in strategic communications and directed a Contribution Program, which provided funding for research and development for non-profit and consumer, voluntary organizations. As a result of her contributions she has received many awards, including the Deputy Minister Award for Innovation, as well as “Mentor of the Year” from the University of Alberta. Cathy’s mentoring skills continue with both public and private sector professionals with an interest in strategic communications. Her contributions to Ontario as a Trillium assessor and to OHEA as a policy maker have led her down amazing paths.
Secretary/Treasurer: Mary Johnston, P.H.Ec.
After graduation from Universities of Guelph and Toronto, Mary taught secondary school Home Economics/Family Studies, first in Oshawa and then in Hamilton. As a teacher, Mary participated in curriculum development and testing committees both locally and provincially. Professionally, Mary was active in Hamilton Home Economics Association, Ottawa Home Economics Association and Ontario Home Economics Association in executive and leadership roles. Most recently, she was the Secretary/Treasurer of Ontario Home Economics Association for 5 years.
A 35-year member of Girl Guides Canada, as well as District Commissioner and, most recently a Community Guider, Mary has been a mentor to girls and Guide leaders. While no longer leading a Unit weekly, Mary is still a Unit Treasurer and is a Trefoil Guild member.
In 2016 Mary and a Guiding colleague started a Days for Girls Nepean Team which has successfully distributed over 7500 cloth-based, washable menstrual kits in Canada and around the world.
In 2018, Mary volunteered to become Distribution Coordinator for Days for Girls Canada Society ( DfGCS) and then in 2019 offered to serve on the Board of Directors. In 2020 Mary stepped forward to serve as Treasurer and lead DfGCS through the transition to a single bank account and reporting structure. Mary manages the budget for the DfGCS Board of Directors, the DfGCS Resource Centre and 52 Chapters and Teams across Canada.
After graduation from Universities of Guelph and Toronto, Mary taught secondary school Home Economics/Family Studies, first in Oshawa and then in Hamilton. As a teacher, Mary participated in curriculum development and testing committees both locally and provincially. Professionally, Mary was active in Hamilton Home Economics Association, Ottawa Home Economics Association and Ontario Home Economics Association in executive and leadership roles. Most recently, she was the Secretary/Treasurer of Ontario Home Economics Association for 5 years.
A 35-year member of Girl Guides Canada, as well as District Commissioner and, most recently a Community Guider, Mary has been a mentor to girls and Guide leaders. While no longer leading a Unit weekly, Mary is still a Unit Treasurer and is a Trefoil Guild member.
In 2016 Mary and a Guiding colleague started a Days for Girls Nepean Team which has successfully distributed over 7500 cloth-based, washable menstrual kits in Canada and around the world.
In 2018, Mary volunteered to become Distribution Coordinator for Days for Girls Canada Society ( DfGCS) and then in 2019 offered to serve on the Board of Directors. In 2020 Mary stepped forward to serve as Treasurer and lead DfGCS through the transition to a single bank account and reporting structure. Mary manages the budget for the DfGCS Board of Directors, the DfGCS Resource Centre and 52 Chapters and Teams across Canada.
VP Professional Development: Jessica O'Flaherty, P.H.Ec.
Jessica O’Flaherty has been a member of the Ontario Home Economics Association since 2023. She is a Registered Dietitian currently working as a Clinical Dietitian at The Hospital for Sick Children, who graduated from Brescia University College in London, Ontario in 2022 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition, and from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2025 with a Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition. While pursuing these degrees, Jessica was an active member in both her school and broader communities, serving as an executive member for several student societies, and volunteering for local school breakfast programs, campus food banks, a used furniture warehouse, and even travelling to Ecuador for a 10-day, joint volunteer-education trip to learn about food sovereignty within the nation.
Through these opportunities, Jessica has learned to interact and engage with a variety of people to achieve the common goal of bettering the communities surrounding her through teamwork, peer empowerment, and resource re-allocation. Jessica continues to utilize these skills in her professional practice to advocate for advancement in the fields of food and nutrition, sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability, media literacy, and responsible consumerism, for which she is most passionate.
Jessica O’Flaherty has been a member of the Ontario Home Economics Association since 2023. She is a Registered Dietitian currently working as a Clinical Dietitian at The Hospital for Sick Children, who graduated from Brescia University College in London, Ontario in 2022 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition, and from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2025 with a Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition. While pursuing these degrees, Jessica was an active member in both her school and broader communities, serving as an executive member for several student societies, and volunteering for local school breakfast programs, campus food banks, a used furniture warehouse, and even travelling to Ecuador for a 10-day, joint volunteer-education trip to learn about food sovereignty within the nation.
Through these opportunities, Jessica has learned to interact and engage with a variety of people to achieve the common goal of bettering the communities surrounding her through teamwork, peer empowerment, and resource re-allocation. Jessica continues to utilize these skills in her professional practice to advocate for advancement in the fields of food and nutrition, sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability, media literacy, and responsible consumerism, for which she is most passionate.
VP Public Policy 1: Cailin Whincop, P.H.Ec.
Cailin holds a human ecology degree in nutrition, family studies, and psychology from Brescia University College. She is passionate about building healthy communities and an equitable society. With a post-degree diploma in Not-for-Profit Management, she believes in the strength of the nonprofit sector and building cross-sector relationships for positive change. On weekends, Cailin loves to get creative in the kitchen.
Cailin holds a human ecology degree in nutrition, family studies, and psychology from Brescia University College. She is passionate about building healthy communities and an equitable society. With a post-degree diploma in Not-for-Profit Management, she believes in the strength of the nonprofit sector and building cross-sector relationships for positive change. On weekends, Cailin loves to get creative in the kitchen.
VP Membership 1: Brooklyne Buckley, P.H.Ec.
Brooklyne Buckley is a Registered Dietitian with a strong background in nutrition, community health, and health promotion. She began her post-secondary studies at Nipissing University in Biology, Business, and Psychology before completing her nutrition degree at Brescia University College and earning a Master of Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph.
A longstanding member of the Ontario Home Economics Association, Brooklyne first joined as a student member and has previously served on the Board of Directors, contributing to initiatives including the Care for the Caregiver campaign and the Speaker Series. As Vice President Membership, she is committed to strengthening member engagement and advancing the profession across Ontario.
Brooklyne has worked across long-term care, hospital, Family Health Team, and Community Health Centre settings. She currently supports community wellness through cooking and gardening classes, leads the Little Free Garden initiative, contributes to the Planet Youth Nipissing team, and serves on her organization’s Health Equity and Leadership Team, bringing a Professional Home Economist perspective to addressing the social determinants of health.
Brooklyne Buckley is a Registered Dietitian with a strong background in nutrition, community health, and health promotion. She began her post-secondary studies at Nipissing University in Biology, Business, and Psychology before completing her nutrition degree at Brescia University College and earning a Master of Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph.
A longstanding member of the Ontario Home Economics Association, Brooklyne first joined as a student member and has previously served on the Board of Directors, contributing to initiatives including the Care for the Caregiver campaign and the Speaker Series. As Vice President Membership, she is committed to strengthening member engagement and advancing the profession across Ontario.
Brooklyne has worked across long-term care, hospital, Family Health Team, and Community Health Centre settings. She currently supports community wellness through cooking and gardening classes, leads the Little Free Garden initiative, contributes to the Planet Youth Nipissing team, and serves on her organization’s Health Equity and Leadership Team, bringing a Professional Home Economist perspective to addressing the social determinants of health.
OHEA Member-at-Large 1: Isabelle Giroux, P.H.Ec.
Isabelle Giroux, PhD, Registered Dietitian is a Fellow of Dietitians of Canada, a Professional Home Economist and a Full Professor of the School of Nutrition Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Ottawa. She was Assistant Director – Undergraduate Studies, then Director of the School of Nutrition Sciences and Vice-Dean Academic – Student and Professional Affairs, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa. She is involved in professional affairs as a dietetic educator and national dietetic program evaluator. She contributes as Board Member of the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative and a member of the Accreditation Decision Committee of Accreditation Canada’s EQual Health Education Accreditation Program. She is a researcher of the Institut du Savoir Montfort.
Isabelle Giroux, PhD, est une diététiste professionnelle Fellow des Diététistes du Canada et une économiste familiale. Elle est professeure titulaire de nutrition de l’École des sciences de la nutrition à la Faculté des sciences de la santé de l’Université d’Ottawa. Elle a précédemment été directrice adjointe – études de premier cycle, puis directrice de l’École des sciences de la nutrition et vice-doyenne aux études – affaires étudiantes et professionnelles de la Faculté des sciences de la santé de l’Université d’Ottawa. Elle s’implique dans les affaires professionnelles comme éducatrice en diététique et évaluatrice nationale de programmes. Elle contribue également comme membre du comité directeur du Consortium Pancanadien pour l’Interprofessionnalisme en Santé et du Comité d’approbation du type d’agrément du programme d’agrément en éducation de la santé EQual d’Agrément Canada. Elle est membre de l’Institut du Savoir Montfort.
Isabelle Giroux, PhD, Registered Dietitian is a Fellow of Dietitians of Canada, a Professional Home Economist and a Full Professor of the School of Nutrition Sciences at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Ottawa. She was Assistant Director – Undergraduate Studies, then Director of the School of Nutrition Sciences and Vice-Dean Academic – Student and Professional Affairs, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa. She is involved in professional affairs as a dietetic educator and national dietetic program evaluator. She contributes as Board Member of the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative and a member of the Accreditation Decision Committee of Accreditation Canada’s EQual Health Education Accreditation Program. She is a researcher of the Institut du Savoir Montfort.
Isabelle Giroux, PhD, est une diététiste professionnelle Fellow des Diététistes du Canada et une économiste familiale. Elle est professeure titulaire de nutrition de l’École des sciences de la nutrition à la Faculté des sciences de la santé de l’Université d’Ottawa. Elle a précédemment été directrice adjointe – études de premier cycle, puis directrice de l’École des sciences de la nutrition et vice-doyenne aux études – affaires étudiantes et professionnelles de la Faculté des sciences de la santé de l’Université d’Ottawa. Elle s’implique dans les affaires professionnelles comme éducatrice en diététique et évaluatrice nationale de programmes. Elle contribue également comme membre du comité directeur du Consortium Pancanadien pour l’Interprofessionnalisme en Santé et du Comité d’approbation du type d’agrément du programme d’agrément en éducation de la santé EQual d’Agrément Canada. Elle est membre de l’Institut du Savoir Montfort.
OHEA Branch Representatives
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Ottawa Branch Representative
Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. 
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Quinte Branch Representative
Susan Hallam, P.H.Ec. 
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IFHE Representative
Roula Hawa, P.H.Ec. 
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Toronto Branch Representative
Ruth MacDonald, P.H.Ec.
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OHEA Ex Officio: To be appointed in September 2026
Student Liasion: Lindsey Ma
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OHEA also liaises with several specialized home economics groups:
Canadian Home Economics Foundation
Ontario Family Studies/Home Economics Educator’s Association (OFSHEEA)
International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE)
Canadian Home Economics Foundation
Ontario Family Studies/Home Economics Educator’s Association (OFSHEEA)
International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE)