Deb Campbell, P.H.Ec, BA(HEc), BEd
Including the P.H.Ec. designation as part of my signature is a constant reminder to me of:
- the body of knowledge I carry in my head and heart that I have been able to share with the public for 40 years;
- the Code of Ethics I sign annually as I renew my membership in the Association and;
- the colleagues I have met with similar expertise over the years.
Yes, I have a responsibility to explain the designation sometimes. Just last week I met someone who wished they had pursued their membership more aggressively earlier in their career, so that they too would have the professional designation today. It made me proud to have something that someone wished they had and who could express it to me.
Home Economics is truly all around us: food, clothing housing, child development and so on. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with many communities sharing information. Having the P.H.Ec. designation gives them further reassurance of my credibility. This is brand loyalty at its finest!
Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.
I am proud and privileged to be able to use the title Professional Home Economist. Yes, more often than not, I also have to explain it, but using P.H.Ec. after my name opens many interesting discussions.
Just as the nurse who gives an allergy shot has RN after her name, I know that a professional title assures specific qualifications and provides consumer confidence and security. I encourage all members to include their professional title in their signature line.
As OHEA’s PR Coordinator, I often seek answers to media inquiries. Immediately, I reach for the OHEA Directory to find a P.H.Ec. with specific expertise. I look for the P.H.Ec. title and I trust it.
Maria Depenweiller, P.H.Ec.
Cookbook Author
After graduating from Ryerson’s Food and Nutrition program, I was on the look-out for how to best use my degree. The program was heavily geared toward clinical dietetics. And I was hopeful for an opportunity other than clinical work.
Memberships in OHEA, THEA and OHEIB have given me the ideal opportunities to network with professionals in a variety of areas and to gain deeper understanding of jobs markets available to me. I am very grateful for colleagues who shared their career stories and helped me navigate the post-university world. Professional Home Economists are in a unique position to guide and empower people at any stage of life to help them lead happy, healthful lives.
Over time, I came to understand that a household is like a small kingdom and in order to run it efficiently and successfully home economics skills are essential.
For me, being a Professional Home Economist means being an integral part of a cohort of professionals who strive to improve lives, daily.
Cookbook Author
After graduating from Ryerson’s Food and Nutrition program, I was on the look-out for how to best use my degree. The program was heavily geared toward clinical dietetics. And I was hopeful for an opportunity other than clinical work.
Memberships in OHEA, THEA and OHEIB have given me the ideal opportunities to network with professionals in a variety of areas and to gain deeper understanding of jobs markets available to me. I am very grateful for colleagues who shared their career stories and helped me navigate the post-university world. Professional Home Economists are in a unique position to guide and empower people at any stage of life to help them lead happy, healthful lives.
Over time, I came to understand that a household is like a small kingdom and in order to run it efficiently and successfully home economics skills are essential.
For me, being a Professional Home Economist means being an integral part of a cohort of professionals who strive to improve lives, daily.
Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec.
Director, Consumer Services and Outreach Industry Canada
Being a Professional Home Economist for me is simply a vital slice of who I am. It’s part of my personal integrity, my practicality, my science mind, my family dedication. I am grateful for the gift of home economics and for fellow members. Often I am astonished at our quiet, yet determined way to make Canadian families better.
By chance I received a clip about Emily Reid, P.H.Ec., in Montreal - making a difference. I attended Home Ec meetings with her in the 70's. Who else but a P.H.Ec. friend like Linda Reasbeck, could say to me, 'come to the OttawaHEA meeting, it will do you good,' and it did. Jane Carman, P.H.Ec. recently retired from Kraft and I shared early business careers and friendship. Karen King and I recently laughed our way through a 'Supper Solved' adventure. My dear friend Nola Wade made it possible for me to come to Ottawa and begin a career in government.
P.H.Ec.’s care. We care about each other. We care about our community. We care about Canada.
By chance I received a clip about Emily Reid, P.H.Ec., in Montreal - making a difference. I attended Home Ec meetings with her in the 70's. Who else but a P.H.Ec. friend like Linda Reasbeck, could say to me, 'come to the OttawaHEA meeting, it will do you good,' and it did. Jane Carman, P.H.Ec. recently retired from Kraft and I shared early business careers and friendship. Karen King and I recently laughed our way through a 'Supper Solved' adventure. My dear friend Nola Wade made it possible for me to come to Ottawa and begin a career in government.
P.H.Ec.’s care. We care about each other. We care about our community. We care about Canada.
Barb Holland, P.H.Ec., Freelance Home Economist
I have been a member of OHEA since its inception and was thrilled when OHEA was granted professional status, and members in good standing, the PHEc designation. A considerable effort by many, but particularly by Evelyn Hullah, P.H.Ec., went into that achievement. Hats off to her and her committee!
In my experience with clients (as a freelance consulting home economist) the PHEc
designation has and is recognized for its professionalism, credibility and high standards.
I value my personal and professional relationships with like-minded colleagues as our association keeps us connected. The networking, sharing and working together towards common goals is not something that is shared (as much) by other professions. As the Administrator of OHEIB, I am often asked to recommend individuals for a particular job or project. I am confident that when I recommend a Professional Home Economist; the client will be pleased with a job well done.
I am honoured to carry the PHEc designation.
I have been a member of OHEA since its inception and was thrilled when OHEA was granted professional status, and members in good standing, the PHEc designation. A considerable effort by many, but particularly by Evelyn Hullah, P.H.Ec., went into that achievement. Hats off to her and her committee!
In my experience with clients (as a freelance consulting home economist) the PHEc
designation has and is recognized for its professionalism, credibility and high standards.
I value my personal and professional relationships with like-minded colleagues as our association keeps us connected. The networking, sharing and working together towards common goals is not something that is shared (as much) by other professions. As the Administrator of OHEIB, I am often asked to recommend individuals for a particular job or project. I am confident that when I recommend a Professional Home Economist; the client will be pleased with a job well done.
I am honoured to carry the PHEc designation.
Evelyn Hullah, P.H.Ec., BHSc
Every time I send an email with my automatic signature, including the P.H.Ec. designation, I feel honoured to use it.
P.H.Ec. - I’m proud of it, I respect it and I feel part of a strong professional team! I consider the designation of Professional Home Economist to be a brand name for the whole group of us who hold these credentials – an ongoing advertisement of the assurance of value and reliable service to others – both to employers and the public.
The designation is an affirmation of the importance of home economics all around us as we work towards the common goal of ‘improving the everyday lives of families and individuals.’ The P.H.Ec. designation also reminds me of my accountability and responsibility to be in line with those OHEA criteria which we have met, in the first place, to earn the designation. Using the title as much as possible, increases its value and recognition overall. And …the connection with and support of fellow Professional Home Economists gives me a great feeling of camaraderie.
Every time I send an email with my automatic signature, including the P.H.Ec. designation, I feel honoured to use it.
P.H.Ec. - I’m proud of it, I respect it and I feel part of a strong professional team! I consider the designation of Professional Home Economist to be a brand name for the whole group of us who hold these credentials – an ongoing advertisement of the assurance of value and reliable service to others – both to employers and the public.
The designation is an affirmation of the importance of home economics all around us as we work towards the common goal of ‘improving the everyday lives of families and individuals.’ The P.H.Ec. designation also reminds me of my accountability and responsibility to be in line with those OHEA criteria which we have met, in the first place, to earn the designation. Using the title as much as possible, increases its value and recognition overall. And …the connection with and support of fellow Professional Home Economists gives me a great feeling of camaraderie.
Cathy Ireland, P.H.Ec.
As a Ryerson student, I participated in OHEA meetings to get a better understanding of the types of jobs available upon graduation. The meetings were a great opportunity to network and the members were so willing to share their knowledge and expertise.
I became active on the OHEA Board shortly after graduating and was surrounded by supportive mentors. I’ve kept those connections throughout the years and have always felt like I could reach out to them when I needed assistance or guidance.
As my career-interests shift and change, I’m thankful for my PHEc designation. It indicates to potential employers that I’m professional, credible and have high standards. Being a PHEc means banding together with a common set of ethics, values and beliefs, knowing we can make positive change in people’s lives.
As a Ryerson student, I participated in OHEA meetings to get a better understanding of the types of jobs available upon graduation. The meetings were a great opportunity to network and the members were so willing to share their knowledge and expertise.
I became active on the OHEA Board shortly after graduating and was surrounded by supportive mentors. I’ve kept those connections throughout the years and have always felt like I could reach out to them when I needed assistance or guidance.
As my career-interests shift and change, I’m thankful for my PHEc designation. It indicates to potential employers that I’m professional, credible and have high standards. Being a PHEc means banding together with a common set of ethics, values and beliefs, knowing we can make positive change in people’s lives.
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Roberta LeBlanc, P.H.Ec.
Soon after receiving a Domestic Science Degree from the Université de Moncton, I joined both the national and provincial Home Economics Associations. I began my career as Promotion Officer with the NB Department of Fisheries. Four years later, I became Sector Manager. In 1985, my husband, young daughter and I moved to Ottawa. In 1992, I took the Philosophy & Practice of Home Economics course from Ryerson before joining OHEA. That granted me the exclusive right to use the professional title and designation PHEc which helped me gain employment with the Ontario Pork Marketing Board, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. |
Now semi-retired, I enjoy being an Educator with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
Twenty three years after the fact, l am reminded why I chose to add the PHEc designation after my name and why I continue to use it:
Twenty three years after the fact, l am reminded why I chose to add the PHEc designation after my name and why I continue to use it:
- Ontario Professional Home Economists have an expertise worth sharing, along with dedication to the health and well-being of Ontarians;
- I am part of a network of like-minded supportive professionals who exchange information through a newsletter, website and meetings;
- I provide facts versus falsehoods as they relate to food, clothing, shelter, and human relationships;
- I stay current with trends, technology and research within my field;
- I assist families and individuals to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of life;
- I respond to social issues affecting the well-being of the individual, home and community life;
- I am committed to excellence through life-long learning;
- I have high professional standards;
- I am a voting member of a self-regulated organization which became incorporated under the laws of Ontario by letter patent dated February 19, 1985;
- I have the necessary threshold of knowledge and skills to perform services as defined by the mission of the Home Economics profession.
Erin McGregor, P.H.Ec., RD
Clinical Registered Dietitian - Trauma, Emergency and Critical Care - Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto
When I decided to become a dietitian, I'm not sure what I had in mind for myself when it came to finding a career as one. What I did know was that I was passionate about food and cooking and interested in science and nutrition. My career path has led me to work as a Clinical Registered Dietitian in an acute care setting, which I find very interesting - but what about passion?
That's where having my P.H.Ec. designation comes in. With it, I get to:
- speak and write about food and nutrition in the context of everyday family life;
- have the opportunity to impact nutrition and health on a population-based level;
- balance my nutrition training, my science background, my clinical experience and my speaking engagements and network with like-minded P.H.Ec.’s from across the province.
I am a proud member of the OHEA Board of Directors, where I serve as VP of Communications and I feel lucky to be involved with such a wonderful and diverse group of women....who also love food!
That's where having my P.H.Ec. designation comes in. With it, I get to:
- speak and write about food and nutrition in the context of everyday family life;
- have the opportunity to impact nutrition and health on a population-based level;
- balance my nutrition training, my science background, my clinical experience and my speaking engagements and network with like-minded P.H.Ec.’s from across the province.
I am a proud member of the OHEA Board of Directors, where I serve as VP of Communications and I feel lucky to be involved with such a wonderful and diverse group of women....who also love food!
Diane O’Shea, P.H.Ec.
Home economics is about life! It is about embracing life and the qualities of life that are most important to individuals and families. It is about the ways of enhancing life where relationships are extremely important and home is valued.
I am a professional home economist first but under that umbrella I am a family studies educator. Here, in formal education settings, I have the opportunity to work with teens and future family studies educators. In meeting curriculum expectations, I am able to bring the practical aspects of healthy living and life alive. The food and nutrition area of home economics is perhaps my favourite, understanding human development and financial literacy areas are others. I really enjoy and appreciate the creativity of expressing identity with fabrics, too. The other aspect of home economics and an area where I see the profession moving is in the areas of environmental and social consciousness.
Adelaide Hoodless is my mentor! She recognized and publicly advocated that “a nation is only as strong as its homes and families”. I believe that is just as true today as it was more than 100 years ago!
As I work through my Masters in Home Economics Education, I am rejuvenated by the research and the perspectives of academics and professionals from the around the world. I often feel this very same rejuvenation after an OHEA conference and as I stand in awe of the ways home economists are using their training and personal advocacy. While I often feel frustrated that home economics is not given stronger recognition, I believe that as a profession we do “good stuff”!
I am proud to be a Professional Home Economist! I just wish there were more hours in the day to advocate for the profession.
I am a professional home economist first but under that umbrella I am a family studies educator. Here, in formal education settings, I have the opportunity to work with teens and future family studies educators. In meeting curriculum expectations, I am able to bring the practical aspects of healthy living and life alive. The food and nutrition area of home economics is perhaps my favourite, understanding human development and financial literacy areas are others. I really enjoy and appreciate the creativity of expressing identity with fabrics, too. The other aspect of home economics and an area where I see the profession moving is in the areas of environmental and social consciousness.
Adelaide Hoodless is my mentor! She recognized and publicly advocated that “a nation is only as strong as its homes and families”. I believe that is just as true today as it was more than 100 years ago!
As I work through my Masters in Home Economics Education, I am rejuvenated by the research and the perspectives of academics and professionals from the around the world. I often feel this very same rejuvenation after an OHEA conference and as I stand in awe of the ways home economists are using their training and personal advocacy. While I often feel frustrated that home economics is not given stronger recognition, I believe that as a profession we do “good stuff”!
I am proud to be a Professional Home Economist! I just wish there were more hours in the day to advocate for the profession.
Joyce Parslow, P.H.Ec.
Director Consumer Marketing
Canada Beef Inc.
Director Consumer Marketing
Canada Beef Inc.
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It seems to me that we have struggled and wrestled with the term Home Economist since forever. What a shame that such a great profession has had a difficult time defining and maintaining its value in the job market. Consumer Studies, Human Ecology and other terms are used to try to capture its essence, but as the world begins to recognize that life-skills management are crucial to personal and family health and independence – ‘home economics’ seems to be relevant now more than ever. With our holistic approach, I sense that we are beginning to have our renaissance moment. We could lead the way in mining and positioning product relevance, teaching how to apply nutrition understandings in practical applications, improve sustainability and food security within households and balance personal finances and debts.
And on a global level, Home Economists do well to support each other and the profession, for which I am forever grateful. The network is alive and well and we are all the richer and add more value to our jobs and communities because of that. So let’s continue to sport our PHEc designation so that we and others can find each other and recognize ourselves for what we are, where we come from and the skill-set that we bring to the table. |
Linda Reasbeck, P.H.Ec., BSc (HSc.), M.Ed (Admin.)
What a fortunate choice I made to study Home Economics or Household Science as was the designation at the University of Alberta, at the time. Is there any other profession which gives one the opportunity to use their education and skills both professionally or personally on a daily basis? Perhaps, as an association junkie, I have participated at all levels of the profession and reaped the many benefits of knowledge, networking, mentorship and friendship.
As a retiree, the PHEc designation no longer is necessary for employment or recognition. However, as an active volunteer and board member with several organizations, the designation is useful to lend credibility to my contribution.
To me, perhaps the most important aspect of being a Professional Home Economist is a reminder of my personal responsibility to share my knowledge and when possible, to lead by example in order to enhance and improve the quality of life for others.
Although retired, supporting OHEA is also my way of encouraging the next generation of professionals and celebrating their vision, expertise and commitment to Home Economics.
As a retiree, the PHEc designation no longer is necessary for employment or recognition. However, as an active volunteer and board member with several organizations, the designation is useful to lend credibility to my contribution.
To me, perhaps the most important aspect of being a Professional Home Economist is a reminder of my personal responsibility to share my knowledge and when possible, to lead by example in order to enhance and improve the quality of life for others.
Although retired, supporting OHEA is also my way of encouraging the next generation of professionals and celebrating their vision, expertise and commitment to Home Economics.
Jennifer Rennie, P.H.Ec., Family Studies Teacher
Being a Professional Home Economist has been a large part of my personal identity since 1997 when I graduated from Brescia University College at UWO. During my years as a student I had been mentored by many Professional Home Economists who demonstrated characteristics of leadership, advocacy and dedication to the well-being of families not only in their own communities but all around the globe. It is because of my admiration of these women that I have tried to give back to the profession by volunteering in many positions on boards and committees at the local, provincial and federal level.
When asked what I do, I always respond by saying that I am a Professional Home Economist who specializes in education. There are usually numerous follow up questions that I, always the teacher, happily answer. I hope the passion I have for home economics/family studies is contagious for not only the students in my classes but the people I meet in all other areas of my life.
The PHEc attached to my name is a symbol to employers, colleagues and students that I am a reliable and committed professional. To me, it means that I am part of a group of professionals that have dedicated their careers to the betterment of individuals and families.
When asked what I do, I always respond by saying that I am a Professional Home Economist who specializes in education. There are usually numerous follow up questions that I, always the teacher, happily answer. I hope the passion I have for home economics/family studies is contagious for not only the students in my classes but the people I meet in all other areas of my life.
The PHEc attached to my name is a symbol to employers, colleagues and students that I am a reliable and committed professional. To me, it means that I am part of a group of professionals that have dedicated their careers to the betterment of individuals and families.
Elaine Silverthorn, P.H.Ec.
I use my PHEc title with pride. Growing up, I’d hear my mother speak about ‘best practices’ as she cooked, sewed and managed our farm home with my father. ‘Best practices?’ I’d ask, as she canned peaches. ‘Yes, from the home economists at the university. They can advise us on these things. Based on science.’ I was intrigued.
Later while studying home economics myself, I came to understand that best practices went far beyond cooking. Whether measuring string between appliances to count distance in steps and potential expended energy to uncovering the mysteries of food and textile chemistry to using human and material resources in the home - I wanted to be a home economist. I wanted to know how to communicate effectively, to make wise decisions, to use resources in the home and throughout the life-cycle. I wanted to teach others how to do these things, too.
During my Family Studies teaching career, within my own family and my volunteer community work, I have valued the knowledge and support of like-minded home economists. Now in retirement and in my part-time businesses (Jockey Person to Person Women's Clothing and NuSkin Canada Personal Care and Wellness), I continue to benefit from fellow PHEcs who share a common goal to stay abreast of change.
The PHEc designation lends credibility to our profession. It reflects favourably on the dedication of home economists to stay current in the best practices that benefit families and individuals.
I use my PHEc title with pride. Growing up, I’d hear my mother speak about ‘best practices’ as she cooked, sewed and managed our farm home with my father. ‘Best practices?’ I’d ask, as she canned peaches. ‘Yes, from the home economists at the university. They can advise us on these things. Based on science.’ I was intrigued.
Later while studying home economics myself, I came to understand that best practices went far beyond cooking. Whether measuring string between appliances to count distance in steps and potential expended energy to uncovering the mysteries of food and textile chemistry to using human and material resources in the home - I wanted to be a home economist. I wanted to know how to communicate effectively, to make wise decisions, to use resources in the home and throughout the life-cycle. I wanted to teach others how to do these things, too.
During my Family Studies teaching career, within my own family and my volunteer community work, I have valued the knowledge and support of like-minded home economists. Now in retirement and in my part-time businesses (Jockey Person to Person Women's Clothing and NuSkin Canada Personal Care and Wellness), I continue to benefit from fellow PHEcs who share a common goal to stay abreast of change.
The PHEc designation lends credibility to our profession. It reflects favourably on the dedication of home economists to stay current in the best practices that benefit families and individuals.
Ellie Topp, B.Sc., M.Sc (Foods and Nutrition), P.H.Ec., CCP
The achievement of professional recognition by Ontario home economists was a significant event for me personally as well as for the profession. Home Economics has opened numerous doors for me over the years to opportunities I might otherwise not have had. Connections with fellow home economists have led to many interesting and rewarding projects (as well as goodfriendships).
Starting with my initial job in food research at the University of Illinois, to teaching classes for cooking schools in Ottawa, to writing what now has been ten cookbooks. Even though I am more or less retired, it is still important for me to keep the PHEc designation, both for the contacts it brings with other professionals as well as the credibility it lends to my volunteer work with others in related fields.
As a current Board member of the Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education where I serve as secretary and also as a member of the Food Science National Advisory Committee for the Canada Agricultural Museum, I am proud to have PHEc after my name on the roster of Board members.
Starting with my initial job in food research at the University of Illinois, to teaching classes for cooking schools in Ottawa, to writing what now has been ten cookbooks. Even though I am more or less retired, it is still important for me to keep the PHEc designation, both for the contacts it brings with other professionals as well as the credibility it lends to my volunteer work with others in related fields.
As a current Board member of the Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education where I serve as secretary and also as a member of the Food Science National Advisory Committee for the Canada Agricultural Museum, I am proud to have PHEc after my name on the roster of Board members.
Joan Ttooulias, P.H.Ec.
Home Economist, Styliste Culinaire
Home Economist, Styliste Culinaire
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As a Home Economist in business, the PHEc designation gives me the credibility in the arena I ply my trade in, which is the very challenging business of styling food for the camera.
When I arrived in Canada, I sought out a local Home Economic Association -THEA. Mary Adams welcomed me warmly with open arms. From there, once I started working at General Foods before it became Kraft and now Kraft Heinz, I joined OHEA and was grateful to all those ahead of me who had toiled for countless hours on successfully gaining the OHEA designation with the then provincial government in 1989. I have always been able to count on numerous colleagues for guidance in my professional and board roles; and I think that as a professional group, we are unique in our nurturing and caring roles. |
I look on the field of Home Economics as the framework or 'the bricks and mortar' about life in general, providing expertise and guidance covering all aspects of day-to-day living; from food and nutrition (how to shop for and cook a nutritionally well balanced delicious meal for say a family of four), knowledge of textiles (for example how to launder, sew and mend clothing and soft furnishings) and financial knowledge (for example how credit cards work, how to manage debt, what makes a good mortgage).
The occasional frustration I feel is having this essential field of knowledge still not properly acknowledged and acted upon at all levels of government as well as being familiar and realized by the public at large. Possibly in the future PHEc will work with other professional disciplines to achieve these goals. OHEA members have worked long and hard to overcome these hurdles and I am proud of all that we have accomplished and proud to call myself a Professional Home Economist.
The occasional frustration I feel is having this essential field of knowledge still not properly acknowledged and acted upon at all levels of government as well as being familiar and realized by the public at large. Possibly in the future PHEc will work with other professional disciplines to achieve these goals. OHEA members have worked long and hard to overcome these hurdles and I am proud of all that we have accomplished and proud to call myself a Professional Home Economist.
Bridget Wilson, P.H.Ec.
Achieving the designation of Professional Home Economist has been a very important milestone to me − professionally and personally.
I entered Ryerson University to study Food, Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies at the age of 25. I was especially thankful for the opportunities that the profession enabled me. I graduated in the midst of a recession and was very fortunate to be hired as the Consumer Relations Coordinator for Maple Leaf Foods.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with major food companies in a variety of capacities including Consumer Relations Supervisor at Thomas J. Lipton, Culinary Development Specialist at Unilever Canada and more recently as freelance culinary consultant.
I am very proud to say I am a Professional Home Economist. I feel the profession has done a lot to assist the well-being of families via consumer information on healthful eating and food labels and life skills taught in Family Studies classes.
To me, the PHEc designation means that those who possess it maintain a high standard of knowledge, skills and professionalism.
I entered Ryerson University to study Food, Nutrition, Consumer and Family Studies at the age of 25. I was especially thankful for the opportunities that the profession enabled me. I graduated in the midst of a recession and was very fortunate to be hired as the Consumer Relations Coordinator for Maple Leaf Foods.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with major food companies in a variety of capacities including Consumer Relations Supervisor at Thomas J. Lipton, Culinary Development Specialist at Unilever Canada and more recently as freelance culinary consultant.
I am very proud to say I am a Professional Home Economist. I feel the profession has done a lot to assist the well-being of families via consumer information on healthful eating and food labels and life skills taught in Family Studies classes.
To me, the PHEc designation means that those who possess it maintain a high standard of knowledge, skills and professionalism.