Promoting The Art and Science of Smart Living
News - Events - Calls for Papers and Proposals
July 2026
President’s Message
Dear Members,
HELP your Board save the Ontario Home Economics Association by understanding the changes to membership as proposed by Mary Johnston, The Annual Meeting endorsed the exploration of using the ten facets and a degree as a basis for membership. New energy and thinking is needed to move forward. We are listening.
Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec.
OHEA President
613 825 4623
Dear Members,
HELP your Board save the Ontario Home Economics Association by understanding the changes to membership as proposed by Mary Johnston, The Annual Meeting endorsed the exploration of using the ten facets and a degree as a basis for membership. New energy and thinking is needed to move forward. We are listening.
Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec.
OHEA President
613 825 4623
The Future of OHEA on the Line: How to Boost Membership
For many years the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) membership has been declining. In the last ten years the membership has declined by 25%. This has a serious impact on the budget as memberships are the main source of the funds OHEA uses to promote Home Economics and to serve the members.
The decline in membership has several causes;
“Grow Membership: Increase OHEA membership from 222 to 500 members over the next three years by expanding eligibility criteria and engaging new demographics.”
Therefore, OHEA needs to examine how the organization thinks about membership and how it promotes itself and the competencies, skills and knowledge fundamental to both the concept of Home Economics and therefore the members and membership. Other terms currently in use at the postsecondary level are Human Ecology or Applied Human Sciences.
If we all agree that “Home Economics is a comprehensive field focused on improving the quality of life for individuals and families by managing resources, developing practical skills and fostering well-being”.
The place to start to examine the membership issues is with the fundamentals of what are the key facets of Home Economics which are universally accepted. The next step is to look at what types of employment use these competencies and therefore employ Home Economists and what postsecondary education leads to this employment. The focus switches to competencies and skill and knowledge in the fields from the terminology of the degree.
Then, instead of looking for a Home Economics or Family Studies degree, it is proposed that OHEA membership be open to individuals with education in one or more of the facets of home economics and/or employment experience in one or more of the facets of home economics. These 10 facets include the following:
For many years the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) membership has been declining. In the last ten years the membership has declined by 25%. This has a serious impact on the budget as memberships are the main source of the funds OHEA uses to promote Home Economics and to serve the members.
The decline in membership has several causes;
- Aging and retirement of the long-term members,
- Changes in Home Economics education at the secondary and post-secondary levels,
- Changes in Home Economics employment,
- Changes in attitudes towards the terms Home Economics/Family Studies and the related skill sets.
“Grow Membership: Increase OHEA membership from 222 to 500 members over the next three years by expanding eligibility criteria and engaging new demographics.”
Therefore, OHEA needs to examine how the organization thinks about membership and how it promotes itself and the competencies, skills and knowledge fundamental to both the concept of Home Economics and therefore the members and membership. Other terms currently in use at the postsecondary level are Human Ecology or Applied Human Sciences.
If we all agree that “Home Economics is a comprehensive field focused on improving the quality of life for individuals and families by managing resources, developing practical skills and fostering well-being”.
The place to start to examine the membership issues is with the fundamentals of what are the key facets of Home Economics which are universally accepted. The next step is to look at what types of employment use these competencies and therefore employ Home Economists and what postsecondary education leads to this employment. The focus switches to competencies and skill and knowledge in the fields from the terminology of the degree.
Then, instead of looking for a Home Economics or Family Studies degree, it is proposed that OHEA membership be open to individuals with education in one or more of the facets of home economics and/or employment experience in one or more of the facets of home economics. These 10 facets include the following:
|
|
The Act which establishes our professional association states on pages 5 & 6 of Bill PR35:
“1O.-(1) The Association shall grant a membership in the Association to any individual who applies therefore in accordance with the by-laws, if the individual,
(a) is of good character;
(b) is not less than eighteen years of age;
(c) has complied with the academic and experience requirements specified in the by-laws for the issuance of membership; and
(d) has passed such examinations as the board may set or approve in accordance with the by-laws.”
While the By-Laws currently state, “Registered Members shall include those individuals with a degree/diploma in the field of Home Economics (or related field) from a university or college, which has been recognized by the Board of Directors, and who have fulfilled all other qualifications as set out in the Association’s current Policies and Procedures. Registered Members shall have the right to one (1) vote at all meetings of Members and may hold elected or appointed offices within the Association”.
The phrase “or related field” can easily cover looking at the applicant’s transcripts to determine whether the applicant had courses in the field of one or more of the above mentioned, facets.
The use of the facets for the determination of eligibility for membership does not really change the application process or the procedure for the Board to approve membership. It simply means that the membership team needs to consider the courses listed on the transcripts and think about which facets they fit.
The field of Home Economics is interdisciplinary, drawing from biology, sociology, psychology, economics, nutrition, design, and environmental science to support individual and family wellbeing in a sustainable world.
Mary Johnston, P.H.Ec. OHEA Secretary/Treasurer (former OHEA VP Membership)
“1O.-(1) The Association shall grant a membership in the Association to any individual who applies therefore in accordance with the by-laws, if the individual,
(a) is of good character;
(b) is not less than eighteen years of age;
(c) has complied with the academic and experience requirements specified in the by-laws for the issuance of membership; and
(d) has passed such examinations as the board may set or approve in accordance with the by-laws.”
While the By-Laws currently state, “Registered Members shall include those individuals with a degree/diploma in the field of Home Economics (or related field) from a university or college, which has been recognized by the Board of Directors, and who have fulfilled all other qualifications as set out in the Association’s current Policies and Procedures. Registered Members shall have the right to one (1) vote at all meetings of Members and may hold elected or appointed offices within the Association”.
The phrase “or related field” can easily cover looking at the applicant’s transcripts to determine whether the applicant had courses in the field of one or more of the above mentioned, facets.
The use of the facets for the determination of eligibility for membership does not really change the application process or the procedure for the Board to approve membership. It simply means that the membership team needs to consider the courses listed on the transcripts and think about which facets they fit.
The field of Home Economics is interdisciplinary, drawing from biology, sociology, psychology, economics, nutrition, design, and environmental science to support individual and family wellbeing in a sustainable world.
Mary Johnston, P.H.Ec. OHEA Secretary/Treasurer (former OHEA VP Membership)
That's a Wrap: OHEA 2026 Spring Speaker Series! And...next steps?
Adapt & Sustain has come to an end! Lori Sugarman-Li and Michele McAdoo hosted our last session – From Chores to Care: Revaluing Domestic Work, Food, and Family Contribution. The pair shared important messages and personal anecdotes about economies of care, roles within a family, and societal values. Co-presented by Canada Beef, this session was relevant and engaging.
If you missed any of the Speaker Series sessions, check out the recordings that are posted on OHEA’s new YouTube channel!
Thank you again to our sponsors: Canada Beef, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Canadian Sugar Institute, Food Focus, and Ottawa Home Economics Association. Your support allowed us to create a space for knowledge sharing, discussion, and connection building. Check out some resources they shared with us in the Learn section.
If you loved the Spring Speaker Series, let’s keep the ball rolling! When would be a good time to host our next Speaker Series? Please fill out this short google form to give your input. Also, we are on the lookout for a new Speaker Series Coordinator! If you are interested, or know someone who is, again fill out this short google form. It will be a paid opportunity, perfect for someone looking for event planning, communications, and project management experience.
Adapt & Sustain has come to an end! Lori Sugarman-Li and Michele McAdoo hosted our last session – From Chores to Care: Revaluing Domestic Work, Food, and Family Contribution. The pair shared important messages and personal anecdotes about economies of care, roles within a family, and societal values. Co-presented by Canada Beef, this session was relevant and engaging.
If you missed any of the Speaker Series sessions, check out the recordings that are posted on OHEA’s new YouTube channel!
Thank you again to our sponsors: Canada Beef, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Canadian Sugar Institute, Food Focus, and Ottawa Home Economics Association. Your support allowed us to create a space for knowledge sharing, discussion, and connection building. Check out some resources they shared with us in the Learn section.
If you loved the Spring Speaker Series, let’s keep the ball rolling! When would be a good time to host our next Speaker Series? Please fill out this short google form to give your input. Also, we are on the lookout for a new Speaker Series Coordinator! If you are interested, or know someone who is, again fill out this short google form. It will be a paid opportunity, perfect for someone looking for event planning, communications, and project management experience.
|
Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family by Lori Sugarman-Li
As President of the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) and on behalf of our members, I would like to thank Canada Beef for sponsoring Lori Sugarman-Li. Her inspiring presentation on family life was excellent and fits perfectly into the vision for Home Economics in education. I would encourage families to buy her book “Our Home” ... the love, work and heart of family. Cathy Enright P.H.Ec. |
OHEA Annual General Meeting Award Winners
OHEA hosted our Annual General Meeting back in June and a couple of members were awarded with the following awards:
The President’s Award
presented by Jason Eaton, P.H.Ec.
As President of OHEA it is my honour to recognize Linda Robbins, winner of the President’s award. As Secretary/ Treasurer, Linda has kept us on a steady path of fiscal responsibility and intelligent decision making. She has guarded our savings and opened up new projects to keep our vision alive. She is a dedicated volunteer in the community, directing and sewing winter hats for the vulnerable and helping Algonquin College culinary students. Linda’s life-long passion for all things Home Economics is remarkable. Congratulations.
The Founders Award
Presented by Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec.
As President of OHEA, it is my honour to recognize Mary Johnston, winner of the Founders' award. Mary has jumped into the Membership debate with gusto and a new policy. Her courage to say “time to change” and base membership on the ten facets is revolutionary. OHEA couldn’t have done it without her thinking, perseverance and inclusivity. OHEA will move forward. Mary has contributed as a volunteer in local and world communities by directing Days for Girls initiatives. Congratulations.
OHEA hosted our Annual General Meeting back in June and a couple of members were awarded with the following awards:
The President’s Award
presented by Jason Eaton, P.H.Ec.
As President of OHEA it is my honour to recognize Linda Robbins, winner of the President’s award. As Secretary/ Treasurer, Linda has kept us on a steady path of fiscal responsibility and intelligent decision making. She has guarded our savings and opened up new projects to keep our vision alive. She is a dedicated volunteer in the community, directing and sewing winter hats for the vulnerable and helping Algonquin College culinary students. Linda’s life-long passion for all things Home Economics is remarkable. Congratulations.
The Founders Award
Presented by Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec.
As President of OHEA, it is my honour to recognize Mary Johnston, winner of the Founders' award. Mary has jumped into the Membership debate with gusto and a new policy. Her courage to say “time to change” and base membership on the ten facets is revolutionary. OHEA couldn’t have done it without her thinking, perseverance and inclusivity. OHEA will move forward. Mary has contributed as a volunteer in local and world communities by directing Days for Girls initiatives. Congratulations.
|
Build Your Leadership Story with the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA)
Want to grow your leadership skills, expand your network, and make a real impact—without leaving your day job? Serving on the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) Board of Directors is more than volunteering. It’s a career-building opportunity to gain hands-on experience in governance, strategy, communications, and sector leadership—while advancing food, health, and life skills education across Ontario. ✨ Board service = experience employers value ✨ Low-cost, high-impact professional development ✨ Mentorship, visibility, and influence |
|
We’re currently recruiting for the following roles:
🤝 VP of Membership
🌱 President-Elect
📣 VP of Communications
🌟 VP Social Media
🌎 IFHE Representative
💡 Why Join the OHEA Board?
✔ Gain real leadership experience you can list on your resume
✔ Build a provincial professional network
✔ Contribute to advocacy, education, and community impact
✔ Flexible, supportive, and ideal for working professionals or new grads
✔ Be part of shaping the future of home economics in Ontario
🌟 Ready to Lead, Learn, and Make an Impact?
Step into a role that builds your skills while building the profession. Interested or curious? Reach out to learn more—no pressure, just a conversation. DM us or email [email protected]. Your experience matters. Your voice matters. Join OHEA.
🤝 VP of Membership
🌱 President-Elect
📣 VP of Communications
🌟 VP Social Media
🌎 IFHE Representative
💡 Why Join the OHEA Board?
✔ Gain real leadership experience you can list on your resume
✔ Build a provincial professional network
✔ Contribute to advocacy, education, and community impact
✔ Flexible, supportive, and ideal for working professionals or new grads
✔ Be part of shaping the future of home economics in Ontario
🌟 Ready to Lead, Learn, and Make an Impact?
Step into a role that builds your skills while building the profession. Interested or curious? Reach out to learn more—no pressure, just a conversation. DM us or email [email protected]. Your experience matters. Your voice matters. Join OHEA.
Introducing our 2026 Spring Speaker Series Panelists!
Introducing our 2026 Spring Speaker Series Panelists!
Session 1: Ten Facets of Home Economics
Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT
Introducing our 2026 Spring Speaker Series Panelists!
Session 1: Ten Facets of Home Economics
Thursday, April 23 at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT
|
Diane O’Shea
Diane O’Shea is a retired Family Studies (Home Economics) educator, teaching at high school and university levels. Diane farmed with her husband, Mike, for over 40 years – beef feedlot, field crops of wheat, corn and white beans, but mainly fresh market produce and agri-tourism. They owned O’Shea’s Farm Fresh Vegetables and Berries with on-farm and farmers markets venues. Now a community volunteer, many of the core facets of Home Economics continue to dominate her days in service work with the Rotary Club of St. Marys, the Huron Fidget Makers, and other community and church organizations. Mom to four, Grammie to eight. |
|
|
Sheila Stark
Sheila holds a Master of Education and an integrated Human Ecology degree. Her teaching experience has expanded over 30+ years. She currently teaches Grades 5 through 8 at East Selkirk Middle School in the Lord Selkirk School Division. Each day brings new accomplishments and challenges. There is NEVER a dull moment in middle school!! Sheila is a long-time member of both professional organizations – MAHE – the Manitoba Association of Home Economists and MHETA – the Manitoba Home Economic Teachers Association. Her active involvement has opened doors to unique opportunities from Breakfast Television to developing curricula. She sees her role as a Professional Home Economist and Educator as a ‘calling’ more than a ‘career’. |
|
Session 2: Reinvent and Repurpose
Thursday, May 14th at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT ash alberg ash alberg (they/them) is an artist-educator from Treaty 1 territory who spends most of their time making textile art with natural dyes. They love supporting learning through all stages of life, including writing K-12 curriculum resources for using natural dyes in the classroom and founding the Cosmos Conference for natural dyers. ash loves to create interesting worlds for others to enjoy, and providing people with the knowledge and resources they need to create their own interesting worlds. ash is currently pursuing their PhD in Education at the University of Manitoba, looking at the role of material knowledges and more-than-human relationships in supporting anticolonial classrooms. ash loves to travel and to go on adventures with their dog/furry assistant, Willow. Their hands are almost always cold and almost never still. |
|
|
Lori Preshing
I have always collected fabrics, batiks, scarves and textiles from around the world- the colours, patterns and textures capture my attention and soul. The shut down enabled time we don't normally have- time of introspection and quiet, which allowed creativity to blossom. During which I developed a community of people who also contribute to recycling fabrics keeping them out of landfills for the purpose of creating cushions so others could find a space for peace and quiet. I am overjoyed to be able to share these vibrant bursts of colour and light with the community for a meaningful purpose. |
|
Mary Johnston B.H.Sc., B.Ed., P.H.Ec.
A graduate of the University of Guelph in Clothing, Textiles and Design, Mary has always enjoyed sewing. The use of textiles in both clothing and home furnishings has always been an interest both personally and in teaching. In 2016 Mary and a colleague started the Days for Girls Nepean Team to make and distribute washable, cloth menstrual health kits. The Nepean Team has distributed over 7500 kits in Canada and around the world which uses miles and miles of fabric. Much of the fabric for the kits is donated, which means we need to sort and wash and make sure it is appropriate. There is also the opportunity to indulge in selecting appropriate fabrics for the various kit components and to repurpose new fabrics such as off cuts from quilting to use them in the kits. Nepean Team members all enjoy handling and using fabric and are part of a network of organizations/individuals who repurpose and exchange fabrics regularly. |
|
|
Session 3: From Chores to Care: Revaluing Domestic Work, Food, and Family Contribution
Thursday, June 18th at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT Lori Sugarman-Li
Lori Sugarman-Li is a family systems strategist, corporate educator, and Certified Fair Play Facilitator who helps organizations and families address the hidden impact of caregiving on performance, wellbeing, and retention. She equips professionals with tools to create equitable home systems that protect focus, reduce burnout, and strengthen family partnerships. Her work reframes caregiving as strategic infrastructure for thriving families and high-performing workplaces |
|
|
Michele McAdoo
Michele recently joined Canada Beef as the social media and website lead. Michele has over 20 years of experience managing projects in consumer relationship marketing, content creation, media, TV production and digital programs within the Kraft Kitchens at Kraft Canada. Michele is skilled at website and email content planning and execution. She is grounded in understanding how consumers interact with digital platforms and thus is able to effectively deliver content marketing plans that not only meet business and brand objectives but also delight and engage the consumer. Michele’s role is to connect consumers and producers to the Canadian Beef brand story through strategic, collaborative, consistent and authentic content on all social and digital channels and in doing so, builds trust and an appreciation for Canadian Beef. |
|
Home Economics: More Than Just Cooking & Sewing
Home economics is about building strong individuals, families, and communities through practical life skills and informed choices. From nutrition and financial literacy to sustainability, relationships, and home design, it connects every part of daily living. These 10 core facets show how home economics supports lifelong well-being—at every stage of life. • Food and Nutrition 🍎 • Textiles and Apparel 🧵 • Consumerism and Resource Management 💳 • Housing and Interior Design 🏡 • Human Development and Family Studies 👨👩👧👦 • Healthy Relationships 💬 • Environmental Sustainability 🌱 • Child Development and Parenting 🧸 • Home Maintenance and Technology 🛠️ • Health, Hygiene, and Safety 🧼 Which area speaks to you most? |
|
|
New Grad Membership Application
When you wish to upgrade your status to Professional Home Economist, please send us a request to change your status to New Grad member. You are entitled to pay New Graduate fees (25% of the Registered member fee) for two years following your graduation. For the next two years the New Graduate Fee will be half the Registered Fee. We will require your university transcript from the University confirming that you qualify as a Registered member at that time. You may be required to complete a self study course before qualifying. |
What Do You Remember About the Schools You Attended?
Long before smartboards, Wi-Fi, and standardized classrooms, Ontario students learned in spaces shaped as much by community as curriculum. In this reflective piece, Jan Bushfield, P.H.Ec., a retired Home Economics/Family Studies teacher based in London, Ontario, shares vivid memories of the schools that shaped her early education - from one-room schoolhouses to university lecture halls, and everything in between.
Visit our blog page to read the story.
Have a Story to Share?
Are you an OHEA member with a story to tell about your home economics journey, classroom experiences, or career path? We’d love to hear from you.
Submit your story by emailing [email protected] to contribute.
Your story helps preserve our shared history and inspire the next generation.
Long before smartboards, Wi-Fi, and standardized classrooms, Ontario students learned in spaces shaped as much by community as curriculum. In this reflective piece, Jan Bushfield, P.H.Ec., a retired Home Economics/Family Studies teacher based in London, Ontario, shares vivid memories of the schools that shaped her early education - from one-room schoolhouses to university lecture halls, and everything in between.
Visit our blog page to read the story.
Have a Story to Share?
Are you an OHEA member with a story to tell about your home economics journey, classroom experiences, or career path? We’d love to hear from you.
Submit your story by emailing [email protected] to contribute.
Your story helps preserve our shared history and inspire the next generation.