Promoting The Art and Science of Smart Living
News - Events - Calls for Papers and Proposals
March 2026
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
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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. |
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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
Coming soon!
Session 3: From Chores to Care: Revaluing Domestic Work, Food, and Family Contribution
Thursday, June 18th at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT
Thursday, May 14th at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT
Coming soon!
Session 3: From Chores to Care: Revaluing Domestic Work, Food, and Family Contribution
Thursday, June 18th at 7:00pm to 8:30 pm EDT
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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 |
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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. |
The Ottawa Farm Show - 100th Anniversary Quilt
This amazing quilt was on display at the Ottawa Farm Show March 10-12, 2026. Quilt designer, Nancy Grundy (a retired Family Studies teacher) and her committee sold kits for $10 each with the fabric choices and supplies. One year later results are stunning. This quilt will be auctioned off at the 2027 Farm Show to mark the 100th Anniversary of the event. Proceeds of the annual sale traditionally go to CHEO.
Photos by Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.
This amazing quilt was on display at the Ottawa Farm Show March 10-12, 2026. Quilt designer, Nancy Grundy (a retired Family Studies teacher) and her committee sold kits for $10 each with the fabric choices and supplies. One year later results are stunning. This quilt will be auctioned off at the 2027 Farm Show to mark the 100th Anniversary of the event. Proceeds of the annual sale traditionally go to CHEO.
Photos by Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.
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Coming Soon: Spring Speaker Series
Did you hear? This year’s Spring Speaker Series: Adapt & Sustain is coming back soon! This year’s 3-part series will reintroduce you to the ten facets of home economics. Speakers will share the amazing work they do, while highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of human ecology. Tune into these virtual sessions for evenings full of knowledge sharing and community building. (There may also be a chance to win some door prizes 👀)
Register here today!
Below are the dates of our speaker series sessions. Changes have been made to some of the dates from the February newsletter. We hope you are able to make it!
🎤Session 1: Ten Facets of Home Economics - April 23 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤Session 2: NEW DATE: Fashion and Textiles - May 14 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤Session 3: NEW DATE: Food and Nutrition - June 18 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
Did you hear? This year’s Spring Speaker Series: Adapt & Sustain is coming back soon! This year’s 3-part series will reintroduce you to the ten facets of home economics. Speakers will share the amazing work they do, while highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of human ecology. Tune into these virtual sessions for evenings full of knowledge sharing and community building. (There may also be a chance to win some door prizes 👀)
Register here today!
Below are the dates of our speaker series sessions. Changes have been made to some of the dates from the February newsletter. We hope you are able to make it!
🎤Session 1: Ten Facets of Home Economics - April 23 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤Session 2: NEW DATE: Fashion and Textiles - May 14 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤Session 3: NEW DATE: Food and Nutrition - June 18 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
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🌸 March 8th: Celebrating Women Today and Every Day 🌸
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across all areas of society. It is a time to reflect on the progress made while continuing to support and uplift women in their communities, workplaces, and beyond. Women working across home economics–related fields play a vital role in strengthening families and communities. From educators and dietitians to researchers and community leaders, their work advances food literacy, health and wellbeing, financial capability, and sustainable living. Through knowledge, leadership, and mentorship, women in home economics empower others and inspire future generations. Home economics has long been a space where women’s knowledge, leadership, and innovation thrive. By supporting one another, sharing expertise, and creating opportunities for the next generation, we continue to lift women up and amplify their impact in homes, classrooms, and communities. Together, we celebrate the impact of women and the importance of lifting one another up. 💛 |
February 2026
Dear Members,
Home Economists work and lead across ten dynamic and interconnected facets that reflect the breadth and depth of our profession. This diversity is what makes our field distinctive — strengthened further by our incorporation under the laws of Ontario and our shared commitment to advancing home economics across the province.
Dr. Sue McGregor, PHEc, thoughtfully outlines the ten facets on her website, and OHEA looks forward to featuring them in an upcoming edition of the Newsletter. Recently, OHEA’s Treasurer, Membership Chair, and Co-President engaged in a strategic discussion on how these facets are represented and lived within our membership.
We invite members to share their perspectives: Which webinars have you found most valuable? Which facet best reflects your professional focus? Your input helps strengthen and shape our collective work.
OHEA Board of Directors
Promoting The Art and Science of Smart Living
Home Economists work and lead across ten dynamic and interconnected facets that reflect the breadth and depth of our profession. This diversity is what makes our field distinctive — strengthened further by our incorporation under the laws of Ontario and our shared commitment to advancing home economics across the province.
Dr. Sue McGregor, PHEc, thoughtfully outlines the ten facets on her website, and OHEA looks forward to featuring them in an upcoming edition of the Newsletter. Recently, OHEA’s Treasurer, Membership Chair, and Co-President engaged in a strategic discussion on how these facets are represented and lived within our membership.
We invite members to share their perspectives: Which webinars have you found most valuable? Which facet best reflects your professional focus? Your input helps strengthen and shape our collective work.
OHEA Board of Directors
Promoting The Art and Science of Smart Living
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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:
💰 Treasurer
🤝 VP of Membership
🌱 President-Elect
🎓 VP of Professional Development
📣 VP of Communications
💡 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.
💰 Treasurer
🤝 VP of Membership
🌱 President-Elect
🎓 VP of Professional Development
📣 VP of Communications
💡 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.
Coming Soon: Spring Speaker Series
Mark your calendars! The Spring Speaker Series is coming back after a 2 year pause. The theme for this year’s series is Adapt & Sustain. In this 3 part series, we aim to remind everyone about the spirit of home economics – empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of life.
Reintroducing the ten facets of home economics, we have speakers that will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of our work in a changing world. All sessions will be held virtually over Zoom. Below are the topics and tentative dates for these sessions:
🎤 Session 1: Ten Facets of Home Economics - April 23 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤 Session 2: Food and Nutrition - May 7 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤 Session 3: Fashion and Textiles - June 18 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming newsletters. We hope to see you there!
Mark your calendars! The Spring Speaker Series is coming back after a 2 year pause. The theme for this year’s series is Adapt & Sustain. In this 3 part series, we aim to remind everyone about the spirit of home economics – empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of life.
Reintroducing the ten facets of home economics, we have speakers that will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of our work in a changing world. All sessions will be held virtually over Zoom. Below are the topics and tentative dates for these sessions:
🎤 Session 1: Ten Facets of Home Economics - April 23 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤 Session 2: Food and Nutrition - May 7 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
🎤 Session 3: Fashion and Textiles - June 18 @ 7:00-8:30 pm EST
Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming newsletters. We hope to see you there!
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OHEA Student & New Grad Career Support Session
As summer approaches and graduation is on the horizon for many, the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is exploring the development of a Resume-Building Workshop designed specifically to support students preparing for jobs, internships, and early career opportunities. Whether you are seeking summer employment, planning for post-graduation careers, or looking to strengthen your professional profile, this workshop aims to provide practical guidance on crafting strong resumes and presenting your skills with confidence. Students are invited to attend virtually on Sunday, March 29th, 2026 @ 7PM. Register here! |
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Ask a Professional Home Economist: Making Time for Family
by Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. 
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💛 Celebrating Family Day Through the Lens of Home Economics 💛
Family Day is an opportunity to recognize the vital role families play in shaping individuals, strengthening communities, and supporting well-being across the lifespan. From a home economics perspective, families are foundational environments where essential life skills are learned and practiced — communication, resource management, food literacy, caregiving, financial decision-making, and relationship building. Family Studies reminds us that families come in many forms, each unique and dynamic, yet all central to social, emotional, and economic resilience. Today, the Ontario Home Economics Association celebrates the diverse families across our province and the everyday work that happens within homes to nurture connection, stability, and growth. Whether it’s sharing a meal, having a meaningful conversation, or building new traditions, Family Day is a reminder that strong families build strong communities. | ||
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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? |
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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. |
January 2026
Dear Members,
Welcome to the Ontario Home Economics Association. We are pleased to welcome new members and invite you to become actively involved in the life and work of OHEA.
We encourage you to collaborate with our Board and contribute to new and exciting initiatives - from blog writing and resource development to food bank recipe projects and community outreach. All volunteer involvement provides valuable professional experience and strengthens your résumé. Support is also available for members who would like assistance with résumé development.
We value your voice and your expertise. We invite you to share your professional journey, experiences, and aspirations with our community. Our members are eager to learn from one another and to help shape the future of OHEA together.
If you would like to get involved or learn more, please feel free to contact Cathy at 613-825-4623. She recently connected with a new member, and together they reflected on the importance of food and fellowship as the foundation of our Association.
At OHEA, food and fellowship remain at the heart of who we are.
Cathy and Jason
Welcome to the Ontario Home Economics Association. We are pleased to welcome new members and invite you to become actively involved in the life and work of OHEA.
We encourage you to collaborate with our Board and contribute to new and exciting initiatives - from blog writing and resource development to food bank recipe projects and community outreach. All volunteer involvement provides valuable professional experience and strengthens your résumé. Support is also available for members who would like assistance with résumé development.
We value your voice and your expertise. We invite you to share your professional journey, experiences, and aspirations with our community. Our members are eager to learn from one another and to help shape the future of OHEA together.
If you would like to get involved or learn more, please feel free to contact Cathy at 613-825-4623. She recently connected with a new member, and together they reflected on the importance of food and fellowship as the foundation of our Association.
At OHEA, food and fellowship remain at the heart of who we are.
Cathy and Jason
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.
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Financial Resolutions for January 2026
Start the new year with financial wellness and realistic resolutions that support everyday life. As the new year begins, January is an ideal time to reflect on financial goals and set practical resolutions for the year ahead. Whether focusing on budgeting, saving, managing debt, or planning for long-term financial security, small, intentional steps can lead to lasting positive change. Home economics offers practical tools for managing money, from budgeting and meal planning to smart shopping, food skills, and caring for clothing and household resources. These essential life skills help individuals and families reduce costs, avoid unnecessary debt, and build confidence in their financial decisions. A strong foundation in home economics supports sustainable habits and long-term financial well-being—making it a smart place to begin the year. |
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Home economics has a direct and practical connection to financial well-being. At its core, the discipline equips individuals and families with everyday skills that support sound financial decision-making across the lifespan. Concepts such as budgeting, meal planning, consumer awareness, housing choices, and resource management all help reduce costs, avoid debt, and build financial resilience. Skills like cooking at home, understanding food labels, repairing clothing, and making informed purchasing decisions contribute to long-term savings and sustainability. Home economics also emphasizes financial literacy within real-life contexts—teaching people how to balance needs and wants, plan for future expenses, and adapt to changing economic circumstances—making it a powerful foundation for financial confidence and smart living.
Canadians looking for reliable, government-endorsed tools and information to support their financial goals can explore resources available from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada; through the Government of Canada’s finance services portal.
Canadians looking for reliable, government-endorsed tools and information to support their financial goals can explore resources available from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada; through the Government of Canada’s finance services portal.