Executive Committee
Keisha Joseph - Chair
Keisha discovered her passion for community nutrition and policy while completing her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Brescia University. Keisha has always looked to use her knowledge to help those less fortunate and build community. This brought her to her current role as a Food Program Coordinator at Indwell where she works to build the food security of those experiencing homelessness, mental illnesses, and disabilities. Keisha is excited to be a part of a group of like-minded people who believe in advocacy and policy as a way to tackle food insecurity and positively impact our food system.
Andrew Fleet - Vice Chair
Andrew Fleet is an avid local food enthusiast. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Chefs! Ontario, a London based charity with a mission to change the way people learn about and develop healthy relationships with food. Andrew has designed, implemented and overseen food education programs that have served over 60,000 children and families across London and surrounding areas since 2008. Andrew is an advocate for the advancement in Food Literacy as an area of focus for the Provincial Ministries of Education, Health and Agriculture. Most recently, through his work with the Ontario Edible Education Network Andrew consulted with the Ontario Ministry of Education on its new Grades 1–9 Science curriculum, specifically around Learning Outcomes related to Food Literacy and Food Systems. Growing Chefs! has also created training resources for teachers that are being distributed across the Province as part of this new curriculum. Andrew also sits on both the National and Ontario Coalitions for Healthy School Food. Prior to establishing Growing Chefs! Ontario, Andrew worked in the food service industry for over 15 years as a manager, cook, server and bartender at several national award-winning restaurants in London and Vancouver.
Janan Dean - Past Chair
A city girl through and through, Janan never imagined she would marry a dairy farmer and move to the country to start a family and an agricultural business. A former social worker, Janan is passionate about addressing inequities in the food system, facilitating meaningful connections between urban and rural communities, and taking steps towards reconciliation. She is now working with her husband and brother-in-law to incorporate more sustainable, regenerative, and holistic practices on the farm and in 2023, they will be opening the Proof Line Farm Creamery & Farm Store five minutes north of London. She is proud to be a part of the MLFPC, a unique and diverse group of people from across the local food system.
Eunice Yidana - Secretary
Eunice Yidana is a food system enthusiast. She is the founder and CEO of EUNY BESPOKE MEDIA, a marketing, communications, and media company that supports businesses and non-profit organizations in succeeding in their marketing efforts. Eunice has an undergraduate degree in (Honours) International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She also has a Master of Media degree in Journalism and Communication from Western University in London, Ontario. Eunice hopes to leverage her proven knowledge and understanding of the intersecting concepts of food and development through marketing, communications, and media to increase awareness, address food system challenges, and promote sustainable food systems.
Sienna Burke - Treasurer
Sienna is a graduate of the Bachelor of Global and International Studies at Carleton University and the Not-For-Profit Management diploma program at Western University. She studied the Canadian Not-For-Profit landscape and strategies for successful advocacy, fundraising, strategic planning, volunteer management and financial management. Sienna is beginning her career as a fundraiser with the goal of connecting passionate people to the causes they care about through innovative storytelling. She is enthusiastic to serve as MLFPC’s treasurer and contribute to achieving the vision of a more equitable and sustainable food system in Middlesex-London.
Council Members
Laura Bos
Laura Bos is a Community Development Coordinator for London-Middlesex, Elgin and Oxford with the VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program. She has worked in nutrition for over 20 years implementing and creating programs to help support adults and seniors to maintain their independence through educational, social and physical supports. In her current role, she now supports schools and advocates for food access for students to ensure they are well nourished and ready to learn. She attended both Fanshawe College and Huron University College with a major in History. She was born and raised in Middlesex county and lives there with her husband and 2 young children.
Crispin Colvin
Crispin Colvin is currently a Director with the Middlesex Federation of Agriculture, and a former Director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. He and his wife have a small herd of beef cows and grow corn, soybeans and wheat together with their son and his young family. Crispin was first elected to the OFA board in 2016 as a director-at-large. He is also past Chair of Farm & Food Care Ontario. He’s a former Mayor of Thames Centre, Warden of Middlesex County and Chair of the Board of Governors of Fanshawe College, and has also been involved with the Thorndale Fair Board and the boards of Western University, London Training Centre and London Convention Centre. He is passionate about land use planning and farmland preservation, as well as issues related to livestock production and animal welfare. Crispin is bilingual and a graduate of both Western University and Fanshawe College.
Shawn Dockstader
Chef Shawn Dockstader is the proud owner of Oneida Sweet Treats. He has a small bake and sweets shop in his home town, Oneida of the Thames, just outside London. He is a personal chef, and provides treats and meals to many events in his community as well as other places like London, Windsor, Toronto, and other surrounding areas. He also shares "I'm part of a food revitalization program called the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Project with Western University, where we provide menu planning and nutritional information classes with traditional First Nations foods as the main focus. I’m currently working on recipe development and we apply these items to many of the classes, at SOAHAC (Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre)." He is also a student in his first year at Fanshawe College in the Food and Nutrition Service Management department.
Sarah Finch
Sarah Finch is the Communications and Community Projects Manager with Investing in Children, a London-based charity whose goal is to help all children, youth, and families to learn, grow, and thrive. Investing in Children places a high priority on nutrition and offers several nutrition programs. Sarah is responsible for Investing in Children's social media content, designing and maintaining their website, designing and creating all organizational promotional printed, and digital materials. Sarah is also the project manager of several programs including Kids 1st Day, Blue Books for Books, Book Camp London, and Kids Power Conference. Sarah believes it is important for everyone to have access to nutritious foods. Prior to Investing in Children, Sarah spent almost 17 years working for Ontario Farmer Publications, most recently as an editor. As well as the weekly Ontario Farmer newspaper, Sarah was involved in the creation of their specific industry publications for dairy, beef, hog, and crop farmers.
Katherine Hogendorn
Katherine is a community development coordinator for the Ontario Student Nutrition Program. She earned her Master’s degree in Human Health and Nutrition Science at the University of Guelph where she investigated health and lifestyle behaviours in the emerging adult population. Katherine now is a mom of 2 young children and her passions have been brought back to the kitchen demonstrating first-hand the importance of quality foods. Katherine has worked in clinical and academic nutrition settings always with the goal to educate and empower people to feel confident with their food choices.
Hadleigh McAlister
Councillor Hadleigh McAlister serves as a member of the Political Advisory Committee of the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC), where he provides strategic guidance and advocacy for a sustainable, resilient, and economically viable food system in London and Middlesex County. As a City Councillor for Ward 1, he brings a valuable municipal perspective to the Council, helping to bridge the gap between policy and community needs. Councillor McAlister supports initiatives that strengthen local food systems, reduce food insecurity, and promote environmental sustainability, ensuring that food policy remains a key priority in local decision-making.
Dianne McComb
Mother of her son and two daughters plus one grandchild has opened her eyes to endless possibilities. The journey of life had Diane growing up on a farm near Lucan, Ontario where her family finished beef cattle, grew crops, and cared for laying hens. The beef cattle were later dropped in favour of laying hens. Diane was educated at Fanshawe College and worked for 12 years as a law clerk in both Ottawa and London. After her children were born, she returned to help on the family farm. In 2010, Diane and her brother purchased the farm from their parents. The farm continues with a new generation. Home and School, School Council, Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Farm & Food Care Ontario were groups she was active in as a member and chair. Diane was the elected Director of Egg Farmers of Ontario board for eight years as the representative for Middlesex. While on the board, she chaired Public Affairs, and was also a member of Finance and Production Management Committees.
Sudeep Pathak
Sudeep Pathak is a food systems professional and Professor at Fanshawe College with extensive experience in food security, sustainable agriculture and food systems, food processing, and food product development. He also serves as Head of Quality Control, Sustainability, and Product Development at Jing Jing Nutrifood in London, ON, where he has enhanced food safety, led sustainability projects, and supported innovative product development. He has completed an MBA in Operations and Quality Management, a Master of Science in Sustainable Food and Environment Science, a Postgraduate Certificate in Food Processing – Operational Leadership, and a Postgraduate Certification in Project Management. Sudeep has published more than 12 research papers on food safety and sustainable agriculture and is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Environmental Stewardship Award (Fleming College), Distinguished Student Award (Fanshawe College), Emerging Researcher Award, and Young Achiever Award. Internationally, Sudeep has represented youth voices at platforms such as the World Youth Summit 2019 in New Delhi and the SAARC Youth Parliament 2020–21, focusing on SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Sudeep believes food has the power to transform lives and communities. His passion is ensuring everyone has access to safe, sustainable, and nourishing food—values that align closely with the Middlesex London Food Policy Council.
Alyssa Rush
Alyssa is a PhD student at Queen’s University in the department of Global Development Studies, currently residing in London, Ontario. Her research applies a labour studies and political ecology approach to study labour issues on ecological farms in Ontario. She is passionate about research, writing, and political advocacy related to local food systems, food sovereignty, and sustainability. She strongly believes in the power of community and the importance of equity and social justice. She looks forward to learning more about local food security in London and supporting the MLFPC and Regional Food Systems Alliance
Michelle Smibert
Michelle has been active in local government administration for over 30 years and has worked for the City of London, City of Stratford, Middlesex Centre, Thames Centre and Tillsonburg. She is a past president of AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) and is currently involved in delivering presentations for the Association. She received her Masters of Public Administration at Western University and was involved in the annual Local Government Alumni Conference planning committee. Michelle is now the Deputy Mayor of Thames Centre and sits on County Council for Middlesex County and is on the executive board for OSUM (Ontario Small Urban Municipalities). Michelle enjoys curling and golfing.
Susan Smith
Susan has a long-standing expertise in nutrition. She graduated from UWO, Brescia University College in 1995 and has been a clinical dietitian at the London Health Science Center for almost 25 years. She has a keen interest in sustainable food systems that create a harmonious urban-rural relationship with a focus on community health and a minimal carbon footprint.
Siobhan Watters
Siobhan brings a background in university teaching, research, technical communication, and union organizing to the communications committee. Siobhan recently completed her PhD in Communication at Simon Fraser University ('24). Her research and writing proposes new ways of understanding food technologies as media and food systems, as communication networks. She has published on varied food-related topics, such as the 2013 EU horsemeat scandal, food distribution in times of disaster, food in literature (from The Odyssey to Frankenstein), and is currently researching the future of food technologies in space. As a communications volunteer, Siobhan's goal is to apply her knowledge and skills in service of the community, as well as, apply what she learns within community spaces to her personal research.
Resource Members
Ashley Patterson - City of London, Staff
Ashley is a Community Engagement and Policy Specialist in the Community Initiatives and Plans division within Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services at the City of London. She holds a master's degree in Social Work from King’s University College and is deeply committed to supporting the Age Friendly London Network (AFLN), the Child & Youth Network (CYN), and the Community Safety & Well-Being Plan. Ashley provides backbone support to various community partners through the AFLN and CYN, particularly in initiatives related to food security.
Tracy Ranick
Full profile coming soon
Non-Voting Members
Ginette Blake - Coordinator
Ginette Blake is a Registered Dietitian (RD) at the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) where her portfolio includes reproductive and infant nutrition, food literacy, and food systems (starting January 2025). Ginette is passionate about exploring how just and equitable food systems connect us with our community and protect the environment. Her role as MLFPC RD Coordinator is to act as a consistent point of contact for MLFPC members and action groups to facilitate collaboration and dialogue. Her hope is to contribute to a more sustainable and integrated local food system by connecting food system evidence with key food system stakeholders.
Jane Roy - Trustee
Jane has been working for the London Food Bank for over 30 years. She currently works as Co-Executive Director. Jane has been involved in many food, hunger, poverty, and social action committees including the Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Action Group and as Chairperson of the Ontario Association of Food Banks. She has presented briefs on hunger and poverty to all levels of government and speaks to many local groups about involving citizens in community action. Jane is a long time London resident, is married with three children and is also well known for her work in overseas development.
Kathy MacKay - Food Systems Facilitator
Kathy MacKay, RD, MSc, is the Food Systems Facilitator for the Middlesex London Food Policy Council. Growing up on a dairy farm, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the food system, inspired by her father's passion for farming. Kathy is a registered dietitian with experience in healthcare and academia. She was a Dietetic Education Coordinator at Brescia University College, supporting graduate dietetic practicum programs and the students within them. At London Health Sciences Centre, she worked as a clinical dietitian, contributing to patient care in areas including surgical care, pediatric eating disorders, and mental health. In addition to her dietetics background, Kathy is pursuing a Graphic Design Certificate from OCAD University. With her blend of expertise in nutrition, healthcare, and design, along with her passion for the local food system, she is excited to contribute to advancing food system change and supporting community health and wellness.
Volunteers
Amy Bumbacco
Communications Volunteer: Amy is a Communications and Marketing Specialist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authroity. She has a demonstrated history in the social service and environmental sectors having provided executive leadership to J. Steckle Heritage Homestead, managed the Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy, built the experiential education curriculum at Ignatius Farm, and provided field management at Fertile Ground CSA Farm. Following her master's degree in Environmental Studies, Amy completed a post-graduate diploma in Social Media Marketing and was most recently the Communications and PR Coordinator with Mission Services of London. She finds great excitement in internet marketing, believing in the power of effective communication to inspire, educate, and build community. Amy is most interested in contributing to the MLFPC to utilize her digital marketing skillset and knowledge of sustainable food systems to help foster a healthy and resilient community.
Donna Currie
Donna Currie supports photography for the Middlesex London Food Policy Council, bringing her passion for capturing the world through her lens. She has a keen eye for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, transforming everyday moments into impactful visuals. Donna values working alongside the engaged and dedicated members of the Council, contributing to its mission of promoting a sustainable and equitable food system through her creative talents.
Joud Ibraheem
Joud Ibraheem is an undergraduate Dietetics student at Western University’s School of Food and Nutritional Sciences (formerly Brescia University College). She is passionate about food insecurity and nutrition policy, and is motivated to advance her knowledge of eating behaviours and gastrointestinal health. Inspired by an Agriculture and Food Systems course, Joud has developed a deeper appreciation for Canada’s agricultural sector, and is eager to help bridge the communication gap between consumers and farmers. As a volunteer with the MLFPC, she is excited to combine her interests in nutrition, psychology, and digital communications to enhance food, nutrition, and agricultural literacy within the Middlesex-London community, and increase awareness of the socio-political issues shaping our food system.
Ellen Lakusiak
Ellen Lakusiak is an active supporter of the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) as a volunteer. Formerly the RD Coordinator for the Council, Ellen was instrumental in fostering collaboration and engaging partners across Middlesex and London to create a healthier, more sustainable local food system. With a diverse career in public health, Ellen has worked as a Public Health Dietitian at the Lambton Health Unit and Ottawa Public Health, focusing on prenatal and early childhood nutrition. Her extensive experience also includes roles with Health Canada, the National Institute of Nutrition, and the private sector. Recognized as a 2024 Food System Champion, Ellen’s work reflects her passion for food systems and her dedication to amplifying diverse voices. Her leadership, humility, and commitment continue to inspire progress toward a more equitable and sustainable local food future.
Joyce Kagiri
Joyce is a business development and management professional and an entrepreneur. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, a certificate in cookery and is currently pursuing a post graduate certificate in Digital Communication Management. Joyce is passionate about food systems and agribusiness. Growing up in rural Kenya, she experienced small scale farming and its impact in food security. She hopes to contribute to the local food scene and support sustainable practices. Her business acumen and modern communication strategies will allow her to drive impactful initiatives in the food and agribusiness sector.
Jean Carson - Volunteer
Prior to retiring in 2018, Jean's employment had provided her experience within her roles in manufacturing and marketing with Maple Leaf Foods (Thamesford) and Cadillac Fairview Corporation (Masonville Place). She enjoyed being their “face” in Oxford, Middlesex, and London with respect to community involvement. She had the opportunity to work with the London Community Foundation developing philanthropy goals which target food security. She encourages everyone to check out the Maple Leaf Community Fund on the London Community Foundation website! The Middlesex London Food Policy shares the responsibility of selecting successful applicants to this fund with Oxford Community Foundation. Currently, her retired status allows her more time to enjoy her family (including five adorable grandchildren), extended stays at her cottage in Northern Ontario, trips to British Columbia to visit family, and the availability to continue supporting Middlesex London Food Policy Council as a volunteer on the Governance and Grants Committees.
