Meet the Team!

Cathy coordinates the Healthy School Communities partnership between Public Health and the Regional Centre for Education. She supervises HSC work in AVRCE, and collaborates with the rest of the Healthy Schools Wellbeing Team on this important aspect of school and student success.

Sarah works closely with Merissa to support schools and cafeteria staff to provide tasty and nutrient-dense meals to students in a non-stigmatizing way. She also works closely with community partners to advocate for funding of a national school program. Sarah and the food community know that school meal programs need to be sustainable, include local foods, provide a fair wage and supportive environment for staff, and be inclusive to all without judgement. So much work has already been done in AVRCE around school food, and Sarah is excited to continue to put energy into this important part of the school environment.

Emma began working with AVRCE in March 2019. She works with the AVRCE Equity Team, and the Healthy Schools Wellbeing Team to improve the social and physical environments in schools to make school communities healthier places for students and staff. 

Emma loves to empower youth to lead this change, through work with students and staff champions on Positive Noise grants, and working with Erin on youth engagement initiatives. Emma is also passionate about improving student access to comprehensive sexual health education, addressing food security, and increasing physically active learning. 

When she's not working Emma is outside kayaking, biking, hiking and spending time with her family (fur and human alike). 

Merissa works closely with AVRCE-run cafeterias to support them in providing nutritious and tasty snacks and meals to all students and works alongside Public Health to provide food security in school communities.

Merissa also provides professional development with Public Health partners, and acts as a liaison between schools and food suppliers to ensure AVRCE needs are met.

With a background in nutrition and a passion for food, Merissa continues to work with schools to improve their food systems while advocating for a universal and equitable food program!

Our Youth Engagement Coordinator works alongside supportive adults to authentically engage students to identify health, wellbeing and equity goals and actions. We are excited to welcome our new YEC soon!