The Team

We were all children once, with limitless potential. Together, let s plant the seeds of health and wellness and watch Alberta s future generation grow into happy, thriving individuals who are ready to take on the world, one nutritious bite at a time.

Executive Director

Jamie Gervais Rietveld

Education: B.Sc. Nutrition and Food Science from University of Alberta, Certificate in Marketing from University of Calgary, Psychology from AU

Interests and Passions: The psychology of food, consumer behavior, child development and education, cooking, dancing, strategy, family and gardening.

Nutrition Educator, Calgary

Heather Brown

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Food, Nutrition, and Health , UBC,  Holistic Nutrition and Health Coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC

Interests and Passions: Culinary arts, child education, family

Nutrition Educator, Calgary

Mel Stonehouse

Education: B.A in History and Sociology from Mount Allison University, Holistic Nutrition Program at Canadian School for Natural Nutrition.

Interests and Passions: Cooking, family, skin health, nutrition education and wellness, non-profits 

Nutrition Educator, Edmonton

Junotta Wilson

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food from the University of Alberta

Interests and Passions: Traveling, diversity and inclusion, advocacy for vulnerable populations, children with disabilities, nutrition and wellness.

Chef Instructor, Rural Alberta

Jessica Head

Education: Red Seal Chef, Holistic Nutrition Program at Canadian School for Natural Nutrition, BC

Interests and Passions: Healthy Cooking, local food scene, gardening, family, child education, product development

Youth Advisory Council

Sara Waqas

Sara is a youth researcher passionate about the neuroscience behind nutrition and psychiatric disorders attributed to diet. As an active member of her community, Sara aspires to contribute to nutritional education by creating excitement about the marvels of food.

Board of Directors

Founded FoodImpact & Food Discovery Foundation

Jamie Gervais

Jamie founded FoodImpact, and the Food Discovery Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science, with education in marketing, business and psychology. She has 12 years experience working in child nutrition communication and is the mother of two kids.

Registered Dietitian

Christina Chung, RD

As a Registered Dietitian, Christina has over a decade of experience in food and nutrition. She brings a strong nutrition foundation to the Board, as she has worked with infants to seniors. She has is a mother of two young children.

Director of Academics

Ashima Sharma

As Director of Academics at Calgary Changemaker School, Ashima has years of teaching experience in the public and private sector with primary responsibilities in planning and implementing curriculum..

Senior Product Manager

Jelena Ciric

As senior product manager, Jelena brings the perspective of product and systems to the Board. She is also co-founder of Xergy entrepreneurial hub with connections to entrepreneurial resources and provides insight as a new immigrant to Canada. She is also the mother of three teenagers

Former Chef & Restaurant Owner

Justin Rietveld

As a former chef and restaurant owner, Justin brings the culinary outlook to our program. Has a decade of experience in sales, and business management and has Board experience as Treasurer in the nonprofit sector. Justin is the father of two young kids.