Executive
Mark Johnson - B.COMM, CSC, CAFA - President
I work for TD Canada Trust Agriculture Services and I found out about BC Agriculture in the Classroom while talking to David Munro; and it was David who got me involved. Growing up in a small town, in Saskatchewan I was exposed to Agriculture no matter what I did or where I went, and then having parents who were teachers; I saw the benefits and self satisfaction of getting involved in organizations like BCAITC. It is these programs that not only support healthy eating but also provide additional knowledge that could provide opportunities for the children to think about Agriculture as a career down the road.
Sarah Ryall - B.Sc.(Hons) - Treasurer
Sarah Ryall along with her husband, David, own and operate an 18 acre tomato farm, Gipaanda Greenhouses, in Delta. Sarah brings to the Board her experience in business as well as her passion to help people make a direct connection to the food they eat and the people who produce it through education and first hand experiences.
Gurinder Cheema - BA, B.Ed - Secretary
I first heard about BC Agriculture in the Classroom through my husband. Our farm was going to provide broccoli and possibly blueberry and baby bell peppers for the program. I looked at it as a great opportunity for the farm, and thought it would support the cooking programs at the local high schools.
It was only until later that I learned more about the program; how it was providing free snacks for hundreds of kids across the province. I was truly touched by this generous act by the government and the organizers, and just the idea itself!
I’ve been working as a classroom teacher at inner city schools for the past three years, and I see firsthand what the kids bring for lunch, if anything at all, and it is far from healthy.
I am thrilled about this program, and wanted to contribute in some way to it as soon as I heard about it. My interest stems not just from being a farmer, but from being a teacher as well. I would be overjoyed if I could contribute to the program by being on The Board, and would look forward to working with your team.
Directors
Pat Tonn, B.H.Ec., B.Ed - Director
Pat Tonn is the Manager of Youth and Community Development Programs with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. She works in partnership with agricultural associations and the BC 4-H Program to deliver agricultural and leadership educational programs to young people.
Sydney Massey - M.P.H., R.D. - Director
I am Director of Nutrition Education for the BC Dairy Foundation. Through my work I develop nutrition education programs and deliver nutrition education workshops to teachers and health professionals in BC. I am committed to teaching others about the importance of using local foods to maintain a healthy food system.
Don Field - Dipl Ag, BA Economics - Director
I am originally from a dairy farm background in eastern Ontario, and after 34 years in Agriculture, retired from Agribusiness at the end of 2008. I most recently attended the Grow Canada Conference in Dec 09, as BC Provincial Secretary of CropLife Canada. The attached bio will hopefully tell you a bit about me.
Originally born and brought up in Ottawa Ontario, I have lived in British Columbia since 1984 and Chilliwack since 1993.
I was educated at Kemptville Agricultural College, (Diploma 1975) and Trent University (BA Economics 1983). American Society of Agronomy, (Certified Crop Advisor to Dec 2009)
I have been employed in Agriculture Business since 1975. As of Dec 2008, I completed 25 years with Green Valley Fertilizer Ltd, (A James Richardson Company). My last six years entailed interfacing with the farming community primarily in the Fraser Valley as Agronomist. I retired at the end of 2008.
I have served the community in various areas, including: Western Canada Fertilizer Association (past BC Director), Oak Ave United Church Surrey (past Director), Scouts Canada (past leader) Rotary Club of Chilliwack-Mt. Cheam, member (current), Chilliwack Outdoor Club member (current), Secretary BC Council, CropLife Canada (current) and Pacific Field Corn Association Auditor (current).
I am married to Dorothy, and have two sons, who are both married, and a grandson.
My hobbies include hiking, cycling, and gardening.
Estelle Dufresne - R.D. - Director
Estelle Dufresne is a registered dietitian with expertise in health promotion and community development. She has been involved in school nutrition as a community nutritionist and as a consultant conducting stakeholder consultation, researching best practice and developing resources for a number of school nutrition projects in BC. She is currently on contract with Dietitians of Canada, BC Region as coordinator for the School Guidelines Support Initiative. She is an adjunct professor with the UBC Faculty of Medicine in the first medical course Doctors, Patients and Society.
Cindy Romanowski - B.Ed. - Director
Cindy Romanowski holds a District Administrator position for the Abbotsford School District in the Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Department. Her past positions, as District Helping Teacher K – 12 and as an educator since 1985 in Abbotsford School District, have helped form her educational pedagogy. She truly believes in reaching and teaching every student and wishes to support all educators and parents in that goal. She has a dedicated department of Helping Teachers in the areas of Early Learning, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Modern Languages, ready to assist in supporting the schools of Abbotsford district. The Curriculum Team leads and serves to support implementation of a responsive curriculum that inspires students to learn, dream and achieve.
Cindy has also been involved in the Agricultural area as a school district liaison for the Healthy Living Initiative which included promoting the BC School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Program, Science Fair, Spuds in tubs, and school resources. Cindy has also been involved in agriculture as a parent and proponent of 4-H in the Fraser Valley. Her own children were part of the Abbotsford 4-H Beef Club for 10 years and still give back to 4-H by judging local club events. Cindy and her family operate a small beef farm in the Abbotsford area.
Patsy Bartsch - Director
Rolf Soth - Director
Joseph Massie - Director
Executive Director
Lindsay Babineau, B.Ed.
Lindsay has been seconded from her classroom to act as the Executive Director for the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.
For more than 20 years, Lindsay was a teacher of agriculture, horticulture and science with School District #35, Langley. During her years as a teacher, she encouraged many young people to join the agriculture industry and in her new position, she still calls on past students for advice and support. Lindsay brings her passion for agriculture to the classroom ready resources and programs she is creating for other teachers in the province.
