BOARD OF DIRECTORS

I moved to Muskoka from Markham in 1984. I was co-owner/ operator of ServiceMaster of Muskoka from 1984 – 2014. I also owned and lived on a horse-breeding farm where we also had chickens for egg production from 1997 – 2012 in Raymond. My long-term business and farming background drew me to the social enterprise model of Muskoka North Good Food Co-op near the beginning stages of its development. The first time I entered the Co-op, while it was still a very grass roots business, I was compelled to put my name on the volunteer list. From 2016 to now, I have volunteered with the Co-op in several capacities, including in the commercial kitchen and during these crucial days of Covid-19. When I saw the call for nominations to join the Board of Directors, I didn’t hesitate to put my name forward.  

What compels me to help more? I am a very health conscious person and want to continue to support the good access to amazing food, not only for myself, but also for the greater Muskoka community. As well I have a great deal of respect for the General Manager, Kelli, and all that she has put forth to develop this Co-op and raise awareness to the importance of a strong local food system and providing a venue to assist local growers and local consumers to make important connections with one another.

During my years of being a volunteer (as a board member as well as ‘on the floor’) with different organizations, including MNGFC (since May 2017), I have learned to work as a team member and have seen results when members co-operate and work toward a common goal.  

Volunteer MNGFC – since 2017 in the grocery Market and entering AP into QB. 

During my career in Nursing, I have been a team member (following the direction of the team leader as well as being the team leader). I have assisted with P&P: workplace safety following guidelines of WSIB, Public health – food safety, I have assisted with data imputing – working with organizations software. 

Focus areas: 

Board working as a team, improving/updating the P&P in all areas (Market, Board etc). Grocery Market, Café, Kitchen – employees working as a team, supporting each other/areas, leading to community awareness & growth. Keeping finances in the black – paying down loans

Barb Smith - Treasurer

Barb has over 30 years experience in banking and finance. Her career began in 1973 with Scotia Bank and over the next 30 years joined the team at Bank of Montreal, finishing off her career as Manager of Kawartha Credit Union (over 10 years) in Huntsville. It was during her tenure as Manager of the Credit Union that she realized the profound importance of supporting and building a strong 'local' economy. She resonated with the co-operative values of the credit Union and jumped at the opportunity to continue working in the co-operative sector as Muskoka North Good Food Co-op's Treasurer. Barb resides in North Bay and happily makes the journey to the monthly Board and sub-committee meetings. Not only is she delighted to be serving the Co-op in this capacity, she has also developed a new community around her which she enjoys very much.

Mary Pat Hearn

Bio coming soon.

Brittany Henderson

My love of food started from a young age, following in the footsteps of my mom who created flavourful dishes to deeply nourish our family. I decided to pursue my passion for cooking in my early twenties and enrolled in culinary school to gain more knowledge of food and preparations.

A lover of research on all things body, mind, and health related, I soon turned my attention to sourcing the healthiest ingredients possible for my family coming from a strong understanding of the energetics of food, how it was grown, tended, and harvested and how this has a deep impact on health and your relationship with food in general. I started a humble garden In my backyard to grow herbs and vegetables and to gain a deeper appreciation of how food gets to our plates.

In 2020 my husband & I decided that city life was not for us and quickly moved to the beautiful Muskoka area to immerse ourselves in nature and grow more of our own food. In search of a strong community focused on food and good energy I soon discovered the Co-op and shortly thereafter became a member. Supporting small businesses, local, and small-scale farmers is of considerable importance to me and my principles. I'm very much looking forward to my new role in supporting the well-being and growth of Muskoka North Good Food Co-op.

Ian Daines

Ian and his farm, Falkenridge Farm, is one of the first producer-members to supply the Co-op with his pasture-raised, grass-fed and well cared for animals. Ian's passion for small business development and creating a better world led him to join the Board of Directors in 2023. Ian brings an out-of-the box approach to desicion-making and has years worth of experience serving on Farmer's Market and other boards. Ian's meat and pepperettes have always been a very popular item with Co-op customers. The quality, branding and approach Ian and his wife bring to business can be tasted! 

Traci McIllroy

As a true local (born and raised in Huntsville) I couldn’t be happier to be part of our local co-op. I want our community to access the variety of foods and fresh produce, to enjoy lunch or a coffee from the Uproots cafe, to volunteer and experience the incredible people of MNGFC. I started as a shopper, became a member and then baked bagels weekly in the awesome industrial kitchen. As an educator for over 30 years, I believe children can learn so much about a local, sustainable and independent food system through our co-op. Teaching children how to plant seeds, learning to use all food waste, and supporting local farmers are catalysts to a thriving, growing local food system. We have an amazing opportunity to transform public education locally. I am deeply passionate about educating children about the environment and good food. I believe we need to look at food as one of the essential school supplies. It’s hard for a child to learn if they are not well nourished. My goal is to get our schools involved in the co-op so kids can learn about growing and transforming our food system. I am thrilled to be part of MNGFC and honoured to be working alongside, learning from and having opportunities to help our beautiful co-op thrive. From the first time I set foot in our co-op, it was immediately clear to me that I’ve joined a thoughtful, passionate and dedicated group, and I’m excited for what MNGFC is and its future for our community.

Halley Clover

As a founding member of MNGFC, I am delighted to be part of the Good Food Co-op's Board (since 2023) in this important time of growth and expansion. I was born and raised in Huntsville and currently work for The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit organization specializing in community growth, small business support, community promotion, and protection of its members. My business banking background helps my work with local businesses helping them to survive. This is an area in which I am positive that I can help make an impact in sitting on this great board! I also sit on the board of directors of Paws of the North Rescue.

Ragan Zilic

Moving from Toronto nine years ago, I was bothered by the notion that I could not find delicious organic and fresh produce except in the summer from the local farmer markets. I was driving to Toronto weekly in the off seasons to purchase my fresh produce. It was so exciting to find a local natural food store right here in our own area. I started shopping at the co-op five years ago when it was in the back of the current building - it was small but mighty. I have been a member/owner ever since. I truly believe in my heart that food has the power to heal and I am a testament to that. Our co-op is a wonderful opportunity for the residents and visitors to come together and to provide incredible local food for anyone who steps through its doors. It could change the eating habits of many while supporting our vibrant community. Not only do I live in Muskoka year round but I am also a Real Estate Broker selling real estate in Muskoka.

Ivan Maw

Bio coming soon.

Inna Evtoushenko

Bio coming soon.

Carolyn Vink

Bio coming soon.