Meet Our Board

Laura has 8 years of experience in the hospitality industry of Victoria. With a deep appreciation for supporting regional food systems and experience as an owner-operator of a market-based catering company, Laura brings a focus on restaurant relationships and engagement with the hospitality community to the Haliburton Board. She joined the board in 2021 and is active on the Lease  committee.

Kristina is a farmer Alumnus at Haliburton, having incubated Joyful Agriculture from 2018-2022. She has previously been the Farmer Liaison, and continues to bring her wealth of knowledge to the table. 

Co-owner of Saanich Native Plants, James is a biologist with expertise in Garry oak ecosystems, plants, insects, and restoration. He completed a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria in 2004 focusing on butterflies and their habitat needs. James has worked in various capacities specializing on rare plants and animals. He is a research associate at the Royal BC Museum in entomology with a particular interest in Canadian Orthoptera (crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids). Currently, James works full time with Natural Resources Canada, helping to conserve and restore habitats and rare species on federal DND lands.

Heather, with her husband Ray, was one of the first farmers at Haliburton, and has been involved with Hali since 2006. She supports incubated farmers with wholesale skills, coordinating orders and deliveries of farm produce to local restaurants and stores, and together with Ray, manages the farm’s maintenance.

Kevin started at Haliburton in 2018, joining the board in 2019 and is currently our IOPA representitive and farmer liaison. Before joining our incubator program at Haliburton , he worked as a WWOOFer on farms in France and Italy, completed the UBC Farm Practicum Program in sustainable agriculture, and worked for Nourish Cafe and Cooking School in Vancouver. At Elemental Farm@Haliburton, he grows certified organic vegetables and is passionate about growing good food for the community.

Shellie is a well known, longtime farmer, and was most recently the owner and operator of Red Damsel Farm, which closed in 2021. She is now retired from full-time farming and works as a consultant and mentor. Shellie is focused on the relationship between ecology and feeding people, and the HCOFS greatly benefits from her dedication and expertise. 

Stephanie Jacobs is an avid home gardener, farmer, community educator and advocate for local food. She is the leaseholder for the Education Garden at Haliburton Farm, where she teaches hands on courses and workshops on food growing, regenerative organic gardening, medicinal herbs and more.