The Team

Our team is greatly supported by over 180 volunteers, who play a crucial role in bringing our programs, administrative functions, and successful events to life.

Mike Weickert
Interim Executive Director

  • I can help you with answering questions about how Hope House operates and our goals for the future. As the Executive Director, I am responsible to ensure we have a clear focus and are moving towards our mission and vision. I often say that my job summed up is to move everything out of the way so my staff can do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Gillian Cornell
Food Programs Manager

  • I manage the food programs at Hope House. I coach our support staff and help with the day to day as needed.

Brian Baker
Food Production Lead

  • I work with the Community Dietitian and the Food Market Supervisor to determine what excess food items need to be used and develop meals that support good health. I also create the food production schedule as well as train and supervise volunteers in preparing these meals. 

    I also supervise the volunteers during the Better Food Co production weeks. This includes supporting the lead volunteer Better Food Co chef in the preparation of the meal they have designed.

Sue Keuhl
Community Engagement Manager

  • I can help show you where your dollars go within the walls of Hope House and the community we serve. I can tailor a giving program that reflects both your personal or Corporate goals with a yearly review. Understanding our programs and the people we serve begins by building relationships with our Champions. I welcome the opportunity to showcase our amazing facility with a guided tour and program information.

Rainbow Chow
Tax & Benefit Coordinator

  • My team and I can help you to file your income tax return, provide different tax supports, and assist you to obtain those eligible tax-related benefits.

Oby Onugha
Communications
Manager

  • I create, implement and oversee communications, be it internal or external, that effectively describe and promote Hope House and its programs. I also help connect people to Hope House via email newsletters, the website and social media. My role is key in keeping the community, volunteers, and donors connected and up-to-date.

Jennifer Jolley
 Support Programs Manager

  • I manage the support programs at Hope House. I coach our support staff and help with the day to day as needed.

Anita Brubacher
Horticulture Therapy Assistant

  • I help support Hope House Guelph’s Therapeutic Horticulture program, caring for the Well-Being Garden, supporting hands-on workshops at the North Field Food Farm, and connecting our gardening work with food and wellness programs that nurture health, belonging, and community.

Pam Harrison
Community Farmer

  • I am the Community Farmer. I run the farm and decide the growing plan. Serving vulnerable people in Guelph, the North Field Food Farm produces veggies using organic methods for distribution in the Hope House Free Food Market as well as other food security organizations in our community. I also lead our horticultural therapy sessions.

Nicole Barrette
Volunteer & Placement Coordinator

  • I am responsible for ensuring the safe and effective delivery of Hope House immediate relief programs by onboarding, training, and supervising volunteers. I oversee and provide support to individuals participating in the Ease into Work program. Please contact me if you’re interesting in volunteering!

Alex Vecchio
Food Market Supervisor

  • I keep our Food Market stocked and organized. I help community members shop the market for food and other items while giving guidance on how to make the most of their budget, while giving ideas on nutritious and delicious recipes.

Spencer Adams
Intake Support Worker

  • I can help you register to access the services provided at Hope house. I can also help you navigate other supports and resources in the community.

Alex McGinn
Community Projects Lead

  • I coordinate and manage fundraising events, overseeing logistics, and ensuring successful execution to support Hope House’s mission and community programs.

Justin Ruppel
Intake Support Worker

  • I can help you register to access the services provided at Hope house. I can also help you navigate other supports and resources in the community.

Megan Bidwell
Ongoing Support Worker

  • I help Hope House Guelph community members navigate complex social services, de-escalate crises, and connect with internal programs to build independence over time.