who we are
Vanessa
Cofounder, Chair, Secretary
Vanessa is a second-generation Teochew (Diê Zui) immigrant with Chinese and Vietnamese roots. She holds an MES degree in urban planning, her research exploring shifting place meanings and food security impacts within the gentrifying urban core of Kitchener, Ontario. Vanessa is sensitive and introverted, always reflecting on how to deepen the efforts of Littlefoot Community Projects. In her work, she emphasizes cultural preservation, memory, placemaking, and spiritual/deep ecologies. Her personal interests include trying new beers, writing secret haikus, ukulele-ing, crafts, yoga, and naps.
Recently, Vanessa joined the Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region Advisory Council to support the development of a food strategy for Waterloo Region.
Dan
Cofounder, Chair, Treasurer
Dan is a passionate gardener and environmentalist living with Vanessa and his German Shepherd Maddalyn in Kitchener. Having recently left his job as a Supply Chain Manager for a manufacturing company in Simcoe ON, Dan is excited to work locally while having more time to focus on Littlefoot. With a background in Environmental Science/Biology and community garden management, Dan keeps Littlefoot grounded in principles of ecological sustainability and regenerative gardening techniques. He also operates his own small-business, Woodside Landscapes and Renovations.
Outside of work, Dan enjoys training for triathlons, climbing, camping, and taking long walks with Maddalyn.
Sophie
Board Member
Sophie sits on our Board of Directors
Maddalyn (Maddy)
Dog
Maddy is our loyal companion