Curious how a national think tank turns dense research into tools you can use tomorrow? We sit down with the Vanier Institute of the Family to explore their bridge‑building mission, the inclusive way they define family, and the resources that make complex evidence clear and actionable for classrooms, community organizations, and policy. Laurel Sakaluk shares her surprising move from cytogenetics to family studies and policy, revealing why real progress happens when re...

Hungry for resources that actually work with real students, real schedules, and real constraints? We’re kicking off a new season by opening the door to a redesigned OFSHEEA website and five major projects built to make Family Studies more inclusive, practical, and engaging. With co-hosts Catherine and Katie and board members Carrie, Michelyn, and Corrine, we explore new course plans, fresh assessment approaches, and mini-units that meet learners where they live—at home, at work, and around th...

Ever watch students struggle to make eye contact or endure a moment of silence without reaching for their phones? You're not alone. In this revealing conversation with Lisa, a Family Studies department head in Hamilton, we explore the fascinating world of teaching "Dynamics of Human Relationships" - a course she believes should be mandatory in every school. Lisa's journey from social worker to educator provides her with a unique lens through which she approaches teaching relationships to tod...

The pathway from high school to meaningful career isn't always straightforward, especially for students passionate about understanding human development and family dynamics. In this special episode aimed at high school students, we turn the spotlight on Western University's Family Studies and Human Development program with two inspiring guests at different career stages. Associate Professor Roula Hawa and teacher candidate Grace Gillett share their journeys through family studies – Roula tra...

Join us for a thought-provoking episode that uncovers the critical relationship between school nutrition and academic success. We have a captivating discussion with Carol Harrison, an esteemed dietitian with over 30 years of experience dedicated to promoting healthy eating among Canadian families and youth. Throughout the episode, we explore the issues related to food insecurity plaguing Canadian schools and how it affects students' ability to learn effectively. Carol sheds light on the land...

Join us in this episode where we interview three amazing Family Studies educators. They share the challenges and rewards they face in teaching hands-on skills essential for real-world success. The discussion includes the need for curriculum updates, budgeting strategies, and the overarching aim to elevate the importance of Family Studies education within the academic landscape. • Highlights of hands-on teaching experiences • Concerns surrounding student expectations and perc...

Unlock the keys to creating a more accessible world for individuals with disabilities with guests Jessica Kruger and Charlene VanderGriendt. Imagine a school environment where physical barriers are no longer an obstacle, and inclusive education is the norm. We promise you'll gain insights into how the Rick Hansen Foundation is promoting and supporting accessibility in schools and communities. Jessica shares her personal journey of resilience after becoming a quadriplegic, highlighting the cre...

Discover how Tessa Casella's journey from aspiring English teacher to amazing family studies educator can inspire you to embrace change and find your true calling. With her diverse background, Tessa enriches her teaching with real-life applications while championing the integration of Indigenous perspectives in education. We also dive into the practical side of family studies education, where Tessa shares her engaging classroom activities, from matching monthly payments to lifestyle choices t...

Teresa Hamilton Kerr, a passionate voice in literacy education, takes us on a journey through her career and life-long commitment to spreading the joy of reading. From her formative years in a print-rich home to her impactful work at the Hamilton Public Library, Teresa reveals the importance of early literacy and the power of intervention for struggling readers. Her transition to adult literacy advocacy at the provincial level provides a wealth of insights into how communities and educators c...

Unlock the secrets to effective teaching research and engage with the vibrant community of home economists at the upcoming Canadian Symposium on Home Economics! Join us for the season premiere of "What the Family Studies," as we sit down with Theresa Aqui and Dr. Kerry Renwick. Dr. Renwick offers a historical glimpse into the symposium's evolution since its inception in 1990, while Teresa highlights what makes this event stand out from typical educational conferences. Whether you're a seasone...

In today's episode we explore the operations of community food banks with Debbie Marson, Executive Director of the North Bay Food Bank. Debbie talks about the need for community support and advocacy to address issues of food insecurity. Together, we peel back the curtain on how these vital institutions run without government funding, rely on the generosity of people, and what truly makes a difference in aiding families in need. We discuss how we can enrich our family studies clas...

Ever find yourself locked in a battle of wills with a pint-sized food critic at your dinner table? Stacey Green, a registered holistic nutritionist and the author behind the hilariously honest cookbook "You'll Eat it and You'll Like it," joins us to talk about the messy, joyful chaos of family mealtime. Her philosophy of 'fed is best' is a life raft for parents navigating the stormy seas of picky eating and nutrition guilt, and she's not afraid to get real about the sometimes unpalatable trut...

Ever wondered how a scoop of your favorite ice cream came to be? Reid Ball, a food science whiz and product development technician at the Guelph Food Innovation Center, joined us to stir up the flavors of his educational and professional journey. With a sprinkle of high school courses and a dash of co-op programs, Reid whipped up a career path that proves a love for science and a keen palate can lead to mouthwatering success. From laboratory analyses to scaling products for production, Reid's...

Join us for this episode where we talk about using RealCare babies in our classrooms. We are joined by Matthew Colbeck from Studica and Lesia Hucal, a family studies teacher who uses RealCare babies in her classroom. We are really excited for this episode because we have an amazing prize for our listeners! Studica has donated a RealCare Pregnancy Profile for one lucky person. To enter the draw for the prize you will need to listen to the episode, complete an entry form...

In this episode we interview Jenn Sobec. Jenn is currently in her 17th year as a secondary teacher with the Durham District School Board. She began her teaching career in English and History 16 years ago. She has also taught Special Education but upon return from a maternity leave was asked to teach Fashion. With no experience in Fashion and not knowing how to sew, Jenn accepted the challenge. She saw it as an opportunity to challenge herself to grow as a teacher. Jenn found that she loved te...

We’re all excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Chef Destiny. Chef Destiny is the owner of FoodZen, a personal chef and pre-made meal business in Waterloo Region. FoodZen's goal is to bring zen to busy family schedules, assist professionals in a better work/life balance, and help seniors maintain their independence by providing locally made, healthy and delicious food. As an Indigenous chef, and growing up surrounded by a farming family, Chef Destiny's focus is to create mea...

In this episode we interview Justin Büyüközer (he/him). He is a secondary Family Studies teacher who identifies with the 2SLGBTQIAP+community. We are excited to learn more from Justin as he shares how he attempts to update his knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing and evolving Queer community to ensure his lessons move beyond acceptance and into the understanding of identity intersectionalities within the classroom. Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favour...

Our first episode of our second season is available now!! Come and learn more about getting qualified to teach family studies in Ontario. We speak to Jane Witte, AQ instructor, about the different courses, what you will learn and why it is a great idea to get qualified to teach the best subject ever! Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEA Facebook @Ontario Family Studies Home Economics Educators' As...

It’s been a full first season for our little podcast and we’ve learned a lot! We’ve interviewed a number of people like Cassie Brunsveld from Agscape, Heather Bamford teaching us about moving toward a Gradeless classroom and Leisa Hucal about the value of networking in the foods curriculum. We also talked to some of our students! Both Western Preservice Students and some of our high school students who love taking our classes. We have produced 16 episodes and had almos...

In this episode we had the privilege to chat with two secondary students who have made Family Studies an important part of their course selections throughout high school! As teachers we all know the importance of listening to student voice to make our classrooms a welcoming place where we help students to gain both the skills they need for future schooling and for life. Join us as we listen and learn from Bane and Raffaella. Be sure to like and follow this podcast on y...