Celiac BC is composed of a Board of Directors and Advisors.

Our Board of Directors are all volunteers who give their time and expertise to improve the quality of life of those adversely affected by gluten.

​Our Advisor, Jess Pirnak, is a registered Dietitian who offers guidance and support to those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. 
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A diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity can be an overwhelming experience, and we are here to provide science-based information and practical tips to make your healing easier.  

Board of Directors

Cynthia Loveman

Cynthia Loveman - President 

When I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a baby, my mom was assured it was an allergy that I would outgrow. At that time, lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet was not a consideration.

The health challenges I continue to manage today are a direct result of this misinformation. My experience inspires me to volunteer with CCABC, where I aim to raise funds to provide people with the medically based information and support they need. 

I am also passionate about funding celiac disease research that will lead to better treatments and ultimately, a cure.
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Ravneet Mundi

Ravneet Mundi - Vice President 
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In 2012, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, facing various challenges and hurdles inherent to the condition. Given the limited familiarity with Celiac Disease within South Asian communities, my early understanding of its implications and complexities positioned me as a key advocate in assisting newly diagnosed individuals. Pursuing my Master of Public Health at Simon Fraser University equipped me with the tools to bridge these knowledge gaps. This journey led me to serve on this board, where I strive to offer public health education, mobilize resources, and disseminate knowledge to diverse communities, advocating for greater awareness and understanding of Celiac Disease.
I am fully dedicated to easing the physical and psychological challenges of Celiac Disease for affected individuals by actively bridging knowledge disparities and advocating for their needs. As a forefront advocate, I aim to drive positive change and support within the Celiac Disease community.

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Betty Wong

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Betty Wong - Treasurer

​I joined the Canadian Celiac Association - BC Chapter in November 2016 as Treasurer.
I am not celiac, I just wanted to donate my time and skills and give back to the community.
 
I was fortunate to meet Val Vaartnou, the previous president, who offered me this position. During the period, I have learnt about celiac disease, symptoms and gluten-free products. 
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It is fun to be a board committee member. Other than the monthly meeting and financial statement, I participate in CCA events such as the Annual X’mas cookie exchange, Scotia Run, etc. I've met a lot of people. Through the events, it’s an excellent opportunity for me to serve, to support and to learn. 

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Christie Kellogg

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Christie Kellogg - Secretary 

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease back in 2003 and have been living a gluten-free life ever since. There has been a lot of positive change since I was diagnosed and I volunteer with Celiac BC to make sure that positive change continues.

​With a background in marketing and product development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. I am currently responsible for overseeing membership recruitment and retention activities for the charity. I am passionate about creating an inclusive community where everyone feels supported in their gluten-free journey.

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Morgan Heese

Morgan Heese - Membership
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​I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2023, which helped me make sense of a decade of anemia and fatigue. My diagnosis came right in the midst of my graduate degree, so navigating such a drastic life change while balancing intensive studies was challenging.

Prior to being diagnosed, I had very limited knowledge of what celiac disease was, and had to learn how to advocate for myself. Resources from Celiac BC helped me on my journey, and I liked that they were both evidence-based and easily accessible.

​After I got a the hang of living gluten free, joining the board was a natural next step so that I could help others to do the same. I look forward to working with the board to continue to support and advocate for those living with celiac disease and other gluten-related conditions across BC. ​

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Aliya Hirji

Aliya Hirji - Director
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​I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2011 and started attending CCABC events in 2012. I had never heard of celiac disease and neither had my family or friends so I had quite a bit to learn but, through the support of CCABC and my medical team, I learnt how to maintain a gluten-free diet. While living in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, I was a member of my local coeliac support group and attended every coeliac event that I could. During one of the support group meetings in Ireland, I was asked to speak about my experience as a celiac in Canada and the programs that support celiacs.

Before I was tested for celiac disease, I was told it was an Eastern European disease, which is a myth, so I am passionate about advocating, and educating, medical professionals and people from visible minority groups about celiac disease so more people are diagnosed and living a healthier and happier life. As well, I hope to create more opportunities for celiacs to socialize with each other so we remember that we are not alone in this celiac journey.

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Harpreet Kaur, PhD.

Harpreet Kaur, PhD. - Director 

​I am a pharmacist by training with a PhD in Biochemical Engineering; celiac disease caught me by surprise in 2011. Like many others, it took the healthcare professionals nearly two years to diagnose me. My gastroenterologist was shocked that, as a South Asian, I had celiac disease. As a student of sciences, it is shocking to me that a disease that afflicts nearly 1% of the global population is poorly understood and managed.  

I acknowledge that at first glance, celiac disease is overwhelming, but through awareness and simple lifestyle changes, one can live a healthy and fulfilling life. Through the BC chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association, I hope to generate more awareness about the disease and help demystify any scientific advances that may happen in this field.

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Ebby Port

Ebby Port - Director

​​I am new to Vancouver and very excited to become part of this community. Having personally experienced the challenges of paying very close attention to nutrition, I understand how important it is to have reliable resources and supportive networks. 

What draws me to the Canadian Celiac Association is its commitment to helping so many people by providing guidance and connecting them to trustworthy, science-based information. I look forward to contributing to this mission while also learning from the dedicated individuals who make this organization so impactful. 

Joining the Board offers me a meaningful opportunity to both give back and grow. I am eager to share my background in finance and organizational management, and equally enthusiastic about collaborating with others, building relationships, and supporting the vital work being done here.

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Tal Rana

Tal Rana - Director 

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease during my second year at Simon Fraser University. This diagnosis brought a significant disruption to my daily life, from managing constant fatigue and illness to navigating a complete dietary overhaul. It was an isolating experience, made more difficult by the limited understanding of Celiac Disease within my cultural community. These challenges pushed me to seek out information, advocate for myself, and eventually support others facing similar struggles.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, I bring expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational governance. I am committed to leveraging these skills to enhance the organization’s operational effectiveness, support its long-term sustainability, and advance its mission.
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I am dedicated to raising awareness, improving access to support, and helping create inclusive spaces where individuals affected by Celiac Disease—especially those in underrepresented communities—feel informed, empowered, and supported.

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Advisor

JESS PIRNAK | REGISTERED DIETITIAN ADVISOR