Tara Petch joined the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation in 2020 as the Director, Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives. Tara’s focus is on broadening and building partnerships with the CDHF. These strategic partnerships will help support educational and research initiatives, and enable the development of National programs; which will provide more solutions and options for those suffering from digestive health conditions.

Tara has extensive background in the CPG industry with success in sales, shopper marketing, and agency marketing roles, as well as in the non-profit experience working on well known brands.

She attended University of Guelph and played varsity soccer while there. She has a genuine interest in wellness and athletics. Tara is part of the alumni committee for University of Guelph Gryphons Women’s Soccer and lead the establishment of the first alumni scholarship; committed to helping current and future players. She is on the Elementary School Council and recently became a certified 200hr Hatha Yoga instructor. This interest in healthy living and wellness spills over into her appreciation for working for the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.

She is very happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with others to help Canadians dealing with digestive health conditions live better lives.

Kelsey Peltzer joined the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation in 2015 as the Communications Coordinator and since has become the Executive Director.

Kelsey’s primary focus is to continually increase awareness to help drive business results.

In addition to directing media relations, branding, and website development, Kelsey manages and oversees social media channels, CDHF events, and more.

Kelsey attended the University of Guelph, where she graduated with a B. Comm. Marketing Management. Before joining CDHF, Kelsey worked with a multitude of stakeholders and diverse teams across the country including Ontario Mutual Insurance Association, the University of Guelph, AMS Canada Inc. and African Lion Safari. As co-founder and designer of Pretty in Print Invitations, Kelsey designs personalized wedding invitations, greeting cards, and other unique pieces in print.

Kelsey is a high-energy, intuitive individual who is passionate about health and fitness. She is happy to be a part of foundation that has a direct impact on the digestive – and overall — health of Canadians.

Jeff Suggitt’s extensive experience in the health care sector has focused on the direction, production and implementation of interactive media, Internet, and wireless applications for continuing medical education, patient education, brand/product marketing, and market research/analysis initiatives.

His entrepreneurial ventures have enabled him to obtain the necessary skills required to succeed in new business development and the building and maintaining of strategic alliances and client relationships. His experiences have given him a competence to manage the whole picture while ensuring the successful execution of several projects.

The combination of his directorship at the University of Toronto and years of teaching at a community college level have provided him with exceptional presentation skills, a solid understanding of adult learning principles, and a wealth of interpersonal communication and managerial skills. The opportunity to truly put the well-being of patients first was what brought Jeff to CDHF.

He is committed to providing patients who are affected by digestive conditions access to the most trustworthy and current resources and tools to help improve their outcomes and their quality of life.

Kelsey Johnston is a Registered Dietitian focused on digestive health and serves as the Senior Account Manager of Nutrition at the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, where she helps lead initiatives to provide trusted digestive health resources to Canadians. She has completed the Monash University ‘Low FODMAP Diet for IBS’ online training course for health professionals, equipping her with additional tools to support individuals living with IBS. 

With a passion for digestive health and lived experience, Kelsey is dedicated to working with healthcare professionals to deliver evidence-based health information to the public. Outside of her professional work, Kelsey enjoys experimenting with new recipes, staying active, playing board games, and discovering innovative products that can support digestive wellness and improve quality of life.

Ann Lukey joined the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) in 2025 as the Director of Program Planning & Delivery. With a background in marketing and communications as well as fitness and nutrition, Ann brings a varied and passionate perspective to health and wellness.

In her role at CDHF, Ann leads the strategic planning, development, and execution of national and local programs, educational initiatives, and events. She takes a hands-on approach to ensure evidence-based digestive health programs have a meaningful impact in communities across Canada.

Ann holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Alberta. Before joining CDHF, she worked extensively in the marketing sector managing end-to-end project delivery for corporate and client programs, planning various campaigns, coordinating with partners, and developing content.  As the owner-operator of Inertia Fitness, Ann has worked with clients at various stages of their wellness journey by providing group fitness classes, building an online fitness community, delivering customized nutritional coaching, and developing a six week workplace wellness program. 

Ann is passionate about being active and making a difference in her community. She looks forward to sharing her commitment to health and wellness through programming and content that support digestive health and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Nella began her career at Export Development Corporation in Ottawa. She later relocated to Toronto where she joined Baxter Canada as a Marketing Analyst holding various positions over a 15 year period.

As a mother of two, she also enjoyed volunteering. She joined the board of a local not for profit offering recreational and competitive programs for children where she held numerous positions but lastly as Treasurer for over ten years.

She joined the CDHF Family in 2015 and is honoured to be part of a growing team.

Lillian is a marketing and events specialist with over four years of experience supporting cross-functional teams in growth-driven environments, including agricultural, fintech, and hospitality and tourism industries. She attended Toronto Metropolitan University, where she studied Global Management Studies and Marketing, building a strong foundation in business operations and communications. Additionally, Lillian has an extensive events background, with a post-graduate certificate from Seneca in Event Marketing Management and experience working on educational events, international trade shows, and sponsorships. Alongside her professional experience, she is passionate about helping the community—particularly in raising awareness and support for Canadians living with digestive health conditions.

Driven by creativity and purpose, Lillian thrives at the intersection of strategy and design. She has a deep love for creating things and enjoys working with design, art, and visual storytelling to bring ideas to life. Outside of work, she has many hobbies, including oil painting, crafting, and digital artwork.