Steve Thuringer, Chair

Steve Thuringer is a facilities specialist and has served as Executive Director of Upper Canada College for over 20 years. He is a resident of the St. Clair and Christie neighbourhood and regularly volunteers at The Stop’s Food Bank.

Sabina Vohra-Miller, Vice Chair

As a first-generation racialized Canadian with lived experience of food insecurity, Sabina brings both her voice and platform to advancing The Stop’s mission. As co-founder of the Vohra-Miller Foundation, she works to drive systemic, sustainable change that improves the health of people and the planet.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabina drew on her background in pharmacology and toxicology to support health equity by sharing vaccine information with communities across the city, including the South Asian Health Network.

Charles Yu, Treasurer

Charles has been a volunteer with The Stop since moving to Toronto nearly a decade ago, beginning at the Farmers’ Market and later joining the Board’s Finance Committee. He currently serves as Manager of Corporate Development at Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, bringing strong financial, analytical, and strategic expertise to the organization.

Julia Croome, Secretary

Julia brings a lifelong passion for food and a deep commitment to ensuring equitable access for all. Her connection to The Stop’s mission is rooted in early family experiences and shaped by a strong understanding of the links between food security, mental health, and economic stability.

She is Director of Litigation Practice and a lawyer on the Climate Team at Ecojustice, Canada’s largest environmental law charity. Julia contributes legal expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking in support of The Stop’s governance and long-term impact.

Koel Loyer, Director

Koel is Principal and Wealth Advisor at CI Private Wealth, with extensive experience supporting business owners, professionals, and Canadian families. He holds an MBA from McMaster University and an Honours degree in Commerce from Queen’s University, along with the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation.

Koel is actively involved in Family Enterprise Canada, The Stop, and the Finance Committee at Arthritis Canada.

Carmen Martinez, Director

Carmen Martinez is a marketing leader with global experience managing brands for companies including Viacom, Mattel, Bandai, and Bata. She is also an active community contributor, supporting non-profit organizations as a mentor, volunteer, and board member in food security and fashion-related initiatives.

She brings strong governance experience, a global perspective, and a commitment to ethical leadership.

Jessica McQuoid, Director

Jessica is a former investment professional who transitioned into culinary arts and holistic nutrition, now operating her business Whole Health Kitchen. Her connection to The Stop began as a volunteer and evolved into advocacy for food justice and food security.

She holds a Food Security Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University and contributed to revising the Gender and Food Security course, focusing on intersections of race, gender, and food systems. She is also an urban gardener, former NCAA basketball player, and proud mother.

Monty Laskin, Director

Monty is the former CEO of Caledon Community Services, where he helped develop “The Exchange,” a community hub using food to support social justice initiatives. He previously served in senior roles in the Ontario Public Service, including Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ministry of the Attorney General, and has extensive experience in child welfare and children’s mental health.

He currently manages The Centre for MindBody Health, a private mental health clinic supporting teens, adults, and families. Monty has long-standing experience serving on community boards and continues to contribute to community-focused initiatives.

Margot Lackenbauer, Director

Margot is a senior Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience leading organizational transformation and inclusive workplace strategies. She is Chief Human Resources Officer at BDO Canada, overseeing HR strategy for 5,000 employees across the country.

She previously served on the Board of Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, where she held leadership roles including Secretary and Chair of the HR Committee. Margot brings governance expertise, HR leadership, and a strong commitment to food security and inclusive community building.

Susan Hoyle-Howieson, Director

Susan brings over 30 years of leadership experience across public and community sectors, with a strong focus on organizational development, HR, and inclusive leadership. She has led large organizations and worked extensively in unionized environments, with a focus on diversity, equity, and employee engagement.

She has held multiple governance roles, including Board President of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto, and has contributed to community organizations including United Way and local resident associations. Susan has also volunteered directly with The Stop and brings deep governance and community engagement experience to the Board.