Team

Elliot became vegetarian in 1990, inspired by a research project. He and his husband Tim became vegan in 2000 after Tim took a course offered by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, an organization that advocates for plant-based diets and promotes the use of non-animal models during medical school training. After many newsletters to the house, they declared, ‘That's it, we’re becoming vegan!’. Elliot is the former owner of Cosmic Treats Vegan Restaurant and Dessert Bar in Kensington Market. He has supported VegTO over the years by being a business member and hosting and participating in many markets and events. He has been a long-time member of VegTO, even submitting an entry in their very first Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off. Elliot is a registered physiotherapist who focuses on working with people who are homeless and other marginalized populations. He also has a particular interest in studying obesity, the focus of his research during his graduate degree. Elliot has volunteered for many years in organizations that address drug policy reform. He loves to bake, eat cake, and seek out the latest vegan treats in different cities and countries. Elliot also enjoys reading science fiction and loves to stay active by hiking and rollerblading along the Martin Goodman Trail.

Kristy is a passionate advocate for plant-based eating, having adopted a plant-based diet after participating in Veganuary in 2021. This passion turned into a business, Zestyplan (www.zestyplan.com), which she founded in 2022 to help people make climate-smart decisions about their food by including more whole food, plant-based meals. With food systems making up more than 30% of global emissions, plant-based eating offers one of the most significant ways individuals can combat climate change. Kristy’s previous professional experience was in the tech sector where she led go-to-market teams for over 15 years.

Fraser has been on the Board of Directors for more than ten years and served as President for a five-year term. During his time with VegTO, he has been active on various committees such as Nominating & Governance, Programs Review, and Strategic Planning Committees and a coordinator for Veggies of Halton & Peel. Fraser has previous board experience with non-profit arts organizations. He is a Vice-President at a company involved in the distribution and servicing of industrial fire, safety, industrial hygiene, and occupational health equipment in the workplace. He manages quality systems, the facilitation of project teams, and a variety of strategic initiatives, including implementing new technology systems. His specialty is supply chain management. Inspired by the environmental/political perspective, health, and ethics, Fraser has been a vegetarian for more than 35 years and a vegan for 20. VegTO programs have had a significant positive impact on his life; he is honoured to be able to give back and help support the organization. He looks forward to implementing the strategy of VegTO.

Peter has been with VegTO for many years as a director, outreach volunteer, 2-time President, a committee chair, and currently a member of the Marketing and Development Committee. He brings his strong local and international contacts and ties to the very active Toronto animal rights scene and the environmental movement. His profession is teaching; Peter has been a special education teacher for several years and previously worked in business and government. He brings an understanding of financial statements, strategic planning, HR, and marketing. In the 40 years since becoming vegetarian and the 25 since he became vegan, he has witnessed the impressive growth in vegan resources in the city and the world. With a strong alignment with VegTO’s values, he believes that the diversity in membership and programs is VegTO’s biggest strength and looks forward to contributing to the strong team of staff, directors, committee members, other volunteers, and members in moving VegTO forward.

A foodie and wine lover, Priya switched to a vegetarian diet in 1995 and then to a vegan one in 2011. An entertainer since childhood, she’s had a lot of time to think about how to translate her love of hosting and cooking for people from meat and potatoes to vino and veggies. Priya had previously hosted vegan food and wine events in Toronto as part of the duo A Vine Romance, appearing on Breakfast Television, as guest wine experts on 640AM and Rogers Daytime, and writing articles for Prince Edward County’s Grapevine Magazine, Restaurants Canada and NatalieMaclean.com. She also created and co-hosted the tv show, THE DRINK, for Bell FIBE TV1. She is currently a contributor for Vineroutes.com on all things vegan food & wine. Priya has shared the joys of vegan food and wine at festivals such as Plant-Based Expo in NYC, Montreal Vegan Festival and the Puerto Rico Vegan Festival. She has hosted dinners at private clubs and golf clubs, and has been MC for vegan events around the city. These days Priya is mom to one rescue dog and step-mom to another. She is passionate about enjoying a fabulous, sustainable life.

“It’s an honour, each day, to align my values and my actions for the animals, the planet and our improved health. Once we know better, we need to do better!” Adrienne George has been an ethical vegan 6 years ago and has never looked back! Currently Global Marketing Director with Animal Save Movement and the Plant Based Treaty campaign, Adrienne is also Co-Organizer for Toronto Pig Save, Lead Safety Marshal for Toronto Pig Save and Cow Save, Regional Liaison for ASM chapters in North America and a Board Member and Organizer for Burlington Vegfest. With a college diploma in Marketing and Promotions, as well as a degree in History from Brock University, Adrienne branched out into a 20-year Marketing & Special Events career with companies such as Warner Music Canada and Tim Hortons. Adrienne also volunteers, on a weekly basis, at her “happy place” – The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary, in Wainfleet, Ontario, where she gladly helps to clean the barn, pamper the animals and hug sheep.

Julie became a vegan in 2001 after reading philosopher Peter Singer’s “Animal Liberation.” She has her PhD in Clinical Psychology and is equally passionate about helping people and animals. She moved to Toronto in early 2025 and prior to that was a volunteer for animal causes in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Massachusetts. Julie attended her first VegTO Fest this September and was inspired to get more involved in VegTO. She loves to try Toronto’s best vegan restaurants with her husband, as well as dine at new vegan spots when traveling abroad. Julie looks forward to collaborating with other Board members to work toward positive change for animals, people, and the natural world.