Maria, Customer Care Manager

I started as a cashier in 2008 and had the opportunity to experience most of the departments in store before moving to a management role in the Customer Care department at Head Office in 2014. I have been vegetarian since I was 14 and always had an interest in living a more natural lifestyle which to me includes both health and environmental sustainability. Working here allows me to be constantly learning, whether it is the Natural Health Fundamentals course offered through the Alive Academy, or monthly product training sessions, I try to stay on top of emerging trends and various traditional modalities. I have an interest in fitness, and I like to squeeze in exercise where I can, which is usually on my lunch break. I love sharing my knowledge with anyone who will listen, but my favorite part of my job is speaking with and learning from our amazing customers.

Fiona

Beauty and bronze, my passion is helping people become the best version of themselves from the inside out. My experience in competitive bodybuilding has given me the skills and knowledge to create makeup looks for the stage and daily life. I am passionate about helping people finding the right product to enhance their beauty. My experience as a bodybuilding athlete has given me a wealth of knowledge and experience in sports nutrition and supplementation. I love to help athletes and weekend warriors navigate their way through nutrition and supplementation based on their needs.

Marney

I have been with Community for 5 years and have loved every minute! I am a dedicated foodie and as a celiac, I am passionate about helping customers find gluten free products and helping them get back on track after their diagnosis or decision to eliminate gluten from their diet. I know that there is nothing boring about gluten-free and I would love to share my recipes, baking and pastry tips, and any other knowledge I have about living a healthy GF life!

Donna

I always loved trying different skincare products and playing with makeup, but I really had no idea how to apply it properly. After working at CNF, I quickly learned how easy it is to have a makeup routine done in under 10 minutes and to just have fun with it! I believe what goes on your body goes in your body. With CNF’s Verified Clean Beauty Program, you can buy and wear our beauty products with confidence. I also love to cook and experiment with foods and in my spare time I enjoy going to the movies and concerts. I am a Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant from CSNN and a Culinary Nutrition Expert, so whether you have any questions with diet and lifestyle, or are looking for a makeover, I am happy to help!

Melisa

As the matriarch of a family with special dietary needs, I have been a loyal CNF customer since we moved to Calgary in 1998. I am a supervisor in the Customer Engagement department and have been working at CNF since 2017. I have co-hosted How To talks with co-workers on topics like smoothies, vegetarian entrees and camping tips. With a passion for food, cooking and exploring new adventures in life long learning I will be attending CSNN (the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition) starting in August 2019. When I am not helping customers in the downtown location I am spending time with family, working with my community association on food related events or creating art about food/food packaging. I regularly take my own containers for shopping and mugs for beverages while at work. I am looking at improving my habits to create a zero waste home, starting with calculating our daily garbage and recycling. If you would like to join me on a journey to zero waste, look for me at the 10th avenue location for advice. I am also happy to answer any questions and concerns about diet and supplements.

Shirley

In this age of information overload, it is my mission to offer guidance and support without prejudice or judgment, helping to discern what information is beneficial to you and your unique biochemistry. As a graduate of the Holistic Nutrition Program from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, it is my goal to help educate and encourage you to make healthy lifestyle choices. I love supporting local farmers, advocating for clean natural beauty products and protecting the environment through conscious consumerism. My travel and work around the world have afforded me the pleasure of working with a multitude of nationalities and cultural backgrounds from across the globe. As they say in my native South Africa, “Local is Lekker” (local is better). I’m proud to live that philosophy and to support your health journey.

Jami

I have worked at Community Natural Foods for three years. Food is my passion! I don’t eat to live, I live to eat! When breakfast is over, I’m thinking about what I want for lunch. When lunch is over, I’m thinking about what I want for dinner. I love working at Community Natural Foods because I am surrounded by inspiration for my next meal. I love trying out my own baking recipes, raw desserts, any kind of bowl, soups, and I am obsessed with Indian food. I like flipping through cookbooks to get new ideas but I have a terrible time sticking to a recipe because I always think that what I do will taste so much better. I hope to have my own cookbook one day! Another passion of mine is clean beauty. We are all beautiful! I want to help our customers find the right products to look and feel their best, without using harsh ingredients. I worked as a hairstylist for several years so I am knowledgeable in hair color and hair care. I love helping our customers find the right hair color and products for their hair type. As a hairstylist, I’ve played with makeup a lot over the years and since working at Community I have done even more training on makeup applications and on the different makeup lines we carry.

Chelsea

I came to Community in early 2015 from a small hobby farm in rural Kelowna. My time there at a holistic farm and feed shop provided me with learning opportunities ranging from raising chickens to backyard beekeeping. I love to explore the science behind what foods and natural supplements can do for our bodies! For the last four years, Community has provided the perfect haven for me to both expand my knowledge base and empower others to educate themselves. I advocate for transparency and will always take the most honest approach that I can. My goal is to help you find not just what "the best" option is, but what the best option is for you.

Anne

The light bulb turned on for me when I was an elementary school teacher, watching the next generation struggle with increasing health issues. I promised myself, as I raised my three daughters, that I would be passionate in my pursuit of knowledge as we journeyed through life...and three grandchildren...together. Once you have experienced how well you really can feel, and seen it in the faces of your children, you can't go back. So, 40 years into the health industry, and seeing all the advantages that it has given me, it only feels right to share what I've learned with you...my reason for being here.I am very excited to be able to listen to your questions and thoughts regarding all there is to discover along the wellness pathway. Anne has Levels 1 & 2 courses on Bach Flower Essences, and several courses on Aromatherapy, including ones specific to Wound Care and Cold & Flu care.

Martina

I have over 12 years in the health food industry. My great passion is all things alternative healing, including foods, supplements, herbal teas, and other ancient traditional methods. Believing in the deep connection between body, mind, and emotions, I was also always interested in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I attained Certification in Reflexology, first in the Czech Republic, and then through Mount Royal College in Calgary, where I eventually got the opportunity to teach their Reflexology Certificate Extended Program as the Instructor. I look forward to assisting you, whether in English, in Czech or in Slovak!

Chanone Darnel-Kadonaga

Natural Health has always been a passion for me but it wasn't until I started a family of my own that I really wanted to focus on Nutrition and health. I was born and raised a vegetarian, but have tried numerous different healthy diets since, and continuously explore the options that are out there. I have been with Community Natural Foods for 6 years now and in that time I have accomplished schooling for Holistic Nutrition and currently hold a diploma through Alive Academy. I work hard to help educate and empower customers on their health journey, from healthy diets, to lifestyle changes and navigating the supplemental world.