Education Committee
The Education Committee works to provide environmental public health professionals with educational opportunities. We offer monthly education sessions for members to grow, learn and connect. We also work with our branches to elevate local educational offerings. In addition, CIPHI Education works with branches to facilitate the CIPHI National Annual Education Conference.
Kari Engele-Carter, CPHI(C)
National Director - Education
education@ciphi.caKari attended Concordia University College of Alberta’s After-Degree Program in Environmental Health and obtained her CPHI(C) certification in 2003 and completed a Master of Business Administration in 2023. Kari has been employed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority in various roles from front-line public health inspector, senior public health inspector to Clinical Integration Manager since 2003. .
Kari has been an active CIPHI member since 2002. She has been a member of Board of Directors (formerly National Executive Council) since 2013, formerly as Saskatchewan Branch President and as National President and currently serves as a National Director with the education portfolio. Kari was Co-Chair of the CIPHI National Annual Education Conference in Saskatoon, SK (2018), Halifax, NS (2019), Saint John, NB (2023), Regina, SK (2024) and Kelowna, BC (2025) and is currently the Co-Chair of the upcoming conference in St. John's, NL (2026). Kari served as Co-Chair for the inauguration of the National Education Committee in 2020 and continues to serve in this role, supporting CIPHI’s ongoing educational sessions.
Kari lives in small town Saskatchewan with her husband, daughter and spoiled dog. She enjoys enthusiastically supporting her daughter’s weekend volleyball endeavors, camping & traveling, reading, spending time with family and volunteering in her community and with CIPHI.
Peter Heywood, CPHI(C)
Committee Member
pres-elect@ciphi.on.caPeter Heywood is a senior leader at Southwestern Public Health, where he spearheads a diverse team of passionate public health professionals dedicated to shaping healthier communities. With a focus on advancing healthy public policy through innovative, community-driven solutions, Peter inspires collaboration and positive change at every turn.
As the co-chair of the Oxford Mental Health and Addictions Action Coalition, he is on the front lines of transforming policy into actionable grassroots initiatives, making a real impact on mental health and wellness in the community.
With an MPA from Western University, Peter brings a wealth of expertise in performance management and human capital investment, advancing his team's mission.
A devoted member of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors for over 25 years, Peter has contributed extensively, holding various roles including Secretary-Treasurer and President, and is currently the President-elect of the Ontario Branch. He participated in the design and implementation of the Continuing Professional Competencies Program and advanced ongoing EPHP education through Continuing Education Series at the Ontario Branch.
In his downtime, Peter embraces adventure – whether he’s mountain biking, playing squash, or enjoying time with his family. He believes in stepping outside his comfort zone, which is why he’s taken up swimming lessons in recent years; proving that learning new things can be a thrilling challenge at any stage of life!
Amanda Hepp, CPHI(C)
Committee Member
Amanda.hepp@albertahealthservices.caAmanda Hepp is a Public Health Inspector with Alberta Health Services and a member of the CIPHI National Education Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Environmental Health from Concordia University of Edmonton, and a Master of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Lethbridge. Her master’s thesis focused on tobacco and vaping reduction policy and its impact on youth health behaviours. In addition to her practice work, Amanda is a sessional instructor at the University of Lethbridge, where she supports the next generation of public health professionals. She is passionate about advancing environmental public health education and professional development through CIPHI. Her broader interests include health equity, climate resilience, sustainability, and building healthy, thriving communities through thoughtful policy and design.
Vanessa Nickelo, CPHI(C)
Committee Member
social.media@ciphi.caBorn and raised in Cape Breton, Vanessa moved west to complete the Environmental Health After Degree program at Concordia University College of Alberta, graduating in 2010. She began her career that same year as a Public Health Inspector with New Brunswick Department of Health before returning to Nova Scotia to work as a Public Health Officer.
Over the years, Vanessa has held several roles with a focus on Public Health Emergency Preparedness. She has also started her Masters of Disaster and Emergency Management. As part of a military family, she returned to New Brunswick following a posting and now works as a Senior Program Advisor. Vanessa has been an active member of CIPHI: she has mentored students, served as a BoC examiner, acted as the CIPHI NS/PEI Branch President, and currently serves as the CIPHI National Social Media Manager.