Dan Sharp has been the CEO/Owner of Western Allergy for over 36 years. Western Allergy proudly supports Allergists in Canada with both diagnostic testing materials and bespoke allergy immunotherapy for their patients. Dan spearheaded the very first clinical trial of sublingual immunotherapy in North America over 20 years ago and is passionate about evidence driven emerging allergy treatments. His philanthropic work includes the BC Cancer Foundation, UVIC Alumni, The Victoria Symphony and numerous other groups, now including FAIT. Dan has 2 grown sons and lives in Victoria with his wife Pam and 2 gigantic goofy dogs. He speaks terrible French and Spanish.

Tim Lo practised as a lawyer, patent & trade-mark agent for 20 years before retiring from the partnership of Smart & Biggar to become a stay at home dad to his 2 then pre-teen children.  During his years of study at UBC, Tim was highly involved with the AMS, UBC's student society, including being elected as one of the society's executives.  Tim remained involved with the UBC community after graduation, including stints on the board of the UBC Alumni Association and as a Convocation Senator. During his law practice, Tim held various committee positions with the International Trademark Association, contributed written materials to and taught courses for the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, and was an adjunct professor at both UBC and UVic.  Tim has recently joined the governance committee of the Dr Peter Centre.    

Christian Sharp is an advocate for allergy awareness and innovative diagnostics, with a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry and entrepreneurship. With over six years at Western Allergy, a Canadian allergy pharmaceutical company and as President and Co-Owner of Sleep Hygienics Ltd., he has created niche veterinary medical device bedding. His work in allergy immunotherapy and diagnostics has established him as a trusted professional in healthcare. Holding an MBA and certifications in data analytics, digital marketing, and project management, Christian enhances allergy diagnostics and treatment through his comprehensive expertise.

Katie Walsh is deeply engaged in raising awareness and providing support for food allergy research, inspired by her role as a parent of a FAIT program patient. With firsthand experience in navigating the challenges and benefits of food allergies and food allergy immunotherapy, Katie brings a personal and empathetic perspective to her advocacy work. Drawing from a background in early childhood development and child and youth care, Katie possesses a rich understanding of the needs and experiences of families and children. Her expertise extends to facilitating family support groups and offering parenting support, enabling her to address the diverse contexts and challenges faced by individual families.

Kimberly Waines began her nursing career in Hamilton, Ontario, where she trained as a registered nurse. She then moved to Arizona to further specialize in ICU Nursing at Desert Samaritan Hospital. Upon returning to Canada, Kimberly earned her Asthma Education Diploma from the National Asthma Training Centre in the UK, which led to her role as an asthma and allergy educator at the Asthma Allergy Teaching Unit in Vancouver. In 2000, Kimberly transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on asthma and allergy treatment. She played a pivotal role in launching innovative medications in this field and has since served as a Medical Science Liaison specializing in allergy immunotherapy. Currently, Kimberly is a dedicated Board Member of the Canadian Allergy Asthma Immunotherapy Foundation.

Patti Bacchus is a passionate advocate for improved access to effective allergy treatments, drawing from her own experience with life-threatening food allergies as well as those of her two now-adult children. She is the longest-serving chair of the Vancouver School Board (2008–2014) and continues to contribute to the community through her involvement on various non-profit boards, including the Institute for Public Education (BC), and the Mayne Island Food Bank. She is also a former director on the board of the Broadbent Institute. Patti holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria and a Journalism diploma from Langara College. Recognized for her leadership and impact, she has been named one of BC’s Top 100 Influential Women by The Vancouver Sun and has twice appeared on Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list.

Currently I am the Social and Community Manager with Daiya Foods here in Vancouver.  This role allows me to lead unique food focused community projects and champion causes that support individuals and families in our local community!  Combining a passion for social impact with a marketing background.

I developed and managed Daiya’s Medical Advocacy Programs for North America.  Working to support Food Allergen Support Groups, Medical Professionals and Consumers all across North America.  This allowed me to gain deeper understanding of the critical role that food plays for individuals and families impacted by Food Allergies.   We partnered with a Food Bank in Toronto to create their first “Allergen-Free Pantry” allow those experiencing Food Insecurity to have equitable access to products that needed.  

As someone with Food Allergies in my family I know the complex and unique challenges of navigating the landscape of Food Allergies.  My goal in joining FAIT is to support and contribute any insights that will improve the lives of individuals and families with Food Allergies.