CAPS Ontario - Board of Directors
Jennifer Wood
President
Jennifer Wood transitioned from a successful 20+ year career in the legal field to the world of wine in 2017, driven by her passion for a subject far more enjoyable to discuss! As a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and a current WSET Diploma student, Jennifer has quickly made her mark in the industry.In 2021, she co-founded Corkscrew Imports, a boutique wine importing business where she delights in discovering and introducing unique wines to the market.
Now in her second year on the board of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Jennifer is committed to giving back to the community that has enriched her career. Recently appointed as Interim President, she is dedicated to furthering the organization’s mission and fostering its development.
Antoinette (Toni) Davies
Vice President
Toni started her working career in the hospitality industry, then took a little detour and earned a PHD in Geology. She spent 15 years in the mining industry, had a mid-life crisis and a career change and is now a Certified Sommelier.
In addition to her position as a Sommelier at Grape Witches Natural Wine Agency, she teach a variety of courses in the beverage industry, but primarily wine & spirits at George Brown College. Toni has also been a judge for the Canadian Wine Awards as well as worked for Wine Australia, Wines of Oregon & Washington, Wines of Chile and the Italian Wine Consortium for Chianti and Brunello vintage releases. She is currently a Diploma Student (WSET), my 10 year plan is to be a MW.
Divya Steinwall
Treasurer
After a successful 24-year career in the Financial Services industry, Divya is now pursuing her true passion – wine!
After completing her WSET Level 3 and French Wine Scholar and Master of Champagne certifications with the Wine Scholar Guild, Divya launched her own small business, La Barrique Wine Consulting. Her goal is to educate and broaden the palates of her clients with new and interesting wine discoveries. In addition, Divya is an active member of the community and sits on several non-profit boards.
Bruce Wallner
Education Director
Bruce Wallner is a Master Sommelier and owner of Sommelier Factory, a wine education provider, and Grand Cru Deli in Toronto.
Heather McDougall
Hospitality Director
Heather McDougall is a certified sommelier (International Sommelier Guild and WSET) who has spent the last decade honing her skills in both retail and restaurant settings. She completed her certifications in 2008 in Calgary and worked as a wine director (Rush, Model Milk and Vintage Chophouse) and as a buyer / sommelier in top boutique wine stores, including BIN 905 and Metrovino.
Teaching and tasting have always been a large component in all of Heather's roles and continues to be since moving to Toronto. She has held the position of wine director at Splendido and The Chase and has been the general manager and head sommelier at Montecito Restaurant and By The Glass Wine Bar. In addition to her work in hospitality, she is actively involved in the mentoring and training of junior sommeliers.
Heather McDougall
Technical Director
Christian Perreault Hamel, Wine Director and Head Sommelier at Harbour Sixty in Toronto, Co-founder of Pelican Wines Imports. Working in the wine and restaurant industry since 2008, he has held positions in Montreal, Paris, Massachusetts and Toronto and has worked in a variety of positions, from Food and Beverage controller, F&B Director, Head Sommelier and operate a Wine import and distribution company.
Beibei Hou
Membership Director
Beibei Hou is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. As a Certified Sommelier by both the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), Beibei has honed her expertise in wine and beverage service.
Her journey in the hospitality world began humbly as a food runner when she arrived in Canada in 2012. Since then, Beibei has cultivated a passion for wine, acquiring extensive knowledge and skills to provide exceptional dining experiences. With her warm hospitality and deep understanding of the intricacies of wine, Beibei is dedicated to elevating every moment for her guests.
Sri (Srinivasa Reddy Velagala)
Sponsorship Director
Hi my name is Srinivasa Reddy Velagala but i go by Sri. I was born and brought up in India. Before I moved to Canada, I attended hospitality college in India and worked for 5 years in various star hotels across the country. I moved here as an International student and attended George Brown college. At George Brown I finished Food and Beverage Management. I found interest in wine while studying WSET-1 and 2.
After Covid I took wine education seriously and continued it through the Court of Master Sommeliers- Americas. Last year I earned my Certified Sommelier Pin from CMS. My experience is extensive in the industry, which span about 16 years from Luxury hotels to small businesses and high end restaurants.
The reason I took this position is because I want to share my experience and knowledge with current and upcoming industry professionals.
Ekta Sachdev
Social Media Director
With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, sales, and marketing across global markets, Ekta brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Social Media Director at CAPS Ontario. Her deep-rooted passion for wine is supported by certifications from WSET, George Brown College, and Brock University. Ekta is also committed to continuous learning and is currently pursuing the Professional Cheesemonger program, which she expects to complete by summer 2025.
Ekta’s Instagram presence, @awesommom_ekta, connects with a growing community of wine and cheese enthusiasts, sharing insights and pairing tips that resonate with her audience. In addition to her work with CAPS Ontario, Ekta is the founder of Wine Courtier, where she curates wine-tasting events and offers expert guidance in wine procurement and cellar development.
Professionally, Ekta has led hospitality, sales, and marketing initiatives for renowned organizations such as Intercontinental Hotels Group, Marriott, Singapore Airlines, and Oberoi Hotels. Her international experience spans Singapore, Dubai, and India, and after over 20 years in Canada, she continues to work with leading brands.
At CAPS Ontario, Ekta aims to combine her expertise in Social Media and digital strategy with her passion for wine, driving engagement and digital growth to strengthen connections within the wine community and beyond.
Susan Willensen
Communications Director
As founder and president of The Siren Group Inc. (www.thesirengroup.com) - a boutique, public relations agency and collective of consultants specializing in the consumer marketing and lifestyle sectors - Susan designs, manages and implements innovative, compelling and successful marketing communications and PR programs for her wide range of clients.
Susan’s passions are food and wine, music, hospitality, entertainment, travel, and continuing education. She graduated from Toronto’s Havergal College followed by post-secondary studies at the Canadian Junior College in Carriacou, BWI, and Lausanne, Switzerland; then at U of T, and Toronto Metropolitan University, where she earned diplomas in business, marketing, and PR. She attended the Cordon Bleu, followed by WSET studies in London, UK. She has front-of-house experience in Toronto’s hospitality industry, has completed WSET Level II in wine with distinction, Fine Vintage Ltd.’s French Wines Professional Diploma program, and has completed her WSET Level III. SmartServe certified, Susan is always ready to pour.
Max Irwin
Web & Technology Director
Max is a managment consultant specializing in digital and operational transformation and strategy. He has guided large-scale initiatives across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, helping organizations modernize their digital infrastructure through strategic planning, systems implementation, and change management. With a background in organizational behaviour and psychology, he blends technical expertise with a people-centered approach, ensuring solutions deliver meaningful adoption and lasting value.
Alongside his consulting work, Max is deeply engaged in the world of wine. He has completed WSET Levels 1–3 in Wines and is currently pursuing the WSET Diploma at George Brown. His studies have deepened his appreciation for viticulture, winemaking, and global wine regions while staying loyal to the incredible terroir-driven wines of Ontario.
Connor Gallagher
Ottawa Region Liaison
Connor Gallagher is the founder and lead educator of Cepages Wine School. Based in the Ottawa and Gatineau area, he works as a wine and hospitality consultant, curating wine lists, training restaurant teams, and hosting experiential events for the public.
Previously, Connor honed his skills as a Sommelier in British Columbia and Montreal, gaining extensive experience and expanding his knowledge of both local and international wines.
A dedicated professional, Connor passed the Advanced Court of Master Sommelier exam on his first attempt in 2018. He is currently a Master Sommelier candidate and is passionate about education, connecting with people, and helping his community enjoy life.