The TPUF Team
Michelle Delaney – Executive Director, Project Lead
TPUF is under the capable leadership of Michelle, with over a decade of experience running the organization. She holds formal training in Organic Land Care and is certified as a Garden Expert and Sustainable Landscape Designer by Humber College. She holds a Certificate in Fruit Tree Care from Orchard People and is also a certified Pollinator Steward from Pollinator Partnership Canada. Michelle’s extensive knowledge encompasses urban farming, volunteer mobilization, and fostering relationships within her local community. She is a resident of Thorncliffe Park for over 18 years.
Najeeb Siddiqui – Director of Restoration, Project Co-Lead
TPUF is proud to have Najeeb as the Project Co-Lead, bringing over 40 years of gardening experience. He has a master’s degree in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in Botany from the University of Toronto. He is a certified Pollinator Steward by Pollinator Partnership Canada. Najeeb has volunteered with the David Suzuki Foundation as a Butterflyway Project Ranger and is currently the Lead Steward for the Lower Don Trail in Flemingdon Park with the Toronto Nature Stewards. Being knowledgeable about native plants, Najeeb contributes his expertise in pollinator habitat development, invasive species removal, and land restoration through transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant pollinator gardens.
Asma Riaz – Project Assistant
Asma is TPUF’s Project Assistant, supporting our program coordination and community outreach. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in English, she assists with data collection, content and grant writing.
Joanne Laine-Gossin – Children’s Program Coordinator
Joanne is TPUF’s Children’s Program Co-Lead, assisting with the TPUF Montessori Program at the Montessori Education Centre, TPUF’s Kindergarten Outreach Program at Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy (FMELA), and weekly children’s garden sessions throughout the summer.
Kalsoom Shahzad – Green Team Leaders Coordinator
Kalsoom serves as TPUF’s Green Team Leaders Coordinator, supporting youth engagement, social media promotion, and program events.
Board of Directors
Joanne Laine-Gossin
Shannon Scott – (Also Co-Founder of TPUF)
Nuzha Hafleen
Zia Hassan