Tracy Minnema

About A RIVER OF YARN

We are a local studio and boutique specializing in luxury, yet affordable hand knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories. We offer classes in beginner to advanced levels and welcome all those who are interested in sharing the craft. Classes are led by Tracy, fibre arts professional and owner of A River of Yarn.

We are always on the lookout for the best deals for our customers, as we believe that you should not have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful piece with quality yarns and tools. Our variety of yarns includes unique fibres such as alpaca, llama, angora, silk, flax, hemp, paper and recycled fibres.

Our boutique is also located on one of Canada's’ National Historic Sites, the Trent Severn Waterway.  We’re sure that you’ll find something that will spark your creativity and let your dreams set sail.

OWNER, TRACY MINNEMA

Check out Tracy's YouTube debut here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LweGY7S00SE

Tracy Minnema, Ontario College of Teachers - Retired

Sheena Howard

Sheena Howard, BScN, MA, RN, Psychotherapist is an award-winning nursing business expert and founder of Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy - Canada's only full-service mental health clinic exclusively owned and staffed by nurses.

At Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy we help heal the unspoken stories of people's lives, freeing them to author a life of peace, purpose, and deeper connection. We offer compassionate, inclusive therapy and medical expertise, blending the heart of nursing with the art of psychotherapy to restore, strengthen, and connect individuals, couples, and families. Unlike traditional therapists, we specialize in the mind-body intersection, offering integrated care that nurtures emotional and physical health across the lifespan.

Traditional nursing education does not include classes on business and entrepreneurship despite the desire of many nurses to bring their care and expertise to patients through their own ventures. With few nurse entrepreneurs to turn to, Sheena felt lost and isolated when trying to launch her first business.  To ensure other nurse entrepreneurs didn't have to wait to launch their own business, Sheena launched BizNurse Savvy. Unlike other business and entrepreneurship programs, BizNurse Savvy was created by a nurse for nurses, offering guidance that celebrates their unique strengths and position in the business world.  BizNurse Savvy equips nurses to transition from traditional jobs to owning profitable, fulfilling businesses through strategic guidance, education, and a supportive community. BizNurse Savvy empowers nurses to create businesses that let them do the work they love - on their own terms.  

Mandy Post

Jade Calver

Myrlene Sundberg

Lea-Ann Cripps

Hi, I’m Lea-Ann Cripps, a Salesperson with the Tyler Chin Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Electric Realty.

Cindy Koshowski

Cindy is a life-long resident of Peterborough and has provided business management support to a variety of businesses for over 20 years. She specializes in business management, customer service, marketing and personnel management. Cindy and her husband Tony have been married for 20 years and together they have spent many of those years enjoying time with their families, volunteering with local youth sports teams, cycling, gardening, cooking and entertaining.  

Janet McLeod

East City Flower Shop in beautiful downtown East City . Working with beautiful flowers and great people is very rewarding and, of course, fun! Janet has served on the FTD District 12F board, Flowers Canada board as well as the WBN board. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and her community at large. 
East City Flower Shop is a full service flower shop, carrying a wide variety of fresh flowers, great plants and beautiful vases. If you would like to reward a valued employee, or thank a great customer, a gift of fresh flowers carries no long term binding obligation. When you want to send a special something, think of East City Flower Shop...for moments when you care.

Emma Newman

Emma Newman Consulting removes the overwhelm for organizations, businesses, and individuals who need to prepare proposals, grant applications, or award submissions.

When individuals or organizations need to shine to secure business, funding or an award - and just don't have the time, capability, or capacity to prepare their own responses - that's where I come in.

I bring calm structure to what can be an overwhelming, time-limited process. I translate dense requirements into focused, clear content that communicates value.

With two decades' experience in award-winning persuasive writing, my sweet spot sits at the intersection of strategy, structure and storytelling. I understand what evaluators are asking and design smart responses with clarity and intent. 

Carol Culp

Jake Walling

Tiffany Arcari

Cora Whittington

Theresa Thibadeau

With over 20 years of experience in customer service, Theresa has built a career on delivering exceptional experiences for every client. For more than 13 years, she has been an integral part of Grady's Feet Essentials, where she ensures each customer feels valued and supported from the moment they walk through the door.

Her commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment is at the heart of her work, making every interaction personal and positive. Born and raised in the Peterborough area, Theresa is passionate about supporting local businesses and encourages others to love local, shop local whenever possible.

Angella Windrem

Angella Windrem is the co-owner and operator of Green Street. She and her husband, Verne, started the business back in 2008 when electric bikes were still in their pilot program in Ontario. It felt like a big risk at the time, but getting into this trade at such an early stage means they are some of the most experienced retailers and service providers in the province. 

Located in downtown Peterborough, their main focus has always been green transportation, namely e-bikes. Fostering walkable, bikeable communities is a key reason why she and her partner choose to have their business in the downtown core, and also live above their shop. They are proud to source from quality, reputable suppliers and can service any model or make of electric bicycle or scooter. 

Angella, herself, has been an entrepreneur since the very beginning of her career. Her formal education at Sheridan College is as an aesthetician and she began her own business in that field in her early 20’s. She is also trained in aromatherapy and as a yoga teacher. She is constantly working to bring what she’s learned in the wellness field into the electric bike business.

For Angella, the connection between self-care, and environmentalism has always run deep. Green Street, in its very early stages, began as a means to bridge this connection. The environmental path is paved with mindful decisions, from where you live to where you shop, to how you take care of your body. Angella believes this path also includes how you choose to transport yourself from one place to another.

Lisa Bevan

Lisa Bevan | Certified Nutritionist & Wellness Coach + Pilates Instructor

I help women of all ages improve their health through structured, realistic nutrition and lifestyle habits, designed for real life. Backed by decades of leadership experience, lived resilience, and evidenced-based nutrition, my approach prioritizes sustainable habits that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 

My mission is to empower women to lead their best lives and to show them how small adjustments done consistently can create change, help them to meet their goals and ultimately, have a positive impact on their long-term health. Through personalized nutrition guidance and compassionate support, I help my clients look and feel their best from the inside out! 

You can also book me for corporate wellness days, presentations, and workshops. Please don't hesitate to reach out or to visit my website for more information! 

Ashley McNamara

Jess Clancy

Betty Halman-Plumley CFP, EPC, RRC, CKA

Specializing in Wisdom, Wealth & Legacy Planning for multi-generations!

Your family is at the heart of everything you do — why you’ve worked hard, sought financial advice and accumulated wealth. When you think of the future, you’re thinking of your children and grandchildren. You want them to benefit from the same financial wisdom you’ve come to count on.

It’s for those reasons that my expertise can help you achieve financial success. I take a holistic approach to wealth management and estate planning, working closely with families to develop tailored solutions that they can trust with no regrets. I focus on preserving the assets you’ve spent a lifetime building to benefit future generations, without the headache of large tax bills, disputes and unpleasant handovers.

I’ve been a dedicated financial advisor with Investors Group for 14 years, and Division Director (branch manager) since 2016 for the IG Wealth Management downtown Peterborough office. Specializing in intergenerational legacy planning and estate and retirement planning, I provide my clients with the right financial planning tools they need to make plans to secure the future for their families.

As a first generation Dutch-Canadian and the eldest of four children, I understand and appreciate how hard people work for their money. That’s why I work closely with clients to develop customized solutions that they can depend on. My integrity, diligence, knowledge and enthusiasm are some of the reasons they feel in safe hands when working with me.

Involving all generations – grandparents, children and grandchildren – in the family’s financial preservation has been at the core of my career at Investors Group.  Whether a member of the family is 85, 55 or 25 years of age, everyone has a valuable role.  My expertise with intergenerational planning ensures your hard-earned wealth is preserved while being tax efficient and preserving estate tax.

My approach works with families to address and mitigate concerns, and to guide the next stage of a family’s intergenerational estate plan. To start, all generations go through a customized intergenerational process where I’ll help guide you on how to begin the conversation to share your story, transfer your knowledge, and educate your children and grandchildren on the strategies you’ve used so successfully to build the family’s wealth.

I’m a tireless ambassador for my community and families. For decades, I worked with the Peterborough Family Resource Centre/Ontario Learning Years Centre in various capacities, including  Executive Director. It was there that I learned to best support children, you had to support whole families and make important connections to community.

I also enjoy giving back as a volunteer for various organizations, including Rotary Club of Peterborough (board member), Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (past President and member), St. Anne’s Church (finance committee), and Bible Study Fellowship.

My husband Ken and I have raised three grown children in Peterborough and I am a proud grandmother (Oma) to one granddaughter. I have a heart for God and see my work with families as an extension of my faith.

Sherry Hill

Adeilah Dahlke

Whether you need help with decluttering, downsizing, organizing or prioritizing before a move, I can help!

I am a Trained Professional Organizer and a silver leaf member of Professional Organizers in Canada. I started my business in 2015, and I have a strong focus on minimalism and sustainability. I try to divert as much as possible from the landfill and use what my clients already have to help keep them organized. 

I love making connections with people and look forward to hearing your story!

Jodi Forestell

Jodi is a Holistic Nutritionist and a member of the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. She is a graduate of Alive Academy of Natural Health in British Columbia where she achieved certification as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN).

She is a Metabolic Balance Coach in Canada, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and fully certified with Canfitpro as a Healthy Weight Loss Coach, Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.

In 2021 she launched Jodi-Lee Nutrition & Wellness and her signature 12-week program The Nourish & Thrive Formula. As a Holistic Nutritionist, she approaches health and healing from a whole-person perspective. Focus is on preventative health using natural foods and products and looking 'upstream' to determine the root cause of an individuals symptoms.

Without judgment, she meets clients where they are at on their health & wellness journey and strives to help people understand that healthy living and nutrition doesn't have to be complicated and overwhelming. 

"Feeling healthy, energetic and like yourself again is possible and you are so worthy!" 

Jordan Lyall

I'm an award winning documentary photographer on a mission to change how we think about being photographed. My love for capturing real people living their real moments lead me to create Real Life photo sessions. I work with families and businesses to let go of the things people find stressful about photos (no more posing!) and instead allow the story to shine. I believe that everyone is worthy of being photographed as they are without styling or artifice, and work hard to ensure that everyone in front of my camera feels comfortable and safe enough to be who they really are.

I came to Peterborough to attend Trent University in 1999 and liked it so much I decided to call it home. Not a life long resident, but pretty close! I love raising my two kiddos in this area and am always happy to make new connections.

Kathleen McCartie

I help high-functioning leaders stop running on override.

Most of the people I work with already know the tools.

They’re responsible, capable, and often relied on by others.

They’ve done the mindset work, read the books, and built successful lives.

And yet, they still find themselves:
• overworking
• overthinking
• walking on eggshells
• questioning themselves more than they’d like

They know better. And something deeper has been running the system.

Here's what I've come to understand after years of working at this level and living it myself: we are not one-dimensional beings. We are mental, emotional, spiritual, creative, and physical. All of it. And when any one of those is out of alignment, the others compensate. We manage. We cope. We perform.

What I do is work at the intersection of all of it. The science and the energy of it. The nervous system and the soul of it.

Because solutions that live in a silo produce results that stay in a silo.

I spent years building skills in every area. Something kept overriding all of it. It wasn't until I started working at the intersection and integrating across all layers that my life actually shifted.

You can say all the mantras in the world. If, at the core, deep in your soul, you don't believe them, they won't work. That's where this work goes.

This is where Guardianship of Self begins. Learning how to lead your whole system, so you're the one running it.

I work at the intersection of all dimensions of the human system (integrated neurosomatic wellness and guardianship framework), which is why transformation happens quickly and sustainably at the level it was created, not just by managing the problem on the surface.

I help people:
• lead with clarity
• make decisions more easily
• reconnect with themselves
• operate without constant internal friction

It’s about learning how to lead yourself in a way most people were never taught.

So you can create a life that actually feels aligned and sustainable.

If you're the one others rely on, and you're ready for the layer underneath everything you've already tried, reach out

Jeannine Taylor

Jeannine Taylor, publisher of kawarthaNOW.com, has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, media and communications, with the last 22 years since 1995 specializing in internet marketing and web development.  She launched the area’s first community information website (Quid Novis) in 1996, which she rebranded as kawarthaNOW in 2006. kawarthaNOW.com has continued to expand, now reaching a daily readership of over 70,000 unique readers across five counties with more than 75,000 followers on social media and enews. kawarthanow.com's high traffic and quality content draw dedicated readers - which provides our advertisers with a high level of success in their ads.

Jeannine's awards include Peterborough’s Business Woman of the Year in 2005, A Pathway of Fame induction in 2023 and Business Hall of Fame induction in 2024, the 2025 Chamber of Commerce Luninary Award, a Premier's Award nominee in 2003, and a City of Peterborough Civic Award for chairing the development of Millennium Park. Her company kawarthaNOW.com has received many local distinctions including multiple Chamber of Commerce  Excellence Awards. 

About kawarthaNOW.com - Our "WHY" 

http://www.kawarthnow.com

Jennifer Sprague

MettaMorphosis Neurotherapy Centre
provides neurofeedback, counselling and family mediation services to individuals, couples, families and groups. Our services are professional and confidential and our mission is to help you become the best that you can be.
Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge technology for increasing your mental, emotional and physical health. After a few NeurOptimal neurofeedback sessions, our clients report feeling more focused, calm and centered.  They work faster, more efficiently and experience a significant reduction in physical complaints. They’re less bothered by doubts and insecurities and are more apt to experience confidence and satisfaction.
Our couple's counselling process is a fun, dynamic way to change your relationship from adversarial or lacking in emotional connection to a richer, more satisfying partnership. We help you learn how the difficulties in your relationships can be the source of creative change, of greater control over your life and your behaviour. In individual counselling sessions we assist you in finding your passion and creating more joy in your life. Helping our clients realize their potential gives me great satisfaction, and motivates me to continually learn and grow mySelf.

Jessica Erickson

Jessica Erickson is a driven Sales Manager at MicroAge with over 15 years of successful technical sales experience in Business IT solutions. Jessica is always on a continuous learning journey to foster her skills and support her community connections. Her strong technical background is critical in assisting clients with the many options out there to support and protect their business.  Focusing on empathizing with individual and business IT needs, she works collaboratively with clients and partners to build solutions and recommendations that are unique and accessible.  Along with working one on one with businesses, Jessica partners with many groups & associations for awareness & educational speaking engagements, focusing on making tech talk easy to understand. 

Aggie Lussier-Dow

Agnes Lussier-Dow, Nurse Practitioner and founder of NP Optimal Health & Wellness 

With over 31 years of experience in nursing and 16 years as a Nurse Practitioner, Agnes (Aggie) Lussier brings extensive experience in Emergency and Occupational Health, employing a compassionate and evidence-based approach to optimizing health and vitality.  As the founder of NP Optimal Health & Wellness, she specializes in Functional Medicine, Advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), and Regenerative Medicine, helping both men and women regain their energy, balance, and confidence.

Agnes works with clients experiencing hormone-related symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, sleep disturbances, mood changes, weight changes, low libido, and metabolic decline, and many other symptoms common in perimenopause, menopause, thyroid disorders, and low testosterone.   Her functional medicine approach focuses on identifying the root causes of imbalance and designing personalized treatment plans that restore optimal function rather than just masking symptoms.

In addition to hormone optimization, NP Optimal Health offers Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Fibrin (PRF) regenerative therapies. PRF is the only system of its kind in Peterborough.  These natural, cutting-edge treatments support joint health, facial rejuvenation, vaginal health rejuvenation, and hair restoration by stimulating the body's own growth factors in the healing process. 

Aggie believes in natural, individual results that bring harmony to both inner and outer well-being.  Her goal is simple yet powerful: to help every client feel the best version of themselves, vibrant, confident, and thriving at every stage of life.

Samantha Crowley

Brenda Whitehead

We are recognized as the leading organization providing business advocacy, networking and education for our members and the community at large. We act as a catalyst to enhance business growth and opportunity, innovation, partnerships, and a diverse Business Community.

Tiffany Alton

Kathleen Hickey

Winnie Norman

Serving all of Peterborough and the Kawarthas with their Real Estate needs!

I have been affiliated with the RE/MAX organization for over 40 years and cannot imagine working at any other business or profession. As a licensed Broker, I currently manage the RE/MAX offices in Bridgenorth, Lakefield & Buckhorn, as well as helping buyers & sellers throughout Peterborough County and the surrounding area.

I live on Buckhorn Lake (Ennismore) and thoroughly enjoy all the benefits and amenities that the Peterborough area has to offer. Pastimes include gardening, reading, travel, curling, following the Toronto Blue Jays and the WBN events of course.

I welcome any real estate inquiries you, your friends or relatives might have and invite you to visit my website at www.winnienorman.com

Maureen Tavener

I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER SINCE 1978/1979. THERE WERE NOT MANY WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND BEING A REAL ESTATE AGENT WAS MORE OF A MAN'S PROFESSION.  THE NEWS OF THIS WOMEN'S GROUP WAS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR TO SHARE BUSINESS IDEAS.  I'VE OWNED AND OPERATED 5 BUSINESSES AND HAVE ENJOYED EVERYONE OF THEM. MY MOTTO IS  "LIFE IS THERE FOR THE TAKING"  CHEERS!

Sandi Shortt

Mehwish Mouzzam

Lorraine Heath

Senior Helpers of Peterborough is a locally owned and operated senior home care agency dedicated to helping older adults live safely, independently, and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

We provide personalized, compassionate care tailored to each client's unique needs, whether they require a few hours of companionship each week or more comprehensive daily support. Our services include personal care, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, respite care for family caregivers, Alzheimer's and dementia care, Parkinson's care, and transitional support following a hospital stay.

At Senior Helpers of Peterborough, we believe exceptional care begins with meaningful relationships. We take the time to understand each client's goals, routines, and preferences so we can create a care plan that enhances quality of life while providing peace of mind for families. Our caregivers are carefully selected, trained, and committed to delivering care with compassion, respect, and professionalism.

As an active member of the Peterborough community, we are proud to support seniors and their families by providing trusted private-pay home care that allows people to remain where they feel happiest—at home.

Tonya Kraan

Building stronger communities through strategic development, and impactful partnerships. I specialize in designing and implementing community engagement strategies that drive measurable outcomes and long-term impact. I work primarily in Eastern Ontario for rural municipalities. Other customers include local charities, small businesses and national telecommincations providers.

CEO | SHCG Inc.

Founder | Cairn Paper

Director | Workforce Development Board.

Secretary | Peterborough and Area Fundraisers Network (PAFN)

Member | Trent University Alumni Advisory Council (TUAAC)

Theresa  Foley

Shannon Gray

Susan Dunkley

Cathy Farley

I am proud to have served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the WBN for the 2021/2023 term!

Swish is a leading distributor of sanitation products, cleaning chemicals and equipment. Our mission is to create better outcomes for clean, safe, healthy and productive work and living spaces. A family owned Canadian company with a Manufacturing facility right here in Peterborough.

I am a Customer Development Manager at Swish servicing the Peterborough, Northumberland and Clarington areas.  This is my 20th year in the industry and I can help you with all your cleaning and janitorial requirements.  Everything from toilet tissue and hand towel, to general purpose and specialty cleaning chemicals, along with the tools and equipment needed to get the job done.  Invite me into your business to perform a complimentary On-site Assessment.  I'll make recommendations to help make your workspace clean, safe, healthy and productive.

As my fun side-gig, I am a Stylist with Fifth Avenue Collection jewellery.  High-end, affordable fashion jewllery that will add a little sparkle to your look.  I invite you to check out my Facebook VIP Group where all the good stuff happens like LIVE weekly shopping, monthly theme nights, special promos and more.  Search on Facebook for Cathy's Sparkle and Shine VIP Group and join us!

I also invite you to check out my new personal website at www.jewelaremyjam.ca and follow my journey.

I look forward to hearing from you and stay sparkly!

Catherine Hanrahan

I am one half of the dynamic real estate sales team of Team vanRahan with Century 21 United Realty Brokerage, along with my work and life partner Ben vanVeen. 

I grew up in Sudbury working alongside my parents and siblings at my family owned and operated bakery. I moved to Peterborough in 2002 to take a job with Corus Entertainment as a part- time broadcaster on The Wolf 101.5 FM. Early in my broadcasting career I also worked for two legendary/historic Peterborough businesses: Canada's oldest independent music store, Moondance Records, and what was at the time Peterborough's oldest family operated restaurant, Hi-Tops. While most people know me in this community for my 15 years of radio and tv work, I’ve also been working as an audio producer at Impact Communications, where my responsibilities grew over the years to include the management and maintenance of hundreds of clients across North America and the writing and production of their radio and telecommunications marketing material.

I take great pride in the volunteer work I’ve done in the community. I’m a past member of the Peterborough Snofest and Downtown Countdown committees. I’ve Emceed numerous charity events and galas for Hospice Peterborough, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Counselling and Resource Centre, and Art School of Peterborough. Currently, I sit on the Board for the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and I'm a member of the Rotary Club of Peterborough. 

When I’m not working I enjoy a very inconsistent workout regime at Good Life Fitness, playing in the Women’s Over 30 Softball league and, of course, my pride and joy, our hobby farm, vanRahan Acres. My business and life partner Ben vanVeen and I care for several dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and a pony on our little slice heaven outside Havelock.

Sarah Joore

Sales & Marketing Project Coordinator for The Gardens of Retirement Residences including Empress Gardens, Princess Gardens, Royal Gardens, and Canterbury Gardens all located in Peterborough, Ontario.

Tori Silvera

Katelin Turcotte

Wilde Beauty is a home-based pedicure studio in Peterborough, owned and operated by Certified Master Pedicurist® Katelin Turcotte. With a focus on preventative foot care and education, Wilde Beauty offers transformative foot treatments in a warm, ultra-hygienic environment. Passionate about health and wellness, I aim to elevate foot care standards in our community by collaborating with other professionals to achieve better health outcomes. My mission is to help clients feel relaxed, balanced, and empowered, both physically and mentally, through exceptional foot care.

Tina Thornton