Mel Karpenko

Mel Karpenko is the Interim Program Outreach Coordinator with Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO) at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Ontario Division. With a lifelong background in agriculture and experience as a Registered Nurse, Mel brings a practical and compassionate perspective to supporting mental health and wellness in Ontario’s agricultural community. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of the realities of agricultural life.

Outside of her role with AgWO, Mel loves watching sunsets, cuddling her dogs and spending time with friends. She runs a commercial dairy goat farm and pasture-raised meat business in Dufferin County with her fiancé, Josh, and their dogs, Casey and Betty.

“I am passionate about working in healthcare in agriculture because my friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues all matter to me and so does their health. Farming is a hard job, both physically and mentally, and it is imperative that we look after ourselves and one another.”