Our Chapter Leaders
Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit organization, sponsor the chapter network empowering individuals everywhere to start independent local groups (Chapters) promoting the benefits of a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle.
Our community covers southeastern Massachusetts, but we have members from many distant communities within the United States.
Joan Marie Gagnon
Chapter Leader
A retired CPA/CFP, Joan has a passion for journaling and has written two books, Journal Your Way to Retirement and Journal Your Way to a Peaceful World. In 2020 she became passionate about a whole food, plant-based lifestyle and co-founded the Chapter with Debra and Shikha . In 2023 she was certified as a Plant-Based Coach through Food Revolution Network. She received her certificate from eCornell in Plant Based Nutrition in 2020. She recently received her Grassroots Plant-based Ambassador Certificate.
Dr. Shikha Singhal Merchia
Chapter Leader
Double Board certified in Internal Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine 🌱
Mom, cook, and whole food plant based enthusiast, and recipe developer. She has received her certificate from eCornell in Plant Based Nutrition.
Debra Diamond
Chapter Leader
Debra has received certificates on Diet & Lifestyle Intervention from the Wellness Forum Institute​​ For Health Studies, and Plant-Based Nutrition ​​ from eCornell. Debra is currently studying to become a Nutrition Educator. ​
Dr. Janet Limke
Chapter Leader
Janet Limke, MD, is a board-certified spine physiatrist and a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. As a member of Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS), she serves on the MMS Committee on Occupational and Environmental Health and the Committee on Exercise and Nutrition.
Dr. Limke became plant-based in early 2022, has a renewed interest in cooking from scratch, and loves to share how it improved her mood and energy level. She loves to observe how diet transforms her patients' health and performance.
Kevin Mulligan
Chapter Leader
Kevin lives in Norton, Massachusetts, and is a retired biomedical engineering executive. He enjoys woodworking, music, and outdoor activities throughout the year. A dedicated volunteer, Kevin is active in his church and a local community meal program. A lifelong learner, he continues to study new languages and embraces opportunities to grow. He’s also an animal lover—especially devoted to his dog, Tucker.
Kevin’s journey with a whole-food, plant-based diet began five years ago, driven by a commitment to his health and a desire to maintain an active lifestyle throughout retirement.
Gloria Goldwyn-Liff
Chapter Leader
Gloria is a retired dedicated mental health professional with over 45 years experience in outpatient and community social services.
A skilled facilitator and clinician, she has led treatment-planning, risk assessment, and individual/group interventions for clients facing anxiety, depression, bereavement, and trauma. She holds an MSW from Adelphi University and a BA from Queens College.
Gloria's interest in nutrition had a lot to do with a diagnosis of severe asthma in her late teens and witnessing her parents' rapidly failing health.
During the last 10 years of her practice, she concentrated on nutritional psychiatry and food as medicine for other ills.
With a strong commitment to wellness and compassionate support, Gloria brings exceptional leadership and relational insight to the Veg Your Way community.