Our POD Leaders
PlantPure Communities (PPC), a nonprofit organization, formed the Pod Network to empower individuals everywhere to start independent local groups (Pods) promoting the benefits of a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle.
Our POD covers southeastern Massachusetts, but in reality we have members from many distance communities within the United States.
Joan Marie Gagnon
POD 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 a POD 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
POD 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
POD 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.