Irene has a B.Sci. (Food Science) from the University of Toronto and qualified as a Registered Professional Dietitian completing an internship at The Toronto Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children and Mount Sinai Hospital. She taught Family Studies and Science for the Haliburton Board of Education and Family Studies, Science and Co-operative Education for the Scarborough Board of Education (part on locale at Wellesley Hospital) and the Toronto District School Board.