About the Team

Rayen McLeod (she/her) is a member of Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and is currently a student at the University of British Columbia, completing her Master of Clinical Social Work. Rayen also completed her undergraduate degree at UBCO, majoring in psychology. For the past three years, she has worked at UBCO as a psychology researcher studying therapeutic, recreational, and problematic substance use. Rayen is passionate about conducting respectful research within Indigenous communities, focused on traditional healing practices, and Indigenous ways of knowing. Whitney is also interested in sex therapy and working with LGBTQ2SI+ individuals. She enjoys practicing sustainable living, gardening, and connecting with her culture in her spare time. Why sexuality research? Rayen identifies as two-spirited and has been actively involved in advocacy regarding queer rights for many years. She has also been actively involved in her local queer community, advocating for inclusive sexual health and education. Rayen was also previously a member of the sex positivity club at UBCO. Foundationally Rayen believes that sexual health and well-being are integral to overall wellness and supports a more inclusive framework when considering sex therapy and sexuality. Topics of interest: Rayen is interested in research considering gender and sexual identity, working with LGBTQ2SI+ clients, inclusive sexual education, sexual trauma, sexual interest/arousal and orgasm, intimacy, and non-monogamous sexual relationships.

Justin Paulsen (he/him) is a Psychotherapist, Couples Counsellor and Clinical Sexologist based in Vancouver, BC. Starting in his background of physical healthcare working as a regional manager of healthcare clinics in the lower mainland, he made a transition to mental healthcare taking with him his holistic approach to health. His educational background is based in counselling psychology – as he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology followed by a Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University. Justin now continues his works with individuals and couples to help them address their sex related concerns and reach their goals in the bedroom. Check out www.westlandtherapy.com for more information on his practice. Why Sexuality Research? When growing up in a conservative religious context, Justin was not able to express his sexual identity, causing a deep curiosity in the subject. The importance of this topic became more prevalent as he got older and became aware that many of his peers had experienced sexual confusion, distress, and/or dysfunction at some point in their lives. He aims to bring more awareness to the normalcy of sexual barriers and breakdown any negative stigmas about the subject. Topics of interest: Sex, intimacy and communication, gender and sexual orientation, erectile dysfunction, orgasm disorders, sexual anatomy, and the role of pornography.

Francesca (she/her) is a Registered Nurse, Psychotherapist, and Certified Clinical Sexologist based in Kelowna, BC. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she began her nursing career as an RN. Francesca was immediately drawn to the therapeutic connection created during vulnerable moments, which led her to work as both a prenatal class instructor and labour and delivery nurse for several years. Recognizing a lack of resources addressing the combination of sexual education and mental health support, she became inspired to pursue a Master’s of Counselling Psychology. Francesca’s therapy practice now focuses on reproductive mental health and sex therapy, supporting people through any challenges related to sex, reproduction, and mental wellness. You can find out more about Francesca and her services at www.westlandtherapy.com Why Sexuality Research? While working as an RN, Francesca witnessed the shame that patients associated with their sexuality and the negative impact that it ultimately had on both their physical and emotional health. After seeing the power that emotional support and sexual education had on her patients, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else! As a prenatal instructor and labour and delivery nurse, Francesca became inspired to promote sexual education and sexual health, as well as the mental and emotional components of sexual development, sexual health, infertility, reproduction, pregnancy, perinatal trauma, and postnatal wellbeing. Topics of Interest: emotional components of sexual development, sexual health, infertility, reproduction, postnatal wellbeing, painful intercourse, orgasmic disorders, erectile dysfunction, reproductive mental health, and sexual education.

Sacha (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Sexual Health Educator, and Certified Clinical Sexologist practicing on the unceded, ancestral land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples known as Vancouver. She is passionate about sexual health and wellness, and committed to providing inclusive, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed care and education. Why sexuality research? Sacha recognizes that the role that sexual health plays in our overall health and wellness is significant. She shares that re-discovering her own body and embracing her sexuality has been imperative to her own healing journey. She acknowledges that trauma can take place in a sexual context, and so can healing. She believes that sexual health education is a form of both prevention and empowerment. Topics of interest: Consent, sexual health and wellness, intimacy and connection, 2SLGBTQIA+-related topics, healing sexual trauma, and reproductive justice.