Board Chair

Echo Keizer is a mixed Inuk transmasculine person raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In their spare time, you can often find them exploring local markets or at the bouldering gym. Their passions range from biology to social advocacy to illustration. They hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, and have their sights set on graduate school for Epidemiology.

Currently sitting on the WAVE committee and Chair for the QTHC Executive Board, Echo finds joy in volunteering and helping to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. With the current lack of queer and trans people in governance, Echo seeks to enact tangible change for the queer community by getting more involved in the local governance sphere so other queer people can see themselves better represented.

Vice Chair

Zenon serves as  Vice Chair of the QTHC board. As a graduate of QTHC's Health Empowerment through Active Leadership program, he has expanded his capacity to contribute to the health of the community while forming meaningful connections with fellow community members.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science and currently works in the medical laboratory field. Passionate about giving back, Zenon also volunteers with WILDNorth, where he finds fulfillment in wildlife rehabilitation and connecting with nature. Outside of work, he enjoys baking, creating videos and working out.

Treasurer

Reid Beneteau is the Board Treasurer for the QTHC. Reid is a CPA with a Bachelor of Commerce with  over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance roles throughout a variety of industries (for profit and not-for-profit entities). They have a broad range of expertise including start-up development and integration, financial planning and analysis, business strategy and growth, and process improvement.

In their spare time, Reid enjoys playing piano and guitar, reading, fostering rescue dogs, working out, board games, and video games.

Secretary

Mathew Thomson is the Secretary of the Board. Currently a clinical research coordinator working in the field of environmental disease surveillance, Mathew previously worked front-line roles at non-profits in Edmonton, served on the board of the QTHC seven years ago, and even worked on 2S/LGBTQIA+ projects at the level of federal government. Mathew has a Masters degree in Public Health from McGill University, where they also were on the board of the Community Health And Social Medicine (CHASM) Incubator, uplifting and supporting community projects.

Amanda Wyatt is a Director on the QTHC Board of Directors. She is a social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary with experience in complex case planning, psychological injuries/illness in the workplace, alternate dispute resolution, and administrative law. 

Amanda has worked with Indigenous communities including the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal and has a deep commitment to and understanding of the importance of reconciliation through addressing systemic barriers to access and participation. She is also a 500 HR CYT specializing in yoga practice that is trauma-informed and accessible (including for clients with severe physical limitations like burns,amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.)

Amanda enjoys being in community — whether it is volunteering at Pilgrim's Hospice or cooking for friends and family — as well as reading, travelling, and spending time outdoors.

Sai Vemula  is a QTHC board.. They are a genderqueer, bisexual, brown immigrant settler currently residing in Amiswaciwâskahikan who originally joined the QTHC Board in 2022 after participating in one of the organization's community leadership programs. 

Sai is  currently a 2nd year medical student at the University of Alberta, and has previously completed programs at the U of A and University of Toronto. In Toronto, they were on the Board of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group. This allowed them to explore and develop a passion for anti-oppression, equity-centered health initiatives and community organization. Sai is always happy to nerd out over the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe, Elder Scrolls, and too many sci-fi loredoms to name.

Dr. JJ Wright is a Director on the QTHC Board of Directors. They are an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at MacEwan University on Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton. 

Before moving to Edmonton to become a professor, Dr. Wright earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto’s prestigious Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and held a post-doctoral research fellowship at McGill University. Their primary area of research is gender-based violence, sexual health and consent education and issues impacting 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities. 

As a community-engaged researcher, Dr. Wright works with regional, provincial and national organizations to advocate for gender justice and to research ways to address gender-based violence that are trauma-informed and community responsive. They bring their commitment to building cultures that are less violent and more caring, just and connected.

Terrence Adams is a Director of the Board for the QTHC. They are an English/Computer Science student at the University of Alberta dedicated to hosting queer/trans/MMIND-focused (Mad, (those perceived as or labelled) Mentally Ill, Neurodivergent, Disabled) arts events on campus. In their spare time, they write, experiment with textile arts and walk their dog.