2023-2024 Board of Directors
Ryan Au (he/him)
Board Chair
Ryan Au is the Board Chair for the Queer and Trans Health Collective. Ryan is a Senior Consultant, Specialty Access, Primary Health Care Integration and Innovation division of Alberta Health Services.
His professional background includes being a Manager of a Supervised Consumption Service at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (2020-21), and a Registered Nurse in Cardiac Medicine (2014-20). Ryan holds a Master of Public Health – Health Policy and Management (2020), a Bachelor of Science – Nursing After-Degree (2014), and a Bachelor of Science – Biological Sciences Major and Sociology Minor (2012).
Ryan is interested in improving efficiencies in health care delivery, and improving equity in access through multi-partner collaboration and sponsorship of innovative solutions
Rein Beneteau (they/them)
Treasurer
Reid Beneteau is the Board Treasurer for the Queer and Trans Health Collective. Reid is a CPA 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.
Degrees and professional designations: Bachelor of Commerce; Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
Hobbies and interests: Playing piano and guitar; reading; fostering rescue dogs; working out; board games and video games
Sai Vemula (they/them)
Research and Evaluation Manager
Sai Vemula is the Board Secretary for the Queer and Trans Health Collective. Sai is a genderqueer, bisexual, brown immigrant settler currently residing in Amiswaciwâskahikan, Treaty 6 land (originally from India).
“I originally joined the QTHC Board back in 2022 because I had the privilege of participating in one of the organization's wonderful community leadership programs, which got me learning about all the different operations of the org.
I'm currently a 2nd year medical student at the University of Alberta, and I have previously completed programs at the UofA and the University of Toronto. In Toronto, being on the Board of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group allowed me to explore and develop my passion for anti-oppression, equity-centered health initiatives and community organizing.”
They are always happy to nerd out over the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe, Elder Scrolls, and too many sci-fi loredoms to name.
Dr. André dos Santos (he/him)
André currently serves on the board of directors and has been a member since December 2022. Specifically, he is a member of the fundraising subcommittee, where they work alongside other passionate individuals to support QTHC's mission and initiatives.
André dos Santos holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Computer Science and Industrial Engineering degree. With his experience and expertise in responsible AI, causality, and deep learning, he is a sought-after speaker and lecturer. His passion for educating people on Ethics in AI and mitigating risks with AI applications led him to develop and deliver workshops to businesses.
He enjoys cartooning, playing ukulele, bouldering, and practicing Japanese jiu-jitsu.
Brian MacMillan (he/him)
Brian MacMillan is a Senior Development Officer at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, with experience working at Covenant Health and the University of Alberta in similar roles. With strong relationship-building and partnership establishment skills and nearly a decade of successfully fundraising for large, complex non-profits, Brian is excited to help QTHC accomplish its goals.
During his personal time, Brian likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, cook, (try) to stay fit, and build a life with his partner, Martin, and their two dogs, Finn and Shelby.
Amanda Wyatt (she/her)
Amanda Wyatt is a Director on the QTHC Board of Directors. She is a social worker (BSW at 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 with 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 , accessible and supportive (including for clients with severe physical limitations, like burns and amputations, as well as 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.
Dr. JJ Wright (she/her, they/them)
Dr. JJ Wright (she/they) 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 she 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 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 just, caring, and connected to the QTHC Board.
Dr. Wright's website: www.jessica-wright.ca