2024-2025 Board of Directors
Echo Keizer (they/him)
Board Chair
Echo Keizer (They/Him) 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 solving the newest problem. Their passions are many, ranging from a variety of biology topics in their academic pursuits 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.
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
Mathew Thomson (any)
Secretary
Mathew Thomson is the Secretary of the Board. Currently a clinical research coordinator working in the field of environmental disease surveillance, Mathew has previously worked front-line roles at non-profits in Edmonton, served on the board of the QTHC seven years ago, and even worked on LGBTQ2 projects at the level of the 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.
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.
Terrence Adams (they/them)
Terrence Adams is a Director of the Board for the QTHC. They are an English/Computer Science student at the University of Alberta, and host queer/trans/MMIND (Mad, (those perceived as or labelled) Mentally Ill, Neurodivergent, Disabled) focused arts events on campus. In their spare time, they write, experiment with textile arts, and walk their dog.
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
Sai Vemula (they/them)
Hey! My name is Sai Vemula and I'm a Board of Directors member with QTHC for the 24-25 year. I'm 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.
Not sure I have any "unique" hobbies or interests but I am always happy to nerd out over the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe, Elder Scrolls, and too many sci-fi loredoms to name.