Bethlehem Mulat (she/her) is the founder and director of the Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation. She is a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer. As the daughter of Ethiopian refugee immigrants born and raised in Vancouver, Mulat’s upbringing inspired her desire to be a voice for dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

Before founding the VBT&AF, she worked as a frontline worker at PHS Community Services Society where gained a closer look into community building around essential services including such as housing, healthcare,and harm reduction for marginalized individuals in the community. The experience gained defined her path as she grew inspired to envision new worlds of collective care and radical healing for the Black community. 

Her dream to provide healing to the Black community was emphasized in June 2020 after the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement that followed. Witnessing the collective trauma along with fervent calls for reparations and mutual aid propelled her into action. Initially starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise $20,000 for therapy 10 Black individuals, her goal soon evolved to reach heights beyond her starting vision. After raising $200,000 during the summer of 2020, she developed the Vancouver Black Therapy and Advocacy Foundation as a non-profit organization that would provide transformative mental health care to her immediate community. 

Bethlehem’s favorite part about being part of VBT&AF is that it transcends a typical ‘job’ as it’s become a passion project that aligns with her deepest values and aspirations. She believes that leading the organization is not just work, it is a privilege to contribute to a cause that is extremely meaningful to her and the Black community.

Alexandra Chen (she/they) has been a central, grounding force within the Vancouver community for over a decade. Originally born in France, she relocated to Vancouver in 2012 and has since embedded herself through . Her current role as a Business Analyst at the UBC Faculty of Medicine has also informed her interest in the realm of healthcare. In addition to her current work, she has also become a pillar of the Vancouver electronic music community as she’s worn many hats. From organizing and facilitating ambitious events to hosting artists and working with other creative partners to produce events that amplify underrepresented voices in the industry, Alex has  built an affinity for connecting with a wide range of individuals through her helpful spirit. Some of Alex's past experience within the arts and music industry include roles as a Board Director at New Forms Media Society; co-producer at CURRENT: Feminist Electronic Art Symposium; booking agent at Discwoman; as well as consulting for Gays Hate Techno and Verboden Festival.

As a queer person of Asian descent, Alex works with VBT&AF as an ally and brings both her professional experience and her own perspective on community work. She has been dedicated to creating a culture of openness when communicating about mental health issues and believes in the immense healing power of therapy as a means of building self awareness and improving one’s quality of life. Being a part of the VBT&AF board has been an enriching experience for Alex as she’s been inspired by the organization’s growth from its grassroots beginnings to its current, fully evolved form. Alex’s passion for destigmatizing conversations about mental health and serving underrepresented communities has fueled her work with the board of VBT&AF.

Akeena is a brand and communications consultant and moved to the Coast Salish territories from Trinidad in 2013. She has dedicated her life to community engagement and honing the art of communication in order to create authentic pathways for connection. Her work has encompassed various fields, including planetary good, technology, government communications, mental health wellness and outreach for food and housing programs. Her previous roles include working with the Mayor’s Office in Vancouver to manage public affairs and political communications as a renowned press secretary in addition to being a frontline worker for programs that sought to support individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health diagnoses. She has also delved into the budding Vancouver arts scene, having been involved in the Vancouver Short Film Festival and co-chair of the Business for the Arts Vancouver chapter. 

The mission of VBT&AF is one that lies close to Akeena’s heart. She believes in mental health being a visionary mandate of VBT&AF in ensuring members of Vancouver’s Black community receive accessible, compassionate, person-focused care and advocacy services. As a member of the VBT&AF board, Akeena brings an astute understanding of the Black lived experience as her range of roles has provided her with the knowledge of community building through empathetic communication. She is passionate about serving the Vancouver Black community and finds the VBT&AF team to be an incredible organization to work with. She is inspired to continue collaborating with the team on new ideas for alleviating the current inequalities that exist within the mental health sphere.

Truelove Twumasi Afriyie (she/her). Truelove holds a master's degree in public health and works as a wellbeing specialist. Her interest in health promotion and mental health & wellbeing was established working with diverse populations in Canada and internationally. Truelove is passionate about community engagement, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and supporting initiatives that lead to positive, sustainable change. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does professionally and personally.

Alison Dunne is the founder of Pink Flamingo, which is a Black-led advocacy organization that uplifts the QTBIPOC community in our city by creating events, workshops, education and safer spaces.

Jasmine Malcolm (she/her) was born and raised in Vancouver, and supports the VBT&AF as both the Clinical Coordinator and a counsellor. Jasmine holds a Masters in Clinical Social Work, and as a queer, biracial woman, she is extremely passionate about supporting the mental health of BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The lack of access to therapeutic support for marginalized communities despite their unique needs and vulnerabilities drives Jasmine to her work, and inspires her to contribute to societal change.

Vanessa Toussaint (she/her) is a Haitian-Canadian born in Ottawa and raised in Vancouver. She supports the VBT & AF as the Patient Navigator. Vanessa completed her BA in Psychology and Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University. After concluding her studies, she has been pursuing her passions of working with vulnerable and marginalized communities. In her spare time she enjoys jazz and playing with her french bulldog, George Augustus Albert.
As a queer person of Asian descent, Alex works with VBT&AF as an ally and brings both her professional experience and her own perspective on community work. She has been dedicated to creating a culture of openness when communicating about mental health issues and believes in the immense healing power of therapy as a means of building self awareness and improving one’s quality of life. Being a part of the VBT&AF board has been an enriching experience for Alex as she’s been inspired by the organization’s growth from its grassroots beginnings to its current, fully evolved form. Alex’s passion for destigmatizing conversations about mental health and serving underrepresented communities has fueled her work with the board of VBT&AF.

Carter Dorsett (she/her) is the VBT&AF's Graphic Design and Social Media Content Creator, born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. Carter went to British Columbia Institute of Technology for New Media Design and Web Development in 2019-2021. She has become a Freelance Designer, and painter of her own amusement. As a biracial artist, Carter has found all forms of art to be a moving and immensely soothing release of self expression and is deeply influenced by other BIPOC artists around her.
The mission of VBT&AF is one that lies close to Akeena’s heart. She believes in mental health being a visionary mandate of VBT&AF in ensuring members of Vancouver’s Black community receive accessible, compassionate, person-focused care and advocacy services. As a member of the VBT&AF board, Akeena brings an astute understanding of the Black lived experience as her range of roles has provided her with the knowledge of community building through empathetic communication. She is passionate about serving the Vancouver Black community and finds the VBT&AF team to be an incredible organization to work with. She is inspired to continue collaborating with the team on new ideas for alleviating the current inequalities that exist within the mental health sphere.

Delfina Afoakwah (she/her) is a Ghanaian Filipino woman born and raised in Surrey with a passion for working in the mental health field serving various marginalized groups. She supports the VBT&AF as their content creator. In addition to completing her BA in psychology and a minor in counselling and human development, Delfina brings her experience in working in low barrier housing programs, and with homeless populations in the lower mainland. Delfina is currently working with a newly established Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team in Langley with Fraser Health, following a housing-first model.

Evelyne Mugabe (she/they) was born in Tanzania in a Rwandese home and raised in Ethiopia. They support VBT&AF as the community outreach volunteer. Evelyne is pursuing her MA in Political Science with a BA in Human Services and Community Engagement. Evelyne's work centers on promoting support and advocacy for marginalized folks. As a black queer immigrant woman, she is passionate about supporting and bridging BIPOC, immigrant, and queer communities. 

Madeline Taylor (they/she) is a queer, non-binary femme of white settler heritage living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ peoples. Madeline comes from a background in radio, podcasting, writing, and event organizing. They are passionate about equity focused community building, sound art, punk rock, the decolonial potential of reimagining institutions, reading, and procrasti-baking. Madeline holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History from Simon Fraser University. They began their career working in campus/community radio as Programming Manager at CiTR 101.9FM. Concurrently, Madeline worked freelance with organizations ranging from the BBC to VIVO Media Arts Centre, and won national recognition for their audio storytelling. In 2020, Madeline started as Individual Giving Officer at Out On Screen. Madeline’s approach to fundraising is rooted in an understanding of the inherent white supremacy of capitalism, with an eye to the wealth redistribution potential of the sector. Madeline is supporting VBT&AF as a volunteer fundraising consultant. Madeline lives in East Van with her partner, cousin, and cat.

Jasmine (she/her) is a Non-Practising Registered Social Worker. In her work, Jasmine supports individuals to recognize their capacity, foster hope and develop new strategies to approach barriers. Her experience includes extensive work in group and foster homes, supporting youth in the Eating Disorders program at BC Children's Hopsital, as well as providing individual counselling to youth, adults and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As a queer and biracial settler, Jasmine's approaches focus on creating a space where individuals feel safe, affirmed and welcomed. She invites her clients to bring their authentic selves in whatever capacity that may be, and know that they will be welcome. Jasmine's areas of focus include anxiety and stress, religious trauma, self-compassion and self-worth, and growth and life transitions.

Golda (she/her) is a Certified Canadian Counsellor, with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She works with young adults, adults, couples and families who want to learn practical skills to relieve stressful aspects of their lives. Some of the issues include relationship issues, anxiety, stress, depression, anger, parenting, burnout, trauma, and family issues. She brings a respectful, gentle, and honest nature into the therapy room. She offers a non-judgemental space and sees clients as the experts of their own lives. Her approach includes but is not limited to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Motivational interviewing and attachment directed conversations in a collaborative process between the therapist and the client to reach the clients goals. She is so pleased you have decided to take the steps towards your healing journey because the good news is that you do not have to do this alone. She believes a strong therapeutic relationship through acceptance, empathy, and listening is key to creating a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and to start their healing process. When you are ready, she invites you to connect with her to begin your journey.

Maedean (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and  Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) skilled at supporting folks coping with stress, anxiety, self affirmation, relationship issues, gender identity, and big life changes. She strives to be an informed ally for the LGBTQ2S+ community and men who may be hesitant about working with a counsellor.  She identifies as cisgendered, heterosexual, Black and Biracial from a US military background who grew up in the Southeast USA and Germany.  Maedean's approach integrates effective Solution-Focused, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, Psycho-education, and Humanistic approaches to help you create the vibrant life you were meant to have.  Her style is warm, engaged, gently challenging, and deeply compassionate.  She sees clients in person, over phone, video, and does "walk and talk" sessions as well.  

Bernard Piprah is Registered Clinical Counsellor (R.C.C.) with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors and owner of BKP Counselling & Consulting operating in Langley, B.C.. He is devoted to the transformative power of psychotherapy and utilizes an eclectic approach to support clients, especially those ambivalent to therapy, in-person & virtually throughout Canada. Over the last 10 years Bernard has worked in non-profit and government organizations, community halfway houses, Outpatient and inpatient stabilization programs and in secondary schools within B.C. His clientele present issues such as: Anger management, Depression, Anxiety, Family Conflict, Grief, Infertility, Life transitions and more. His therapeutic modalities include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Brainspotting and Attachment Informed Modalities.

Nadine (she/her) specializes in queer, feminist, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches. At the core of her work is a passion for healing wounds of intergenerational trauma for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, holistic approaches to mental wellness, and the decolonization of eurocentric healing practices.She values collaboration, safety in all forms, connection, the embracing of our whole selves, creativity, honesty, playfulness, empowerment and the healing of the collective.Her guiding belief is that each person is an expert in their own life, and that her role is to be supportive in building on the strengths, resources and resiliency that inevitably exist within all of us.

Meet Ruth Unaegbu (she/her), founder of Ruth Unaegbu Counselling & Coaching. Ruth is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #12132) & Approved Clinical Supervisor providing private therapy and supervision services in British Columbia, Canada. She created her practice in an effort to provide counseling services for those seeking support as they encounter various issues, difficulties, and disruptions in life as well as those looking to enhance and expand. Ruth specializes in working with creative professionals (actors/actresses, musicians, artists, etc.), athletes, parents/caregivers, and those who are a part of the adoption triad (specifically transracial adoption). Ruth thoroughly enjoys connecting with others, digging deep, and delving into fears, motivations, inspirations, goals, and dreams. In the words of Ruth, "You are my client if you are someone who is ready for or is experiencing a change or transition." She uses a variety of therapy techniques and modalities to help you reach your goals and transform your life. Participation in therapy can result in a number of benefits to you, including improving interpersonal relationships and resolution of the specific concerns that led you to seek therapy. If you're ready to take the step toward healing, connect with Ruth today.

Tricia (she/her) has extensive experience counseling individuals and families. She works with emerging adults that are dealing with life transitions, needing to explore the past, to uncover patterns that prevent them from living their best life. She also works with couples and families that are going through a separation or divorce, infidelity and need to coordinate parenting a child. She also works with individuals who are looking to make significant relational step, moving in with a partner, getting engaged or premarital counseling. Tricia works mainly from a Bowen Family System framework and uses techniques from Somatic, CBT, Narrative and Gottman methods. The Bowenian framework is holistic in nature, where it looks at the individual from a family of origin perspective. In colloquial terms, "no one is an island, no one stands alone."

Glory Mulera desires to help her clients find wholeness and meet their full potential. She is a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) who completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. In her work as a therapist, Glory offers insight and a new perspective while honoring the context of where her clients are coming from. She is especially drawn to the stories of those who feel their voices haven't been heard. Common issues that Glory works alongside her clients with include emotional numbness or instability, unresolved childhood pain and trauma, cross-cultural challenges, dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, undesirable family patterns, and interpersonal concerns. In her gentle nature, Glory directs her clients to attend to their inward selves and invites them to uncover their vulnerable parts. She feels fortunate to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups who are seeking growth, transformation, and celebration.

Makita Wiggins is an immigrant to Canada from the island of Barbados. She is Registered as a Clinical Counsellor and Counselling Therapist in British Columbia and Alberta respectively.  She owns and operates a virtual private practice clinic and has over six years experience in the counselling field. Makita works with young adults, adults, and couples, who are interested in learning to cope with life’s challenges. She is committed to anti oppressive values in her practice and actively works to disrupt power in the therapy room, while being responsible and accountable to the communities she serves. Her approach is non-pathologizing, and respects the dignity and agency of BIPOC in all our intersections.

Becca (she/her) is a queer counsellor born to immigrant parents of Jamaican and Trinidian descent. She is the owner of Sun In Wellness Counselling and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#23104) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (#11250959). Becca works from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens when working with clients and tailors each session to fit her client's needs. Becca's approach to counselling is person-centered and can include modalities from Internal Family Systems (or parts work), Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed CBT and Art Therapy. Becca also has experience being the client and has lived experience surrounding mental health, body issues, and religious trauma. She hopes to create a safe space for you to be authentic and grow, and she would be honoured to join you alongside your healing journey.

Janae (they/she) brings an intersectional perspective to their counselling practice, as a 2SIQ (2-Spirit Indigiqueer), sundancer, disabled, neurodivergent (AuDHD, c-ptsd+) and trans/genderfluid counsellor. With roots in Ochekwi-Sipi (Fisher River Cree Nation), Jamaica (from African/Black Diaspora and Scotland), and Japan; they are passionate about land-based healing, decolonized and indigenized approaches, justice and liberation, and integrating play and creativity into counselling. With a focus on supporting folks living at diverse intersections, their work often centers around 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, BIPOC, disabled, poly/enm, as well as individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, with a particular focus on children, youth, and young adults. She aims to co-create warm, inclusive, and safe(r) therapeutic spaces where folks are supported to deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and honour inner wisdom through customized pathways tailored to unique needs and strengths.

Bjorn Yearwood is a professional art therapist and Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. At his virtual art therapy practice, he takes an anti-oppressive, person-centred and postmodern approach. Since art therapy is about the process and not perfection, no art experience is necessary! With the client being the expert of their life, Bjorn will lend his ears, knowledge, and skills to help them on their healing/growth journey.”

Akeena (she/her) is a brand and communications consultant and moved to the Coast Salish territories from Trinidad in 2013. Over the years she has been proud to grow her community engagement and media relations skills to assist leaders across progressive government, technology companies focused on people and planetary health, grass-roots arts organizations, low-barrier harm reduction/housing initiatives, and organized labour. As a queer woman descended from Black immigrants, she is excited to support the visionary mandate of VBT&AF in ensuring members of Vancouver’s Black community receive accessible, compassionate, person-focused care and advocacy services.

Cicely Belle Blain is a Black/mixed, queer femme from London, UK now living on the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people. Their ancestry is a mix of Gambian (Wolof), Jamaican and English. At the heart of all their work, Cicely Belle harnesses their passion for justice, liberation and meaningful change via transformative education, always with laughter, and fearlessly in the face of systemic oppression.They are noted for founding Black Lives Matter Vancouver and subsequently being listed as one Vancouver's 50 most powerful people by Vancouver Magazine in 2018 and again in 2020, BC Business's 30 under 30 and one of Refinery29's Powerhouses.Cicely Belle is an instructor in Executive Leadership at Simon Fraser University, the Editorial Director of Ripple of Change Magazine and the author of Burning Sugar (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2020).

I (he/him) identify as a biracial (Black-Jamaican/Caucasian) cisgender man who is consistently attempting to be aware of and take into account the impact of culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, systems, and personal experiences in order to help support others in their growth. I have been working as a Counsellor and Art Therapist for the past 18 years, and a Clinical Supervisor for the last 8 years. I specialize in using a relational psychotherapy approach with attachment struggles, trauma, interpersonal relationships with clients and I bring this lens into supervision and training. I continue to have a small private practice and over the years I have held various positions at for-profit and non-profit agencies, health authorities, and educational institutions. Currently, my role at Adler University – Vancouver Campus is primarily focused on clinical supervision, program development, and training of graduate students at community partner sites with Adler Community Health Services (ACHS).