Meet The Team

Elliot is a passionate advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Born and raised in the US, Elliot moved to Canada in 2016 to be with his partner and daughter. Elliot is a proud and out transman, who spends much of his time advocating, educating, and supporting members of the queer and trans community in London. Elliot works incredibly hard to ensure that our spaces and programing are safe, accessible and open to anyone who needs support. In his spare time he loves to kayak, play backgammon and tell the worst dad jokes he can find.

Christa is the partner of Elliot, and the proud mum of teenager. They are a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and believes that love, kindness and empathy are the ways to change the world. Christa spends much of their time outside of work volunteering for pflag Canada as the National president, and with pflag London in various capacities.

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Christa enjoys spending time at their trailer with family and dogs, reading, writing and baking.

Hillary is a London local who has spent the last 4 years volunteering with our Sr Youth program. Hillary brings an enthusiam and joy to everything she does. Always quick with a smile, and a soul the kids connect with.

Professionally Hillary has been an archaeologist and data analyst. In her free time she likes to knit, play video games, and spending time with her wife and their three cats.

Sara is a psychotherapist in training in her masters program at Western. She is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, identifying as Queer and Cisgender. Her dream is to give back the community for any and all mental wellness needs including gender indentity, body image and mindful movement. Sara spends her free time gaming, and painting her nails!

Iylah is the youth coordinator at PFLAG London. They're currently a student at King's completing a double major in psychology and sexuality studies and a certificate in community development. They work supporting queer and trans* youth in a variety of settings, ranging from advocacy in schools to mental health support at summer camps to running Dungeons & Dragons games at the library. In their spare time they enjoy cozy games and rereading books.

Shelley has been involved with pflag London for over 7 years. She is the proud

mama to a young trans woman and a proud ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Shelley says “I have learned so much about compassion, acceptance, authenticity from this community.”

Shelley is one of the

facilitators with the parents and care giver group. Shelly meets everyone where they are on this journey, recognizing and making space for all feelings. Shelley shares her own experiences while listening with care, empthay and kindness.

Everyone is welcome in Shelly’s space.

Grayson is a teacher with TVDSB, with a love and passion for youth, music, theatre and more. Grayson is committed to making schools safer and more accepting of Queer and Trans youth; using his voice to advocate and support all youth who enter his space whether it’s his classroom or youth group.

Grayson uses his creativity and joy to connect with kids, spreading joy, listening and encouraging youth.

In his spare time Grayson likes to hang with his pup Remy, and watch hockey.

Flip is committed to making the world a safer and gentler place for Queer and Trans Youth. With a background in mental health, Flip comes armed with a wealth of knowledge, an amazing sense of humour, and creativity. Flip wants to provide spaces of safety for youth exploring their sexuality and gender identity. A staunch advocate for youth, Flip is determined to speak up for the smallest of voices.

In their spare time, Flip likes crafting, reading, hanging out with friends and their partner.

Alex has been co-facilitating our Sr Youth program for several years. Armed with an infectious laugh and smile, Alex brings enthusiasm wherever they go! Alex is currently a PhD Candidate at Western, studying Anthropology. They also are a stanch advocate for safe, accessible housing for people in our community.

In their spare time (do they HAVE spare time?) Alex enjoys rock climbing, hanging with their partner and adorable doggos!

Shantalle is the proud parent of a trans adult and teenager. Passionate about creating inclusive and supportive spaces, she uses her creativity and communication skills to amplify pflag Canada’s & TRANS* London’s mission of supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. Shantalle is committed to fostering connection and acceptance through engaging online content.

As a new member, we are incredibly grateful to have Shantalle as part of our pflag & TRANS* London team!

Karen is a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally and champion of safe spaces. She is a passionate advocate and defender of dignity, accessibility, inclusion and diversity. She and her husband Adam are parents to two amazing adults, one of whom is a proud transman. Focused on securing contributions to pflag London and Trans* London through capacity building by increasing fiscal, goods and serivices donations from local community partners.

Welcome to the team Karen!

Adam is just our jack of all trades. If something needs done, just ask Adam. From filling food bank orders, hanging up decorations and serving pizza at Queer Prom, Adam just jumps in feet first! Adam is the parent of two adults, one being an incredible transman.

Adam LOVES music, and is always rocking a band Tee...often from one of his kids’ bands!

Adam is always quick with a smile, great idea, or down to troubleshoot problems.

Thanks for joining the crew Adam!

Another newcomer to our Team, Maddy joined the Queer Food Bank team in October and has proven to be indespensible.

Maddy is an actress, writer, and student, she has also started The Queer Gym Day weekly club at Fanshawe College.

Maddy is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and believes in giving back to her community.

Maddy spends time in between filling bags organizing shelves and donations and keeping the clothing bank in tip top shape!

Look for Maddy on Food Bank Nights and say HI!

We are INCREDIBLY fortunate to be working with MD students from Western University. They will be helping to facilitate various groups and learning more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Klein is also offering free resume and coverletter help for those seeking employment!

Ryan is part tech geek, video creator, sports fanatic (GO LEAFS GO!) and occasional musician.

Married to Shantalle (20 Year Undefeated Streak), dad of two awesome kids, and reigning champ of dad jokes.

Ryan spends most of his free time coding or watching true crime shows with Shan.

He is a proud Ally to the Queer and Trans Communities!

Brooklyn Vennell is a 54-year-old transgender woman, queer advocate, and host of In Service to Rainbows, a podcast amplifying LGBTQ+ voices. She also leads The Trans Collective, an online support group in London, Ontario.
Her journey began on a trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2017 when she decided to come out. Since then, she’s been on a path of growth, healing, and advocacy. Brooklyn brings passion, sass, and sarcasm to her work, dedicated to making every LGBTQ+ person feel seen, heard, and valued.

Lara is the proud co-creator of three amazing humans and a passionate advocate for love, acceptance, and community. She first came to PFLAG in search of support, and found not only understanding but connection—and a lot of coffee. She stayed because she believes deeply in what PFLAG stands for: unconditional love, chosen family, and creating space where everyone feels safe to be exactly who they are.

As a facilitator, Lara brings compassion, lived experience, and a heartfelt commitment to making sure no one feels alone on this journey. Whether you’re here with questions, grief, pride, fear, or all of the above, Lara will meet you with warmth and without judgment. She’s here to remind you: you are loved, and you belong here.