About us
Our vision
The Sexual Health Network of Quebec (SHNQ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sexual health and reproductive rights through inclusive education and advocacy.
Working locally, we support educators, students, and community members of all abilities by providing accessible resources and programs designed to foster informed decision-making. SHNQ envisions a society where every person belongs and can make choices about their sexual health and relationships. We are committed to celebrating diversity and individuality by ensuring our materials reflect a wide range of identities and lived experiences, with the goal of making comprehensive sexuality education inclusive for all.
Meet our team
Dr. Laurie Betito
President
Dr. Laurie is a Clinical Psychologist, an Internationally Certified Psychosexual therapist and a Fellow of the International Association of Psychosexual therapists.
Tanya D’Amours
Vice-President
Tanya D’Amours holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies of Sexuality.
Stephanie Mitelman
Treasurer
Stephanie Mitelman is Part Time Faculty at Concordia University since 2005, in the Department of Applied Human Sciences, where she teaches courses on human sexuality, diversity in human relations, and family life education.
Katja Kathol
Director of Communications
As the Director of Communications, Katja is dedicated to creating and disseminating inclusive sexual health resources and information.
Jodi Kazenel
Secretary
Jodi Kazenel completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality at Concordia University in 2018.
Wayne Clifford
Member at Large
Wayne was a 20 year volunteer at the West Island Y.M.C.A. and was certified as an Associate in Sex Education with the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco.
Our history
The small but mighty Sexual Health Network of Quebec has been operating since 1964 under former names.
Family Planning Association of Montreal
Composed of 16 individuals, the founding group came together to form a family planning organization. This bilingual group was led by Rabbi H.L. Poller as president, with Mrs. Parizeau and Dr. Anne Batshaw as vice-presidents.
In 1967, they became a member of the Family Planning Federation of Canada. The organization played a key role in advocating for abortion rights, building strong ties with local services.
Throughout the years, they provided school visits, training, community programs, and hosted the landmark 1967 Family Planning Symposium at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.
Planned Parenthood Ville Marie Inc.
On February 18, 1982, the organization became Planned Parenthood Ville-Marie to join forces with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada.
Led by president Rhoda Cohen, vice-president Rose Marcus Alper, and members like Sue McKenzie and Judy Clark, the group collaborated with other local community groups to advocate for the repeal of laws that made it illegal to share information about contraception and birth planning.
Planned Parenthood Montreal Inc.
On June 29, 1987, the organization changed its name to reflect its broader impact in the Montreal community. It was led by President Patrick Powers and vice-president Judy Clark, along with members like Sue McKenzie and Dana Vocisano.
The organization focused on providing pre- and post-natal counseling, support around contraception and abortion, and family planning counseling.
By February 1995, the team diminished to only 5 members and in 1998 they officially closed due to a lack of funding and staff.
Sexual Health Network of Quebec
In 2004, certified sex educator Stephanie Mitelman had the vision to relaunch the organization after many years of inactivity. She joined forces with past members including Patrick Powers, and recruited new members to examine the need for this type of organization and the role it could play in Quebec.
By August 30, 2005, a new group had been formed with Dr. Laurie Betito as President. In March 2006, Planned Parenthood Montreal became the Sexual Health Network of Quebec to better reflect the issues this organization would now tackle.
In October 2006, SHNQ was granted federal charitable status, and by November 2006, SHNQ once again became recognized as an affiliate of the Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights (formerly the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada).