Menu
Log in

Executive Committee

Dr Jaimie Veale (she/her) — Past President

I am a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Waikato where I conduct research specialising in health inequities and social determinants of health for transgender people. I am the Principal Investigator of Counting Ourselves: The Aotearoa New Zealand Trans and Non-Binary Health Survey and I have received many competitive research funding grants in New Zealand and Canada. I am an Associate Editor of International Journal of Transgenderism, a member of the Global Board of Directors of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and I am one of the authors of the latest revision of the WPATH Standards of Care. I’m passionate about working to move us towards an Aotearoa where trans and takatāpui people have equitable access to gender-affirming healthcare and thrive in our communities free from prejudice, stigma, and discrimination.


Dr Rachel Johnson (she/her)

Originating from the UK, I am a general paediatrician and Adolescent Health physician now working at CMDHB Centre For Youth Health. We are a multidisciplinary team who provide gender affirming healthcare to young people and families across the whole of the Auckland region.

I have been involved in trans health care for over 10 years and in that time have been a member of ANZPATH, WPATH, and attended international training and conferences on trans health care.

I have played an active role on the Auckland regional clinical trans health peer network, the Northern Region Transgender Clinical and Consumer Advisory Group (NRTCCAG) and supported the development of both local and Aotearoa trans health guidelines. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with other health professionals and the wider community with the goal of continuing to improve gender affirming health care throughout NZ.


Dr Elizabeth McElrea (she/her)

Beth is a GP with a special interest in Gender Affirming Care (GPSI) and has been working in this area since 2015. With support, she set up the Gender Care Service at Tamatea Medical Centre in 2022 which is a fully funded gender affirming service, available to everyone. She also works as a GP at Tamatea Medical Centre. Beth is also a member of the advisory panel at the Ministry of Health for projects supporting gender affirming care across Aotearoa. Beth is passionate about gender affirming healthcare and all aspects of care for the rainbow communities


Phoebe Horton Andrews (she/her) - Treasurer

I am a transgender activist and community advocate living in Tāmaki Makaurau. I am particularly passionate about equitable access to gender affirming healthcare as well as broader issues affecting the community.

In addition to my role at PATHA, I am also Co-Chair of RainbowYOUTH, Aotearoa’s largest charity for rainbow and takatāpui young people. I’m also studying towards a BA/BCom at Waipapa Taumata Rau.



Jennifer Shields (she/her) - Vice President

I’m a trans advocate and non-binary trans woman working in Waitaha Canterbury. I’ve been working in trans advocacy for the last ten years, and am currently also interim Director at Qtopia, a social change and social support service for the whole LGBTQIA+ community based out of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

I’ve been involved in the development of new pathways and services across Waitaha, and run a health workforce development programme currently available across te Waipounamu.

Outside of mahi, I’m living my cottagecore dream life with my partner in central Ōtautahi, with three cats and more film cameras than any one person should rightfully have.



Dr Rona Carroll (she/her) 

I am a GP working in gender affirming healthcare in a primary care setting, and a senior lecturer at the University of Otago. I led the writing of the Primary Care Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Initiation Guidelines, have established trans health peer groups for health professionals and regularly teach medical students and GPs in this area. I continue to work towards improved access to gender affirming healthcare in Aotearoa. 


Dion Reid (he/him) - Secretary

I am a RN and trans man working in Te Matau a Māui (Hawke's Bay). Over a period of more than 15 years I have been involved in assisting trans people and their whānau in a variety of capacities. In the past few years I have also been involved with educating professionals from a range of disciplines about transgender matters relevant to their work.

The provision of trans healthcare that is timely, culturally safe, evidence-based, and equitable is important to me. I also believe that trans people's social and physical milieu should enable them to live according to their own unique gender identities in a way that is comfortable for them.

About PATHA

The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA) is an interdisciplinary professional organisation working to promote the health, wellbeing, and rights of transgender people. We are a group of professionals who have experience working for transgender health in clinical, academic, community, legal and other settings.

Contact

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software