CSRF 2021-2022 Executive Committee
Natalie Rosen, Past President
I am Professor at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, jointly appointed in both Psychology and Obstetrics/Gynaecology. My research focuses on understanding how couples cope with sexual dysfunction (e.g., low sexual desire, genito-pelvic pain) or changes to their sexual relationship (e.g., in the transition to parenthood), and translating that knowledge into targeted interventions. As CSRF Past-President I serve on the Executive Council and the scientific program committee and I oversee the nominations and awards process. I have 2 energetic boys, Louis (13) and Evan (10), who keep me busy outside of work. I’ve played Ultimate Frisbee every summer for the last 16 years, my favourite TV show is Survivor (yes, people still watch it!), and my favourite author is Margaret Atwood. I have been a member of CSRF since 2004, coincidentally, the same year that I started playing Ultimate! I have really enjoyed the addition of the “After Dark” program and most of my favourite memories involve events organized for this program!
Katherine Péloquin - President
I am a professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal. My research primarily revolves around the dynamics of relationships and the sexual well-being of couples. This includes couples who are seeking relationship therapy as well as those going through assisted reproduction. I also focus on assessing the effectiveness of interventions designed for couples. In my role as the CSRF President, I am responsible for leading the Executive Council, supervising the Executive Director, and overseeing the organization's policy development. I have been a member of the CSRF since 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed every conference I've attended. I am consistently impressed by the high quality of the work presented there. Additionally, I serve on the editorial boards of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy and Archives of Sexual Behaviors. French is my first language, and I have a passion for running and traveling. I also have a strong appreciation for fine dining, with a particular fondness for Asian cuisine.
Amy Muise, President Elect
I am an Associate Professor, York Research Chair in Relationships and Sexuality, and Director of the Sexual Health and Relationships (SHaRe) Lab at York University. My research is focused on sexuality in romantic relationships and the maintenance of desire and satisfaction over time. As President-Elect, my main role is planning the annual conference. Outside of work, my family (James, and our two kids, Lucy and Maverick) keeps me busy—we enjoy travelling (we spent part of my sabbatical last year living in New Zealand) and are currently trying to reignite our love of snowboarding (and teach our kids)—but I also enjoy watching TV series (I have many favourites and am always look for new recommendations) and meeting with my long-time book club. CSRF has played an integral role in my professional development. I attended and presented at my first CSRF conference as a graduate student in 2006. Since this time, I have been an active member of CSRF. I was the graduate student representative from 2007-2008, co-developed CSRF After Dark, which has been a long-time feature of the conference program, and I served as local host for the 2018 conference in Toronto.
Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel, Secretary
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université du Québec à Montréal. The overarching goal of my research program is to enhance the sexual wellbeing of couples. More specifically, my research focuses on the effects of childhood maltreatment and pornography use on couples’ sexuality. I attended my first CSRF conference in 2016 at the Quebec meeting. In my role as the CSRF secretary, I take minutes and I am responsible for producing the newsletter. My first language is French and I live in Quebec City! Outside of work, I love working out, walking my dog, and travelling.
Katrina Bouchard, Treasurer
I joined the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as an Assistant Professor in January 2022, following a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Natalie Rosen at Dalhousie University. The overarching goal of my research program is to enhance the assessment and treatment of sexual health concerns, with a focus on women and couples. As the Treasurer of CSRF, I oversee and manage the budget and finances for the CSRF annual meeting. Outside of work, I love to travel (pre-pandemic) and watch binge-worthy TV series with my partner, Dave. I joined CSRF as a student member in 2012 and gave my first conference talk at the 2012 Ottawa meeting. One of my favourite memories was meeting Dan Savage at the 2015 Kelowna meeting. He signed my copy of the The Kid and attended one part of the conference, which happened to include my talk (eek!). The winery tour in Kelowna was also so beautiful.
Gillian Boudreau, Executive Director
Following a career in registered massage therapy, then welding, I went back to school as a mature student and obtained my BA Hons. in Psychology from Dalhousie in 2015. During that degree I discovered my passion for all things related to sex research and research administration, leading me to my current position as the laboratory and research coordinator of Dr. Natalie Rosen’s Couples and Sexual Health Research Lab. When I’m not working my day job, or helping researchers streamline their research administration approach as a consultant, I am volunteering at Hospice Halifax, spending time with friends, or relaxing with my cat – likely watching sci-fi, crafting, or tending to one of my many houseplants. As Executive Director of CSRF, my work is largely behind the scenes, but I assist with memberships (both new and renewals) and taking care of administration for our annual meetings. My first CSRF meeting was in Kelowna (2015), where I was impressed by the exceptional research presented and inspired by the collaborative spirit. However, my favorite CSRF moment was going to Boom! Nightclub in Fredericton with fellow CSRF members to take in the delightfully diverse local drag culture.
Trinda Penniston, Senior Student Representative
I am a Ph.D Student in the Clinical Psychology Program at Queen's University. My current research focuses on the sexual health and well-being of racialized folks and examines how various sociocultural factors impact sexual experiences. Outside of academia, I enjoy videogames, board games, and salsa dancing. As one of your Student Representatives on the Executive Committee, it is my duty to make sure your interests, ideas, and values are represented and heard. I will also serve as a member on the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (JEDI). My attention will focus on accessibility and diversity related issues, but I welcome any thoughts and ideas on how to improve your experience within CSRF. I have always enjoyed being a part of this community, both virtually and in-person. I am so excited to work with everyone and I look forward to what the next few years will bring us!
Jessica Johnson, Junior Student Representative
I am a 2nd year Master’s student in Psychology (Health) at Trent University. My research involves an examination of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours around consent communication in BDSM/kink, with a specific focus on how community norms influence consent. Outside of school, I love engaging in local theatre and am currently the assistant director of Trent University’s upcoming production of Catch Me If You Can! My first CSRF was only in 2022, but at that time, I was overwhelmed with love, support, and respect from fellow student researchers, faculty, and professionals. That experience gave me the confidence I needed to continue to be successful in this field, and I knew right away that I needed to be a part of this organisation. As the CSRF Junior Student Representative, it is my goal to give back, provide support to new student members, facilitate connections, and help foster confidence in the future of Canadian sex research. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who makes CSRF such an uplifting community, and cannot wait to serve the students and their best interests in the upcoming years!
Dr. Chelsea Kilimnik (she/her), CSRF Executive JEDI Committee Representative
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and a licensed clinical psychologist. My lab, the Growth, Identity, and Sexual Trauma (GIST) Lab, focuses on sexualized and identity-based violence and trauma and its impact on sexual and psychological well-being. We work closely with community organizations, campus leaders, and students in developing and examining programs for prevention and intervention that are accessible and inclusive with an overarching goal of reducing disparities in violence. I serve as the chair for CSRF’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee – reach out anytime with thoughts or feedback on ways to bolster the organization’s inclusion of diverse identities, voices, and ways of knowing and learning. I also invite ideas for training opportunities that would support CSRF members’ in more inclusive research practices. I’ve been coming to CSRF for many years and consider it my research home. My favorite CSRF memory is the wine tasting and pyramid tour in Kelowna (CSRF 2015). Outside of work you can generally find me eating, reading, camping, or playing video games.
CSRF Committees
Membership Committee: Natalie Rosen (Past-President), Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel (Secretary), Gillian Boudreau (Executive Director)
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (JEDI): Chelsea Kilimnik (Executive Council Representative), Carm De Santis (Member at Large), Stephanie Gauvin (Member at Large), Aki Gormezano (Member at Large), Krystelle Shaughnessy (Member at Large), Trinda Penniston (Student Representative), Sandrine Gagné (Member at Large)
Nominations Committee: Natalie Rosen (Past-President), Trinda Penniston (Senior Student Representative), & Alex MacKay (Member at Large)
WAS & NAFSO Liaison: Jonathan Huber (Member at Large)
Listserv Owner / Maintenance: Sandra Byers (Member at Large)
Awards Committee: Natalie Rosen (Past-President), Trinda Penniston (Senior Student Representative), + Two additional members
CSRF Newsletter Editor
Created by Shayna Skakoon-Sparling, Secretary, when not on leave (Katherine Péloquin while on leave), and the Student Representatives
The CSRF Newsletter is released twice a year but contributions are taken year-round! If you have an update you would like your fellow CSRF members to know about, please make sure to email them to us. Examples include new articles or books you have authored/edited, conference announcements, changes in your employment or student status, additions to your family, or other wonderful things that have happened to you! Keep CSRF posted!
CSRF Website Maintenance & Design
Karen Blair, Lisa Dawn Hamilton, & Gillian Boudreau
If you experience any technical problems with the website or have any suggestions for content, please send an email to Gillian Boudreau.