Workshop Facilitators & Educators
Bonnie Fisher, BSc
I am the research coordinator for the Mount Allison Sexual Health Lab at Mount Allison University. The lab’s research interests are extensive; ranging from the impact of stress and hormones on sexual arousal, genital pain and anxiety, monogamy and nonmonogamy, and sexual health education. I find all aspects of human sexuality fascinating and enjoy being able to explore a broad range of topics at my job.
I am also passionate about being a sex educator. After seeing the results of our study on the sex education experiences of university students, I realized that informative, factual sex ed would be beneficial not just for students, but adults as well. I have been involved with various projects, presentations and podcasts focused on continued sexual health education and sexual wellbeing. I love sharing knowledge about all things sexuality!
When not working, I am enjoying time with my husband and three young children, ages 7, 5, and 3. We live in Shediac, New Brunswick, which is known for its beautiful beaches (and where we spend most of our days). Born and raised on the East coast, we love being close to the ocean and raising our family here!
Lindsay Sherwood, BSc, MSW
My name is Lindsay, I am the clinical intake worker at a private counseling agency and in just a few short months, I will receive my full certification to practice as a trauma therapist. I have a BSc in Psychology from Mount Allison University and an MSW from Wilfred Laurier University. I started studying sex as part of the Mount Alison Sexual Health Lab. My training has been focused on dealing with physical and sexual trauma.
I finished my undergrad in 2012 and planned to pursue further education after gaining some practical experience. I found myself in the dilemma commonly faced by many recent graduates: searching for a job and gain experience, but not having enough experience to get the job. Eventually, I accepted a position as a casual youth care worker for a company that has several services for youth with complex needs, including group homes, a drop-in centre, and a provincial treatment centre. The job ended up being a good fit for me, and I accepted a full-time position at the Pierre Caissie Centre. I spent five years working directly with youth with issues of trauma and attachment and their families. This role helped me develop my understanding of trauma-informed practices as I was applying the theories directly when interacting and intervening with the youth. In my time there, I was also tasked with creating and facilitating a sex education program for each youth, tailored to their age, strengths, and presenting issues.
Everyone has the right to accurate and anti-oppressive information about individual, relational, and societal aspects of sexuality. Being born and raised in New Brunswick and working in social service fields has shown me areas of growth needed in sex education. While working as a therapist allows me to work on an individual level, I believe that promoting more open and honest communication and shame-free education around sexuality will help change the societal dynamics, promoting healthier sexual attitudes and experiences for all. I am excited to be a part of Sex Ed East! I am developing group workshops on the following topics:
Talking to your kids about sex throughout the developmental stages
Sex and Trauma (for people with trauma histories and their partners)
Navigating casual sex
Working with youth with sexually acting out behaviours