Our Community
Growing Our Community
At Intimate Wellbeing you can find sexual, sensual, therapeutic, and wellness products, but you can also participate in private and public forums (or just listen to conversations about sex, libido, feminine challenges, and more). We keep it fun, yet informative, with experts and professionals sharing advice and suggestions. Check the schedule here
Our Ethos
Empowering women is always at top of our minds.
We work with a diverse group of sexual wellness experts, including healthcare specialists, psychologists, sex therapists, and pelvic floor physiotherapists, who fit with our ethos. We encourage you to attend one of their seminars or visit their websites.
Our Growing Community Partners
Carolin Klein, PhD Registered Psychologist, Director
Dr. Carolin Klein is a sex therapist and a Registered Psychologist. She is co-founder and co-director of the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy in Vancouver, BC. Her clinical work involves assisting individuals, couples, and other partnership configurations to build and strengthen sexual and relational intimacy; overcome sexual shame and anxiety; and bring more joy and curiosity into sexuality. She regularly provides workshops and presentations to the general public designed to increase sexual awareness, comfort and pleasure. She is also heavily involved in training graduate students and other professionals in evidence-based sex therapy.
LORI BROTTO, PHD REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST, PROFESSOR OF OBSTETRICS/GYNAECOLOGY, UBC
Dr. Lori Brotto holds a Canada Research Chair in Women’s Sexual Health, and dedicates her time to research, clinical care, teaching, and mentoring trainees in sexual health. She authored two books on mindfulness and sexual desire, and has co-developed an online sexual health program, eSense, which will be available soon!
Dr. Melanie Altas, Gynaecologist and Clinical Associate Professor Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UBC
Dr Melanie Altas is a Gynaecologist and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at University of British Columbia. She is the Director of the BC Centre for Vulvar Health at VGH and a Sexual Medicine Consultant at the BC Cancer Agency. Her current clinical practice is dedicated to vulvovaginal conditions, sexual pain disorders and menopause. Dr. Altas is committed to empowering women with education and tools to heal themselves. Aligned with her professional mission to promote patient-directed care, Dr. Altas regularly collaborates with community health care providers and patient partners, to translate knowledge into practice and improve access to health services for individuals with undertreated conditions.
JASON WINTERS, PHD REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST, DIRECTOR
Dr. Jason Winters is a sex therapist and a Registered Psychologist. He's also the co-founder and co-director of the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy.
When not waxing poetic about vacuums, shaking cocktails, or breaking himself on his bike or skis, Dr. Winters can be found sat across from his clients chatting about their sexual and relationship problems. Dr. Winters also sits on the Executive Council for the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, the preeminent clinical and research professional association for international experts in the area.
westcoastsextherapy.com
Shirley Weir, founder of MenopauseChicks.com
Shirley Weir introduces herself as a Menopause Chick. Now 55, her perimenopause journey began in her 40s. Sore boobs, sleep deprivation, depression and brain fog led Shirley to her doctor’s office, the book store and “Dr. Google,” but she was left feeling confused, overwhelmed and alone. Ten years ago, she launched MenopauseChicks.com onto the world stage to empower women to get curious about their health. As a fierce advocate for women’s health, Shirley teaches women hormone health, and also how to be their own best health advocate. Shirley is a TedX Speaker, a recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction award, has tweeted for Oprah and speaks regularly to media. Her first book, MOKITA: How to navigate perimenopause with confidence & ease is an Amazon bestseller in women’s health. Her second book, FEEL AMAZING: An invitation to re-think perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause is a gift with purchase in retailers across the country in 2022 & 2023. Shirley is a communications graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University and holds a certificate in Peer Counselling from the University of British Columbia.
Kim Vopni, Vagina Coach
Kim Vopni is a self-professed kegel maven and is known as The Vagina Coach. She is a certified fitness professional who became passionate about spreading information on pelvic health after the birth of her first child over 18 years ago.
She is an author, a passionate speaker, and a women’s health educator. Her most recent book Your Pelvic Floor is a bestseller. She is also the host of the popular podcast Between Two Lips.
Kim offers pelvic health programs and coaching for women and is also a menopause support practitioner.
Nasim Delfaninejad, Founder & Registered Physiotherapist
Nasim has advanced training and vast experience in Pelvic Floor physiotherapy and treatments of Painful Sex, Vulvodynia, and Vaginismus. She is passionate about improving Women's Sexual Health and is committed to remaining at the forefront of the pelvic health practice through ongoing education and research
CHERYL LEIA, PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Cheryl Leia has extensive experience in pelvic floor health. From pelvic pain to sexual challenges, she has solutions to help women regain their confidence.
Sarah Leong, Registered Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health and Clinical Pilates)
Sarah works in two private practice clinics in Vancouver, and she is passionate about treating pelvic pain in individuals of any gender. Sarah uses her background in biopsychosocial research and mindful movement to facilitate learning about all areas that can affect the pelvis. She believes that open discussions about pelvic health and exploration of what moves our pelvic floor (alongside how we can make it more fun!) improves overall wellbeing for her patients, and that normalizing pelvic treatments in physiotherapy clinics increases access to innovative health solutions.
Aurora Roberts (BA, MA, DipC), Experiential Sex Educator & Intimacy Coach
She teaches about sex in a playful, soulful and hands-on way, offering well-honed skills in the sensual arts and creating a safe, supportive container for clients to discover their innate erotic gifts and capacity for pleasure and connection. Aurora has a Masters in Sociology, a Diploma in Counseling and is a certified Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker. She works with individuals, couples and groups of all genders, both online and in-person in Vancouver and Victoria BC. Aurora has successfully supported hundreds of clients to overcome sexual blocks and rediscover pleasure, boundaries and the healing power of touch.
ROBIN HILTON, SEX COACH
Robin Hilton (she/her) supports women to have a celebratory relationship with their bodies, pleasure & sex.
Her lifelong passion is to help women confidently express their most authentic selves, to let their guard down so they can shine brightly and confidently in all areas of their lives but most importantly in their capacity to experience the deep joy of embodiment and sexual pleasure.
Robin's work as a Pleasure Expert & Feminist Sex Coach blends the power of personal experience with current best trauma-informed practices in the fields of sexual health coaching & education.
Catherine Roscoe Barr, wellness coach
Catherine is a neuroscience-based wellness coach and founder of The Life Delicious, empowering women leaders to reclaim their time and rediscover wellness. The Life Delicious is applied neuroscience for everyday wellness and joyful longevity – an evidence-based curriculum of sustainable practices, grounded in pleasure, to liberate ourselves and others from suffering. Catherine offers women's coaching circles, co-ed retreats, corporate workshops and keynote speeches; is a certified personal trainer, fitness instructor and coach practitioner; and writes about fitness, food and travel for numerous publications including Montecristo, Canadian Living, WestJet Magazine, BC Business and BC Living. She currently lives in Vancouver with her fabulous husband, delightful daughter and adorable dog.
Cindy Scharkey, RN, BSN
Cindy Scharkey RN, BSN is a healthcare professional leading educational conversations about sexual health.
Passionate about breaking the silence surrounding women’s sexuality and pleasure, Cindy offers education and resources through her newsletter, blog, workshops and private consultations. She is also the host of the Permission for Pleasure Podcast.
Cindy is on a mission to equip women with the content and confidence they need to express, experience and enjoy their sexuality.