Donate

Our team

Administrative team

Christine Vilcocq, 
MSc, Gérontologue Directrice générale & Responsable de la protection des renseignements personnels
Christine Vilcocq, MSc, Gerontologist

General Manager & Privacy Officer

Bio
Jeanne This, M.A. Coordonnatrice des opérations 
du CIViS
Jeanne This, M.A.
CIViS Operations Coordinator
Bio
Bio
Fanny Dallaire Adjointe à la Direction générale
Fanny Dallaire
Executive Assistant
Bio
Bio
Portrait de Karine Cloutier souriant à la caméra

Karine Cloutier

Director of Communications and Philanthropy

Bio
Chadia Christa Akitekci souriant à la caméra

Chadia Christa Akiteka

Receptionist

Bio

Clinical team

Hélène Latrille, 
Dipl. Psy, MSc Crim. Directrice des Services cliniques – Psychothérapeute – Psychologue
Hélène Latrille, 
Dipl. Psy, MSc Crim.

Director of Clinical Services – Clinical psychologist

Bio
Audrée-Jade Carignan Coordonnatrice des interventions – CAVAC
Audrée-Jade Carignan

Intervention Coordinator – CAVAC

Bio

Brenda Millan

Intervention Coordinator – CAVAC

Bio
Mélina Siwic, B.Sc.
Criminologist – Psychosocial Counsellor and Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Bio
Ani Boneva, D.Ps. Psychothérapeute – Psychologue

Ani Boneva, D.Ps.

Clinical psychologist

Bio
Marie-Christine Beaulieu, Ph.D. Psychothérapeute – Psychologue

Marie-Christine Beaulieu, Ph.D.

Clinical psychologist

Bio
Sarah-Anne Garceau Aparicio, M.A. Psychothérapeute – Sexologue clinicienne
Sarah-Anne Garceau Aparicio, M.A.

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

Bio
Annie Valois Intervenante psychosociale

Annie Valois, B.A.

Sexologist – Psychosocial Counsellor

Bio
Bio
Lise Desjardins, M.A. Psychothérapeute – Sexologue clinicienne
Lise Desjardins, M.A.

Clinical sexologist – Psychotherapist  

Bio
Bio
Portait de Emmanuelle Despaties Nguyen souriant à la caméra

Emmanuelle Despaties Nguyen, M.A

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

Bio
Bio
Maxim Jodoin souriant à la caméra

Maxim Jodoin, M.A.

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

Bio
Bio

Annie Farmer, M.Sc.

Psychoeducator – Psychosocial Counsellor

Bio
Bio

Eliza Rodrigue. M.A.

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

Bio
Bio

Would you like to get involved in supporting victims of sexual violence by joining the La Traversée team?

I want to get involved
Read the news

Board of Directors

A key decision-making body, the Board of Directors provides the diverse expertise and strategic vision that guide the organization’s direction.

Pierre Morin, President

Senior Manager, Capital Markets, Desjardins Securities Inc.

Hélène Bisson, Vice-President

Director of Communications, Barreau of Quebec

Isabelle Mathieu, Treasurer

Senior Director, Strategic Development, Renaud-Bray – President, Pierre Belvédère

Julie Grenier, Secretary

Human Resources Manager, HydroSolution

Annie Fournier, Director 

General Manager, Boscoville

Eve Verschelden, Director 

Vice-President, General Manager of Biron Medical Laboratory, Pathology and Biron Genetics

Christian Denis, Director 

President, Agro-Bio Contrôle Inc.

Michèle Laframboise, Director

Partner, Normandin Beaudry Assets Management

Sophie Arpin, Director

Litigation Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Julien This, Director

Director, Growth and Innovation, Sid Lee

Apply to the Board of Directors!

Contact us

Christine Vilcocq, MSc, Gerontologist

General Manager & Privacy Officer

Christine holds a Master’s degree in Communications and is a gerontologist specializing in the care of vulnerable elders. At La Traversée, Christine applies the three fundamental professional credos that guide her day-to-day work.

Innovation: Christine is driven by the need to generate and develop innovative projects, concepts, and ideas. Her visionary leadership and open-mindedness create an environment conducive to the emergence of bold, innovative solutions.

Team: Christine understands that the success of every project depends on its team, and she places the utmost importance on fostering a strong team culture rooted in trust, respect, and collaboration.

Research: Christine is convinced that continuous validation and improvement through research and training are crucial for ensuring a project’s excellence and sustainability. By relying on evidence-based data and solid expertise, La Traversée assures its clients of the highest service quality standards and continuous improvement.
“Impose your luck, embrace your happiness and go toward your risks: by looking at you, they’ll get used to it.” René Char

Jeanne This, M.A.

CIViS Operations Coordinator

Jeanne completed a bachelor’s degree and a research-intervention master’s in sexology at the Université du Québec à Montréal.

La Traversée, a founding member of the Centre de services intégrés en violence sexuelle (CIViS), coordinates and hosts this initiative from its facilities in Saint-Lambert, Montérégie. In this service integration project, Jeanne oversees the planning, coordination, and deployment of CIViS. She also documents process and tool development to promote best practices in supporting victims of sexual abuse. Finally, leveraging her broad-based expertise, she also takes on the responsibility for Research and Knowledge Transfer across all projects undertaken by La Traversée.

“To exist is to dare to throw oneself into the world.” – Simone de Beauvoir

Fanny Dallaire

Executive Assistant

Fanny brings extensive experience as an executive assistant, having spent a significant portion of her career in educational settings. She exhibits professional agility and responsiveness daily, ensuring effective coordination.

Her unwavering commitment and enthusiasm shine through as she meets challenges and supports general management in achieving its objectives. A proactive team member, Fanny consistently leverages her skills and experience to further the organization’s success.
“They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.” – Mark Twain

Karine Cloutier

Director of Communications and Philanthropy

A graduate of HEC Montréal in human resources and business management, Karine Cloutier has spent over 30 years working in the community, driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Having worked with a multitude of organizations, both in Quebec and abroad, she has acquired solid expertise in philanthropy and communications. Her experience at CRIPCAS, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problématiques conjugales et les agressions sexuelles, has had a profound impact on her, making her acutely aware of the issues surrounding the trauma of sexual violence.

Touched by the resilience of victims of sexual violence, she is committed to mobilizing the resources needed to promote their recovery and reconstruction.

As La Traversée’s new Director of Communications and Philanthropy, Karine is also determined to implement innovative communications strategies to raise public awareness of the cause, and to develop a network of committed donors, volunteers and partners.

“By shining our light, we give others the opportunity to do the same. – Nelson Mandela

Chadia Christa Akiteka

Receptionist

With over six years’ experience in public health data analysis in Africa, Chadia has contributed to large-scale projects aimed at combating the spread of HIV in often difficult contexts. This experience has enabled her to develop a deep empathy for vulnerable people and a solid understanding of public health issues.

As La Traversée’s first point of contact, Chadia plays an essential role in welcoming people and directing them to the services best suited to their needs. Thanks to her active listening, discretion and empathy, she creates a climate of trust in which everyone feels listened to and respected.

Her professionalism and benevolence are an invaluable asset on a daily basis.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud” Maya Angelou

Hélène Latrille, Dipl. Psy, MSc Crim.

Director of Clinical Services - Clinical psychologist

Hélène graduated from the École de Psychologues Praticiens in Paris in 2014 with a degree in clinical psychology after five years of study. With a focus on justice, she completed her master’s degree in criminology at the Université de Montréal and joined the Ordre des psychologues du Québec in 2018.

Hélène joined the La Traversée team in 2021 and has since been providing psychotherapy services to adult victims of sexual violence. Initially trained in the psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approach, then in the humanistic and cognitive-behavioral approaches, and finally in EMDR, her practice is now integrative, allowing her to adapt to the specific needs of her clients. Authentic and dynamic in her relationships, Hélène prioritizes building a trusting bond and maintaining a therapeutic alliance throughout the treatment process.

Since February 2023, Hélène has also served as the Director of Clinical Services at La Traversée. She supervises the work of psychotherapists and psychosocial workers and is responsible for managing, coordinating, and organizing clinical activities. Hélène ensures that La Traversée’s clinical practices adhere to the organization’s values as well as the ethical and professional standards inherent to the field. She is actively involved in developing long-term strategies to improve the quality of care and optimize service efficiency, for the benefit of victims of sexual violence.

“The greatest glory is not never falling, but rising every time you fall.” Nelson Mandela

Audrée-Jade Carignan

Intervention Coordinator

Audrée-Jade completed a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in research-intervention in sexology at the Université du Québec à Montréal. CAVAC is one of the founding organizations of the Centre de services intégrés en violence sexuelle (CIViS). As part of this service integration project, Audrée-Jade is responsible for coordinating interventions to facilitate access to services and a simplified, harmonious trajectory for victims of sexual violence. She assesses the impact and needs of users, develops a personalized service pathway and coordinates it throughout the client’s journey within the services.
“Resilience is the art of navigating torrents.” – Boris Cyrulnik

Brenda Millan

Intervention Coordinator - CAVAC

Brenda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Montreal, earned in 2019, and is a member of the Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec. She is employed by CAVAC (the Center for Assistance to Victims of Criminal Acts), one of the founding organizations of the Centre de services intégrés en violence sexuelle (CIViS), alongside La Traversée and the Longueuil Agglomeration Police Service (SPAL).
 
As part of this service integration project, she works at La Traversée’s offices and coordinates interventions with her colleague Audrée-Jade to facilitate access to services for victims of sexual violence and their families. She conducts an initial assessment with each individual before proposing a personalized service trajectory based on the assessed needs.
 
Throughout this trajectory, Brenda remains available to support those she accompanies and ensures they receive all the help they need.

“To be empathetic is to walk with another person, to meet that person where he or she is.” Brené Brown

Mélina Siwic

Criminologue – Intervenante psychosociale et adjointe à la direction clinique

Détentrice d’un double baccalauréat en criminologie et en psychologie de l’Université de Montréal, Mélina Siwic a également contribué à la recherche universitaire sur la délinquance sexuelle, enrichissant ainsi sa compréhension des dynamiques complexes liées à la violence sexuelle. Membre de l’Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec, elle cumule plus de cinq ans d’expérience en intervention clinique auprès de personnes judiciarisées ayant commis des violences sexuelles.
 
Guidée par une réelle vocation pour la relation d’aide, Mélina s’engage à offrir aux personnes victimes de violence sexuelle, ainsi qu’à leurs proches, un espace sécuritaire et sans jugement. Son approche, empreinte d’écoute, de respect et de bienveillance, permet à chacun·e de s’ouvrir en toute quiétude.
 
Son parcours unique, alliant rigueur clinique et compréhension fine des réalités sociales et judiciaires, vient soutenir la mission de La Traversée. Elle y contribue en plaçant le bien-être des personnes victimes au cœur de chacune de ses interventions.
« Le pouvoir de la vie est si puissant que, tel un énorme torrent, il repart sous d’autres formes après un fracas. » – Boris Cyrulnik

Ani Boneva, D.Ps.

Clinical psychologist

Ani earned her master’s degree in psychodynamic psychology in Europe and has worked as a clinical psychologist with adult clients since 2001. Her practice includes positions at the Douglas Hospital borderline clinic, the Université de Montréal’s psychological consultation service, and private practice before joining La Traversée in 2006.

She completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the Université de Sherbrooke in 2020. Her thesis explored the intergenerational transmission of trauma through the lens of attachment theory and mentalization capacity. She believes that a good capacity for mentalization enables people to absorb the trauma they have suffered and to recover more quickly. She has also completed five years of training in structural personality diagnosis using projective methods.

In her practice, Ani Boneva has developed expertise in the assessment and psychotherapy of clients who have suffered a variety of traumas (complex trauma, sexual assault, relational violence, organized violence, or others). She is particularly interested in the impact that these various traumas have had on the developing psyche of her clients (who are often young at the time of the trauma) and how they have affected their subsequent psychological and relational functioning. Her human and relational approach defines her practice.
“Suffering can only be cured if it is fully experienced.” Marcel Proust

Marie-Christine Beaulieu, Ph.D.

Clinical psychologist

Marie-Christine completed a PhD in clinical psychology research and intervention at the Université de Montréal and began her practice at La Traversée in 2015. Her doctoral thesis, specializing in children and teenagers, examined the relationship between the behavioural characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and various parental factors. The quality of this thesis was recognized by the Université de Montréal’s psychology department, which selected it for the 2015 Canadian Association for Graduate Studies’ Distinguished Dissertation Award.

Clinically, Marie-Christine has trained in a psychodynamic approach within child psychiatry and pediatric clinics at university hospitals. As part of her practice at La Traversée, she completed advanced training in cognitive-behavioural therapy focusing on trauma resolution and has taken various courses in trauma intervention.

In addition to her work at La Traversée, Marie-Christine is a lecturer at the Université de Montréal.

“Peace lies within each of us.” Dalai Lama

Sarah-Anne Garceau Aparicio, M.A.

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

Sarah-Anne is a psychotherapist and a member of the Ordre des sexologues du Québec. Her work is guided by the conviction that everyone has a right to sexual, relational, and overall well-being, respecting their physical and psychological integrity. While she primarily employs humanistic-existential and cognitive-behavioural approaches, she also adopts an integrative approach tailored to each client’s needs. Her professional interests focus on issues of sexual violence, self-esteem, sexual health, intimacy, attachment, and relationships. She is also sensitive to the experiences of individuals from LGBTQIA+ communities.

Her view of sexuality embraces its diversity, seeing it as a realm of infinite possibilities: self-discovery, authenticity with others, exploration, and the experience of pleasure. For Sarah-Anne, establishing a strong working alliance with her clients is essential, creating a space filled with empathy, kindness, authenticity, and respect.
“We have been thrown into circumstances of life over which we have no control, and, nevertheless, in which we can grasp possibilities of life, a potential freedom that our emotional situation can offer us.” Martin Heidegger

Annie Valois, B.A.

Sexologist - Psychosocial Counsellor

Annie has a bachelor’s degree in sexology and over 20 years of experience in the community, working with women’s groups and young people. She has worked as a social worker at a Sexual Assault Help Centre and subsequently at a women’s centre. She was also a project officer for the Table de concertation des groupes de femmes de la Montérégie and a trainer in several Longueuil high schools. In 2023, she proudly joined La Traversée as a psychosocial counsellor, offering group and individual psychosocial support.
“Every success begins with the willingness to try.” John F. Kennedy

Lise Desjardins, M.A.

Clinical sexologist - Psychotherapist

A clinical sexologist and psychotherapist, Lise has worked in private practice for over 22 years with adult clients, both individuals and couples. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical sexology, as well as a basic training diploma in EMDR. She also holds a clinical sexologist’s license and a psychotherapist’s license. She is a member of the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec and EMDR Canada.

While her practice is highly diversified, Lise has become particularly interested in trauma treatment in recent years. She now wishes to work more specifically with victims of sexual violence, to offer them appropriate help in a consultation setting that is caring, constructive and respectful of everyone’s pace. She is also happy to be able to work for an organization that offers free services to people from different social and financial backgrounds.

In addition to her work at La Traversée, Lise pursues other professional activities. She has developed an expertise in the Sexocorporelle approach, and for over 20 years has been teaching this approach to other health professionals and offering clinical supervision. She encourages the development of a positive vision of sexuality and proposes a holistic approach to the person (cognition, emotions and sensations), considering the body as a whole.

“Resilience is what forged my personality. It’s not the degrees, it’s not the schools I went to, it’s not the titles, it’s my ability to pick myself up again and again and be a human who connects to her story.” Michelle Obama

Emmanuelle Despaties Nguyen, M.A.

Clinical sexologist - Psychotherapist

Emmanuelle has been a clinical sexologist and psychotherapist at La Traversée since 2021. Passionate about human relationships and mental health, she naturally gravitated towards this field.

Trained mainly in the cognitive-behavioral and systemic-interactional approaches, her practice is integrative and adapts to each person’s unique needs.

With many years’ experience, Emmanuelle works with people of all ages and genders who have experienced sexual assault. She is particularly interested in the impact of these traumas on sexuality, emotional management and interpersonal relationships. She also addresses other issues such as cultural issues within couples and intergenerational trauma.

It’s important to her that her practice reflects certain values she holds dear, such as respect, accessibility, inclusion and non-judgment. She wishes to emphasize the uniqueness of each individual and to take intersectionality into account in her understanding of things.

It is with an attitude imbued with empathy, warmth and humility that she accompanies the people who seek her psychotherapeutic services.

“The meaning we give to things changes the way we experience them” – Boris Cyrulnik

Maxim Jodoin, M.A.

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

A clinical sexologist and psychotherapist since 2019, Maxim joined the La Traversée team in 2024. He supports adults and adolescents, providing a safe space to explore the various aspects of their lives.
 
With a diverse range of experience gained in private practice and within the healthcare network, Maxim has developed expertise working with a variety of clients. Before his graduate studies, he collaborated on research into sexual violence at the University of Montreal and the Centre Marie-Vincent. He also gained valuable experience working in a crisis centre in the Laurentians, supporting individuals facing acute difficulties.
 
Maxim has a strong interest in the psychodynamic-psychoanalytic approach, particularly the self psychology founded by Heinz Kohut, drawn to its great sensitivity.
For him, psychotherapy is a unique and safe place where individuals can explore different parts of themselves and their experiences, sometimes venturing into more winding or unknown areas that we don’t explore in other contexts. He believes that the symptoms that burden a person carry within themselves a meaning that the work of psychotherapy gradually allows us to discover and understand.
 
For Maxim, this process is a sustained collaboration aimed at clarifying the sources of suffering, allowing the individual to gradually let go of it.

« Man can no more survive psychologically in a psychological milieu that does not respond empathically to him, than he can survive physically in an atmosphere that contains no oxygen. » Heinz Kohut

Annie Farmer, M.Sc.

Psychoeducator - Psychosocial Counsellor

Annie Farmer holds a master’s degree in psychoeducation and is a member of the Ordre des psychoéducateurs et psychoéducatrices du Québec.
 
Throughout her professional journey, she has supported children, adolescents, and adults facing various adaptation challenges in both institutional and community settings. In 2025, she joined the team at La Traversée, driven by the desire to provide compassionate and empathetic support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence.
 
Passionate about human adaptation, Annie prioritizes a strength-based approach that focuses on the adaptive capacities of the individuals she supports, fostering their path toward healing and empowerment.
As a psychosocial practitioner, she is committed to offering personalized, compassionate, and needs-based support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence, as well as their loved ones. She also contributes to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can progress at their own pace toward well-being.
“Supporting someone means believing in their ability to transform, even when they doubt themselves.” – Gilles Gendreau

Eliza Rodrigue, M.A.

Clinical Sexologist — Psychotherapist

Eliza Rodrigue holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in clinical sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). She is a member of the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec (OPSQ) and a licensed psychotherapist.
 
Since the beginning of her career in 2012, Eliza has worked with individuals who have experienced various forms of violence, including sexual violence. She has worked in a range of settings—including shelters, CAVACs, and the public health and social services network—supporting clients of all ages and genders with diverse needs.
 
Her practice is grounded in a cognitive-behavioral approach, while integrating various theoretical models and perspectives, with a particular emphasis on attachment theory.
Eliza’s therapeutic ease allows her to navigate different concepts and adapt to the unique needs and situations of each individual.
 
In parallel, she has developed significant expertise in post-traumatic stress, especially developmental trauma (complex trauma) and its effects on both individual and relational development.
 
In her sessions, she supports clients in exploring and understanding the impacts of their trauma, while respecting each person’s own pace. With compassion, she guides them toward post-traumatic growth.
 
For Eliza, the psychotherapeutic space is above all a safe haven—a place where individuals can open up, feel, and be fully received. Her gentle approach is rooted in deep respect and self-compassion.

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.” – Naeem Callaway

Mélina Siwic

Criminologist – Psychosocial Counsellor and Assistant Director of Clinical Services

Mélina Siwic holds a double bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology from the Université de Montréal. As part of her academic journey, she contributed to university research on sexual offending, deepening her understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding sexual violence. A member of the Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec, she has over five years of clinical experience working with justice-involved individuals who have committed sexual offences.
 
Driven by a genuine calling for helping others, Mélina is committed to offering victims of sexual violence—and their loved ones—a safe, non-judgmental space. Her approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and active listening, allowing each person to open up in their own time and at their own pace.
 
Her unique path, combining clinical rigour with a deep understanding of social and legal realities, strengthens La Traversée’s mission. She contributes by placing the well-being of victims at the heart of every intervention.

“The power of life is so strong that, like a massive torrent, it re-emerges in other forms after the crash.” – Boris Cyrulnik