About

My journey with chronic pelvic pain began over 20 years ago. I know firsthand the frustration of being dismissed, misdiagnosed or told “it’s all in your head.” At eight years old, a tailbone injury during a tobogganing accident triggered persistent pelvic pain which worsened with the onset of my period at 13. What followed were years of painful cycles, chronic vulvar pain and frequent UTIs and yeast infections. All without clear answers or direction in care. In October 2017, after a routine UTI, my health spiraled into severe, debilitating flares affecting my pelvis, bladder, urethra and vagina. Months of inconclusive tests and unanswered questions left me feeling isolated and scared.

I spent countless hours researching my symptoms, creating binders of information for doctor visits and connecting with support groups online. I discovered a safe haven in these communities and realized I wasn’t alone…there were others facing the same pain, looking for answers.

In 2018, I started The Happy Pelvis as a creative outlet and a space to share my journey. Soon after, I connected with endometriosis excision specialists who finally listened, validated my experience, and gave me a diagnosis. I have had two endometriosis surgeries sinces 2018. Today, I live with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome, Endometriosis and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, and have also been diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Tarlov Cysts. Still waiting to confirm if ehlor’s danlos syndrome if a factor too.

Through The Happy Pelvis I strive to be the resource I wish I’d had. Offering support, education and lots of encouragement to anyone navigating pelvic pain or chronic illness. I know how isolating it can feel to go through years of unexplained pain, only to meet skepticism. My mission is to empower others to advocate for themselves, navigate the healthcare system, and find providers who take their pain seriously.

I am a Peer Pelvic Health Navigator supporting people living with pelvic pain. I am certified through York University, and my work bridges lived experience, research-based information, and the realities of navigating care.

My role is not to replace doctors, physiotherapists or other healthcare providers. Instead, I help people make sense of their care and move through the system with more clarity, confidence and support.

What I do (and don’t do)

As a Peer Pelvic Health Navigator, I:

1. Help people understand their diagnosis, symptoms and treatment options using evidence-based information and up to date guidelines
   
   
2. Support the community in preparing for medical appointments, including organizing symptoms, questions, and priorities using digital and accessible resources
   
   
3. Help navigate referral process with doctors, waitlists and multidisciplinary care
   
   
4. Translate clinical guidelines and research into clear language
   
   
5. Provide peer-based emotional support grounded in lived experience of pelvic pain
   
   
6. I do not diagnose, prescribe, or provide medical treatment or advice. All clinical decisions remain between the individual and their licensed healthcare providers.
   
   
7. My lane is education, preparation, navigation + support. I work alongside the healthcare system, helping people feel more prepared, informed and less alone as they access pelvic pain care.