Sandra Collins (she/her), PhD
I write from the perspective of a feminist, lesbian, cisgender, woman with an invisible disability, who is semiretired, white, and inhabits a privileged social class. I am also positioned by my European heritage and consequent settler relationship to coloniality and my atheist belief system. I respectfully acknowledge the unceded ancestral lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, where I live and work as an uninvited guest. I am grateful for all that I have learned and unlearned through my relationship with Melissa and each of the other collaborators in this work. It has been a labour of love in so many ways. I retired in 2023 as a professor at Athabasca University and in 2025 from active practice as a psychologist. Over the 25 years of my academic and professional career I focused my research, writing, and teaching on cultural responsivity and social justice in theory and practice; this is my fifth book on these topics. I also specialized in counsellor education, particularly online and blended learning and open-source resources. Now that this book is complete I plan to spend more of my time enjoying other aspects of my life with my spouse, Glo Kelly, including gardening, painting, being in nature, and engaging in other creative projects! I remain committed to justice-doing and justice-seeking, and I am curious to see what the future brings for me as I continue my path as a disruptor committed to social change.
Melissa Jay (she/her), PhD, RPsych
I write from the perspective of a cisgender nehiyaw (Cree) member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and lifelong student of yoga philosophy. As a psychologist and associate professor at Athabasca University I acknowledge the privilege I have in navigating various spaces, including being an editor of this book. My work is centred in reciprocal relationships, decolonized healing, anti-oppressive practices, and the integration of ancient wisdom and psychology. My intention is to share trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. At Canmore Counselling and the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, alongside my spouse and our team, I lead training programs focused on trauma-informed yoga psychology and decolonial care. We are committed to nurturing authentic, compassionate connections and to putting social justice into action through community care. I share my life with my spouse Michael and our rescue-turned-retired therapy dog, Lulu. We are privileged to currently be near the ocean, and we grateful for the Lək̓ ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples and lands colonially known as Victoria. We are also grateful for our community in the mountains, Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi, colonially known as Canmore. Wherever I am you can find me on the land, walking, going on spontaneous food tours, cooking, being cozy, and staying connected to the people I love.
