I am a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, ally and advocate. I began this journey in 2013 when my son came out as transgender. We navigated the journey together so he could get what he needed to transition socially, emotionally, psychologically and medically. It took nearly a year to find appropriate resources to support my child. At that point I knew that we needed to be a support for others out there like us. There was a lot to learn and I’m still learning.

Language has evolved, access to support has become more accessible and conversations around trans identities are more prevalent. Stand with Trans is here to provide life-saving resources and programs for trans youth and their parents. We want our young trans and nonbinary individuals to know they are loved, to thrive in a complicated world, and to be accepted for who they are without stigma, shame, or harm.

Helping others is a passion of mine.  I long for a healthier, safer world. I like good food (plant based). I love my family. I am OBSESSED with my dog. I care about others. I would do anything for my children. I believe in community. To contact me, feel free to email roz@standwithtrans.org.

I’m a lifelong student, activist and Enby creator who’s passionate about inspiring through vulnerability and honesty as well as being a part of building and creating safer spaces for people to connect and be their full self.

For the last few years, I was pursuing a career in education through non-conventional routes. I knew I wanted to be involved in teaching, especially about the nuances and beauty of gender, growth after trauma, and mental wellness, but hadn’t figured out how. I ended up going down a road of learning about Non-Profit work and aspiring to be a part of it all– and what started as reaching out to volunteer for the summer turned into a staff position!

I graduated with a Bachelors in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Fullsail University in the summer of 2021. In my free time, I’m a writer/ reader, concept artist & world builder, plant parent, guitar cover artist, and anime enthusiast.

I am an anti-discrimination activist, advocate, and advisor, focusing on transgender youth and their families. At Stand With Trans, I coordinate membership, performs outreach, participate in national conventions, act as a media spokesperson, and conduct webinars. I am an experienced attorney with a demonstrated history of government ethics and poverty law, who specializes in campaign finance prosecution and rule-making.

I am a licensed Social Worker who graduated with an MSW from Wayne State University. I recently spent several years working as a Crisis Intervention Counselor at Common Ground in Pontiac. Additionally, I was active in the Mentoring Program at Jewish Family Services and have maintained a close relationship with my mentee for the past 19 years.

As mom to a transgender son, I am happy to bring my experience in social services and communication (my Under Graduate degree was in Journalism) to SWT and to help with coordinating membership and organizing events for Ally Parents. I’ve always been passionate about the need to embrace diversity and combating discrimination of any kind as well as helping people to advocate for themselves and their families.

I am a proud Dad, husband and ally to my son, Hunter. It’s a privilege and honor to be a part of this journey, along with my wife, Roz.

It has been a learning experience, and like any worthwhile learning experience, it forces us to grow, both in knowledge and love, as well as in our willingness to look beyond our bias and pre-conceived notions. We are dedicated to guiding “Stand with Trans” to a place where transgender youth and adults can find the resources and support they need.

I am a Creative Director,  dedicated dad and dog lover… I love exercise, writing poetry and watching movies. While living in NYC I served as a Self-Esteem and Substance Abuse Counselor and studied martial arts. I am presently a Certified Radix Practitioner.

I worked as a public librarian in a variety of professional capacities for over 30 years, primarily working in youth services. I have also worked in an administrative and secretarial capacity at a busy medical office. I am an avid advocate for children and youth, with special interests in early childhood, literacy, and helping people of all ages find resources and information to counter bias and stereotypes. Children need advocates, and I am passionate about supporting them and helping others find the resources and programs to become better educated and informed.

My son, Daniel, is currently a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Michigan and is the physician provider at the new U of M Pediatric Gender Management Clinic. His passion for helping transgender and gender expansive youth lead to my own interest and enthusiasm. I feel it is important for me to educate and enlighten so many who just do not understand.

I received my Undergraduate degree and Masters in Library Science degree from the University of Michigan.

I am a father, academic, and member of the LGBTQ+ community. I grew up in rural Michigan and am a first-generation college graduate. I now am a Professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and currently serve as Chief of Staff to its President and Dean. I teach courses about the law of property. My interest in the law began when I was appointed to a vacancy on the East Lansing City Council at the age of 20.

I am passionate about creating safe spaces for the LGTBQ+ community and served on the Board of Directors of Affirmations for six years. For self-care I enjoy reading Queer fiction, working out, and hiking in the woods with Dune (my Golden Retriever)

I am a dedicated wife, mom of two teenagers, and ally to my son and the LGBTQ+ community. I am based in Upstate New York and spend my professional time in the non-profit sector as a Foundation Director for a local hospital. I have a degree in Managerial Accounting and have worked for nonprofits in Income Development for over 15 years. I have a strong belief in social responsibility and making a meaningful difference in the world. 

I have a mission to break the stigma around mental health and talking about suicide – especially with the LGBTQ+ community. I am a registered safeTALK Workshop Facilitator and encourage everyone to become more aware of suicide alertness for the benefit of those in your life.    

I believe in the natural way of living and am a Certified Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. Mother Earth has given us everything we need to survive – we just need to embrace what is in front of us. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling with friends and family, experiencing life and making memories.

Nick specializes in Gender, Transgender, Intersex, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Asexual identity working with individuals and their loved ones who seek support in navigating challenges presented. He works with clients dealing

I am a 9th grade English teacher at Oak Park High School and the 2020-2021 Michigan Teacher of the Year. I am also a transgender man. As a teacher, I am passionate about growing student empathy and self-advocacy, and bringing anti-racist and queer-affirming practices into the classroom. I train teachers across Michigan on LGBTQ+ Student Support. I know what it was like to be a queer teenager in school, and my goal is to make this experience more positive and loving for current and future queer youth.

In my spare time, I’m a writer, the Detroit Municipal Liaison for National Novel Writing Month, and a Dungeons and Dragons player.

Antonia Caretto, Ph.D. is a fully licensed Clinical Psychologist and a graduate of the University of
Michigan and the Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology.  Dr.
Caretto’s 1991 doctoral dissertation research was on “Familial Homosexuality Among Women and It’s
Relationship to Childhood Gender Role Non-Conformity and Adult Sex Role.”

Dr. Caretto has a solo private practice in Farmington Hills, Michigan and gender identity development
continues to the focus of much of her work. Dr. Caretto presented her research on transgender youth at the
WPATH Symposium in Bangkok Thailand in 2014 and recently co-authored an article: “Initial Clinical
Guidelines for Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria or Incongruence in
Adolescents.”

In addition to treating gender diverse adults, teens, and children she provides training on transgender
identities to a variety of consumer and professional groups including medical professionals at Henry Ford
Health System and the University of Michigan, University of Toledo, and Oakland University Medical
Schools.

Yma Johnson is the mother of a nonbinary college student and a passionate advocate for youth rights. She co-founded the Ann Arbor-chapter of Stand with Trans and is a member of the Human Rights Campaign’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council.  She also co-chairs the Washtenaw County Health for All Steering Committee. Yma is a committed activist for a variety of progressive causes, including protections for people managing mental illness, housing justice, and sustainable food systems. She is a grant writer and nonprofit development consultant who began her career as a journalist in San Juan, Puerto Rico 25 years ago. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan.

Jay Kaplan is currently a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan’s LGBT Project, which was founded in 2001. He advocates for the LGBT community on a number of issues, challenging current laws and moving for reforms.

Dr. Shumer is a pediatric endocrinologist at Mott Children’s Hospital, and the founder and medical director of the Child and Adolescent Gender Clinic at Mott. His research has involved the mental health vulnerabilities of transgender youth. His medical degree is from Northwestern University, and he also has a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. He has a son and lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Amy received her Master’s degree from Western Michigan University in Counseling Psychology and has been licensed as a mental health therapist since 2015. She is currently in private practice at River City Psychological Services working with people of all ages, primarily children and young adults. Amy has been a Registered Play Therapist since 2019 and practices a creative, cognitive and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis.

Amy identifies as a queer therapist and practices a gender affirmative therapeutic approach and focuses on working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She has specifically worked with TGNC youth for her whole career. She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider. Amy works to support the transgender community through mental health support, educational advocacy, affirmative letter writing, resource connections, working events, running support groups and being an activist.

In addition to her private practice, Amy is also working towards partnering with the A.Y.A. Youth Collective, an organization providing circles of support for youth facing homelessness, to offer mental health support and crisis intervention, especially for gender diverse youth.