About Us
We are a research lab at SickKids in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, led by Dr. Ashley Vandermorris. In the Leading Toward Equity through Adolescent Participation Lab, we examine opportunities to improve health systems for youth through inquiry in the domains of…
- structural and social determinants of health
- adolescent-responsive and rights-based policies
- innovative and transdisciplinary models of care
Through the lens of youth engagement and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), we examine youth-relevant topics including:
- sexual and reproductive health and rights
- gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse youth
- pregnancy and parenting in adolescence
- intersectoral youth policies
- trauma-informed care
- global adolescent health
For a full list of our ongoing research projects, visit…
Meet Our Team
Ashley Vandermorris (she/her) is a Staff Paediatrician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at SickKids and a member of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health. Read more […]
Michelle Groff (she/her) is a recent graduate from McMaster University with a Master of Science specializing in Health Research Methodology. Read more […]
After earning her Master’s degree in cancer research, Megan joined the LEAP Lab team, combining her passion for innovative clinical research with her commitment to LGBTQ2S+ advocacy. Read more […]
Driven by her passion for improving health systems for youth, Avery Smith (she/her) joined the LEAP Lab in 2024 and contributes to youth-centred research that is grounded in advocacy, equity, and justice. Read more […]
A recent graduate from Western University with a Bachelor’s in Medical Sciences, developed a deep commitment to improving mental health care through both research and advocacy. Read more […]
Gemini graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelors in Health Sciences in May 2021. She is currently a research volunteer at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Read more […]
Sarah Pimenta (she/her) is a first year medical student at McMaster’s Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine. She is currently a clinical research volunteer at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), and is working on studies related to the physical, mental, and developmental health of transgender and gender-diverse youth. Read more […]
Melzee Diao is a 2nd year student at McMaster University in the Honours Health Sciences Program. He is very grateful for the care he received from the Transgender Youth Clinic at SickKids and is excited to give back as a member of the Youth Advisory Board. Read more […]
Basil Barker (he/him) is a 12th grade student in the Arts and Culture SHSM program. In the Youth Advisory Board he hopes his voice and opinions can help future transgender youth who come to the clinic better receive the care they need. Read more […]
Lab Alumni
Michelle WY Tam (she/her) is a PhD Candidate at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Read more […]
Marissa is a third-year undergraduate student at Western University studying Medical Sciences with an Honours Specialization in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences. Read more […]
Michelle is a Two-Spirit, transfeminine person originally from The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in Williams Treaty territory, currently residing in downtown Tkaranto in Treaty 13 territory. Read more […]
Talia (she/her) is a project assistant at the LEAP Lab where she is primarily involved in the Racialized Gender Diverse Youth Project. Read more […]
Joelle Peresin is currently working towards the completion of her undergraduate studies within the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Program at Queen’s University. Read more […]
Aruba is a recent graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University with a major in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Read more […]