About Double X Health
Our Story
Centred around the idea that women's bodies have not been researched seriously, Double X Health aims to inform folks with female reproductive anatomy about their bodies (listen to this song to see what we're talking about!). Inspired by the people around her who were unsure why a period was heavy, irregular, and or really painful , our founder is determined to find out these answers and so much more.
We are just at the beginning of what can be achieved through research and priority funding for female reproductive anatomy so please stay tuned as we work to achieve maximum understanding.
Our Why
50.7% of the population of Canada is made up of women (and some non-binary folks according to Stats Canada). While women are the majority of the population, reproductive research does not reflect this. Women were not the focus of in-depth anatomy research until the 1990s - yes half of the millennial generation is older than the age of in-depth research on women. There is loads of misinformation that exists online and we want to all women to have access to reliable and evidence based information.
Our Founder
Liz Thompson is a public affairs professional with a passion for women's health and aged care. With a background in health care advocacy, Liz has been advocating for universal contraception in the province of Ontario for the past four years.
Liz's goal with the collective is to empower all to have informed discussions with their health care provider so they can receive the best care for their body.
Meet our board
Laurie Brovold – Board Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Laurie Brovold – Board Chair
Laurie Brovold is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 30 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she has an extensive background in managing financial operations and driving strategic insights. Her career spans key roles in retail finance with Metro and as the Finance and Administration Manager a
Laurie Brovold is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 30 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she has an extensive background in managing financial operations and driving strategic insights. Her career spans key roles in retail finance with Metro and as the Finance and Administration Manager at Santis Health, a boutique health consulting firm, where she contributed to enhancing financial practices and organizational administration. Laurie's expertise encompasses financial analysis, budgeting, and operational efficiencies within dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Tanya Morris –Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Laurie Brovold – Board Chair
My name is Tanya Morris. I am an Organizational Development professional with over 13 years of experience. I have worked in healthcare and municipal government where my work impacts the service provided to our community. I am also a Yoga Instructor and enjoy helping others on their wellness journey.
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas – Co-Vice Chair
Arianne Bilas is an experienced communications and investor relations professional with a specialization in developing strategies that drive stakeholder engagement and create shareholder value. Since 2020, she has worked in the natural resources sector, supporting corporate growth through effective communication, social media, and digital
Arianne Bilas is an experienced communications and investor relations professional with a specialization in developing strategies that drive stakeholder engagement and create shareholder value. Since 2020, she has worked in the natural resources sector, supporting corporate growth through effective communication, social media, and digital marketing strategies that align with investor interests. Arianne holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College.
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Dr. Katherine Zagrodney is a health economist who studies paid and unpaid women’s work in the care economy. Her research focuses on providing quantitative evidence to help guide health policy decisions related to health service delivery. Katherine holds multiple research and academic positions, including at the University of Toronto where she teaches a course on case studies in health policy.
Savanna Symons – Treasurer
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Savanna brings over a decade of experience in fundraising in the not-for-profit sector, where she’s mobilized individuals, corporations and organizations to make significant impacts in critical causes. As a feminist, advocate for equity, and mother to a young daughter, Savanna was deeply drawn to DXHC’s mission and joined the Board to hel
Savanna brings over a decade of experience in fundraising in the not-for-profit sector, where she’s mobilized individuals, corporations and organizations to make significant impacts in critical causes. As a feminist, advocate for equity, and mother to a young daughter, Savanna was deeply drawn to DXHC’s mission and joined the Board to help advance it through her expertise in fundraising, strategic vision and collaborative leadership. Savanna is a professional coach who works with professionals globally to help them excel in their roles through tailored confidence and performance coaching. She holds a BA in International Development, a certificate in Fundraising Management, and a certificate in Performance and Leadership Coaching. She resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
Sarah Crone– Board Member
Katherine Zagrodney – Secretary
Sarah Crone– Board Member
With over 18 years of experience in finance, Sarah is a results-driven leader recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams, execute strategic initiatives, and close complex deals. Throughout her career, she has combined analytical rigor with a people-first approach, driving both organizational growth and cultural excellence.
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With over 18 years of experience in finance, Sarah is a results-driven leader recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams, execute strategic initiatives, and close complex deals. Throughout her career, she has combined analytical rigor with a people-first approach, driving both organizational growth and cultural excellence.
Guided by a mission to increase financial literacy among Canadians, Sarah is passionate about empowering individuals to make confident, informed financial decisions. She believes that financial education is a cornerstone of personal freedom and societal progress—a belief that continues to shape her leadership and community involvement.
A firm believer in the “work hard, play hard” philosophy, Sarah brings energy, integrity, and balance to everything she does. Outside of work, she’s a proud mother of three and an advocate for women’s healthcare, lending her voice and expertise to initiatives that promote equity and access.
Zareen Hossain – Board Member
Roseanne Phillips – Board Member
Zareen Hossain – Board Member
Zareen Hossain is a budding communication professional with a passion for advocacy. While completing her degree at the University of Toronto, Zareen learned about the systemic issues that lead to health disparities for women, furthering her desire to advocate for marginalized communities. She volunteered at Vibrant Healthcare Alliance, wh
Zareen Hossain is a budding communication professional with a passion for advocacy. While completing her degree at the University of Toronto, Zareen learned about the systemic issues that lead to health disparities for women, furthering her desire to advocate for marginalized communities. She volunteered at Vibrant Healthcare Alliance, where she facilitated community engagement activities. After completing a Public Relations certificate at Humber Polytechnic in April 2025, Zareen began her communications career with the Government of Ontario. Now, she hopes to use her communications skills to support Double X’s mission of fostering an equitable healthcare system.
Andrea Meister – Board Member
Roseanne Phillips – Board Member
Zareen Hossain – Board Member
Andrea is a Toronto-based marketing strategist with over five years of experience creating campaigns that connect communities to meaningful stories and experiences. She blends creative insight with data-driven strategy to deliver digital, live, and community-focused initiatives that feel human, clear, and impactful.
Alongside her work with
Andrea is a Toronto-based marketing strategist with over five years of experience creating campaigns that connect communities to meaningful stories and experiences. She blends creative insight with data-driven strategy to deliver digital, live, and community-focused initiatives that feel human, clear, and impactful.
Alongside her work with Double X Collective, Andrea is an active volunteer in dog rescue, supporting foster coordination, adoption counselling, and social content that builds trust, compassion, and community engagement. This hands-on work shapes her collaborative style and commitment to accessible, people-centered communication.
While also pursuing a professional career as an actor, Andrea brings her background in performance, multimedia storytelling, and public-facing events to the Double X Collective board—offering a thoughtful, grounded approach that combines creativity, strategy, and community care.
Roseanne Phillips – Board Member
Roseanne Phillips – Board Member
Roseanne Phillips – Board Member
Roseanne is an experienced HR leader with 20+ years of supporting organizations across public, healthcare, and non-profit sectors. With expertise in Change Management and Lean Six Sigma, she leads positive transformation and continuous improvement. As a DEI committee lead and passionate coach, Roseanne helps individuals and teams build c
Roseanne is an experienced HR leader with 20+ years of supporting organizations across public, healthcare, and non-profit sectors. With expertise in Change Management and Lean Six Sigma, she leads positive transformation and continuous improvement. As a DEI committee lead and passionate coach, Roseanne helps individuals and teams build confidence, enhance collaboration, and thrive through change.
Dr. Shannon Ruse - Board Member
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Dr. Shannon Ruse is a naturopathic doctor specializing in evidence-based integrative women’s healthcare. She is dedicated to addressing gaps in healthcare on an individual level by making information more accessible and digestible. Shannon’s goals are to empower others in making confident and informed decisions about their well-being.
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi – Board Member
Victoria Pileggi is an associate lawyer at Paterson MacDougall LLP. Prior to law school, Victoria worked in health and neuroscience research and obtained four degrees leading up to her law degree. During law school, Victoria developed an interest in health law and equality. She continued with her interest in this line of work as Co-Chair
Victoria Pileggi is an associate lawyer at Paterson MacDougall LLP. Prior to law school, Victoria worked in health and neuroscience research and obtained four degrees leading up to her law degree. During law school, Victoria developed an interest in health law and equality. She continued with her interest in this line of work as Co-Chair of the Legal Education Action Fund (LEAF) Reproductive Justice Project Committee.
Clinical Advisory
Dr. Karlee Searle
Dr. Karlee Searle is a physician practicing in Ontario and BC, providing comprehensive care across the women’s reproductive health continuum. Her background includes pre-clinical and clinical research in breast cancer oncology and endometriosis, alongside extensive advocacy work. She previously helped lead provincial political efforts for no-cost contraception in Ontario, and co-founded a national COVID-19 relief initiative for women. Dr. Searle is dedicated to advancing health policy, equitable reproductive care, and femtech innovation, and brings an evidence-based clinical perspective to her advisory role.