​AJ Schaerer (he/they)

Director, Founder

AJ Schaerer (he/they) is a trans, non-binary advocate, educator, speaker, and community organizer. They are committed to creating a world where trans individuals can thrive and feel a sense of belonging. After years of witnessing systemic injustice in the trans community, they founded the Trans Advocacy & Care Team in 2021. Using a trauma-informed lens and an emphasis on transformative justice practices, AJ facilitates trans healing, community, wellbeing, and joy. 

Taj Smith (he/him)

Training & Outreach Coordinator

Taj Smith (he/him) is a Black transgender advocate, educator, and theologian. He believes in a world where trans people thrive and is committed to bringing that world into fruition. His work draws on lived experience, recent statistics, and popular culture to create engaging and vulnerable learning environments where participants feel safe to explore and challenged to grow.

Paris Faas (all pronouns)

Program & Development Assistant

Paris Faas (all pronouns) is a gender fluid artist, grad student, and earth ally who believes in the resilience and power of community.  They are devoted to creating a world where people feel supported to thrive as they are and feel alive in their skin.  After working for over a decade in the environmental justice and education field, Paris strives to bring playfulness into personal and collective healing with a trauma-informed background and endless curiosity.