Who We Are at Canadian Premenstrual Disorders Association
No More Silent Suffering
At the CPDA, we support wellness for PMDD and related disorders. We were founded by a group of passionate, committed menstruators with PMDD, looking for a better way.
About Serena
Serena Habib (she/her) started the Canadian Premenstrual Disorders Association to address the gaps in support, awareness, and community for Canadians with premenstrual disorders. Seeing the lack of resources in Canada as a peer support provider and through her own lived experience, she wanted to create a space where those with PMDs could be seen and heard. Serena is currently a Master of Science in Social Work and Master of Public Health candidate at Columbia University. She published the first qualitative study on Canadian experiences of PMDD in 2024.
About Stephanie
Stephanie Maxwell works as a music therapist and music teacher. She graduated with a Masters of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University and a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Acadia University. Stephanie is passionate about promoting wellbeing and facilitating connection and community. She was drawn to work with the Canadian Premenstrual Disorders Association to help promote awareness and help people with premenstrual disorders be seen and heard.
About Andrea
Andrea Miller is currently a project coordinator at UCLA’s Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research. She graduated with an M.Sc. in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London and a B.Sc. and B.Ed. from the University of Toronto. Andrea’s research focuses on the role of ovarian hormones on mental health. Her interest in premenstrual disorders partly stems from her many years as a high school teacher, as well as her daughter’s experience with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).
About Deniz
Deniz (she/her/hers) is a dedicated Neuroscience PhD student at McMaster University and a valued member of the Canadian Premenstrual Disorders Association (CPDA). Her research focuses on the intersection of women’s mental health—specifically PMDD, PMS, and perimenopause—and mood disorders as well as the relationship between early life trauma and women’s mental health. Through her work, Deniz is helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world experiences, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of PMDD and PMS.