Raena Zapp

About Raena Zapp

With over 30 years of experience as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in British Columbia, Raena brings a profound depth of clinical expertise and a lifetime of service to her advocacy work. Since 1988, she has dedicated herself to supporting marginalized populations—including those navigating mental illness, substance use, eating disorders, and physical and intellectual disabilities. Her professional background as a strategic leader and organized thinker is uniquely informed by her own 2024 lipedema diagnosis, which followed years of personal struggle and a sustained recovery from an eating disorder. This intersection of professional skill and lived experience fuels her passion for reducing stigma and ensuring that comprehensive, holistic care remains the cornerstone of the lipedema journey.

Now, inspired by the resources of Lipedema Canada that guided her own journey, Raena is committed to advancing recognition and fair access to care for others living with the condition. Outside of her clinical and advocacy roles, she finds purpose and joy in gardening, music, games and travel, as well as creative projects and community service. As she collaborates with the Lipedema Canada Board, Raena leverages her background in program planning and patient advocacy to foster education and improve the lives of those navigating their own paths toward health. She is grateful to serve the lipedema community defined by its courage and is driven by the goal of making systemic improvements in healthcare access.

Sessions

• Session 5: Lipedema and Mental Health — Trauma-Informed and Stigma-Informed Approaches to Care and Communication
• Session 1: Lipedema in the Canadian Context - Barriers and Bridging

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