While employed as a Special Education Assistant in schools in Northern Alberta and London, England, I was inspired working with diverse and resilient children and youth and decided to devote my career to supporting unique and vulnerable learners. Upon returning to Canada, I earned my B.A. in Psychology and M.A. School Psychology from UBC. Currently, I am a second-year doctoral student. In this program I had the incredible opportunity to work with experienced and knowledgeable supervisors while completing a neuropsychological assessment practicum and psychoeducational assessments in schools, private practice, and at the PSCTC. This year I am gaining valuable experience assessing toddlers and young children, completing autism assessments, and learning about emerging autism research. I also work part-time as a BCASP Certified School Psychologist in a school district in the lower mainland.

My master’s thesis Teacher Assistants in Canadian Inclusive Classrooms: An Investigation into Their Deployment, Preparedness, and Impact focused on the work of special education assistants in public schools. My doctoral research centres on my passion for the strength-based approach, positive psychology, and neurodiversity. In those rare moments when I am not working, I enjoy playing with my four-year-old son, spending time with my partner, and cuddling with our pets.