Research Assistant
York University
North York, ON, Canada
Education: B.A., Hons. Psychology, York University, Graduated August 2022
Stephanie's future goal is to become a clinical psychologist who works with LGBTQ+ identifying adolescents. Her research interests include emotional regulation, attachment styles, and the impacts of family-based relationships among this demographic of youth. She hopes to further explore family-based interventions that support psychological resilience, specifically in the context of trauma recovery.
During the summer of 2021, Stephanie worked with Dr. Sarah Flicker and Dr. Alanna Goldstein in a research study on LGBTQ+ adolescents and their experiences during the pandemic. She organized focus groups that focused on understanding sexual health, mental health, and relationships, with a particular interest in understanding ways educators and adults can improve their understanding of teens' COVID-19 experiences and how to better support them. This project was part of an ongoing partnership (5-year study) between Planned Parenthood Ottawa and Dr. Flicker to design, deliver, and evaluate school-based violence prevention programming in schools. Stephanie has written a research paper on this study with a specific focus on adolescents’ mental health during COVID-19 and how it is impacted by their relationships with parents.
She is currently working as a research assistant with Dr. Robert T. Muller and Cassandra Harmsen on a study that explores ways to strengthen the therapeutic alliance for LGBTQ+ individuals who have undergone experiences of trauma.
Stephanie is thankful that these experiences are helping her build a deeper understanding of important diversity issues and ways to better support the mental health and wellbeing of minority individuals.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Monday, April 17, 2023
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM US Eastern Time