Titles: Professor, Department of Psychology (Licensed Clinical Psychologist); Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts

Previous Degrees/Licensing/Training Obtained:

Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) University of Missouri
M.A. (Clinical Psychology) University of Missouri
B.A. (Psychology, Spanish) Brandeis University
Licensure: Licensed Clinical Psychologist, New Brunswick (2010-present) and Virginia (inactive)

Biography:

My primary research interests have focused on identifying the roles of individual and interpersonal factors on youth emotional and behavioural problems (e.g., juvenile delinquency, sexual offending). In particular, I have been interested in understanding how youth problems are linked with family relationship patterns. Furthermore, consistent with a contextual/systemic perspective, my research has examined the complex and multiple relationships between youth and the broader contexts in which they are embedded (e.g., family, peer, school, neighbourhood, mental health systems). The overarching goal is for my research to directly influence prevention and treatment services as well as assessment practices with often underrepresented and underserved populations.

My secondary research interests have focused on understanding normative and atypical childhood and adolescent sexual experiences and how these might influence adolescent and early adulthood psychosocial adjustment. I have conducted studies on early sexual experiences as well as on family communication patterns in general and more specifically regarding sexuality. My goals are to provide health professionals and educators with information that can be used in making decisions about best sexual health practices and to educate families on recommended sexual communication strategies.

A more recent focus of my work has been on restorative justice and on secondary victims (i.e., family members) of individuals who are alleged to have committed or been convicted of sexual crimes. This is a diverse population that has been underserved and marginalized, yet that often faces a number of stressors. This population is important to study and provide support to positively affect their well-being as well as reduce desistence of potential problem behaviours and reduce risk of harms within society.