I received my BAH in Psychology from York University in 2000 and my PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 2006. I am interested in the development of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and how all aspects of development (social, perceptual, cognitive, and linguistic) interact in individuals with ASD, intellectual disabilities, and typically developing individuals across the life span.

In my spare time (what spare time?) I enjoy spending time with friends (especially eating good food or activities near or on water), watching movies with my cats, shoe- shopping, traveling, and reading. And last but certainly not least, my favourite ice cream flavour is Edy’s low-fat French Silk (one of the only things I miss about living in the States). Faculty Page Curriculum Vitae

Patricia Kloosterman, MSc  

Patricia resides just east of Peterborough with her husband and three children. When her youngest son was diagnosed with autism, Patricia left the field of business to pursue studies in psychology. She completed her BSc in Psychology and MSc in the Applications of Modeling in the Natural and Social Sciences graduate program at Trent University. Patricia’s research interests include the shared characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorders, as well as the development of emotional and social competencies in children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder. Favourite ice cream: Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter n’ Chocolate Favourite activities: Enjoying the outdoors and reading a good mystery novel

Laura O'Connell, MA 

After completing my undergraduate degree at St. Francis Xavier University, I moved to Montreal to undertake my master’s at Concordia University. My master’s research entailed an investigation of the developmental origins of theory of mind (ToM). Specifically, I examined the importance of gaze-following in a word learning context. Of interest was whether 18-month-old infants’ interpret and use a nonhuman speaker’s direction of gaze to establish word-reference in the same manner that such infants will with a human speaker. I am currently completing my fourth year in the Clinical Psychology program at Queen’s University. My research here more closely matches my interest in atypical development and my aspirations of becoming a practicing psychologist specializing with children. Broadly, I am interested in the early social abilities of children with ASD, as well as their younger siblings. More specifically, for my dissertation research, I will be examining the role of motivation in the tendency of young children with ASD to engage in early social behaviour (i.e., social-cognitive behaviour, prosocial behaviour).

I like to keep sane by running, or conversely, settling down with a good book. Regardless of the workload, there will always be time for Grey’s Anatomy in my schedule. I have a definite weakness for sweets and could quite contently survive on cookies and tea (a true British girl at heart :))

Annie Li, MSc  

I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo in 2007. Through the co-operative program at Waterloo, I was able to gain valuable working experience in various fields—computer programming, technical writing, social work, research—and realize my passion for research. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to Kingston to pursue graduate studies in the Developmental Psychology Program at Queen's. My master's research explored real-world applications of theory of mind in high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Specifically, I examined the propensity and ability to tell antisocial and prosocial lies and explored how lie-telling is related to false belief understanding and language ability in this population. As I am also interested in language acquisition and development in children with ASD, my PhD research will examine the mechanisms through which these children learn the meaning of words.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy dining out, baking, and gobbling down mint chocolate ice cream!

Layla Hall

I completed my BScH. in Biology and Psychology at Queen’s in 2010, and have now returned to Queen’s for the graduate program in Clinical Psychology. Over the past number of years I have been fortunate enough to have had many experiences that opened my eyes to the fascinating world of autism spectrum disorders and developmental disability. These include working at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab, the Geneva Center for Autism, and volunteering in this very lab as an undergraduate. It is through these opportunities that I have developed a broad interest in understanding autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan, especially pertaining to social and cognitive development. For my Master’s research I will be investigating how social and academic functioning in adolescents with an ASD are related to attention and executive function, as well as how improvements in these processes might help to improve daily functioning. This research mirrors my clinical interest in working with children and adolescents with disabilities and behavioural difficulties.

When I am not in the lab or completing course work, I like to spend my time cooking, being active outdoors, and watching one of my many favourite TV shows. Also, my favourite flavor of ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s “Half Baked”.  I have been known to eat a full tub in one sitting.

Sara Furlano

I realized my passion for atypical development research during my undergraduate studies at Queen’s University. At Queen’s I volunteered and completed my undergraduate thesis in the ASD Studies Lab. After receiving my BScH in Psychology, I am back in Kingston pursuing a Master’s in Developmental Psychology. I have always loved working with children and have spent the past five summers in Toronto, as a special needs counselor and supervisor for the city. For my master’s research, I will be studying positively biased self-perceptions in adolescents with ADHD, ASD and FASD. Children with ADHD have been found to display the positive illusory bias, where they tend to overestimate their competencies in various domains. We will be testing this bias in two clinical populations who have not yet been tested to date.

In my spare time I love to read, spend time with family and friends and watch what most people would think is terrible TV.

Laurel Dault

I received my BAH in Psychology from Queen's in 2011. My interest in autism began one summer when I worked at a group home and grew when I volunteered in the ASD Lab in 2009. For my Master's research project, I am examining how anxiety relates to children and adolescents with ASD.

In my spare time, I enjoy performing with the Queen's Varsity Improv Team, reading, and eating Smarties ice cream...or Moose Tracks ice cream... or vanilla fudge crackle ice cream... or...

Elena Ladwig

I graduated with an Honours BA in Psychology and a Minor in English in 2011 from McMaster University.  While completing my undergraduate degree I volunteered in Dr. Rutherford’s Lab where research was focused on early detection of Autism.  Additionally, I have been volunteering and working with children and children with Autism in a variety of settings including camps, and schools.  This year, I plan to apply to graduate school to pursue a MA focusing on child education.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, rock climbing, camping, reading, cooking and trying new things.  I recently discovered that the Sleepless Goat Café has an amazing chai tea latte.

Leslie Haberl

Leslie completed her honour’s thesis with us in 2008.  She is now teaching Grade 6 students in Ottawa.

Vivian Lee

Vivian was our part-time Lab Manager in 2007-2008. She is now a graduate student in Developmental Psychology at McMaster University, working with Mel Rutherford

Vanessa P. Reinhardt

Vanessa completed her honour's thesis with us in 2008. She is now a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Florida State University, working with Amy Wetherby.

Heather Woltman

Heather completed her honour's thesis with us in 2007. She is now a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa, working with John Lyons.