Education

B.A. (Hons.), Psychology, Queen's University
M.Phil., Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, York University 

 
Research

My research focuses upon persons with developmental disabilities, persons with dual diagnosis (developmental disabilities and mental health problems) and persons with acquired or traumatic brain injuries and their families and caregivers. Previous studies have addressed attitudes toward persons with disabilities, coping with caring for a person with disabilities, factors contributing to successful community integration of persons with disabilities, and the impact of aging on individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Most recently my research has focused on factors contributing to successful transition of preschoolers with developmental delays and disabilities into school and successful transition and inclusion of adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities out of school into the community.

Other Interests

Throughout my career, I have been involved in various professional and academic activities involving persons with disabilities and their families. Prior to coming to Queen’s, I worked in Australia where I held a variety of positions including clinical psychologist and deputy superintendent at a residential center for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, and chief clinical psychologist for the state of Victoria Mental Retardation Services. I was also lecturer/consultant to hospitals and universities in the Melbourne area and throughout the state of Victoria.

In addition to my current appointment in Psychology, I am cross-appointed in the Department of Psychiatry and the School of Rehabilitation Therapy and I have a private practice working primarily with individuals with disabilities and their families. My other clinical activities include: consulting at Ongwanada, a non profit agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families,  supervision of Psychology interns and practicum students through the Kingston Internship Consortium and the Psychology Clinic at Queen’s, also working as a member of the Queen’s University, Department of Psychiatry Developmental Disabilities Consulting Program, an interdisciplinary team serving individuals with dual diagnosis and their families and private practice working primarily with persons with disabilities and their families.