Research
In collaboration with research teams and our community partners, I have pursued three main research areas detailed below. You can view a list of my recent publications on Google Scholar or ResearchGate.
Childhood Adversity &
Maternal-Child Mental Health
I have examined the mechanisms by which adversity experienced in childhood relates to both maternal physical and mental health, and the implications of these experiences for children’s outcomes. This work has been conducted in collaboration with the All Our Families Study a longitudinal pregnancy cohort of over 3,000 women from Calgary, Alberta. This line of research demonstrates that multiple biological and social factors in pregnancy and the postpartum period play a role in the transmission of childhood adversity to offspring.
Interrupting the Transmission of
Maternal Adversity
Pregnancy and the early post-partum period provide a unique window of opportunity where supports and interventions may be particularly influential for maternal-child wellbeing. Trauma-informed and relational approaches to care may lead to better health and mental-health outcomes for mothers who have experienced adversity. In collaboration with clinicians at the Riley Park Maternity Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, we are evaluating the implementation of a trauma-informed care approach. We are also interested in identifying what kinds of mental health screening tools are most useful for identifying pregnant women who may be struggling.
Risk & Resilience Following Child Adversity
I am passionate about co-creating and developing research with community partners. In partnership with the Child Abuse Service, a mental health treatment clinic within the Luna Child Advocacy Centre, we are studying why some children adapt in the face of adversity, while others continue to struggle. Findings from this program evaluation demonstrate that protective factors, such as emotional support from caregivers and strong interpersonal skills, can mitigate the role of adversity on children’s trauma symptoms. We are currently evaluating and developing new and innovative approaches to trauma treatment for children exposed to maltreatment.