About
I am a registered psychologist in good standing with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC #2089). I completed my PhD in the APA-approved clinical psychology program at Loyola University Chicago in 2006. This included an accredited internship at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City.
I completed my APPCN-approved post-doctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology from the JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute/New Jersey Neuroscience Institute in New Jersey in 2008. From 2008-2010, I was a staff neuropsychologist at those same institutions, where I ran a Memory Disorders Clinic for older adults, served as the neuropsychologist on the Movement Disorders team, conducted inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological assessment, and ran rehabilitation groups for persons with acquired brain injury.
In 2010 I joined the Psychology department at the University of Victoria, where I remain as an Associate Professor. As a member of our CPA-approved doctoral training program in clinical psychology, I teach classes as well as supervise graduate students seeing clients for neuropsychological assessment and treatment. I run an active research lab with several graduate and undergraduate students. In the past I have researched extensively on the topic of late-life cognitive decline, including my most recently published book by Oxford University Press, Wisdom Mind, which focuses on mindfulness for older adults. More recently, my focus has been on the neuropsychology of trauma and resilience, and how practices that bring us in contact with our physical body (e.g., mindfulness, yoga, dance) can promote healing from trauma.
I strongly believe that neuropsychological services are a tool for advocacy. Having detailed information about your thinking abilities and emotional functioning can help you (or your providers) advocate for the support and services you need to function well in daily life. I will strive to provide you with a fair and detailed assessment that is understandable and will help you advocate for what you need. To the extent that I am able, I will provide you with skills and strategies to address your cognitive and emotional difficulties, allowing you not simply to survive but to thrive.
I am committed to personal growth and development, including my own personal psychotherapy. I have been practicing meditation for over 20 years. I also love to dance, write electronic music and poetry, and I am trained as a Therapeutic Arts Master Practitioner through the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy. As an immigrant to Canada, it has become very important to me to educate myself about the history and experience of Indigenous peoples. I am learning how to “walk in a good way” on this beautiful land where I live, with respect and gratitude for the original peoples of this place.
I am a member of the following organizations:
College of Psychologists of British Columbia (Full Register, #2089)
British Columbia Psychological Association
EMDR Canada/EMDR International Association
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Victoria Concussion Collaborative
BC Concussion Advisory Network