Natalie previously completed a BA (Honours) in Psychology with a minor in Criminology at Simon Fraser University and her M.A. in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph. Her M.A. thesis focused on exploring how online communities fulfill certain needs (e.g., social support, informational) of those with lived experiences of NSSI. Natalie is currently a Ph.D. Candidate and has received research funding throughout her graduate studies from CIHR, OGS, and SSHRC awards. Her dissertation examines the socio-cognitive processes that affect the intention to seek professional help for NSSI. She has received clinical training and employment through Hamilton Health Sciences, private clinics, and a number of school boards. Natalie completed her residency in School and Clinical Psychology at the Youthdale Treatment Centres and the Toronto District School Board through the Toronto Area Residency Consortium (TARC) hosted by OISE, University of Toronto. Outside of school and work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog Winnie, and juggling too many fantasy sports leagues.

Brianne has completed both her BAH in Psychology and her MA in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph. She is interested in the experiences of peers who may be the recipients of self-injury disclosures and in preparing those peers to respond well to disclosures. For her PhD dissertation, she is developing a training session for Residence Assistants in responding to student disclosures of non-suicidal self-injury. In both research and clinical practice, Brianne is committed to prioritizing lived experience perspectives and collaborating with those who have lived experiences (e.g., of self-injury and/or mental illness). When she is not working, Brianne loves to read, scrapbook, and spend time with her adorable toddler.

After completing their BAH in psychology at the University of Waterloo, Riley entered the CCAP program at the University of Guelph in 2020 where they completed their masters in 2022. Presently, Riley is a second year PhD student and is currently completing their external intervention practicum at Kinark Child and Family services. Their primary research interests concern highlighting lived experience perspectives to understand the impact of involuntary discoveries of non-suicidal self-injury. In addition to their research and clinical work, Riley is the co-founder of Let’s Talk About Youth (LTAY), an annual developmental clinical psychology conference held across Southern Ontario universities. LTAY is going into its fourth year and has plans to expand nationally. In their free time, Riley likes to rock climb, play dungeons and dragons, and sing along to musicals in the car.

For her master’s thesis, Chantal identified common themes that emerged from online discussions about suicide on a popular social media website. For her doctoral research, Chantal will partner with young adults bereaved by suicide to reduce stigma towards those who have experienced a suicide loss. Outside of work, Chantal enjoys spending time in local parks with her family.

Isabelle completed her BAH in Psychology at Queen's University and is completing her master's degree in the CCAP program at the University of Guelph. Her master's thesis aims to qualitatively examine the scope of experiences, needs, and concerns of parents of youth who self-injure to better support them. Isabelle currently acts as a member of the International Society for the Study of Self-injury (ISSS) and their International Consortium on Self-Injury in Educational Settings (ICSES) special interest group. She is also part of the CCAP Diversity Committee to promote equity and inclusivity within the program. In her spare time, Isabelle enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and taking care of her many plants!

Coming soon.

Gabby previously completed a BSc with honours in Psychology at York University and recently completed her BEd at York University. She is presently a Research Coordinator for a SSHRC-funded grant involving participatory video. Her research interests include the stigma around non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and the roles of peers and loved ones for people who engage in self-injury. Gabby is currently the president of Jack.org York, a student club at York University that aims to end the stigma against mental health. Outside of work, Gabby enjoys swimming, spending time with her family, and going on walks.

Alex is a fifth-year honours psychology student at the University of Guelph. She is completing her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lewis, exploring how students describe their experiences of receiving a NSSI disclosure. She also volunteers as a Research Assistant (RA) in the Supporting Youth Development (SYD) lab and as a Peer Counsellor with the Student Support Network (SSN). Beyond her academic roles, Alex works as a Youth Care Specialist, supporting youth in residential treatment settings. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to pursue graduate studies in psychotherapy or counselling psychology. Her interests center on youth and adolescent mental health, promoting mental health awareness, and supporting vulnerable populations. Alex is passionate about advocating for youth and emerging adults through both direct support work and research initiatives. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, running, discovering new music, and spending time with friends and family.

Elizabeth is an undergraduate honours Psychology student at the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on understanding the everyday experiences of people living with non-suicidal self-injury scarring, with the goal of amplifying lived-experience voices, reducing stigma, and informing more person-centred care. Outside of her research, Elizabeth volunteers in the Creative Arts Recreational Therapy program at Homewood Health Centre and enjoys spending time with her cats, painting, and listening to music.

Montana is a fourth-year Honours Psychology student with a minor in Neuroscience at the University of Guelph. She is passionate about emotion regulation, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and developing evidence-based interventions. Her experience as a Youth Ambassador at The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs, supporting youth aged 12 to 26, strengthened her commitment to improving mental health outcomes. Montana has completed an Independent Research Project, an Advanced Independent Research Project, and a USRA under the supervision of Dr. Kristel Thomassin. She is currently completing her Honours Thesis on a single-session emotion skills intervention for youth in a community setting and is a proud Research Assistant in the LEARN Lab. Montana is dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and promoting accessible, person-centred care. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dogs, spending time with friends, and rewatching Friends.

Summer recently graduated from the University of Guelph with a major in Psychology and minor in Family and Child Studies. She completed her undergraduate honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Lewis, where she explored how individuals with lived experience of NSSI exhibit resilience in the context of recovery. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology where she hopes to learn more about how we can promote positive mental health in individuals with mental health difficulties. Outside of school, Summer enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and doing crosswords.

Noah Gubert is a second-year Psychology undergraduate at the University of Guelph. He currently assists with research in Dr. Stephen Lewis’s LEARN Lab and Dr. Shayna Skakoon-Sparling's SCWASH Lab. Noah is passionate about supporting individuals with lived experience of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and protecting vulnerable populations. His research interests focus on social stigma, help-seeking, and the recovery process among people who engage in NSSI. Outside of academics, he volunteers as a Crisis Responder with Kids Help Phone (KHL) and enjoys reading, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and spending time with friends and family.