Lab Members

Dr. Amanda Krygsman is a Senior Research Associate managing the Health and Peer Relations Study (HPRS), supervised by Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. Her research interests include developmental psychopathology, mental health and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Krygsman’s research emphasizes the interpersonal context of mental health in the development, and maintenance of mental health symptoms. Dr. Krygsman has been a research coordinator on multiple longitudinal studies including the McMaster Teen Study and published all three of the papers in her dissertation prior to graduation.

Heather Brittain is a Vanier Scholar who is completing her doctoral degree in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. She obtained masters degrees in education and statistics. Ms. Brittain is investigating how the experience of being bullied is associated with academic functioning (grades, standardized test scores, and learning skills) over four academic periods (elementary, middle, secondary, and postsecondary) and how these experiences relate to postsecondary educational success and other functional outcomes during adulthood such as job stability.

Brandon is a doctoral student in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. He received his Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology at the University of Guelph-Humber, Diploma in Fitness & Health Promotion at Humber College, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sport Business Management at Durham College. Brandon has spent the last twelve years working with high performance athletes to achieve their dreams before returning to further his education. He most recently completed his Master of Arts in Education at the University of Ottawa with his thesis examining the effects of abuse towards soccer referees and its impact on their mental health.

Melissa is a PhD in Education student at the University of Ottawa. She received her Master of Arts in Education from Ontario Tech University under the supervision of Dr. Brenda Jacobs and Dr. Diana Petrarca. She completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts specializing in Psychology from Laurentian University, completed an Early Childhood Education diploma from Algonquin College, and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Melissa is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at Algonquin College and is interested in examining stressors, specifically interpersonal relationships among Early Childhood Educators, and their impact on educator’s mental health and well-being.

Sarah Grace Karasz is a Master of Arts student in the Counselling Psychology program at the University of Ottawa. Her research interests include indirect aggression and victimization, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, and depression among young adults. Sarah has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for her Master’s thesis, which will examine the longitudinal associations between indirect peer victimization, friendship quality, and anxiety in young adults. In addition to her academics and involvement within the Brain & Behaviour Lab, Sarah has worked as a case manager at an in-patient addiction-treatment center for marginalized women, and is currently practicing as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

Rohama is a M.A Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa, she is funded by SSHRC. She completed her Honours B.A in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2020. Her research interests include aggression and violence, eating disorders, social media impacts on youth along with rejection and victimization. Her Master’s research focuses on the links between childhood maltreatment, peer rejection and rejection sensitivity as the mechanism to see how these factors impact adolescent dating violence. She is interested in studying what the strongest prototype for future violence could be. Rohama is also currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and works with individuals and students from a diverse background with varied presenting problems. Aside from her work and studies, she enjoys spending time outdoors and perfecting her brownie recipe.

Jaime is a Master of Arts (Education) Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa, supervised by Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. She obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2020 from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS. Her research interests include anti-social behaviour in adolescence, empathy development, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health outcomes. Jaime has received SSHRC funding for her Master’s thesis, which will examine the trajectory of empathy when making COVID-19 related health decisions. Outside of her studies, Jaime enjoys hosting game nights, travelling, and spending time outdoors.

Joshua is a M.A. Ed., Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa. He received his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in 2022 from Carleton University in Ottawa, ON. His current research interests include the impact of physical activity on youth mental health, specifically on anxiety and depression. For this thesis, Joshua hopes to bring awareness towards the importance of physical activity for young adults and raise awareness of the impact of COVID-19 and sports cancellations on young adults’ well-being. Joshua is also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and works with children, and young adults with various presenting problems.

Sarah (she/her) is a third year M.A. Ed., Counselling Psychology student under the supervision of Dr. Vaillancourt and a current Research Assistant in the Brain and Behaviour Lab. She received her Honours B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology in 2020 from Carleton University. Before pursuing a master’s degree, she spent two years volunteering with a community mental health organization to help directly support those in distress and crisis. Sarah’s thesis aligns her passion for well-being and social justice by focusing on the mental health impacts of bullying among and between sexually and gender diverse youth two years following the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Although not currently practicing, Sarah is also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO. Sarah enjoys cooking/baking, biking, and reading. She is also an avid supporter of substance use disorder and suicide awareness, education, prevention, and intervention efforts.  

Shawna is a Master of Arts (Education) Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa, supervised by Dr. Vaillancourt, and is currently working as a Research Assistant in the Brain and Behaviour Lab. She completed her Honours B.A. in Psychology at Queen’s University and spent time working as a Technical Writer in the high-tech private sector before continuing her education. Shawna has received SSHRC funding for her Master’s thesis, in which she examines borderline personality features and experiences of intimate partner violence in adolescents. Shawna is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working with children, adolescents, and their caregivers. She also provides mentorship to first year Counselling Psychology students working on therapeutic skills and preparing to start their practica.

Gemma is a M.A. Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa, supervised by Dr. Vaillancourt, and is a research assistant in the Brain and Behaviour Lab. She completed her B.A. Honours in Forensic Psychology at Ontario Tech University. Gemma has received SSHRC funding for her Master’s thesis in which she examines the links between timing of childhood maltreatment and borderline personality disorder trajectories. Gemma is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working with teens and adults. Gemma enjoys hiking, crochet, photography, and reading during her free time.

Anjalika is a Master of Arts student in the Counselling Psychology program at the University of Ottawa and a research assistant in Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt’s Brain and Behavior Lab. She has received funding by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). Anjalika completed her B.A. Honours with distinction in psychology from Queen’s University and has a background in health studies, with a focus on the social determinants of health. Her research interests include youth mental health, the mental health impacts of bullying and racism, interpersonal relationships, and emotion regulation. For her Master’s thesis, Anjalika will be exploring the developmental impacts of youth psychopathology on the emotion regulation repertoires employed in adulthood to regulate negative emotions. Anjalika has worked as an intake coordinator for a private practice therapy clinic and as a mentor with vulnerable and marginalized immigrant and refugee youth. Outside of her studies, Anjalika enjoys reading, running and hiking, cooking, travel, music, and is trained in opera.

Olivia is an incoming first year M.A. Ed., Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa. She received her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2022. Olivia also holds a Joint Honours Bachelor of Social Science in History and Political Science from the University of Ottawa, which she received in 2013. Her current research interests are evolving and include child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing and mental health outcomes. Prior to pursuing her Master’s degree, Olivia worked in community outreach for the Canada Science and Technology Museum, encouraging young people from underserved and underrepresented communities to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Olivia has been a volunteer with Dr. Vaillancourt’s lab since 2021. She has also been an active member of Girl Guides of Canada for the past 5 years and volunteers as a unit leader in her free time.

Aly is a Master of Arts student in Health Professions Education at the University of Ottawa and a research assistant in Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt’s Brain and Behavior Lab. He has received a Partial Tuition Exemption Scholarship for Francophone International Students and funding from the Brain-Heart Interconnectome project at the University of Ottawa. Aly graduated with High Honors in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the State University of Haiti in 2021, with a thesis focused on the epidemiological profile of epilepsy in Haiti. His research interests include studying minority groups facing discrimination, such as neurodivergent and Black individuals, as well as the training of healthcare professionals. For his master’s thesis at uOttawa, Aly will explore the impacts of discrimination experiences on the mental health of Black students in Ontario and the mental health support they receive in schools. Aly has worked as a physician general practitioner in Haiti and has volunteered in organizing medical events and support activities for neurodivergent children. Outside of his studies, Aly enjoys music, drawing, as well as soccer, basketball, travel, and reading.

Celeste is a first year M.A. Ed., Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa, supervised by Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2023 from the University of Calgary, with her thesis examining the family factors associated with youth well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research interests include parent-child relationships, child maltreatment, psychosocial oncology, and mental health across the lifespan. Celeste has received SSHRC funding for her Master’s thesis, which will explore whether hope moderated the relationship between personality and resilience in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of school and research, Celeste enjoys running, rock climbing, and baking sourdough.

Marissa is a first year M.A. Ed., Counselling Psychology student at the University of Ottawa, supervised by Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt. She received her Honours B.A in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Psychology in 2022 from Carleton University. As part of her undergraduate degree, she completed a placement at the Crown’s Attorney’s Office in Ottawa, specifically working in the Mental Health Court. Additionally, she conducted a thesis examining the intersection of psychology and law. Marissa’s current research interests focus on the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For her Master’s thesis, she plans to explore how the pandemic has affected young adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In Marissa’s spare time she enjoys camping, hiking and travelling. 

Carleigh is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Psychology.  Throughout her time with the Brain and Behaviour Lab, Carleigh became a member of PREVNet’s Graduate Student Executive Committee, was a representative for the Graduate Association for Students in Psychology, and has presented at numerous scientific conferences. Her doctoral research examines the longitudinal associations between mental health, physical health, and involvement in bullying from childhood to young adulthood.