2021 Professional Development Award Winners

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My name is Mechaela Alfonso, and I am entering my fourth year of studies at the University of Guelph for my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Theatre studies. I spend my free time here at the University as an activist for social justice and race relations issues. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan on pursuing my Master's degree in Social Work to eventually provide couple and family therapy for low-income individuals. My goal is to create a group therapy workshop for new or expectant parents help aid them with the traumas that they may have experienced. With the help of the Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award, I have registered for three courses from the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute, which focus on trauma, counselling, and ethical healing practices. The courses, entitled “Vicarious Trauma”, “The Ethics of Helping”, and “Trauma- Counselling Strategies for Healing and Resilience” will aid my future career, as I now have a better understanding of what trauma is, how it manifests, and how to help and not hinder others in their journey of self-healing. 

My name is Shyan Campbell I am an Algoma University Alumni, graduated June 2021 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology cum laude. The CCDP Professional Development Award allowed me to partake in the opportunity of attending a SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment). Attending this professional workshop allowed me to complete a prerequisite to apply and complete my Sexual Health Educator Certification (SHEC) with Options for Sexual Health (a company I am currently employed with). I am very thankful to be a recipient of this award as it has aided me in completing one of the various steps needed to help me achieve a career in the sexual health, sex therapy, and human sexuality field. 

My name is Charlie Gryspeerdt, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the X University (formerly Ryerson University) Psychology Department. The Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award has supported my academic journey in a few distinct but interconnected ways. The award has bought me access to statistics training software and Clarivate’s Endnote 20’s reference management and sharing software, both being instrumental to my undergraduate thesis work and skill base as a budding researcher. Further, the award has supported my attendance at the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s 50th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting conference, as well as allowing me to join the Canadian Psychological association as a student affiliate. In all, the Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award has not only supported my academic research as an undergraduate student but has also helped me to continue to build a meaningful connection to the psychology community. 

 Karen Tang is a PhD Clinical Psychology student at Dalhousie University. Her research is in the areas of addiction psychology, mental health, and sociocultural factors. The Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award has supported her academic and professional journey in various ways, including presenting her research at three different conferences. Notably, she used the funds to present at ABCT, where she is an invited panelist on using social media for professional development for graduate students, which aligns with both her interests and the funding priorities of CCDP, to support graduate student training in the field of psychology. Presenting at four conferences has allowed Karen to bolster her communication and leadership skills. In addition, the connections she has made with other conference attendees has enabled her to continue to advocate for the greater health of individuals, communities, and society. 

My name is Payton McPhee and I am currently enrolled in my 4th year of a Bachelor of Science (hons) in Psychology at Saint Mary’s University. This CCDP Professional Development Award has provided me with the opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge in the field of psychology by allowing me to attend a conference and a training session that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend. In the coming weeks, I will be attending a conference on juvenile’s competency to proceed in court, and a certified STATIC-99R training session. These conferences will help to further my educational career in a field that I am passionate about: forensic psychology. I am honoured to have been awarded the CCDP Professional Development Award this year.

Patrick Hickey recently completed his BSc with a focus in biology and psychology and is currently enrolled in the accelerated masters of experimental psychology program at the University of New Brunswick Saint John. Patrick’s research focuses on the health experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians and its impacts on psychological wellness under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Best. The CCDP Professional Development Award allowed Patrick to complete a course with Statistics Canada to enhance his research analysis skills, join the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity section of the Canadian Psychological Association, and complete multiple courses with the CPA to further training in research and clinical areas.