2022-2023 PD AWARD WINNERS

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Caitlin Courchesne is a PhD student studying Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology) at Simon Fraser University. Using a patient oriented research approach, her dissertation work is centred on the co-development and implementation of an affordable, accessible, and scalable mental health intervention for adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). The Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award has enabled her to present her research progress at the Canadian Traumatic Brain Injury Research Consortium (CTRC), a biannual meeting of clinician-scientists and patient partners who share the aim of improving PPCS care through interdisciplinary collaboration and trainee development. Presenting at this conference has enabled Caitlin to expand awareness of the mental health needs of those facing psychosocial adversity after concussion, enhance her communication skills, and collaborate with leading experts in the field of traumatic brain injury.

Rachel Domno recently graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honours. Although her Honour’s thesis was on the psychological correlates of conspiracy theory beliefs, Rachel’s intended career path is the field of speech-language pathology. She is interested in working with school-aged children with speech disorders because of her experience as a summer camp counsellor and having received treatment for a lisp as a child. The Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award enabled Rachel to become certified in Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Youth. The skillset acquired from this course will allow Rachel to support both the communicative wellbeing and mental wellbeing of her youth clients during the Western University speech-language pathology program, which she will begin this fall.

Molly MacMillan is a PhD student in Experimental Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of her programme, she is conducting research is human memory and cognition. The Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology Professional Development Award has enabled her visit the Cognitive Science Laboratory at the University of Manitoba to learn computational modelling. This experience has allowed her to develop a valuable skillset for developing and evaluating theories about the cognitive processes that support memory, metamemory, and learning. 

My name is Ziv Newman and I recently graduated from my undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, where I received a bachelor of science in psychology. Through my degree, I learned about the field of psychology and mental health, which inspired me to continue my studies in this area. I will be starting my Masters in psychotherapy and spiritual care this year, where I will learn about various modalities and therapies that will be used in my future career as a psychotherapist. The CCDP professional development award enabled me to take a course on mindfulness and trauma, as well as a course on emotionally focused therapy. These provided me with useful information, knowledge and tools that I will take with me as a therapist in the future. I am extremely grateful that I was granted this award and opportunity, which allowed me to learn more about the field of psychology and mental health. Thank you, UNB!