{"id":536,"date":"2023-04-07T18:06:45","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T22:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.psychlabs.ryerson.ca\/template1\/?page_id=536"},"modified":"2023-11-30T14:35:56","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T19:35:56","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/about-us\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"536\" class=\"elementor elementor-536\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6d9297d elementor-section-content-middle page-heading elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6d9297d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-985423d\" data-id=\"985423d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-4ff5737 elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4ff5737\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-30ac95c\" data-id=\"30ac95c\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a0503d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0a0503d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Lab Team<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1293cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b1293cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Meet our dedicated team<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-b15c7e8\" data-id=\"b15c7e8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ace781d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ace781d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/hero_lab_philosophy-768x445.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-518\" alt=\"Illustration of four people looking at abstract data on a white board\" srcset=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/hero_lab_philosophy-768x445.png 768w, https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/hero_lab_philosophy-300x174.png 300w, https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/hero_lab_philosophy-1024x594.png 1024w, https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/hero_lab_philosophy-190x110.png 190w, https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/04\/hero_lab_philosophy.png 1137w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a25be9f no-dots elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a25be9f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d37d5db\" data-id=\"d37d5db\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4532ee1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4532ee1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">People<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a0da6a elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"7a0da6a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><ul class=\"team-filters clean\"><li class=\"active\" data-filter=\"all\">All Members<\/li><li data-filter=\"graduate-students\" class=\"no-redirect\">Graduate Students<\/li><li data-filter=\"lab-director\" class=\"no-redirect\">Lab Director<\/li><li data-filter=\"research-personnel\" class=\"no-redirect\">Research Personnel<\/li><li data-filter=\"alumni\" class=\"no-redirect\">Alumni<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"team-grid \"><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-lab-director\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/11\/23-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Lab Director<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Stephanie Cassin<\/p><div class=\"team-contact hide\"><div class=\"contact-email\"><a href=\"mailto:stephanie.cassin@torontomu.ca\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Email Dr. Stephanie Cassin\">stephanie.cassin@torontomu.ca<\/a><\/div><div class=\"contact-phone\">416 979 5000, ext. 553007<\/div><\/div><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MSc in Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BSc (Honours) in Psychology and Animal Physiology, University of Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Biography<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr. Cassin is a Professor and Director of the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle (HEAL) Lab in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition, she holds a faculty appointment at the University of Toronto (Department of Psychiatry) and is a member of the University Health Network Centre for Mental Health. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary and completed her psychology residency at the University of British Columbia \/ Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Following graduation, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Mood and Anxiety Treatment and Research Program). Prior to joining the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, she held staff clinical psychologist positions in the Mood and Anxiety Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network prior to joining the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical and Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist with clinical and research interests in the areas of binge eating, ultra-processed food addiction, obesity, and bariatric (obesity) surgery. The research I completed during my doctoral training focused on the conceptualization of binge eating as an addiction, and the potential therapeutic implications that arise from this conceptualization.\u00a0 I am particularly interested in the impact of readiness for change on treatment outcome, as well as treatment approaches aimed at resolving ambivalence and enhancing readiness for change, such as motivational interviewing. My current program of research focuses primarily on psychosocial predictors of bariatric surgery outcome, and psychosocial interventions with the potential to improve outcomes. I also investigate health care innovations that increase treatment accessibility. I am co-Principal Investigator on several CIHR-funded multisite randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for bariatric surgery patients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Selected Publications<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Please see <a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.google.ca\/citations?hl=en&amp;user=1YFp76YAAAAJ\">Google Scholar<\/a> and the Lab Publications section of our website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Teaching Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I have taught a variety of courses related to clinical and health psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (Psychological Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Advanced Clinical Psychology Seminar, Eating Disorders, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). I have also provided clinical supervision to many clinical psychology practicum students at the Psychology Training Clinic, which is a partnership between Toronto Metropolitan University and Unity Health Toronto. I am a Fellow of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, and co-Lead of Project ECHO Ontario CBT (a virtual professional development program that aims to build capacity in CBT and develop sustainable communities of practice).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I enjoy high intensity interval training (HIIT), functional fitness, Muay Thai, walking, skating, running (when the weather is conductive, preferably a mix of sun and clouds and a temperature in the range of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius), leisurely bike rides, and yoga, depending on what my body feels inclined to do on any given day. I also enjoy reading fiction and non-fiction, watching documentaries, colouring, savoring a good cup of coffee, forever trying to improve my mediocre cooking skills (\u201cgrowth mindset\u201d), and (when that fails) expanding my palate by exploring different cuisines at restaurants and street festivals across Toronto and other cities I travel to.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-stephanie-cassin\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-research-personnel\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/9-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Postdoctoral Fellow<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Katey Park<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology and Child, Youth and Family, University of Guelph<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network (UHN) and the HEAL lab. I am an alumna of Toronto Metropolitan University, where I obtained my PhD in Psychology (Psychological Science). My dissertation employed a multi-method approach to investigate the factors that influenced physical activity changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also exploring sociocultural pressures to avoid weight gain during the pandemic. I am interested in research surrounding body image, eating behavior, physical activity, and weight stigma, particularly in bariatric surgery patient populations. Additionally, I enjoy dipping my toes into new research topics through my community program evaluation work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I enjoy strength training, gardening, hiking, and going for country drives. I love <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">spending time with my friends and family outdoors- whether it\u2019s a day at the beach, BBQing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">while playing lawn games, or having dinner on a patio. I\u2019m often listening to podcasts about true <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">crime and home organization. Much to my friends\u2019 dismay, I\u2019ve recently become a fan of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">country music. I find motivation in my daily iced coffee and desire to travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-katey-park\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-graduate-students\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/3-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Savie Edirisinghe<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degree in Progress<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Degrees\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen\u2019s University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">My research interests include understanding the ways we can conceptualize and foster positive body image among the general public, including love, gratitude, and acceptance of one&#8217;s own body. I am particularly interested in holistic and decolonizing approaches to well-being. For\u00a0my Master&#8217;s thesis, I worked with\u00a0Buddhist monks and scholars to explore\u00a0how we can integrate traditional Buddhist knowledge and practice in the treatment of disordered eating and in the cultivation of positive body image.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Doctoral Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am interested in accessible, person-centered, holistic, and trauma-informed care for a range of psychological concerns, including eating challenges and body image. I use cognitive behavioural interventions and draw from other modalities, including mindfulness and compassion-based approaches. I was fortunate to complete my first clinical practicum placement at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, as well as subsequent placements at Toronto Psychology &amp; Wellness Group and Sick Kids Hospital Eating Disorders Program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Outside of research and clinical work, I engage in community organizing and advocacy. I will often have my nose in a nonfiction book (my favourite authors at the moment are Walter Rodney, Frantz Fanon, Angela Davis, and Arundhati Roy) when I&#8217;m not out exploring the city of Toronto. I love trying new foods and sharing meals with friends and family. I also love watching movies and sharing my opinions on said movies with whoever will listen!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/savie-edirisinghe\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-graduate-students filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/18-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Sally Zheng<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degree in Progress<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Degrees\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology and Minor in Ethics, Western University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Broadly, I am interested in examining the various barriers and facilitators to accessing effective obesity and mental health interventions among individuals living with obesity.\u00a0My doctoral research focuses on the specific challenges faced by certain communities (e.g., BIPOC individuals) in accessing bariatric surgery, in addition to variables that maximize success for these individuals in psychosocial interventions following their surgery. My previous research interests prior to joining the HEAL Lab include the role of the self and self-related constructs (e.g., self-schema) in generating vulnerability to chronic worry in the context of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) \u2013 Doctoral Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">My clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of various mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) in the context of co-occurring physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer). In clinical practice, I am interested in how psychological and physical factors intersect to impact an individual&#8217;s quality of life and how cognitive behavioural interventions and third-wave therapies can assist in alleviating not only psychological distress in this context, but also physical distress through improving adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours. I have completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph&#8217;s Healthcare Hamilton, and the Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network. I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients, as well as to individuals with social anxiety engaging in substance use and HIV risk-related behaviours. I am completing my psychology residency at the Toronto Area Residency Consortium, splitting my time between the University Health Network Eating Disorders Program and Oncology Program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I value a healthy work-life balance that consists of engaging with and relying on my cherished community of friends and family, regular exercise (I have been loving a balance of walking and Pilates), cooking, traveling, and exploring Toronto. I am also an avid reader and host a monthly book club. I also very much value creativity and am constantly trying to find mediums to nourish my &#8220;creative brain&#8221; such as writing, drawing, painting, and sculpting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/sally-zheng\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/11\/25-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Molly Atwood<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA in Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Molly\u2019s research interests broadly include the exploration of psychological factors that maintain disordered eating behaviours, as well as the treatment of eating disorders and obesity. Her Master\u2019s thesis investigated the clinical correlates and antecedents of subjective binge eating (i.e., experiencing a sense of loss of control while eating, although the amount of food consumed is not unusually large). Specifically, she investigated the relationship between problematic cognitions and the subjective appraisal of loss of control over eating, as well as the cognitive and emotional factors that precipitate subjective binge eating, in order to identify targets for treatment.\u00a0 Her doctoral dissertation examined a tool developed at the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program called the Bariatric Interprofessional Psychosocial Assessment of Suitability Scale (BIPASS) and found that it predicted binge eating, quality of life, and weight regain following surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Molly is interested in providing cognitive-behavioural treatment to individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, insomnia, and eating disorders. She completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare in Hamilton, and the Eating Disorders Clinic at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare in Hamilton. She also provided telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy to individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery at Toronto Western Hospital. She also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at the Halifax Residency Program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Atwood completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences).\u00a0 She is currently a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-molly-atwood\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/11\/24-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Lauren Flavelle<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen\u2019s University\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lauren conducted psychosocial research on eating pathology across the weight spectrum. Her research interests broadly include the investigation of psychosocial factors, such as readiness for change, that predict positive outcomes for bariatric surgery patients, as well as the effectiveness of psychological interventions designed to improve outcomes for this patient population. Her <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27112113\/\">Master\u2019s thesis<\/a> investigated the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing (MI) for improving motivation and self-efficacy for change for bariatric patients experiencing difficulties adhering to the post-operative dietary guidelines.\u00a0 Her doctoral dissertation investigated the efficacy of various strategies, including self-compassion, for improving significant body image disturbances in individuals with excess weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) \u2013 Doctoral Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lauren has worked as a study therapist in numerous research settings, including clinical trials examining the efficacy of telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for bariatric surgery patients in the HEAL lab and a trial examining the comparative efficacy of CBT versus MI for facilitating rapid treatment response in patients with bulimia nervosa. She also conducted MI with post-operative bariatric surgery patients for her Master\u2019s thesis, and she provided skills training in self-compassion and cognitive restructuring for her dissertation. Lauren completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Eating Disorders Program at University Health Network, and the Adult Mental Health Program at Humber River Regional Hospital. Lauren completed her psychology residency at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare Hamilton.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Flavelle completed a postdoctoral fellowship at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare in Hamilton.\u00a0 She is currently a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and the Regional Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health.\u00a0 She also launched a group private practice called Grenadier Psychotherapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-lauren-flavelle\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/11\/17-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Aliza Friedman<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen\u2019s University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aliza\u2019s research focused on the effects of weight-based stigma and discrimination on disordered eating for individuals across the weight spectrum, as well as mechanisms that explain this relationship. Her Master\u2019s thesis investigated the effects of various facets of weight-based stigma and discrimination on eating behaviours in both female undergraduate students and bariatric surgery patients. Her dissertation examined brief interventions that may reduce internalized weight-based stigma, as well as how these interventions can be utilized to improve outcomes for the treatment of disordered eating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aliza is interested in cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of eating, mood, and anxiety disorders. She completed clinical practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare in Hamilton, and the Eating Disorders Program at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare in Hamilton. She also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients.\u00a0 She completed her psychology residency at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare Hamilton.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Friedman worked as a Registered Clinical Psychologist at the Forest Hill Centre for CBT and Fairmarc Psychology before launching her own private psychology practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-aliza-friedman\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/15-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Vincent Santiago<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BSc. (Honours) in Psychology and Biology, University of Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vincent\u2019s research interests broadly include eating behaviours, body image, and bariatric surgery. Vincent\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41582183\/\">doctoral dissertation<\/a> was a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of a brief intervention combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy on food addiction (the concept that individuals can be addicted to foods, particularly highly processed foods). Vincent\u2019s Master\u2019s thesis explored psychosocial factors (i.e., adult attachment style, emotion regulation, and psychopathology) related to cigarette smoking following bariatric surgery. For his undergraduate thesis, he studied the influence of video messages on healthier eating among students who engaged in restrained and unrestrained eating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vincent\u2019s clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of various of mental health issues, including eating disorders, anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Vincent completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, the Intensive Residential and Day Treatment Program for OCD at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Eating Disorder Program at University Health Network. Vincent also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients, as well as in other lab providing CBT for social anxiety disorder, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behaviour. He completed his psychology residency at the London Clinical Psychology Consortium Program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of his PhD, Dr. Santiago began working as a Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist at the University Health Network Eating Disorders Program.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-vincent-santiago\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/14-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Vanessa Montemarano<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BSc (Honours) in Psychology, Queen\u2019s University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vanessa\u2019s research interests include the development of weight stigma reduction strategies and interventions and reducing body image dissatisfaction. Her <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12401639\/\">doctoral dissertation<\/a> examined the use of cognitive dissonance to reduce weight stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs towards individuals living in larger bodies. She also has a broader interest in understanding the relationship between trauma and disordered eating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Doctoral Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vanessa is interested in emotion-focused and cognitive behavioural interventions for eating-related difficulties, including eating disorders, ultra-processed food addiction, and body image. She completed clinical practica the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, as well as the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and Eating Disorders Program at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare in Hamilton. She also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at the Toronto Area Residency Consortium, splitting her time between the University Health Network Eating Disorders Program and Oncology Program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Montemarano began a clinical postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School \/ McLean Hospital within the Klarman Eating Disorders Centre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-vanessa-montemarano\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/12-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Graduate Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Bethany Roorda<\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology, University of Waterloo<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bethany is broadly interested in the fields of eating disorder, weight, and body-image research. Her research focused on factors related to negative body image and means by which we can improve individuals\u2019 perceptions of their own bodies. Her doctoral dissertation examined the impact of diet-related social media on women\u2019s body dissatisfaction (<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39861472\/\">study 1<\/a>) and social media interventions that may ameliorate these negative effects (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2674-0311\/5\/1\/8\">study 2<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Doctoral Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bethany uses cognitive behavioural therapy and third-wave therapies, such as\u00a0mindfulness-based CBT, in treating psychological disorders. She has completed practica at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Adult Eating Disorder Day Program North York General Hospital. She has also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She completed her psychology residency at Transforming Emotions and Framework Therapy and Assessment Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Roorda began working at Transforming Emotions and Framework Therapy and Assessment Centre.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-bethany-roorda\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/11\/10-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Kathleen Lyons<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kathleen completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab.\u00a0 Her thesis examined body image in post-operative bariatric surgery patients using focus groups, and it resulted in a <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1089\/bari.2014.0001\">first-authored publication<\/a>. She was particularly interested in learning how patients adjust to the drastic bodily changes that occur following bariatric surgery, including the development of excess skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her Bachelor\u2019s degree, Kathleen attended graduate school at the University of California San Diego and Western University.\u00a0 She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Western University.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-kathleen-lyons\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/21-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Aiden Mehak<\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aiden completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL lab. Her thesis investigated sociocultural influences on disordered eating in young women, and it resulted in a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29367074\/\">first-authored publication<\/a>.\u00a0 She also co-authored a book chapter on virtual care for individuals with obesity.\u00a0 Her research interests include the phenomenon of \u2018feeling fat\u2019 among individuals with eating disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her Bachelor\u2019s degree, Aiden started the graduate program in Clinical Psychology at McGill University.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/aiden-mehak\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/20-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Karman Kua<\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Karman\u00a0completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. Her thesis examined the impact of gender and ultra-processed food addiction on weight-based stigma.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/karman-kua\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/4-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Saba Salemi<\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Saba completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab.\u00a0 Her thesis examined the effects of self-compassion and positive thinking on body-image.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her Bachelor\u2019s degree, Saba completed the training required to become a Registered Psychotherapist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/saba-salemi\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/19-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Elisha Starick<\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Elisha completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab.\u00a0 Her thesis explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image, coping behaviours, problem-solving orientation, affect, and general self-efficacy, and it resulted in a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34769822\/\">first-authored publication<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her Bachelor\u2019s degree, Elisha worked in several research positions before starting the graduate program in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/elisha-starick\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/7-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Matthew Lewis<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Matthew completed his undergraduate thesis in the HEAL Lab. His thesis examined the impact of a brief intervention combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy on food consumption among individuals who report feeling addicted to ultra processed, highly palatable foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/matthew-lewis\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/5-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Undergrad Thesis Student<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Meg Molnar<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Meg completed her undergraduate thesis in the HEAL lab. Her thesis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> compared stigma towards binge eating disorder and ultra-processed food addiction, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">it resulted in a <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12252064\/\">first-authored publication<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Meg continues to work as a research assistant in the HEAL lab and several other labs. She <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">aims to pursue graduate studies in psychology in the future to become a clinical psychologist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/meg-molnar\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/12\/22-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Research Coordinator<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Samantha Leung<\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Samantha is broadly interested in obesity, eating behaviours, mental health, and patient care. Her work as a research coordinator and analyst with the HEAL Lab and the University Health Network Bariatric Centre of Excellence focused on developing interventions and stepped care approaches for pre- and post-operative bariatric surgery patients. She was the research coordinator for several multi-site, randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy.<\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/samantha-leung\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-alumni filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/11\/16-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Therapist on Clinical Trials<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Dr. Iris Antonopoulos<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology, York University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Iris worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. She also conducted qualitative research on interpersonal relationships and body image in bariatric surgery patients. She is particularly interested in the overlap between disordered eating and trauma.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Current Position<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Antonopoulos worked as a Registered Clinical Psychologist at Remedy Institute and Grenadier Psychotherapy. She also launched her own private psychology practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/dr-iris-antonopoulos\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/6-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Therapist on Clinical Trials<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Lindsey Snaychuk<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degree in Progress<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology, Vancouver Island University<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I study addiction broadly but have a particular interest in compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB; i.e., sex addiction). My master\u2019s thesis examined the influence of CSB and associated correlates on inpatient treatment outcomes for substance use disorders. My doctoral work focuses on the conceptualization of CSB and the development of a multidimensional assessment tool for CSB. My recent clinical work (described below) has also sparked an interest in studying the overlap between behavioural addictions and eating disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research Support<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Doctoral Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) \u2013 Master\u2019s Award<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) \u2013 Scientific Affairs Committee Student Research Grant<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I have a particular interest in the evidence-based assessment and treatment of addictive disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. My clinical work is predominantly rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy, but I also regularly incorporate third-wave approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I have completed clinical practica at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, Bariatric Surgery Program at University Health Network, and Mood and Addiction Laboratory at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients. I will be completing my psychology residency at St. Joseph&#8217;s Healthcare Hamilton.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am passionate about mentorship and serve as a mentor for various academic and community-based programs. I particularly enjoy mentoring fellow first-generation students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology. Since moving to Toronto for graduate school, I spend most of my spare time exploring different markets around the city while sipping overpriced iced lattes or bubble tea. I enjoy strength training, yoga (specifically vinyasa or bikram), and taking walks along the harbourfront. When visiting home on Vancouver Island, I spend all my time swimming, paddle-boarding, or laying on the beach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/lindsey-snaychuk\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/11-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Therapist on Clinical Trials<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Kaitlin McGarragle<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degree in Progress<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MSc in Medical Science, University of Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology, York University\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am interested in qualitative research that centers underserved populations and allows people to share their experiences in their own words. I have conducted research exploring how couples jointly cope with multiple sclerosis and how individuals navigate cancer. My dissertation is examining the relationship between binge eating and emotion regulation using online posts from Reddit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clinical Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Through the HEAL lab, I work as a therapist providing cognitive behavioural therapy to bariatric surgery patients. I have completed practica at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, and Eating Disorders Program at University Health Network. I am particularly interested in how feelings such as shame and existential concerns such as death and identity impact mental health. I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I enjoy live music, stand-up comedy, listening to podcasts, reading, and learning about people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/kaitlin-mcgarragle\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"team-grid-item filter-all filter-research-personnel\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"316\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/06\/8-316x341.png\" class=\"attachment-team size-team wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><p class=\"role-title\">Therapist on Clinical Trials<\/p><p class=\"team-name\">Kristen Hernandez<\/p><p> <\/p><div class=\"post-content hide\"><p><b>Degree in Progress<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PhD in Clinical Psychology<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Degrees<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MA in Clinical Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BA (Honours) in Psychology and minor in Child and Family Studies, University of Guelph\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Research Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">My research interests involve moderators of disorder specific couples interventions outcomes (e.g., mental health predictors of Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy for PTSD outcomes). I am also interested in treatment outcomes for individuals with co-morbid PTSD and eating disorders.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Clinical Interests <\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am dedicated to supporting individuals seeking therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, trauma, and PTSD.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I seek for my clinical work to be trauma-informed and evidence-based. My therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to tailor to the unique needs and preferences of my clients. I strive to provide a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment with an anti-racist, harm reduction and fat liberation approach.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I have completed practicum placements at the Psychology Training Clinic at Unity Health Toronto, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic at St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare Hamilton, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Toronto Psychology and Wellness Group. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I have also worked as a study therapist in the HEAL lab on clinical trials providing CBT to bariatric surgery patients.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Additional Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I enjoy trying out new restaurants or workout classes with friends (e.g., spin, Pilates), bargain hunting, watching reality TV, cuddling my Bengal cats and spending time in nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><p><a class=\"more target-modal\" href=\"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/team\/kristen-hernandez\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Lab Team Meet our dedicated team People<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"parent":513,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-536","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/536","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=536"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/536\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1482,"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/536\/revisions\/1482"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/psychlabs.torontomu.ca\/heal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}