I am currently employed as a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Canberra and primarily teach into the Master of Clinical Psychology Program (MCP). I am an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with many years of clinical experience working therapeutically with children, adolescents and families, and have pursued research and teach in this area. A driving passion in my teaching, research, supervision and service engagement is bringing together clinical applications and theory to enhance student experience and inform clinical practice to promote engagement and positive clinical outcomes for young people and their families.

In collaboration with Professor Rickwood and Dr Buckmaster, we have developed, implemented and evaluated an innovative program 'The UC WOKE Program' that addresses the need for more effective early interventions and services for young people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in the ACT. The program focuses on mood regulation for emerging adults (aged 15-21 years) at risk of developing BPD. The program represents an exciting opportunity for the University of Canberra, and provides UC Master of Clinical Psychology students an opportunity to engage in the research evaluation component of the project as well as an external practicum placement opportunity, involving delivery of the clinical intervention under the supervision of specialised clinical psychologists. The program is also an important service engagement for UC to connect with the wider Canberra community, offering a much-needed evidence-based psychology support options for at risk youth.

My current research has a real-world impact, with the results informing clinical practice and service delivery for at risk youth and mothers. My current research focuses on the following:

• Program evaluation of innovative psychological services and programs for at risk young people, including the BPD Mood Regulation program, child outreach services, and a youth step up step down residential program.
• Examining factors affecting perinatal mental health and optimising psychological wellbeing for mothers as well as attachment with their children.
• Help-seeking factors in promoting accessing psychological support for young people.

I currently supervise Clinical PhD students at the University of Canberra and engage in clinical supervision with the MCP students. I also engage in research supervision for psychology Honours and Masters students.

My teaching philosophy is founded on the incorporation of ‘real-life’ clinical case study examples and the use of interactive role plays to help the students appreciate the application of the theory. This mode of teaching better prepares our graduates to enter the profession with practical and professional skills. I ensure all unit material is current, evidence-based and delivered in an engaging, flexible and collaborative manner. I am committed to applying strategies to my teaching that improve student engagement and retention and in utilising feedback to improve teaching quality. A primary part of my role as a member of the clinical psychology team is to ensure unit content and assessment items are in accordance with Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) requirements and in supporting our students to gain core competencies to graduate as competent, professional and work-ready psychologists.