The Team

Kelsey Friesen

Kelsey is a PhD student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. She was born in Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary in 2017 with a combined Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Psychology and Bachelor of Arts Archaeology degree. During her undergraduate degree she took some time off to work as a behavioural interventionist with children with special needs. This work inspired her to pursue an MSc in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. During her MSc, Kelsey was a member of the Strengths in ADHD research lab, and her research investigated empathy and executive functioning in children with ADHD. Her current research will examine longitudinal mental health outcomes in children and youth exposed to prenatal and postnatal risks. Outside of school, Kelsey is a certified yoga instructor, and enjoys being active. She is also an avid baker, and enjoys making cupcakes for all occasions.

Stephanie Howe 

Stephanie is a PhD student in the School and Applied Child Psychology Program at the University of Calgary. She was born and raised in Calgary and began volunteering in the ENHANCE lab in the spring of 2016. She graduated from the University of Calgary in April 2018 where she completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology and then went on to complete her MSc in School and Applied Child Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Carly McMorris. Her research investigated the impact of anxiety disorders on children and youth with Autism and their families. She was the Lab Coordinator of the ENHANCE Lab from 2018 – Fall 2020 and is excited to continue working in the lab as a graduate student. In the past she has worked as an Early Intervention Therapist with young children with ASD and as the Health Coordinator of Special Olympics Alberta, working to provide free physical and mental health screenings to Special Olympics athletes. In her spare time, she likes to read, draw, paint, and spend time outdoors.

Hangsel Sanguino  

Hangsel is a first-year PhD student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. He was born in Colombia and moved to Canada in 2006. Hangsel graduated from the University of Calgary where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. His research project looked at characterizing suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs) and identifying contributing factors, such as sleep, for STBs in autistic youth. Hangsel previously worked as the ENHANCE lab's research coordinator and has worked as a behaviour therapist at Society for Treatment of Autism (STA). Within the ENHANCE lab, Hangsel is interested in loneliness, suicide, sleep disturbances and mental health in autism. In his spare time, Hangsel enjoys travelling, camping and coaching boys volleyball for ACE Volleyball. 

Cara Nania

Cara is a first-year PhD student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. Born and raised in Calgary, Cara completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary. Her research focused on chronic pain, sleep, and trauma in youth. Upon graduation, Cara worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator for Dr. Melanie Noel where she helped determine the various biopsychosocial factors surrounding acute (surgical) and chronic pain in youth. Within the ENHANCE lab, Cara is interested in characterizing the pain experience of youth with FASD. Cara also completed 5 years as a varsity wrestler at the University of Calgary and continues to coach for the University. In her free time, she likes to attend fitness classes and spend quality time with her friends and family. 

Mercedes Jayne Bagshawe

Mercedes is a first-year PhD student in the School and Applied Psychology Program. She completed her BA in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. Mercedes took time off before pursuing Graduate studies working in private practice and as a supervisor at the Calgary Distress Centre. Prior to starting her MSc, she was working as a Research Coordinator for Dr. Catherine Lebel in the Developmental Neuroimaging Lab focused on brain development and pre-postnatal risks in children and youth. Mercedes’ research interests lie in exploring the associations between pre-postnatal risk, mental health and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She is also passionate when it comes to supporting those with suicidal ideation/behaviours and continues to work at the distress centre helping individuals in crisis. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, camping, climbing, and spending time with friends.

Jennifer Williamson

Jennifer is a second-year MSc student in the Experimental Psychology program. Jennifer completed their BSc Honours in Psychology in June 2020 under the supervision of Dr. Carly McMorris, with their honours project featuring a needs assessment for autistic students attending the University of Calgary. Jennifer is passionate about autism research thanks to their own autism diagnosis and hopes to pursue a career in research, with the goal of improving the quality of life for autistic people in university and beyond. In their spare time, they enjoy reading, writing, video games, and hiking with their family.

Kendra Mueri

Kendra is a second-year MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. Originally from Nova Scotia, she moved to Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Psychology. Her undergraduate research focused on the sociocultural context of pediatric pain by examining pain portrayals in children’s popular media. After graduating, Kendra went on to work as a Clinical Research Coordinator for Dr. Melanie Noel, where she supported research examining the biopsychosocial influences underlying chronic pain in youth and their families. In the ENHANCE lab, Kendra’s research focuses on the influence of caregiver factors (e.g., parenting style, mental health) on the pain experiences of youth with cerebral palsy. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Stephanie Andreasen

Stephanie is a first-year MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. She completed two BSc degrees in Psychology and Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary and then took time off before pursuing graduate studies. She has been working in the disability services field for over 15 years providing direct frontline support to adults with developmental disabilities before transitioning to case management supporting children with disabilities and their families in accessing supports and services in their homes and the community. Stephanie's research interests include late autism diagnosis and mental health challenges in youth, particularly autistic girls and women. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing activities outside like skiing, camping and hiking, as well as reading, movie nights and playing board games.

Allison Cormier

Allison is a first-year MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology Program. She graduated from the University of Calgary in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in psychology. Allison’s undergraduate research examined the sociocultural context of pediatric pain. Prior to beginning her graduate studies, Allison worked as a research assistant for Dr. Melanie Noel where she examined Autistic individuals’ autobiographical memories of pain in the media. She also worked as an interventionist for youth with NDC’s. Within the ENHANCE lab, Allison is interested in characterizing and examining the relationship between youth with NDCs and trauma. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending fitness classes, and spending time with family and friends.

Nicole Eddy

Nicole is a first year MSc student in the Clinical Psychology program. Hailing from Newfoundland, she completed her BA (Hons) in Psychology and MSc in Experimental Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, Nicole worked at the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism NL, where she became very familiar with, and interested in research that supports, the needs of autistic and neurodiverse people. This led to her moving to Toronto for two years to work as Lab Coordinator for Dr. Jonathan Weiss’ Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Lab at York University. Here she was involved in research focused on building the emotion regulation skills of neurodiverse youth through CBT, as well as a feasibility study on promoting the well-being of autistic young adults through therapeutic photography. Nicole is enthused to be joining the Enhance Lab at the University of Calgary! She looks forward to working under Dr. McMorris and with other members of the lab on research that supports the success and positive well-being of neurodiverse folks. Outside of student life, Nicole enjoys doing yoga, hiking, baking, listening to live music, and spending time with her dog, Max.

Bhavana Gill

Bhavana Gill is a 4th year Bachelor of Sciences Honours student who studies Psychology at the University of Calgary. Bhavana is completing her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Carly McMorris. Bhavana’s research interests lay primarily in understanding etiology, assessments, and interventions. Specifically, her research interests include examining barriers to services and mental health outcomes within the population with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs). In the Enhance lab, Bhavana hopes to contribute to improving support and resources for individuals with NDCs. Throughout her career, she hopes to improve assessments and improve evidence-based interventions. Bhavana’s thesis will aim to understand the factors associated with a late diagnosis of Autism. Outside of her thesis, Bhavana is a research assistant in the lab. Her other projects include examining suicidality risk in individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. In her spare time, Bhavana enjoys exploring nature with her family and dogs, reading, and yoga. Bhavana hopes to continue her education in neuropsychology.

Madeline Miller

Madeline Miller is a 4th year Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) student at the University of Calgary and is completing her honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Carly McMorris. Madeline’s research interests have involved self-perceptions and cannabis use in youth at clinically high risk for psychosis. In the Enhance lab, her research interests involve child neurodevelopment and mental health. Madeline is currently completing her thesis on the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on infant developmental milestone attainment. In her spare time, Madeline enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with friends and family. Madeline hopes to continue her education by attending graduate school for child psychology. 

Mahd Awan

Mahd holds a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Calgary, where he worked under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Boyce, looking at help-seeking in the context of mental health. Specifically, Mahd examined factors that may help facilitate help-seeking in formal contexts (such as mental health professionals) as well as in informal contexts (such as personal relationships). Mahd’s main research interests involve mental health promotion, through pathways such as mental health literacy, and ability-based emotional intelligence development. Mahd is currently working in the lab and developing his research skills, aiming for graduate school. He hopes to contribute to the field of mental health promotion by furthering the understanding of different stages and dynamics within help-seeking. Outside of the lab, Mahd loves to get outdoors and go hiking, or stay active at the gym, bouldering wall, soccer field and volleyball court. He also enjoys reading, and video games.

Chris Clark   

Originally from Newfoundland, Chris holds a BSc (Hons) degree from the University of Calgary, where he completed his Honours thesis on the relationship between cognitive flexibility, anxiety, and ASD under the supervision of Dr. McMorris. He also holds a MSc degree in Experimental Psychology with a focus in Cognition and Neuroscience from the Memorial University of Newfoundland where he completed his degree under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Fawcett. Chris’s main research focuses are executive functioning and control and it’s applications in anxiety disorders, depression, memory and cognitive processes such as intentional forgetting as well as the use of Electroencephalography (EEG) to identify the neurological markers of these processes. Outside of work, Chris enjoys building computers, basketball, kayaking, and hiking the many mountains in Alberta and across Canada.

Grace Baldwin-O'Neill

Grace Baldwin-O’Neill completed an independent her Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree at University of Calgary, where her background was rooted in the fields of cognition and clinical neuropsychology. Grace’s research interests include neuro-developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on etiology, assessment, and evidence-based treatment. Grace’s philosophy is that everyone brings with them unique gifts and challenges. By better understanding development, individuals can emphasize our gifts, and help one another through challenges. Grace’s goal is to pursue a career in psychology that utilizes a scientific lens to improve the lives of children and the adults who support them. 

Dr. Brianne Redquest

Dr. Brianne Redquest completed her PhD in Kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo (Ontario). After her PhD, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health with the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre in Toronto. In April 2021, she moved to Calgary from Toronto to join the ENHANCE lab as a postdoctoral associate. Using a multi-disciplinary, community-engaged approach, the goal of Dr. Redquest’s research was to explore and enhance the well-being of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their family members.

One area of her research aims to understand the association between physical activity and the well-being of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Complementing her research pursuits, Dr. Redquest has a strong passion for community engagement; to date, she has co-developed and co-led three adapted physical activity programs to improve the physical endurance, strength, and social and motor skills of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.  

Outside of the lab, Dr. Redquest loves being outside. She enjoys going for hikes, snowboarding, and relaxing by the river. She also loves spending time with her pup (Winston), cat (Soups), family, and friends.   

Dr. Jessica Baraskewich

Jess was a doctoral student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. She is originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario where she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Lakehead University. Before pursuing graduate studies, Jess worked in northern Alberta with youth with severe behavioural challenges. She obtained her MSc in the SACP program where her research examined the relation between disordered eating and symptoms of ADHD. Her doctoral research continued to examine the relationship between disordered eating and neurodevelopmental conditions more broadly. Jess was a facilitator for Facing Your Fears - a cognitive behavioural intervention for youth with ASD and anxiety disorders, was involved in implementing Facing Your Fears for youth with ADHD, and was a facilitator for an emotion regulation skills group for adolescents with eating disorders. In her spare time, Jess enjoys competing in track and field as a middle-distance athlete, napping, and baking.

Dr. Daphne Nakhid 

Daphne was a doctoral student in the Cumming School of Medicine Neuroscience program. She was born and raised in Toronto before moving to Halifax where she completed her BSc in Psychology and Biology at Dalhousie University in 2016. After graduating, she moved to Calgary to be closer to her family and the mountains. During her time off she volunteered in the Developmental Neuroimaging Lab learning about brain development in preschool children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Her doctoral research investigated how prenatal alcohol exposure affected brain development and mental health in adolescents. In her free time, Daphne enjoys running, climbing, and reading books.

Richard Besney

Richard was an MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. Born and raised in Edmonton, Richard completed his undergraduate studies at Western University in London, Ontario with a BSc honours specialization in psychology and a major in Medical Science. After his degree, he moved to Toronto where he worked for two years in autism research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). In graduate school, Richard’s main focus is studying suicidality in children and youth with autism. His research projects in the area have involved collecting and analyzing saliva samples, as well as conducting cognitive and social-emotional psychometry. Richard is passionate about autism and mental health advocacy and is excited to engage in related activities over the course of his study and training. Outside the lab, he enjoys spending time in the outdoors, playing golf, travelling, and cheering on the Edmonton Oilers.

Heidi O’Brian

Heidi was an MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. She was born and raised on the East Coast, in Prince Edward Island where she completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Health Science. Her masters research focused on a retrospective analysis of health outcomes in adults with a history of concussion. This lead her to pursue a job with Dr. Keith Yeates at the University of Calgary in paediatric concussion. Through her experience in research assessments, while also a behaviour interventionist with children diagnosed with Autism, she became interested in further pursuing a career in child psychology. She completed her Masters degree as a member of the lab in 2022. Heidi is interested in examining the effects of mindfulness intervention in individuals with Autism. For enjoyment, Heidi loves staying active, trying new foods, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Kailyn Turner

Dr. Kailyn Turner (nee Jones) completed her PhD in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary (Calgary, AB) in the summer of 2020. Prior to that, she completed her pre-doctoral internship at Renfrew Educational Services (Calgary, AB), and became a Registered Psychologist in Alberta in 2018. Dr. Turner’s professional practice has focused on early intervention and specialized services for children and families with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), diagnosed or suspected genetic syndromes, and neuromotor conditions. She has also worked with children with complex developmental delays associated with early signs of mental health concerns. Additionally, Dr. Turner has experience delivering multidisciplinary therapeutic services to school-aged youth within in their indigenous community (reservation) schools. Dr. Turner joined the ENHANCE Lab from Fall 2020 until 2022 as a Postdoctoral Associate with the Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Werklund School of Education.

Dr. Turner’s Master’s thesis focused on school reintegration following spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis in youth age 13 to 17 years. Building on this work, her doctoral research focused on executive functioning (EF) in youth with chronic pain. Findings from her research highlighted the need to consider potential differences in EF when offering treatment and individualized education to youth with chronic pain. Dr. Turner advocates for enhanced interprofessional collaboration and partnership-based programming between school and healthcare professionals in the context of chronic pain and illness.

Based on her professional experience in the community, Dr. Turner was excited to join Dr. McMorris and her team in their efforts to better understand the clinical service needs of children with NDCs. Her postdoctoral research will examine clinical care pathways for children with NDCs and co-occurring mental health conditions, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to children and families accessing services. Dr. Turner is an experienced facilitator with the Facing Your Fears program and she will also participate in projects related to delivering therapeutic interventions and determining their effectiveness for children and families with NDCs. Finally, Dr. Turner investigates suicidality in children and youth with autism, and she is examining frequency, phenomenology (e.g., correlates of crisis such as age, severity of autism symptoms, family quality of life), and behaviours (e.g., elopement, self-injury, physical aggression to self and others) contributing to mental health crisis, emergency room visits, and inpatient hospitalizations for this population. Dr. Turner is especially interested in clinical care pathways for individuals with autism in crisis including methods of identification and treatment of these serious events to reduce morbidity and enhance wellbeing.

Dr. Turner enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants and cuisine, and being outdoors at the end of her workday.

Rachel Dean

Rachel was a MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. She was born and raised in Edmonton where she completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Psychology at MacEwan University. Although her research at MacEwan was largely focused on examining the behavioural effects of pharmacological substances on zebrafish anxiety, she is currently interested in exploring how suicidal thoughts and behaviours can be better assessed in individuals with Autism. She is equally interested in exploring factors that influence the likelihood an individual with ASD will be at risk for suicide. Outside of her studies, Rachel has volunteered in a respite program for youth with ASD and has also assisted children who were unable to remain in a traditional school setting due to mental health, learning, or behavioural difficulties. When she is not studying, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog Emmitt.

Taylor Wasylyshyn

Taylor was a Master of Science student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. Originally from Calgary, she graduated from Mount Royal University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. At Mount Royal, she worked as a research assistant on a study that investigated the relationship between spelling ability and eye movement patterns. After her undergrad, Taylor moved to the United Kingdom for two years, where she worked as a contract teaching assistant in various Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) schools throughout the city of London. During her final year in England, she worked specifically at Richard Cloudesley School for children and youth with physical disabilities and additional sensory needs. Taylor is passionate about mental health and contributing to current research on neurodevelopmental conditions. Taylor is interested in exploring the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on mental health outcomes for children and youth. Her research examined the impact of PAE and trauma on memory. Outside of her studies, Taylor enjoys yoga, hiking in the mountains, and travelling to new places.

Katie Hewitt 

Katie was a MSc student in the School and Applied Child Psychology program. Originally from Lindsay, Ontario, she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Family and Child Studies in 2015 at the University of Guelph. She moved to Calgary, Alberta shortly after, while completing a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science online. She also has experience providing early intervention services to children, and their families, with Autism. Katie first began working part-time in the ENHANCE lab as a volunteer in 2017 and her research focused on medication use, suicide, and service utilization among individuals with ASD. She was also involved in an initiative with the Special Olympics' Strong Mind program to determine the social and emotional functioning of individuals with various intellectual disabilities. When Katie is not working, you will find her in the mountains! 

Amanda Aitken 

Amanda was born in Vancouver and moved to Calgary during her childhood. Amanda received her Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology at the University of Calgary and obtained a position as an Early Intervention Therapist for children with Autism, where she worked for over four years. Amanda completed her MSc in the School and Applied Child Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Carly McMorris. She is currently a Provisional Psychologist at the Society for Treatment of Autism. Amanda’s research interests involve children and youth with ASD and other medical or mental health comorbidities, the impact of neurodevelopmental conditions on families, and the diagnostic process individuals with ASD experience, particularly with females. In her spare time, you can find Amanda playing soccer, watching Friends, or reading.

Chantel Ritter

From a farm in Stony Plain, Alberta, Chantel graduated from MacEwan University in Edmonton of 2017, with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology and a certificate in Behavioural Interventions. She moved to Calgary in the summer of 2017, where she worked as a behavioural therapist for children and youth with neurodevelopmental conditions and completed her MSc degree in the School and Applied Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. McMorris. Chantel is passionate about research and clinical practice with children and youth with neurodevelopmental, medical, or congenital disorders, and co-occurring complex mental health needs. Chantel’s research in the lab focused on neuropsychological, behavioural, and mental health outcomes of children and youth exposed to multiple prenatal and postnatal risks, medication use and service utilization among individuals with ASD, and pathways to best treatment for children with ASD. Chantel is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Guelph.

Laura Berlanda 

Laura completed her M.Sc. in the School and Applied Child Psychology Program at the University of Calgary in 2018. She previously completed her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology at McGill University and her B.A. in Psychology and English with specialized studies in Art Education at the University of Victoria. Laura is currently working as a school psychologist in British Columbia.

Nisha Vashi

Nisha is an MSc student in the Experimental Psychology program. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary in 2017. She has worked as a behaviour therapist with children with various neurodevelopmental conditions, and currently works as an education assistant with the Calgary Board of Education. Nisha’s research interests include investigating the motor and language abilities of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is exploring whether there are relationships between motor and language development in these children and how intervention programs can adopt this multi-modal approach to benefit children’s cognitive, motor, and language skills holistically. In her spare time, Nisha enjoys singing, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kate Hall

Originally from Yellowknife, Kate is a fifth year student at the University of Calgary completing her Honours thesis under Dr. Carly McMorris and Dr. Melanie Noel. Kate began volunteering in Dr. Noel’s  ABC Pain Lab in 2018, which grew her interest in child psychology and pain research. Her current research interests include developmental psychology and mental health, specifically related to anxiety. When not researching, Kate enjoys spending her time kayaking, reading, and traveling the world.