Michelle (she/her) is completing her PhD in School and Clinical Child Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. Michelle holds a Master of Arts in School and Clinical Child Psychology from OISE, in addition to a BA (Honours) from Dalhousie University.
Michelle has completed psychoeducational assessments, mental health assessments, consultations, and interventions for children, adolescents, caregivers, and teachers at the Toronto District School Board. Michelle also has experience working with youth in the Caring and Safe Program, which is designed to support youth who have been suspended, expelled, and/or involved in the criminal-legal system. Michelle previously worked in a youth detention centre where she supported the mental health of incarcerated adolescents and young adults. She also has experience working in private practice.
Across all of the settings she has worked in, Michelle aims to take an individualized, intersectional, approach to centre clients’ needs, while also acknowledging system-level challenges that youth face throughout their lifetime and the impact it can have on their mental health. Michelle approaches each client with curiosity and warmth, ensuring that she provides a supportive and positive environment. She strives to make each client and their family feel supported and seen throughout their time together. Michelle always strives to be a fierce advocate for her clients and their support systems.
Michelle’s doctoral research focuses on supporting youth in the criminal legal system, specifically with a focus on the importance of education for these youth.
Outside of her clinical and research work, Michelle enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, being outdoors, and baking.