Vlad Drobinin​

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
I am excited to be a resident of this beautiful city and a researcher with this innovative study.

My work with FORBOW gives me the unique opportunity of studying how the young brain develops. Please see the video to find out more about how we do that!

I’m also interested in rectangles. We use rectangles of different sizes every day. These include cellphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs. The types of things that we do with our screens matter. My goal is to find out how technology affects humans.

In my spare time, I enjoy photography, technology, reading, movies, meditation, and a stroll by the harbour.
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Emily Howes Vallis​

parent assessor
I joined the FORBOW team as a child assessor in 2016 after graduating from Dalhousie with an Honours Degree in Psychology. In 2017, I began the Master's of Psychiatry Research program at Dalhousie under the supervision of Dr. Uher. I completed my MSc with FORBOW in 2019. My thesis examined the relationship between visual memory and risk of mental illness among youth. I am excited continue my work with FORBOW, now as a parent assessor. 
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In my spare time, I teach ballet and I enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.

Alex Pizzo

youth assessor
I completed my undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University in Psychology. In 2020, I completed my Masters degree in Psychiatry Research under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Pavlova.

​Outside of FORBOW I like to watch TV and play sports.

Stephen Perkovic

Parent assessor
I graduated from York University (Toronto, ON) in 2018 with an Honours BA in Psychology. During my undergraduate degree I conducted an independent study which looked at how differences in personality may help predict whether someone may be more likely to experience certain symptoms of depression. Towards the end of my degree I worked as the research coordinator of a longitudinal study which examined the impact of a nonclinical intervention on symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults.
 
I was really excited to join the FORBOW team given my own interests in the role of individual differences (i.e. personality, genetics) and other factors in helping predict different mental illnesses and their role in predicting treatment outcomes.
 
Aside from working on research I like to watch movies, play guitar, and play soccer (recreationally). 

Andrea Sandstrom

masters in psychiatry research student & youth assessor
I did my undergraduate at Western University in Psychology before moving to Halifax and joining FORBOW. I am especially interested in the development of mental illness in youth, and early intervention for anxiety disorders.

Outside of FORBOW, I enjoy hiking, going to the gym, and exploring Halifax.

Qendresa Sahiti

Honours in neuroscience student & youth assessor
I am a 4th year student completing my Bachelor of Science with Honours in Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. Prior to working with FORBOW, I worked on research projects within the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience and the Department of Medical Neuroscience at Dalhousie, as well as the Centre for Pediatric Pain Research at the IWK Health Centre. My current project focuses on characteristics of youth speech and how that is related to genetic vulnerability for mental illness.

I'm also interested in science advocacy and developing strategies to better communicate science to the general public. I feel very lucky to get to work with FORBOW families and learn from my amazing colleagues!

Outside of school and work, I enjoy photography, swimming, and volunteering within my community

Alyson Zwicker​

Postdoctoral fellow & youth assessor
I graduated from Western University with a BSc in Psychology in 2015, and joined the FORBOW team shortly thereafter. I completed my PhD with FORBOW in 2019 and my thesis examined genetic factors that influence the development of mental illness, environmental exposures that could have adverse effects on mental health, and the interplay between the two. In my work as a postdoctoral fellow, I am continuing my work with the genetic samples.

Holly Van Gestel

youth assessor & brain scan Coordinator
​I’ve always been passionate about the ways in which we foster healthier minds and bodies. This interest has guided my past and present academic and extracurricular pursuits and is what has guided me to FORBOW. 
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I am currently completing my third year as a student of osteopathic medicine, upon the completion of my master’s degree at Dalhousie University.  My thesis research was a neuroimaging study focused on uncovering the brain regions responsible for the stress response, commonly known as “fight or flight”. I’m excited and honored to be part of the FORBOW team, and to employ the skills that I’ve learned along the way to help explore the developing brain in young people.

Jenney Zhu

youth assessor
I graduated from Western University in 2018 with a B.A, Honours Specialization in Psychology. Prior to joining FORBOW, I worked in the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital, London, ON where my research explored how individuals respond to mindfulness-based practices relative to psychological trauma exposure and related symptoms. I am excited to be part of the FORBOW team and I look forward to meeting young people and their families!
 
In my spare time, I enjoy exploring Halifax, taking art classes, watching documentaries, and spending time with my dog, Bean.

Jackie Glover​

youth assessor
I worked in a research lab focused on child development before joining the FORBOW team of researchers.

I’ve always had an interest in counselling and helping others. This led to my passion for psychology, which I pursued in my degree from Dalhousie University. I’ve worked with children since I was a teenager. From an early age I have always known that I wanted a career that could combine my interests in psychology and working with children and youth. I am really happy to be a part of the FORBOW study and to help promote well-being in youth and their families. When I’m not working I love to cook, travel, spend time with my family, husband and friends, and play soccer.
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Lynn Mackenzie​

Youth assessor & clinical phd student
I greatly enjoy working as a member of the FORBOW research team. I am happy that this innovative project is happening in Nova Scotia. I believe that FORBOW will help to promote health and well-being in young people across the province.

My first career was as a teacher. I discovered my true passion is clinical psychology, and then took a master’s degree in psychology at Columbia University, in New York, in 2011. In 2012, I joined the FORBOW research team. As a research associate, I gather information that the children share as part of the study.

As a PhD student, in clinical psychology, my research will focus on autism, brain imaging, therapeutic interventions, and a range of mental-health concerns in children and adolescents. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, sailing, yoga, kayaking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Alexa Fine

youth assessor
I graduated from the University of Toronto in 2016 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology. After graduating, I worked for two years as the research coordinator of an outpatient psychiatry clinic in Toronto, where I gained experience with cognitive testing, clinical trials and psychiatric assessments for individuals with a wide range of disorders. It was eye-opening to see how mental illness can impact so many aspects of a person’s life. I moved to Halifax in 2018 after learning about FORBOW and their research on early identification and prevention of mental illness in youth. This research really interested me because of its potential to have a positive impact on youth as they develop. I am extremely excited to be a part of the team and look forward to meeting families!

In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing recreational sports, travelling and exploring beautiful Nova Scotia!

Daniel LeBouthillier

intervention coach
​I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina in 2018 and am currently working as a Psychologist (Candidate Register) with the FORBOW team. My research interests revolve around anxiety-related disorders and physical health, specifically how physical activity can address or protect against mental health problems. I’m excited to work with the awesome team at FORBOW. Outside of my work, I enjoy going on walks with my poodle Leo, working out, and discovering what’s in and around Halifax. 

Victoria Patterson​

youth assessor & clinical phd student
My background is in psychology, having obtained an Honours Degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University; I hope to continue my education in Clinical Psychology at the graduate level soon! Being a part of the FORBOW team has been such an incredible experience because it allows me to combine my passion for both research and resilience, and I am always learning something new!

My role at FORBOW is to work with children of all ages, and to lead the substudy Early Life Focus (ELF) which involves working with young children aged 0 to 4 and their caregivers.
In my free time, I love to cook, bake (gluten free!), read, walk along the waterfront, do cyberbullying research, and spend time with my loved ones.

Niamh Campbell​

youth assessor & MEDICAL STUDENT
I graduated from Dalhousie in 2015 with a BSc in Psychology. My research background includes: ADHD, sleep, e-interventions, and nicotine expectancy effects. In 2016 I completed a six-month research internship in the Department of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin where I worked on two pilot clinical trials for the use of ketamine in depression relapse prevention with an in-patient psychiatric population. This opportunity reinforced my interest in psychiatric research and, in particular, the prevention and early identification of serious mental illness. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the FORBOW team and contribute to a better understanding of what keeps young people healthy and well.

Zeina Asyyed​

RESEARCH ASSISTANT
I have always loved working with people. As a research assistant on the FORBOW team, I am able to interact with children and youth.

I completed my bachelor of science degree in biochemistry and French at Dalhousie University in 2012. Previously, I conducted research in biochemistry and molecular biology. Working with FORBOW allows me to pursue my interest in psychology and mental illness. Next year, I will be starting medical school, where I will be able to combine my interests in clinical practice and research. Aside from work, I enjoy jogging, travelling, and spending time with my family and friends.

Jessica Morash​

research associate
When I was studying at St. Francis Xavier University, I quickly realized that my passion was psychology and advances in research. My best advice to youth is once you find something you enjoy, make it your career!

I have been working with the FORBOW research project since 2012. As a research associate, I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who participate in the FORBOW study. My role is to introduce them to the study and help them feel comfortable and have fun. While doing so, I gather information about the young person’s health, health treatment history, school experiences, and learning abilities.
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I received my master’s degree in Child & Youth Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University. This education has helped me better understand how children and youth develop, and what challenges they face. My research interests include sleep in young people and how it relates to other outcomes of well-being and health. I hope to someday work clinically to support, empower, and advocate for youth and families coping with mental illness.

Heather Reckling​

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
As a speech therapist, I help children to improve their communication skills. My early studies focused on linguistics and psychology. I did my master’s degree at McGill University in Communications Sciences and Disorders.

I’ve worked as a clinician in many different settings in Montreal and Halifax, including schools and daycares. I now split my time between FORBOW and my private practice in speech-language pathology. I greatly enjoy working in both a research and a clinical setting.

I’m thrilled to be a member of the FORBOW team! As a researcher with FORBOW, I study human development and learn how children develop mental-health skills. I am especially interested in child temperament. I love meeting new people and interacting with children of all ages.
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My pastimes include choral singing, doing yoga, playing board games, and walking all around Halifax. My new favourite destination is the Halifax Central Library—what an amazing spot!

Elaine Skene​
RESEARCH ASSistant
I completed my studies in therapeutic recreation at Dalhousie and I am interested in helping people improve their quality of life and well-being. My role in the FORBOW study is to learn from children by playing games with them, doing puzzles, and talking about how things are going in their lives so we can find out more about what makes children happy and healthy. In the future, I hope to apply what I’ve learned to help kids with different struggles in a clinical setting. Outside of work, I enjoy horseback riding, playing guitar, and going for walks with my dog.

Flint Schwartz​

RESEARCH Assistant
My education includes a BA Honors in psychology from Brandon University, a BMus from Brandon University, a BFA from Concordia University, and as MA student at the University of Manitoba I studied School Psychology. My research interests include trauma, especially related to intergenerational transmission and the impacts of childhood maltreatment. I bring a strong social justice lens to my research focusing on unique implications for marginalized populations.

In my work with the FORBOW team I conduct neuropsychological assessments with children, youth, and adults in order to contribute to a better understanding of what promotes mental health in young people. Currently I am also a research assistant with Dr. Amy Bombay at Dalhousie University investigating intergenerational trauma among Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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At Red Ladder Optimized Learning in Winnipeg, Manitoba I conducted psychoeducational assessments of private clients, youth in care, and youth from remote fly in reserves in Northern Manitoba. I have extensive experience working with at risk communities including forensic populations with addictions through the Behavioural Health Foundation of Manitoba as well as supporting youth experiencing addictions and crisis at the mandated live in program with Marymound Inc. My interest in trauma and crisis work first developed during my three years of experience as a volunteer suicide and crisis counselor with Klinic Community Health Centre in Winnipeg. I am excited to be part of the FORBOW team in Halifax and to contribute to innovative research that improves the lives of young people.