My background is elementary education. I taught children aged 4-11 in school, during which time I completed a MA in education that focussed on mathematics. Next, I moved into teacher education and taught elementary mathematics to preservice teachers at a university in London, England. I supervised preservice teachers during their school practicum experiences and I also supervised qualified teachers who were completing their MA education dissertations. I completed my doctorate on a part time basis, focussing on the effects of mathematics policy on elementary teachers. Completing the PhD mobilised the dream of my husband I to move to Canada having visited the country many times on holiday.

As a postdoctoral research fellow in the ACCERT lab I am working alongside Jacquie Pei and Melissa Tremblay on the BC Law Foundation project. I am completing community conversations with a range of focus groups, such as probation officers, Crown counsel and corrections officers. Within these group conversations I am exploring perceptions regarding screening and identification of individuals who may have FASD who become involved in the legal system. The aim of the project is to implement and evaluate a redesigned screening tool. The tool and subsequent training will be designed to meet the needs of stakeholders that improves the trajectories of the individuals with whom they work. While the focus of this research is very different to my prior experiences I am able to strengthen my qualitative research skills within this project.

Education

Identifying and Supporting Justice-Involved Individuals with FASD