I am a Registered Nurse, Clinical Epidemiologist (Msc, PhD), and current Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University. I am also a Faculty Affiliate of the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research (Canada), Associate of the Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton Mental Health and Addictions Program (Canada), and Affiliate of the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use (Australia). I currently hold a Health System Impact Embedded Early Career Researcher Award co-funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, McMaster University, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. 

My research is focused on deepening our understanding of the biological, psychological, and socio-contextual factors that contribute to co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns among youth (10-25 years of age), and how to prevent and treat this co-occurrence. My Health Systems Impact work is specifically centred on young adults who enter the adult hospital system with substance use concerns. I also have clinical experience related to inpatient, emergency, and outpatient youth mental health and substance use. I have also supported the development and evaluation of several interventions for young people, including a new outpatient young adult substance use program in Hamilton (for those 17-25 years of age). 

My clinical and research roles are all grounded in identifying, contributing to, and utilizing the best available evidence to improve the lives of youth