GET TO KNOW US

I AM Research Team

DR. J. GARRETT-WALKER

Dr. Garrett-Walker (name preference) is a Black queer developmental psychologist whose research focuses on mental health and multiple identity development for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or intersex (2SLGBTQI+) emerging adults with a focus in Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour.

MASON TRINH

Mason (he/him/his) graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2020. He is interested in investigating the implications of intersectionality theory in the relationship between stigma, resilience, and emotional well-being among LGBTIQ+ people of colour. Currently, he serves as a Program Officer at Lighthouse Social Enterprise in Vietnam, coordinating a variety of mental health advocacy and intervention programs for local sexual and gender minorities. He plans to apply to Clinical and Counseling Psychology Ph.D. programs in the next few years.

SYDNEY KARLIN

Sydney (she/they) is a current undergraduate at Ramapo College of New Jersey pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She is interested in studying and conducting research on the implications of compulsive heterosexuality, specifically how it affects AFAB individuals' relationships with men. Post graduation, Sydney plans to obtain their doctorate in clinical psychology and counsel LGBTQ+ youth. Currently she is researching intersectionality theory at Ramapo College.

EMMA SOREZ

Emma (she/her/hers) is a 1st year MEd student in Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Toronto. She volunteered as a TA during her undergraduate studies in Psychology in Boston, and took interest in affirmative and inclusive psychology. Prior to her studies, Emma, MBA, worked as a data analyst. Her interests are oriented towards diverse adolescent and emerging adulthood populations, identity development, factors of influence, adversity, well-being predictors, and skills development. She wants to complete a PhD in Counseling Psychology and continue research, practice and teaching

KRISTA EDWARDS

Krista Edwards, M.A. (she/her/hers) is a doctoral candidate in school psychology at the University of Missouri. Her research interests are strength-based interventions that address race related stress for Black youth and lead to positive social emotional development. Her dissertation explores the impact of emotion centered racial coping and mental health and school-based outcomes. She is currently completing her pre-doctoral internship at Ottawa Carleton District School Board. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching Netflix and hanging out with friends.

AMIRA-DEKA DIRIE

Amira, (she/her) is a 1st-year M.Ed Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy student at University of Toronto. With a multidisciplinary background in Psychology, Biology and Women & Gender studies - Amira is passionate about exploring the complete trajectory of the human experience from an anti-oppressive lens. She currently is en route to becoming a registered psychotherapist and aims to address systemic inequities within mental health and psychotherapeutic support for marginalized communities at large. Outside of her academic and research role, she works in Clinical Support and enjoys reading and watching movies.

KEKE CHAMBERS

Keke, (formally known as Keonna Chambers) is a multi-disciplinary artist, entrepreneur and community builder. Having grown up in the Jane and Finch area, community has always been a big part of her life. She aims to help support youth and young adults through community initiatives, events and workshops. She has worked alongside many nonprofit organizations, the city of Toronto and the government of Canada. She was awarded the 2022 BCAC Youth Leadership award for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic. She began her facilitation work in 2017 and now runs her own private practice. Her main areas of work are in mental health advocacy, 2SLGBTQ+ wellness, mindfulness practices and social justice. She also recently published an essay to help further along reproductive freedoms and women equality. Keke is a bright light that actively lives what she preaches

RAWAN HEDEFA

Rawan Hedefa (she/her/hers), HBSc, MSW candidate, is an incoming MA student in Counselling and Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto. Her academic background is in Psychology and Neuroscience. Rawan is passionate about exploring LGBTQ+ POC’s psychosocial concerns and has completed research projects in this area. She is passionate about employing an anti-oppressive, and strengths-based lens in her research and future practice. She wants to complete a PhD in Clinical and Counseling Psychology and continue clinical research and practice. In her spare time, she enjoys advocating for marginalized communities through novel social media accounts, art, and story-writing, as well as travelling, and making music.