My Story
I’m what New Yorkers affectionately call a transplant. I was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, and moved to New York City after living in Bristol, England for several years.
In 2018, after 8 years of studying in Adelaide and a PhD later, I jumped across the pond and started my first postdoc position at the Centre for Appearance Research in Bristol. Here I lead the development and evaluation of five evidence-based body image interventions for young people around the world, in collaboration with the Dove Self-Esteem Project.
In 2021, I made another transcontinental shift to New York to be with my (now) husband, where I continue to work with universities, brands and community partners through consultancy, both independently and as a subcontractor at Everybody Consulting.
From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance and value of connecting with people from different walks of life. This passion for human connection led me to study Clinical Psychology – which is all about exploring, understanding and supporting people’s mental health and well-being.
Several themes have consistently emerged in my life, which have shaped my expertise, research and consultancy: Connection, Community, and Impact, and I have been fortunate to experience these things on a local and global level.
I know firsthand the discomfort that comes with navigating new environments and communities, while leaving behind more familiar surroundings and social networks. Moving countries twice - once for work and another for a loved one - has been the most challenging and rewarding experience; an experience that has reinforced the importance of access to human connection, community and resources.
Access to these things, however, is not always easy nor a privilege. A common thread across my research and consultancy projects is helping clients to create easy and innovative opportunities for their employees, consumers or communities to access mental health and well-being resources. Afterall, humans thrive when they feel seen and secure in their environments and communities.
That brings me to my...
Areas of Expertise
Mental Health & Clinical Psychology
With a PhD in Clinical Psychology, I develop scalable mental health solutions rooted in user-centered design and evidence-based practices. My approach is grounded in understanding the factors that influence well-being, creating therapeutic strategies that are accessible, practical, and tailored to user needs. By conducting needs assessments, creating intervention content, and gathering feedback through acceptability interviews and focus groups, I ensure each strategy aligns with the unique requirements of individuals and systems. I work closely with clients to leverage their existing resources, optimizing pathways for employees, consumers, and communities to access and benefit from mental health support.
Body Image & Sports
For a decade, I’ve conducted research into body image concerns among girls and women, recently focusing on sports. Body image intersects with various identity factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, and disability, making it essential to approach it as a social justice issue. I support clients in understanding and addressing the diverse body image experiences of their audiences. By embedding body image and appearance diversity into organizational missions, I help create inclusive, supportive environments where girls and women can embrace and express their identities safely.
Program Development & Evaluation
I specialize in program development with a focus on user experience, creating accessible, evidence-based initiatives and programs that meet the needs of specific demographics. From conducting needs assessments to developing detailed logic models aligned with organizational goals, I integrate user insights to enhance program effectiveness. I employ mixed-methods research to evaluate impact, providing clients with data-driven insights and actionable recommendations for continuous improvement. With strong project management skills, I oversee timelines and resources, ensuring that programs are delivered efficiently and that user engagement remains high throughout implementation.
Applied Evidence-Based Research
My consultancy focuses on translating research into real-world applications that prioritize user needs and drive impact. Through rigorous literature reviews, study design, and stakeholder engagement, I develop research-backed resources that enhance user experience and improve practical outcomes. I synthesize research findings into tools, guidelines, and frameworks, equipping organizations to adopt evidence-based practices that align with user expectations. My applied approach creates a cohesive framework, ensuring projects deliver meaningful results and resonate with users.