Lab Director

Stephanie Craig, PhD, C.Psych is an Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph and a Research Associate in the LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research at York University. She received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology with a Child specialization from Simon Fraser University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Following her PhD, she held a CIHR post-doctoral fellowship at York University. Dr. Craig is also a licensed psychologist in Ontario and works with child, adolescent, adults, and families.

Dr. Craig’s current research is focused on understanding the development and treatment of children and youth with severe behaviour and emotional problems. Specifically, she is interested in the role of early adversity (i.e., ACEs), attachment relationships, and the development of emotion regulation abilities in the development and treatment of children and youth with primary and secondary CU traits (i.e., lack of empathy, callous behaviour), and other serious mental health problems (i.e., risk of harm to self and others).

Dr. Craig is passionate about community-based research and continues to build partnerships with strong community mental health sites including Syl Apps Youth Centre and Child Development Institute.

Outside of the lab, Dr. Craig can be found hiking, snowshoeing, on the water rowing or paddling, or snuggling with her cats.

Katie Frankiewicz, she/her

Katie previously graduated from the University of Guelph with a B.Sc., majoring in Biomedical Toxicology with a minor in Psychology. She then returned to UofG to upgrade her minor to a major and during that time, completed an honours thesis in the SYD lab looking at the moderating role of CU traits and gender on behaviour treatment outcomes in children who participated in the SNAP program. Afterwards, she transitioned into the role of lab coordinator where she enjoys being able to support others in the lab. Katie has an interest in the efficacy of mental health treatments for children and families, factors that impact treatment outcomes, as well as the role of the parent-child relationship. In September, she will be starting a Master’s in Clinical Psychology in the Child Emotion and Mental Health lab at UofG. Outside of the lab, Katie can commonly be found spending time outside, doing something crafty, or cooking with her partner!

Natalie Stearns, she/her

Natalie is a first year MA student in the Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology program at the University of Guelph. In 2019, she completed her MSc in Forensic Mental Health from King’s College London IoPPN, where she explored the effects of intranasal oxytocin on facial emotion recognition in violent offenders with antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. Prior to her master’s degree, Natalie graduated from McMaster University with a BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, where she examined the impact of emotion regulation ability on childhood behavioural inhibition. Currently, Natalie is interested in researching emotion processing ability and its effect on psychophysiological and behavioural outcomes in children with callous-unemotional traits. She very much looks forward to extending her work under Dr. Stephanie Craig in the Supporting Youth Development Lab. In her spare time, Natalie can be found thrifting, watching period dramas, or poorly attempting to sew.

Lucas Porto, they/he

Lucas is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience at the university of Guelph. They are a research assistant working on the SNAP Youth Justice program adaptation. Their research interests include drug seeking behaviour, polysubstance use, antisocial behaviour, underlying anxiolytic mechanisms and the role of neurotransmitters in psychopathology. Lucas is an avid mystery and crime fiction reader, and his hobbies include crochet, knitting, and creative writing. 

Iva Music, she/her

Iva is a fourth-year undergraduate Honors psychology student minoring in neuroscience. She is passionate about evidence-based practice and improving treatment outcomes for adolescent mental health. Eager to immerse herself in hands-on clinical research, Iva looks forward to her position under Dr. Craig this summer as an undergraduate research assistant for the Syl Apps Youth Center file review study. Next year, Iva is excited to expand on her research skills while writing her undergraduate thesis in a lab that investigates mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and pharmacotherapeutic interventions. In her spare time, Iva enjoys running, rock climbing and playing the guitar.

Sydney (Syd) Larche, she/her

Syd Larche is a third-year Honours Psychology student planning to embark on an Undergraduate Honours Thesis at the University of Guelph. Additionally, she is a research assistant for Dr. Craig on the Syl Apps Youth Center on the file review study. Her current areas of interest include mental health, youth justice, and anti-social behaviours. After completing her undergraduate degree, Syd plans to study clinical psychology at the graduate level. Alongside her academics, she enjoys reading and discovering new music.

Ella Cumberbatch

Ella Cumberbatch, a third-year undergraduate student, is working towards an Honours degree in Psychology. Her active involvement in a range of psychology-related courses has significantly deepened her passion for the field. Ella eagerly anticipates her role as a research assistant in Dr. Craig’s lab and is excited about contributing to the ongoing and exciting research in progress. Outside of her academic commitments, Ella enjoys spending her free time with her friends or going on walks with her dogs.

Alexandra (Alex) Phillips, she/her

Alex is a third-year honours psychology co-op student at the University of Guelph. She is currently working as a Youth Care Specialist, focusing on youth in residential treatment care with behavioural and emotional difficulties. She is also working alongside Dr. Craig and Syl Apps Youth Center on the file review study. After her undergraduate degree, Alex hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and working with vulnerable populations, including youth in residential treatment care. 

Alessandra Mangialadi, she/her

Alessandra is a fourth-year undergraduate student, majoring in honours psychology and minoring in neuroscience. She is currently completing her honours thesis focusing on the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adolescents in inpatient treatment facilities. She is also working alongside Dr. Craig and Syl Apps Youth Center on the file review study. While a UofG student, Alessandra has been a volunteer peer counsellor at the Student Support Network and occupied several leadership roles on the Guelph Neuroscience Student Association and the Student Initiative for Mental Health. After her undergraduate degree, Alessandra hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology and expanding on her research interests of ACEs and trauma-informed care. 

Joeseph Bachar, he/him

Joseph Bachar is a 3^rd year undergraduate student at the University of Guelph who is currently majoring in Honours Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. He is a research assistant for the Teens @ Home project. After finishing his undergraduate studies, Joseph wishes to pursue a career in clinical psychology. His research interests broadly include the underlying origins of mental health issues, protective factors against these issues, and how culture influences these dynamics

Allana Cortese, she/they

Allana is a fifth-year undergraduate student majoring in Family Studies and Human Development. With a dedication to social justice and mental health advocacy, they aspire to pursue graduate studies in social work to enhance her skills in supporting individuals and communities in need. Allana is actively engaged in the school community as a Supported Learning Group leader, assisting fellow undergraduate students in overcoming challenges in demanding courses. Through her practicum placement, she has also volunteered with local family services to provide food and other essentials to those in need. As an IRP student this semester, Allana is thrilled to contribute to projects that overlap with her research interests and passions.

Leah Tackaberry-Giddens

Leah completed her B.Sc. in Honours Life Sciences at McMaster University. Currently, Leah is working at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in the Schizophrenia Division as a Research Analyst. In this position, Leah is assisting on a randomized control single-blind trial examining a digital mental health app designed to support individuals experiencing schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Leah has experience working with vulnerable populations, such as at-risk children, individuals of marginalized communities and outpatient settings. She is passionate about investigating integrated interventions that could help support the overlapping needs of children and youth exposed to childhood trauma.