Who We Are
Jessica V Strong, PhD, ABPP
she/her
I'm a board certified and licensed geropsychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island. I love working with and serving older adults in both my clinical work and in my research. Clinically, I conduct cognitive assessments for differential dementia diagnoses and provide psychotherapy for mental health issues in late life. I supervise students in the clinical Doctor of Psychology program at UPEI on developing geropsychology competencies.
My primary research interest is in cognition and aging, cognitive reserve, and how different life experiences, like musical training, protect against cognitive decline and promote well-being. I enjoy program development, implementation, and evaluation of services for older adults across settings. More recently, I have been involved in research related to ageism, i.e. how older adults are viewed and treated.
Jodi
she/her
Jodi is a sixth year student in the Doctor of Clinical Psychology program. She is completing her dissertation on adult children caring for parents with dementia. Specifically, she is interested in how prior relationship quality impacts unmet needs and mental health in adult children caregivers. Jodi completed her clinical residency 2024-2025 in Oshawa, Ontario!
Allison
she/her
Allison is a third year student in the Doctor of Clinical Psychology program. She has had a longstanding interest in geriatrics and is completing her dissertation on evaluating a manualized Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group on the acute geriatric psychiatry unit at the local psychiatric hospital. Allison is applying to complete her clinical residency during the 2026-27 year.
Ashton
he/him
I am a third-year Psychology student at UPEI with a passion for neuropsychology, particularly in the prevention and rehabilitation of psychological and neurological illnesses through physical and cognitive health measures. Alongside my academic interests, I work at Lennon Recovery House, where I support Islanders in their addiction recovery journey through peer-based care and psychoeducation sessions.
Julia
she/her
I'm currently a Msc Health and Rehab Science student at Western with a research focus on aging, person-centered care, and dementia!
Alissa
she/her
Hello! I am a 3rd year psychology student from Brazil.
Maddy
she/her
Madeleine (Maddy) is a fourth-year honours student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island. Her honours research, supervised by Dr. O’Meara, investigates the relationships between OCD symptom severity, time spent in schooling, and field of study within undergraduate populations. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology.
Bronwen
she/her
I am truly passionate about helping those in my community achieve a sense of belonging and fulfillment in their everyday life. As I wrap up my BSc in Psychology at UPEI, I aspire to soon attend a Masters program for counseling so I can continue towards achieving my dream of becoming a behavioural therapist. I love traveling to experience new cultures and ways of life and learning about skills that create a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Alison
she/her
Alison holds graduate training in Clinical Epidemiology, Mental Health and Addictions, and Occupational Health and Safety. She has contributed to peer-reviewed publications on rural health, medical education, and physician practice patterns, and brings research experience spanning community health, mental health outcomes, and health equity.
Kamran (he/him)
he/him
Kamran Ashrafi is an Honours Psychology student at UPEI and a volunteer researcher with the Age Strong Lab, contributing to projects on dementia rehabilitation, ageism, and cognitive health. His research interests include healthy aging, resilience, and clinical psychology, and he hopes to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology.
Patience
My name is Patience, and I'm currently enrolled in my fifth and final year of my Psychology degree at UPEI. I volunteer in Age Strong not only because I am gaining critical skills that will help me succeed in the world of research, but because I care deeply about the issues current and future aging populations face
Lucy
she/her
I am entering my third year at UPEI, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I have a strong interest in devlopmental psychology and hope to pursue further education within the field of mental health in the future!
Lab Associates and Collaborators
Olive Bryanton, PhD education (UPEI)
William Montelpare, PhD epidemiology (UPEI)
Blake Peeples, PhD student in clinical psychology (U of Louisville)
Travis Saunders, PhD kinesiology (UPEI)
Nancy Pachana, PhD clinical psychology (U of Queensland)
Chung-Ying Lin, PhD (Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Taiwan)
Margie Burns, PhD nursing (UPEI)
Lab Alumni
Dr. Emily Jewell, PsyD, Health PEI
Dr. Rachel Kerzner, PsyD, UBC
Dr. Warren Britton, PsyD, working in AB
Vincent Salabarria, PsyD student on internship in Ottawa
Clare Murphy (OT, Health PEI)
Rhiannon McQuaid (PEI School Board)
Aiping Yu (Law School)
Ryan Bowley (OT, Health PEI)
Telimoye Mac-Ikpulu (UPEI PsyD student)
Lanlan Xin (Master's in Family Studies and Gerontology, MSVU)
Maria MacLean (employed at Alzheimer Society PEI)
Kaitlyn Graves (Master's in Applied Psychology, MUN)
Maria Mullally (Master's in School Psychology, MSVU)
Martin Herink (UPEI PsyD student)
Lindsay Campbell (UPEI PsyD student)
Trishia Roman (employed by Canadian Mental Health Association)
Reghan Gosse (Vet Tech student at Dalhousie)
