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Lab Members

Principal Investigator:

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Dr. Michael W. Best

Dr. Best is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough and is an Affiliate Scientist at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Dr. Best completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University and his predoctoral internship at the Aaron T. Beck Center for Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

His research focuses on cognitive treatments for psychotic disorders and understanding the mechanisms for how these treatments improve people’s lives. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected and contribute to a person’s quality of life. Cognitive Remediation is a treatment to improve neurocognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and problem-solving with the ultimate goal of improving a person’s ability to engage in activities in everyday life.

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Access Dr. Best's CV here

Graduate Students:

Sylvia Romanowska

Sylvia is a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program. She completed a BSc in Psychology at the University of Alberta and an MSc in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary.

Her research interests include neurocognition and functional recovery in schizophrenia-spectrum illness, treatment approaches in first-episode psychosis, and service user engagement in serious mental illness.

 

When she’s not in the lab, she enjoys cooking, traveling, singing, and hiking.

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Talia Leibovitz

Talia is a doctoral student in the Psychological Clinical Science Program at UTSC. Her undergraduate degree in Psychology was completed at Queen’s University.

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Talia is primarily interested in researching the mechanisms of CBT and cognitive remediation for psychosis. Her goal is to contribute to the refinement of these therapeutic techniques so that they are more effective in improving functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with psychosis. She also strives to increase accessibility to these treatments.

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Other than psychology, Talia enjoys hiking, animals, drinking coffee and doing crosswords! She is passionate about supporting others and always welcomes questions and/or chats!

Shreya Jagtap

Shreya is a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program. She completed a BSc in Mental Health Studies at the University of Toronto. 

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Broadly, her research interests include exploring the relationship between symptom dimensions and functional/neurocognitive recovery in those with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders,  as well as identifying processes in evidence-based therapies for SSDs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and cognitive remediation therapy, that support this recovery.  

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In her spare time, Shreya enjoys watching movies, playing videogames, and exploring the city with her dog.  

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Robert Aidelbaum

Rob is a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He completed an MA in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto and an MA in Experimental Psychology at Carleton University.

 

Rob’s research interests involve analyzing the manifestation of both neurocognition and social cognition in various diagnostic groups across the psychosis spectrum and assessing how patterns of impairment may be influencing real-world functioning. The goal of his research is to improve our understanding of the connection between cognition and functioning, in the hopes of supporting the development of novel treatments aimed at improving areas causing lasting distress that do not respond to current standard treatments.  

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When not in the lab, you will likely find Rob either camping, skiing, working in his garden, watching a movie, or playing with his dog.

Jess D'Arcey

Jess is a first-year MA student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. She completed her BSc in Mental Health Studies at UTSC as well as an MSc in Medical Science at the University of Toronto and CAMH.

 

Broadly, her research interests are in exploring mechanisms of symptom maintenance and recovery in psychosis. More specifically, Jess is interested in cognitive and emotional models of symptom maintenance in hopes of highlighting new treatment targets and finding ways to adapt current treatments. She hopes to center lived experience in her work.

 

Outside of psychology, Jess enjoys spending her time outside in nature with her pup, camping, crafting,  spending time with friends, or curled up with her cat and a good book! 

Aqsa Zahid

 

Aqsa is a graduate student in the Counselling and Clinical Psychology program (Field: Clinical Psychology) at the University of Toronto Scarborough. She completed her undergraduate degree at the same university where she specialized in Mental Health Studies.

 

Aqsa is primarily interested in studying stigma among and towards individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. She hopes to include the examination of various forms of stigma in her research (e.g., internalized, public, provider/professional, and institutional stigma). She plans to apply an intersectional approach to her research to understand how social identities such as race and gender (in addition to one’s diagnostic label or symptom presentations) may ultimately result in unique experiences of stigma, discrimination, and barriers among diagnosed persons. Secondarily, Aqsa has a growing interest in exploring religious and cultural understandings of schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

 

Apart from her studies, Aqsa really enjoys painting, exercising, cooking, and spending time with her cat. An ideal weekend for her would include all of these activities with the addition of unlimited coffee! 

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Hanna Hamzai

Hanna is a first-year MA student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Toronto, Scarborough. With a deep commitment to advancing mental health care, she completed her undergraduate degree at the same university, specializing in Mental Health Studies. Hanna’s research is driven by a desire to enhance our understanding of symptom maintenance and holistic recovery in psychosis. She is particularly focused on developing and sharing treatments that integrate symptomatic, functional, and personal recovery, with a focus on centring lived experiences.

 

Outside of the lab, Hanna enjoys spending time by the water, reading on her Kindle, or relaxing with her cats.

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Post-doc:

Stephanie Woolridge

Dr. Woolridge completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She is currently completing her supervised practice under the supervision of Dr. Michael Best and Dr. Pauline Leung. Dr. Woolridge completed her clinical psychology residency at the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders and Community Mental Health Programs at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She has completed clinical training in a wide variety of settings, including family health teams, university clinics, community-based programs, and hospital services. Dr. Woolridge is also currently a post-doctoral researcher in the Therapeutic Interventions for Psychosis Laboratory at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where she conducts research on social well-being and clinical interventions for psychosis.

Dr. Woolridge provides assessment and treatment for adults with a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, substance use concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosis. She primarily practices from a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, while integrating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She adopts a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy that emphasizes clients’ individual strengths, values, and goals.

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Lab Manager:

Nitha Vincent

Nitha is a University of Toronto alumna with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Studies. Starting from a TIP lab research volunteer to thesis student and now lab manager, Nitha's research experience includes working for two years at CAMH on a psychosis treatment implementation study. Her other research interests include substance-induced psychosis, substance use disorder (mainly cannabis and hallucinogens) and personality disorders.

 

When not in the lab, Nitha will either be at a concert, playing video games, or in bed with a book and a cup of tea.

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Clinical Trial Coordinator: 

Saleena received a HBSc with a specialization in Mental Health Studies at the University of Toronto. Saleena is interested in research concerning stigma and severe mental illnesses to understand how stigmatization impacts an individual. More broadly, she is also interested in personality traits, emotional regulation, and suicidality. 

 

Saleena wants to pursue a career in clinical psychology with the aim of incorporating her research in ways to increase quality of life for individuals and improve treatment accessibility.  

 

Outside of work, Saleena enjoys reading, baking, hanging out with friends and family, and hanging out with her dog! 

Saleena Zedan

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Clinical Trial Therapists:

Helen Yoseph

Helen (MA Counselling Psychology) is a Registered Psychotherapist under the supervision of Dr. Mike Best. She is passionate about utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach to help empower clients to address their therapeutic goals. 

 

Helen’s previous work experience includes delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Narrative and Mindfulness approaches to address a plethora of client issues. She is committed to walking alongside her clients and fostering an environment that prioritizes collaboration, safety, and trust. 

 

Helen is an avid reader and film enthusiast, when not absorbed in a story you can find her either outside running or at home baking. 

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Lynn Rutledge

Dr. Lynn Rutledge is a post-doctoral student in the

Departments of Psychology and Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Lynn completed her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto at the Rehabilitation Science Institute. She completed a Post Professional Master’s Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy, a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Occupational Therapy (Honours), and a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Psychology (Honours) at Dalhousie University.  

 

Her current research interests include doing quantitative and qualitative research with individuals with complex neurological and psychological conditions including people living with psychosis and severe traumatic brain injury. Lynn has over 20 years of experience as a practicing occupational therapist. Lynn's interests outside of work include running, biking, swimming, and skiing. 

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Gajathree (Gaja) Ananthathurai

Gaja (MSW, RSW) is a Registered Social Worker, having completed her Master of Social Work  from the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Gaja has a research background in areas such as complex mental health, reproductive justice, abortion information and care, gender-based violence and linguistics. Of particular clinical and research interest to her is the intersections of mental health and systems-navigation for youth, gender-diverse, neurodiverse, racialized and newcomer populations. Gaja's therapeutic approach is informed by principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy (NT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Guiding her therapeutic approach are strong values in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and harm-reductionist practice.

 

In her free time, Gaja enjoys finding new food spots to try out, dissecting TV shows/movies with friends, and listening to music.

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Research Coordinator Assistant:
Heba Shaheen

Heba is a third-year Psychology specialist at the University of Toronto with an interest in the cognitive aspects of psychopathology. She aims to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a surgeon, aiming to improve both the mental and physical health of others, especially those from underserved communities. Heba wishes to join Doctors Without Borders in the future and make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.  

 

Outside of the lab you can find Heba exploring Toronto’s vibrant coffee scene, always trying something new!

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Thesis/Supervised Study Students:
Grace Lin

Grace is in her final year of completing her HBSc with a double major in Mental Health Studies and International Development Studies at UTSC. Her thesis project examines individuals' perceptions and attitudes toward AI-driven psychotherapy, exploring how these attitudes influence behaviors and decisions that may shape the future of psychotherapy as AI technology rapidly evolves. Grace’s broader research interests include understanding symptom maintenance in individuals with severe mental illnesses, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and promoting equitable clinical services. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals with clinical concerns build lives that are worth living. 

 

In her free time, Grace enjoys reading, watching films, cuddling with her cats, and drifting away in the tranquility of nature.

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Aicha Belghiti

Aicha is a third-year student, pursuing an HBSc with a double major in Psychology and Population Health. Her research interests focus on utilizing neuroimaging techniques, such as EEG, to investigate the neurophysiological foundations of clinical disorder symptoms. Aicha is particularly passionate about exploring neurophysiological changes in individuals experiencing psychosis in response to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She is eager to contribute to research aimed at refining and developing effective treatments like CBT and cognitive remediation, with the goal of enhancing symptom recovery and improving the quality of life for those facing distressing clinical symptoms.

 

In her free time, Aicha enjoys playing board games, spending time in nature, and hanging out with her cat.

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Research Assistants:

Aditi Vellodi

Aicha Belghiti

Alonzo Lee-Abbey

Arel Encin

Arianna Duarte

Athen Lau

Blanche Kubunga

Evelyne Katharina

Farah Darawish

Grace Lin

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Heba Shaheen

Isabella Bradley

Isabella Lombardo

Isabelle Pastula

Jaanuha Sritharan

Jack Kiatipis

Jebril Darawish

Jonathan Manoon

Joshua Ibbitson

Joy Tolledo

Kaynaat Abrar

Mabel Zhao

Marzia Naqvi

Parham Seyedmazhari

Payal Dass

Rishika Daswani

Sofia Duarte

Vishwanathan Nair

Youyou Xu

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Lab Alumni:

Insia Ali Razi (Research Assistant)

Janeve Edwards (Research Assistant)

Joy Singh (Research Assistant)

Kartik Kambli (Research Assistant)

Karin Onno (Research Assistant)

Kathleen Tremells (Research Assistant)

Kaylynn Brant (Research Assistant)

Kian Godhwani (Research Assistant)

Kylie Campbell (Research Assistant)

Laiba Rizwan (Research Assistant)

Lamia Firasta (Research Assistant)

Laura Ramos (Research Assistant)

Leah Tackaberry-Giddens (Research Assistant)

Lina Rguig (Research Assistant)

Mehmet Topyurek (Research Assistant)

Moe Tavakoli (Research Assistant)

Nahiyan Rahman (Research Assistant)

Nisha Ghandi (Research Assistant)

Nusrat Iftikhar (Research Assistant)

Olivia Petti (Research Assistant)

Christine Sexton (Lab Manager/Clinical Trial Coordinator)

Felicia Martins (Lab Manager/ Clinical Trial Coordinator)

Karin Onno (Lab Manager)

Marie Kessaris (Clinical Trial Therapist)

Lola Wazir (Clinical Trial Coordinator)

Elena Chauhan (Research Coordinator Assistant)

Shahtaj Dheda (Thesis Student)

Mei Thompson (Supervised Study Student)

Aaima Cheema (Research Assistant)

Aishwaria Pathmanesan (Research Assistant)

Alex Lee (Research Assistant)

Alex Ouellette-Zuk (Research Assistant)

Alycia Hernandez-Gluch (Research Assistant)

Bhavana Akilan (Research Assistant)

Danielle Schkolne (Research Assistant)

Denisa Lazar (Research Assistant)

Eshanika Dinesh (Research Assistant)

Eugene Lo (Research Assistant)

Fatima Ahmad (Research Assistant)

Harjas Singh (Research Assistant)

Humna Siddiqui (Research Assistant)

Prachi Khatri (Research Assistant)

Rafiya Mubashshira (Research Assistant)

Rawan Hedefa (Research Assistant)

Rida Riaz (Research Assistant)

Rishika Daswani (Research Assistant)

Sana Junaid (Research Assistant)

Sannan Saheeb (Research Assistant)

Selin Khatchigian (Research Assistant)

Shamaila Sharkar (Research Assistant)

Sharlane Lau (Research Assistant)

Shukkiththa Sivapatham (Research Assistant)

Stephanie Barakat (Research Assistant)

Stephanie Perschilli (Research Assistant

Sunehra Sarwar (Research Assistant)

Tazeen Atif (Research Assistant)

Varshini Ramesh (Research Assistant)

Wania Qamar (Research Assistant)

Xiaoyu Yuan (Research Assistant)

Zach Buck (Research Assistant)

Zoryana Babiy (Research Assistant)

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1265 Military Trail, Suite SY122
Toronto, ON Canada M1C 1A4

©2022 by Therapeutic Interventions for Psychosis Lab  …   647-689-6098  …  bestlabadmin.utsc@utoronto.ca …  

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