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Our Team
Dr. Leandra Desjardins
Ph.D. Psychology
I am delighted to join the CHU this fall (September 2020) as a psychologist clinician-scientist. As a researcher at the Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CRCHUSJ; Immune Diseases and Cancer axis), my research program aims to support the psychosocial adjustment of children with cancer.
My PhD, residency and post-doctoral training have all focused on pediatric oncology. I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Vanderbilt University in December 2017. My research focused on coping, communication, social skills and cognition in children with cancer. I subsequently pursued clinical and research opportunities in oncology during my residency and post-doctoral fellowship at Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto. It is with great pleasure that I am joining CRCHUSJ to continue to pursue a research program on the psychosocial aspects of pediatric oncology.
To date, my contributions to science have focused on three main areas. First, my work is aimed at addressing gaps in knowledge about the assessment of specific social behaviours of pediatric brain tumor survivors. The lack of knowledge in this area has hindered the development of more sensitive and effective social competence interventions for this vulnerable population. Second, I have established associations between emotional functioning, executive functioning and social competence in pediatric oncology. This work has contributed to an essential knowledge base supporting the need for more multidimensional interventions in this population. Finally, I collaborated in the implementation of the first randomized pilot control trial examining the feasibility of matching families of children diagnosed with cancer to psychosocial resources based on the results of screening for distress tools via a psychosocial navigator.
My ultimate goal is to establish multifaceted interventions targeting the interrelated constructs of social competence, emotional functioning and cognitive function in children diagnosed with cancer. I am also committed to working on the implementation of screening for distress programs to screen families in pediatric settings and provide them with appropriate psychosocial resources and effective interventions. I am also interested in interventions to support the transition of young adults with a chronic illness from the pediatric to the adult setting.
I am delighted to join the CHU this fall (September 2020) as a psychologist clinician-scientist. As a researcher at the Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CRCHUSJ; Immune Diseases and Cancer axis), my research program aims to support the psychosocial adjustment of children with cancer.
My PhD, residency and post-doctoral training have all focused on pediatric oncology. I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Vanderbilt University in December 2017. My research focused on coping, communication, social skills and cognition in children with cancer. I subsequently pursued clinical and research opportunities in oncology during my residency and post-doctoral fellowship at Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto. It is with great pleasure that I am joining CRCHUSJ to continue to pursue a research program on the psychosocial aspects of pediatric oncology.
To date, my contributions to science have focused on three main areas. First, my work is aimed at addressing gaps in knowledge about the assessment of specific social behaviours of pediatric brain tumor survivors. The lack of knowledge in this area has hindered the development of more sensitive and effective social competence interventions for this vulnerable population. Second, I have established associations between emotional functioning, executive functioning and social competence in pediatric oncology. This work has contributed to an essential knowledge base supporting the need for more multidimensional interventions in this population. Finally, I collaborated in the implementation of the first randomized pilot control trial examining the feasibility of matching families of children diagnosed with cancer to psychosocial resources based on the results of screening for distress tools via a psychosocial navigator.
My ultimate goal is to establish multifaceted interventions targeting the interrelated constructs of social competence, emotional functioning and cognitive function in children diagnosed with cancer. I am also committed to working on the implementation of screening for distress programs to screen families in pediatric settings and provide them with appropriate psychosocial resources and effective interventions. I am also interested in interventions to support the transition of young adults with a chronic illness from the pediatric to the adult setting.
Émélie Rondeau
M.Sc. Psychiatry
Lab Coordinator
I completed a major in anthropology, a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences (2008) and a master's degree in psychiatric sciences at the University of Montreal (2012). I have been a research assistant in the laboratory since 2012.
I collaborate in the development of different projects in the laboratory and offer support to students in the realization of their research project. I have participated in research on the emotional distress of parents of children with cancer and on the long-term psychosocial impact of pediatric cancer (PETALE Cohort).
Lab Coordinator
I completed a major in anthropology, a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences (2008) and a master's degree in psychiatric sciences at the University of Montreal (2012). I have been a research assistant in the laboratory since 2012.
I collaborate in the development of different projects in the laboratory and offer support to students in the realization of their research project. I have participated in research on the emotional distress of parents of children with cancer and on the long-term psychosocial impact of pediatric cancer (PETALE Cohort).
Pascale Chapados
D.Psy - adult profile candidate
I am a doctoral student in clinical psychology (D.Psy.), adult profile. My research interests include the psychometric properties of questionnaires and the transition process of adolescents and young adults from paediatric to adult care. Finally, in my spare time, I enjoy seeing my family and friends, as well as watching television series and working out.
I am a doctoral student in clinical psychology (D.Psy.), adult profile. My research interests include the psychometric properties of questionnaires and the transition process of adolescents and young adults from paediatric to adult care. Finally, in my spare time, I enjoy seeing my family and friends, as well as watching television series and working out.
Leonaes Brahel Tatchinda
B.Sc. Occupational Therapy - candidate
Research Interests: Oncology is a field in which I am interested, specifically the palliative care and treatment protocoles. Aspiring to be a medical doctor, I would like to work on projects aiming to find a cure for cancer and help patients cope better with tumours.
Hobbies: Soccer, movies, travelling.
Research Interests: Oncology is a field in which I am interested, specifically the palliative care and treatment protocoles. Aspiring to be a medical doctor, I would like to work on projects aiming to find a cure for cancer and help patients cope better with tumours.
Hobbies: Soccer, movies, travelling.
Yustine Carruyo
B.A. Psychology - candidate
I am a third year psychology student at McGill University. I am very interested in the field of neuropsychology and would like to learn more about brain cancer and the impact different factors (age, gender, treatment, etc.) may have on cognitive function(s). I am also interested in cancer research focused transition readiness and palliative care. Gardening and knitting are my favorite hobbies, however, I prefer to spend my spare time with my two young children who like to read stories, watch Disney movies or play games.
I am a third year psychology student at McGill University. I am very interested in the field of neuropsychology and would like to learn more about brain cancer and the impact different factors (age, gender, treatment, etc.) may have on cognitive function(s). I am also interested in cancer research focused transition readiness and palliative care. Gardening and knitting are my favorite hobbies, however, I prefer to spend my spare time with my two young children who like to read stories, watch Disney movies or play games.
Laurianne Buron
PhD in Psychology - research candidate
I am currently pursuing a PhD degree in psychology under the supervision of Dr. Leandra Desjardins at the Université de Montréal. My research interests are on psychosocial adjustment and social competence in paediatric brain tumour survivors. For my PhD thesis, I am interested in investigating the social behaviours difficulties experienced by this population. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction novels, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with my family and friends.
I am currently pursuing a PhD degree in psychology under the supervision of Dr. Leandra Desjardins at the Université de Montréal. My research interests are on psychosocial adjustment and social competence in paediatric brain tumour survivors. For my PhD thesis, I am interested in investigating the social behaviours difficulties experienced by this population. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction novels, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with my family and friends.
Laura Bensimon
B.Sc. Psychology - candidate
I am currently completing my undergraduate degree at McGill University in Honours Psychology with a minor in Education. I am interested in learning about the effects of a child with cancer on family dynamics. Specifically, how does a family change after a child is diagnosed with cancer. I am also interested in how friendship dynamics change after one friend is diagnosed with cancer and the role that trust plays in this. In my spare time, I enjoy horseback riding, watching fun TV shows and spending time with my sister.
I am currently completing my undergraduate degree at McGill University in Honours Psychology with a minor in Education. I am interested in learning about the effects of a child with cancer on family dynamics. Specifically, how does a family change after a child is diagnosed with cancer. I am also interested in how friendship dynamics change after one friend is diagnosed with cancer and the role that trust plays in this. In my spare time, I enjoy horseback riding, watching fun TV shows and spending time with my sister.
Émilie Trudel
B.A. Psychology - candidate
Research Interests: Health psychology: coping strategies for psychological distress, studying the psychological impacts of physical illness (on patients and their families), studying the psychological consequences of certain lifestyle habits.
Hobbies: Soccer, yoga and cooking
Research Interests: Health psychology: coping strategies for psychological distress, studying the psychological impacts of physical illness (on patients and their families), studying the psychological consequences of certain lifestyle habits.
Hobbies: Soccer, yoga and cooking
Jade Véronneau
B.A. Psychology - candidate
I am a third year undergraduate student in psychology at the Université de Montréal. I am currently working on the Transition Project under the supervision of Dr. Leandra Desjardins. My research interests include trauma resilience, child development, sexual health and domestic violence. My hobbies include yoga, cooking and music, specifically playing the guitar and ukulele.
I am a third year undergraduate student in psychology at the Université de Montréal. I am currently working on the Transition Project under the supervision of Dr. Leandra Desjardins. My research interests include trauma resilience, child development, sexual health and domestic violence. My hobbies include yoga, cooking and music, specifically playing the guitar and ukulele.
Lisa-Sarah Brunier
B.Sc in Neuropsychology - candidate
I am a third year student at the Université de Montréal. I have a strong interest in health psychology, including risk and protective factors in the population with a cancer diagnosis. I am currently working on the validation of the French translation of a tool to measure the level of distress in families with a paediatric cancer diagnosis.
I am a third year student at the Université de Montréal. I have a strong interest in health psychology, including risk and protective factors in the population with a cancer diagnosis. I am currently working on the validation of the French translation of a tool to measure the level of distress in families with a paediatric cancer diagnosis.
Marika Monarque
PhD R/I: Clinical Psychology option (child profile)- candidate
I'm an incoming doctoral student at the University of Montreal. My research interests include promoting access to psychosocial care and harnessing the widespread use of digital technologies to facilitate intervention delivery. I am working on the implementation of the Transition Readiness Questionnaire in a pediatric cancer survivor population. My hobbies include bouldering and yoga.
I'm an incoming doctoral student at the University of Montreal. My research interests include promoting access to psychosocial care and harnessing the widespread use of digital technologies to facilitate intervention delivery. I am working on the implementation of the Transition Readiness Questionnaire in a pediatric cancer survivor population. My hobbies include bouldering and yoga.
Charlotte Roy
D.Psy. clinical neuropsychology - candidate
I am a doctoral student in psychology (D.Psy.) specializing in clinical neuropsychology at the Université de Montréal, where I recently obtained my bachelor's degree in cognitive neuroscience. My research interests include cognitive deficits, executive functions and quality of life in youth with adverse life experiences. I am currently working on a project to screen for cognitive deficits in pediatric cancer survivors. I am also an avid runner, and I love spending time with friends.
I am a doctoral student in psychology (D.Psy.) specializing in clinical neuropsychology at the Université de Montréal, where I recently obtained my bachelor's degree in cognitive neuroscience. My research interests include cognitive deficits, executive functions and quality of life in youth with adverse life experiences. I am currently working on a project to screen for cognitive deficits in pediatric cancer survivors. I am also an avid runner, and I love spending time with friends.
Julie Carrier
D.Psy candidate, childhood and adolescence profile.
I am a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology (D.Psy), at the University of Montréal, in the childhood and adolescence profile. My research interests include pediatric brain tumor survivors as well as the transition readiness of patients from pediatric to adult care settings. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
I am a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology (D.Psy), at the University of Montréal, in the childhood and adolescence profile. My research interests include pediatric brain tumor survivors as well as the transition readiness of patients from pediatric to adult care settings. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Nadège Gendron Granger
B.A. Psychology - candidate
I am a second-year student at the University of Montreal. I am interested in health psychology and the psychological impacts of physiological diseases. More specifically, I have a strong interest in the field of psycho-oncology. I am interested in providing support to individuals undergoing cancer treatment and those around them who are confronted with the collateral effects of cancer. I am working on the French validation of a screening tool for risk of distress in pediatric oncology. I am also involved in implementing the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) in a population of pediatric cancer survivors. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, art and reading.
I am a second-year student at the University of Montreal. I am interested in health psychology and the psychological impacts of physiological diseases. More specifically, I have a strong interest in the field of psycho-oncology. I am interested in providing support to individuals undergoing cancer treatment and those around them who are confronted with the collateral effects of cancer. I am working on the French validation of a screening tool for risk of distress in pediatric oncology. I am also involved in implementing the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) in a population of pediatric cancer survivors. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, art and reading.
Nathalie Labonté
Master of Education (M.A.) and parent partner
Since 2021, I have been collaborating with Sainte-Justine's PONS research team on various projects dealing with screening and transition in young people being treated for cancer or brain tumors. My involvement with the team serves two purposes, one more personal, as a parent partner, and the second, as an education specialist.
On the personal side, I'm the mother of two children. More specifically, my eldest son Dominique was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma (brain tumour) at the age of 5, followed by remissions at 7, 16 and 19 years of age.
Professionally, I have worked in the education system for 29 years as a teacher, including eight years in remedial education and five years as a special education consultant for students with learning difficulties.
After obtaining my bachelor's degree in special education at UQAM, I taught a variety of students (hearing impaired, intellectually disabled and adolescents with substance abuse problems), including seven years as a teacher specializing in visual impairment and, more specifically, two years in support of school integration, as part of the supra-regional mandate of the Jacques-Ouellette school. I then specialized in ortho-pedagogy, completing a graduate microprogram in ortho-didactics of written language at the Université de Sherbrooke. For 12 years, I gave several training sessions to new ortho-pedagogues on the evaluation of reading and writing difficulties (DÉDALE).
As part of my Master's research, I became particularly interested in the school experience of children treated for cancer. I took part in research on the Perceptions of key players on the school perseverance and success of young people treated for cancer. Study conducted with the partnership of Leucan and subsidized by the “Programme de recherche sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires” managed by the MELS in collaboration with the “Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la société et la culture (FQRSC)” led by Dr. S. Jutras (UQAM). From this project, I wrote a dissertation titled: “Mon élève a le cancer... comment intervenir? Perceptions d'enseignantes du primaire sur les services offerts et souhaités à la suite d'une expérience vécue”.
Finally, for the past 6 years, I've been teaching in an alternative elementary school.
Since 2021, I have been collaborating with Sainte-Justine's PONS research team on various projects dealing with screening and transition in young people being treated for cancer or brain tumors. My involvement with the team serves two purposes, one more personal, as a parent partner, and the second, as an education specialist.
On the personal side, I'm the mother of two children. More specifically, my eldest son Dominique was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma (brain tumour) at the age of 5, followed by remissions at 7, 16 and 19 years of age.
Professionally, I have worked in the education system for 29 years as a teacher, including eight years in remedial education and five years as a special education consultant for students with learning difficulties.
After obtaining my bachelor's degree in special education at UQAM, I taught a variety of students (hearing impaired, intellectually disabled and adolescents with substance abuse problems), including seven years as a teacher specializing in visual impairment and, more specifically, two years in support of school integration, as part of the supra-regional mandate of the Jacques-Ouellette school. I then specialized in ortho-pedagogy, completing a graduate microprogram in ortho-didactics of written language at the Université de Sherbrooke. For 12 years, I gave several training sessions to new ortho-pedagogues on the evaluation of reading and writing difficulties (DÉDALE).
As part of my Master's research, I became particularly interested in the school experience of children treated for cancer. I took part in research on the Perceptions of key players on the school perseverance and success of young people treated for cancer. Study conducted with the partnership of Leucan and subsidized by the “Programme de recherche sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires” managed by the MELS in collaboration with the “Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la société et la culture (FQRSC)” led by Dr. S. Jutras (UQAM). From this project, I wrote a dissertation titled: “Mon élève a le cancer... comment intervenir? Perceptions d'enseignantes du primaire sur les services offerts et souhaités à la suite d'une expérience vécue”.
Finally, for the past 6 years, I've been teaching in an alternative elementary school.
Past members
Sabrina Provencher - 2021
Julianne Béliveau - 2022
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