The study has concluded and is being prepared for publication.

Those who are curious, explore.

I came to research to effect change for reproductive - aged women. My research builds on my decade plus of clinical work with the postpartum population. I see a need to better understand birth trauma and its impact on individuals, couples, and families.

My doctoral research focused on birth trauma prevention. I identified coercion during birth as a major contributor to trauma in clients and created a new model to address it. My doctoral dissertation proposed a human rights based framework for informed consent in hospital labor and delivery units. I am excited to continue work on this model and to work toward reducing rates of birth trauma.

Committed to primary data collection, I conducted a qualitative study that explored nurses’ perspectives on informed consent in hospital labor and delivery units. Nurses are in the room and hold a unique perspective as members of the care team and patient advocates.

Peer Reviewed Presentations

HOW STUDYING OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE BECAME RESEARCH ON BIRTH TRAUMA PREVENTION: NAVIGATING A TABOO RESEARCH TOPIC, NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DSW EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WORK, 2024

OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE, TRAUMA, AND TREATMENT, POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL, 2024

COMMUNITY, CURIOSITY, AND FUN: EDUCATOR AND STUDENTS SHARE THEIR UNIQUE JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY FROM A MASTERS LEVEL COURSE ON THE DSM-5-TR NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DSW EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WORK, 2025