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 focuses 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 proposes 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.

A qualitative study currently under way explores 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. Data collection is almost completed and data analysis is under way.

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