Curriculum Vitae — Meghan L. Maynard, MA, RP

Research Interests

Parenting, post-traumatic stress, and the social transmission and interruption of intergenerational trauma
Responsive and attachment-focused parenting
Neurodiversity-affirming practice
Pathological Demand Avoidance
Adolescent social-emotional development, self-processes, and well-being
Self-compassion, self-perception, and emotional reactivity
Theory of mind and social cognition
Self-regulation, mindfulness, and self-compassion
Trauma-informed practice across developmental contexts

Education

PhD, Educational Studies (Cognition & Learning), Brock University, 2019–present. Supervisor: Dr. Michael Savage.
MA, Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, 2010. Case study: Treating childhood trichotillomania with cognitive behavioural therapy.
Bachelor of Community Welfare (Youth Work), Western Sydney University, 2005. Canadian equivalency: Bachelor of Social Work (World Education Services).
Diploma, Child and Youth Worker / Child and Youth Care, Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, 2004.

Research Skills & Methods

Quantitative: statistical analysis in SPSS; survey design and administration (Qualtrics); quantitative data interpretation.
Qualitative: qualitative coding and thematic analysis; mixed-methods design.
Research operations: participant recruitment; longitudinal and virtual data collection; development of data-collection tools; community-partnership development.
Scholarly communication: manuscript preparation and editing; conference proposal writing; peer review.

Research Experience

Research Assistant — Theory of Mind in Education Lab, Brock University (2021–present). Supervisor: Dr. Sandra Bosacki, Professor.

Contribute to a multi-site, mixed-methods, longitudinal study of adolescent theory of mind, solitude, loneliness, mindfulness, self-perceptions, and well-being.
Conduct participant recruitment and community-partnership development; conduct virtual data collection; design data-collection tools (Qualtrics surveys).
Code and enter data in SPSS; perform and interpret qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Write and edit manuscripts; prepare conference proposals; present findings at national and international conferences.

Publications (Peer-Reviewed)

Yasiniyan, S., Maynard, M. L., Bosacki, S., & Talwar, V. (2026). Exploring self over time: Associations between adolescents’ self-portrait features and social-emotional self-reports. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal.
Maynard, M. L., Khalid, H., Karimi Valoojerdy, Z., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (2025). Adolescent development in unprecedented times: A comparative study of theory of mind before and after COVID-19. Adolescents, 5(2), 11.
Maynard, M. L., Quenneville, S., Hinves, K., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (2023). Interconnections between emotion recognition, self-processes, and psychological well-being in adolescents. Adolescents, 3, 41–59.

Publications (Non-Refereed)

Maynard, M. (2026). Autonomy Sensitivity Theory: A proposed mechanistic account of the demand avoidance spectrum [Preprint]. SSRN.

Manuscripts in Preparation

Maynard, M. L., Zabin, R., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (in preparation). The context behind the screen: Solitude motivation, technology use purpose, and adolescent well-being.
Maynard, M. L., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (in preparation). When solitude is not enough: Self-compassion, motivation for solitude, and aloneliness across adolescence.
Maynard, M. L., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (in preparation). Emotional reactivity and self-compassion in adolescence: Associations across developmental stages.

Conference Presentations

Maynard, M. L., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (2026, June). When solitude is not enough: Self-compassion, motivation for solitude, and aloneliness across adolescence [Paper presentation]. Development 2026, Montreal, QC.
Maynard, M. L., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (2026, June). Emotional reactivity and self-compassion in adolescence: Associations across developmental stages [Poster presentation]. Development 2026, Montreal, QC.
Maynard, M. L., Zabin, R., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. (2025, June). Exploring the role of self-compassion in adolescents’ emotional reactivity [Poster presentation]. Canadian Psychological Association Annual Convention, St. John’s, NL.
Yasiniyan, S., Maynard, M., Bosacki, S., & Talwar, V. (2025, June). Exploring the self over time: Longitudinal emotional and social dimensions through adolescents’ self-portraits [5-minute presentation]. GRIP Scientific Research Day, McGill University, Montreal, QC.
Maynard, M., Khalid, H., Karimi Valoojerdy, Z., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. (2024, May). Adolescent development in unprecedented times: A comparative study of theory of mind before and after COVID-19 [Paper presentation]. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Jean Piaget Society, Toronto, ON.
Maynard, M., & Grover, A. (2023, April). Cyclical triggers: Parenting experiences in disrupting intergenerational trauma [Paper presentation]. 40th Annual International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation Conference, Louisville, KY.
Maynard, M., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. (2023, March). Adolescent mental representations of the self and social threat perception [Poster presentation]. Society for Research in Child Development Biennial Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT.
Maynard, M. (2023, February). Educator well-being: The role of the educator’s “self” in supporting student social-emotional learning [Paper presentation]. 6th Annual Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference, Houston, TX.
Maynard, M., Schikluna, D., & Mehta, N. (2022, April). The comprehensive model of trauma: A training program and tool [Poster presentation]. 39th Annual International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation Conference, Seattle, WA.
Maynard, M. L., Quenneville, S., Hinves, K., Talwar, V., & Bosacki, S. L. (2021). I feel bad, do you feel bad? [Poster presentation]. Society for Research on Adolescence, Virtual Conference.

Invited Talks & Keynotes

Keynote Address — Mental Health Conference, Faculty of Education, Brock University (2019).
Distinguished Speakers Series — Faculty of Education, Brock University (2019): “Managing Crisis.”
Distinguished Speakers Series — Faculty of Education, Brock University (2018): “Mental Health in Post-Secondary Education.”

Teaching Experience

Co-Lecturer — EDU 669C2 Group Therapy (graduate), Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY (2020, 2021).

Co-facilitated a graduate-level professional counselling course (synchronous and asynchronous; virtual delivery via Canvas).
Developed and delivered lectures, collaborative learning activities, and reflective discussion prompts grounded in course readings and ethics.
Supervised in-class counselling practica (role-plays, small-group facilitation) and contributed to grading and student feedback.

Teaching Assistant — EDUC-4P48 Trauma-Informed Education, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON (2024).

Grading, facilitation of class discussions, and student consultation and support.

Program Facilitator — Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice in Mental Health Care, Neuro-Collective, Welland, ON (2026).

Guest Lectures

Child and Adolescent Development, Supporting Pathological Demand Avoidance — Toronto Art Therapy Institute (2026).
Child and Adolescent Development, Working with Parents — Toronto Art Therapy Institute (2026).
EDUC 5P32, Neurodiversity-Affirming Education — Brock University (2025).
EDUC 5P32 Learning and the Mind, Trauma-Informed Education — Brock University (2024).
EDUC-4P48 Trauma-Informed Education, Teacher Well-Being and Self-Care — Brock University (2024).
EDU 668C Family Counselling: Cognitive and Behavioural Family Counselling; Intergenerational Trauma — Niagara University (2019).
EDU 669C Group Therapy: Group Therapy for Children — Niagara University (2018).
Faculty of Social Work: Treating Externalizing Behaviour in Children — Trent University (2016).

Clinical & Applied Experience

Founder — The Elara Institute (2025–present). Professional development, training, and coaching organization focused on intergenerational trauma, intentional parenting, relational learning, and trauma-informed practice.

Develop and deliver trauma-informed training for clinicians, educators, and helping professionals (intergenerational trauma, parenting, parent burnout, childhood trauma, and the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma).
Designed a coaching and education program based on the REPAIR™ model for interrupting intergenerational trauma cycles in caregiving relationships.
Created self-paced resources, workbooks, and live training grounded in research, clinical practice, and lived experience.

Founder & Board Chair — Neuro-Collective (2025–present). Non-profit offering neurodiversity-affirming programs, peer support, and advocacy for children and families.

Launched and lead a grassroots non-profit serving neurodivergent children and caregivers; oversee strategic planning, branding, grant writing, membership, and stakeholder engagement.
Designed inclusive initiatives (peer-led parent groups, inclusive play spaces, respite programs) and provide neurodiversity-affirming consultation to service providers.

Owner & Director — Family Kinnections (2012–present).

Child and family psychotherapist directing a group counselling practice; responsible for direct clinical service and administration.
Approved Master of Counselling supervisor for Yorkville University, University of Calgary, University of Ottawa, Niagara University, and University of Windsor.
Approved provider for Health Canada First Nations and Inuit Health (Non-Insured Health Benefits).

Psychotherapist — Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, Brock University (2017–2021).

Supported at-risk students in service navigation, safety planning, and mental health stabilization; delivered the From Intention to Action (FITA) program.
Member, Campus Assessment and Response Education (CARE) team; graduate counselling-psychology field-placement supervisor; group coordinator and facilitator; delivered faculty and staff training.

Child & Youth Counsellor — Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric In-Patient Services (2009–2015).

Provided mental health intervention and assessment within a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers.

Earlier roles: Resource Coordinator, Contact Hamilton for Children’s and Developmental Services (2013); Private Practitioner, Bayridge Family Centre (2009–2012); Intensive Child and Family Services Worker, Lynwood Hall Child and Family Centre (2001–2009).

Certifications & Professional Training

Certifications

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — fully trained, Institute for Creative Mindfulness (2019).
Assessment and Treatment of Traumatized Children and Adolescents — certified, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (2018).
Safe and Sound Protocol — certified facilitator, Unyte Health (2021).

Selected Training (not exhaustive)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy; Polyvagal Theory in Clinical Practice; Mindfulness in Clinical Practice; Sensorimotor approaches for trauma; Play therapy (foundations and for traumatized children); Trauma treatment and assessment; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (foundations and tools); Art therapy in front-line work; Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI); Reactive Attachment Disorder; Trauma and Attachment Conference (2013).

Honours & Awards

Reader’s Choice Award, Platinum Winner (Psychologist category) — Hamilton Spectator (2016).

Professional Affiliations

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), 2017–present — Registered Psychotherapist; meets criteria for clinical supervisor.
Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP), 2013–present.
Jean Piaget Society, 2024–present.
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), 2018–2023.

Service

Peer Reviewer — Brock Education: A Journal of Educational Research and Practice.

References

Available upon request.