Autism and Neurodivergence Psychologist
Spectrum, the Scientist, Quest (Dutch), BBC, Autistica Changemaker Series,
“Nine Minds” by Daniel Tammet, "Beyond 6 Seconds" podcast
About me
Passionate about Human, Animal, and Planetary Health
Neurodivergence
I am multiply-neurodivergent myself and wholeheartedly passionate about supporting other neurodivergent people and their families through individual support, advocacy, and research.
I completed my PhD in Psychology at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at University College London (UCL). My doctoral research investigated loneliness in autistic adults, particularly focusing on the measures to assess loneliness in autistic adults and their (well, our!) first-hand experiences.
I have had (and will have) my share of challenges in living in a world that is not always kind to neurodivergent minds. Surely, those challenges have caused me pain, sorrow, loneliness, anguish, and most of all, the dilemma between what I wish I could do (like many others) and what I could actually do. Nonetheless, they made my passion to support other autistic people and their families much stronger and enabled me to have empathy for their struggles. My challenges also enabled me to embark on a journey as a researcher and equipped me to critically approach the problems in society.
My expertise is in the mental, physical, and social health of neurodivergent people. I specialize in neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette, dyspraxia as well as physical conditions, particularly connective tissue issues (e.g., HSD, hEDS) and related issues (e.g., MCAS, POTS).
Current role
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An Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UCL
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A steering group member at Embracing Complexity at Autistica
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An Expert Review Panel member at Autistica
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An advisor for SEDSConnective
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Research parteners at Autism Spectrum Australia
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A Health Professional Member at Plant-Based Health Professionals UK
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Founder/Director at Valtameri
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Guest lecturer on PgCert in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University/National Autistic Society
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A peer reviewer (e.g., Autism in Adulthood, Journal Autism)
Education
October 2018 - February 2023
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), IOE UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society,
University College London (UCL), UK
November 2017 - May 2018
Postgraduate Certification in Autism (distinction)
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
September 2016 -August 2017
Master of Arts in Counselling Theory
Lynch School of Education and Human Development,
Boston College, USA
- August 2016
Bachelor of Science (honour)
Academic Appointments
October 2024 - present
Guest Lecturer
Sheffield Hallam University/National Autistic Society, UK
March 2023 - present
Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow
IOE UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, University College London (UCL), UK
September 2016 - December 2016
Research Assistant
Autistic Communication Engagement & Relationships (ACER) lab led by Dr Kristen Bottema-Beutel at Boston College, USA
Certification
Issued in December 2024
Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional
Issued in June 2024
Certification in Nutritional Medicine
University of Winchester, UK
Issued in 2016
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Yoga Alliance US
Ballet
I have danced classical ballet since I was three years old. Growing up, I danced in many studio performances, art festivals, and competitions. I was trained in Vaganova style.
I LOVE dancing ballet. It makes me feel who I am. Over the years, I have danced in many studios, small and large, including Boston Ballet School and the Place (London). I absolutely enjoyed having live pianists in the aforementioned places. With the teachers' "пожалуйста " (please in Russian), pianists play gorgeous notes for us and that is something very special.
Languages
English & Japanese - bilingual
Russian - I can read and write but need practice speaking!
American Sign Language - I self-taught it and also learned through my interaction with the Deaf community.
French - I am at a basic level with French!
Plant-based lifestyle
I am passionate about advocating for animal rights. From my youth, I have liked animals and have had many pets, small and large. I grew up with my dog, Sky (now in heaven), and am now living with his sisters, Levi, and Léa. In 2016, I became fascinated by horses and started to spend a lot of time with them at the ranches. I felt odd about loving them and eating animals like them and decided not to eat meat any longer. Watching a documentary, "Earthlings", opened my eyes to the realities of how the world treats animals and I have started to learn more about it through many different sources. I am passionate about advocating for animal rights and sharing the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, while respecting people's freedom to choose their own path.
Sky
