Dr. Jacqueline Pei
Jacqueline Pei (R. Psych., PhD) is a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. Also a practicing Registered Psychologist for the past eighteen years, Dr. Pei began her career as a criminologist and forensic counselor working with incarcerated youth. Motivated by this early work, she returned to academia to study youth at risk, child development, and neuropsychology. Her current focus includes identification and evaluation of interventions to support healthy outcomes for youth put at risk, and in particular individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Pei has over 75 peer reviewed publications, but places the greatest value on her work with various community and government agencies. To this end, Dr. Pei currently leads the Intervention Network Action Team (iNAT), and is Senior Research Lead for the Canada FASD Research Network, roles that facilitates the link between research, policy, and practice.
Conference Summary:
This presentation reviews research examining mental health and wellness for individuals with FASD. The concept of mental health will be discussed, and extended to encompass wellness – a balanced perspective that prioritizes the individual with FASD. From this perspective, challenges present for individuals will be examined in terms of potential opportunities for supporting improved wellness and healthy outcomes for people with FASD. Research and practical considerations will be incorporated in this discussion, and attendees will be encouraged to consider ways in which they may leverage their existing skill sets, and collaborative networks, to support wellness. We will consider gaps that currently exist and ways we can engage in thoughtful and purposeful actions that are responsive to the unique needs of individuals with FASD.