OUR MISSION
Racial and ethnic disparities in health are a reality that impacts the overall well-being of children, adolescents and their families, particularly those who are racially minoritized. The primary mission of PowerinYouth Lab researchers is to engage with and produce research that supports understanding of the complex relationships between racial discrimination and certain health outcomes (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) among young people, particularly within the Canadian context.
We also aim to explore and develop interventions focused on the promotion of child and youth well-being, empowerment and racial equity. We truly believe in the P.O.W.E.R in youth!
TEAM
Meet our team of passionate and dedicated researchers
.jpg)
Assistant Professor
Clinical Child Psychologist
Lab Director
Dr. Linda Iwenofu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology & Human Development at OISE - University of Toronto. She is also a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and specializes in the psychological assessment and treatment of children, youth and families presenting with a wide range of difficulties (e.g., learning problems, relational issues, trauma, ADHD, behavioral problems). Dr. Iwenofu's current research broadly focuses on understanding the ways in which individual differences such as race, ethnicity, language, poverty, immigration and exposure to adverse events impact child and youth trajectories toward health and wellness. Dr. Iwenofu specializes in research examining the mechanisms through which anti-Black racism impacts child health outcomes. She teaches graduate-level courses on psychoeducational assessment and intervention with culturally and linguistically diverse children, youth and families, as well as on anti-racist approaches to professional work with children, youth and emerging adults within educational and clinical contexts.
Shawna Grossman, M.A.
Ph.D Student, School and Clinical Child Psychology
Lab Manager
Shawna Grossman is a fourth-year doctoral student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology (SCCP) program at OISE. Her research focuses on studying the impacts of traumatic stress related to racial discrimination on the mental and physical health-related outcomes among children and youth from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds. She is currently working on conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of racial discrimination on health outcomes among Black children and youth, as part of her doctoral thesis. Shawna’s doctoral research has been funded by the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2022-2025), and she was the recipient of a Leong Centre Studentship. As a clinician-in-training, Shawna is interested in supporting the holistic health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, and emerging adults from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Shawna is currently completing her pre-doctoral residency at the Hospital for Sick Children. She has previously completed clinical training at the Toronto District School Board, Surrey Place, the Family Psychology Centre, and the Feelings Place.
Florencia Saposnik, B.A. (Hons)
M.A. student, School and Clinical Child Psychology
Florencia Saposnik is a second year Master's student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at OISE. She completed her undergraduate degree at McMaster University in Health Studies, specializing in Mental Health and Addictions while also minoring in psychology. Florencia’s Master’s thesis focuses on examining barriers that parents/caregivers experience when attempting to access a psychoeducational assessment for youth in their care. More specifically, exploring how social determinants of health (i.e., race, immigration status, socioeconomic status, and English as a second language) play a role in parents/caregivers’ experiences. Florencia’s thesis has been funded by the SSHRC Canadian Graduate Scholarship (2024-2025) and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2025-2026). Currently, Florencia is completing her practicum placement at the Toronto District School Board within Caring & Safe Schools program.
Harmoni Watson, B.A. (Spec. Hons)
Ph.D Student, School and Clinical Child Psychology
Harmoni Watson is a second-year doctoral student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology (SCCP) program at OISE. Her research examines how racial discrimination impacts the well-being of racialized children and youth, with a particular focus on the intergenerational effects of parental experiences of discrimination, such as vicarious racism. Her doctoral work is supported by a Canada Graduate Scholarship (Doctoral), and her master’s research was funded by a CGS-M (SSHRC). Her master’s thesis investigated whether maternal cognitive sensitivity mediates the association between maternal attachment and child developmental outcomes.
In addition to her research, Harmoni is a clinician-in-training. She has completed clinical training at the Toronto District School Board and the OISE Psychology Clinic and is currently completing her second external practicum at Step Stone Psychology.
Cheyenne McIntyre, BSc. (Hons)
Research Assistant
Cheyenne McIntyre is currently a Research Assistant with the Power in Youth Laboratory at OISE, under the supervision of Dr. Iwenofu. She received her Honours BSc in Mental Health Studies from the University of Toronto Scarborough where she gained extensive research experience. Her research interests include improving mental health outcomes and care for marginalized populations within Canada. In the future, she intends to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology.
Vashti Kamassah, M.A.
PhD, Develpomental Psychology and Education
Vashti Kamassah is a second-year doctoral student in Developmental Psychology and Education at OISE. Her research interests include accessible education for historically marginalized people (e.g., racialized persons, persons with disabilities), alternative approaches to “traditional” education, and the effect of marginalized identities (e.g., race, gender, immigrant status) on individuals' lives and their relationship with education.
Kimberly Dsilva, BSc. (Hons)
M.A. Student, School and Clinical Child Psychology
Kimberly Dsilva is a second-year Master's student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at OISE. Her undergraduate thesis evaluated the use of a psychoeducational video game to raise awareness about the mental health effects of cannabis use on Black racialized youth who have experienced a first episode of psychosis or have cannabis use disorder. Her master’s thesis will focus on the effects of racial discrimination on self-esteem in Black youth. Kimberly is very interested in the investigation of risk and resilience factors, and is passionate about implementing early intervention and tailored programs to protect at risk children and youth from negative health outcomes. Kimberly is currently completing her practicum placement at the Toronto Catholic District School Board. For the 2023-24 year, she was awarded a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship.
Paul Douglas II, M.A.
Research Assistant
Paul is a graduate of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Developmental Psychology and Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. He currently serves as a Research Assistant in the Power in Youth Lab, where his work focuses on how exposure to racial discrimination in childhood shapes health outcomes later in life. As an Inclusive Excellence Scholar and Junior Fellow at Massey College, Paul is deeply committed to addressing anti-Black racism (ABR) and advancing racial equity and inclusivity in educational systems. Looking ahead, he aspires to establish childcare centres that not only prioritize inclusivity but also serve as spaces that integrate education, wellness, and research to support families in marginalized communities.
Victoria Foxall, BSc (Hons)
M.A. Student, School and Clinical Child Psychology
Victoria Foxall is a first-year Master's student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at OISE. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Dalhousie University. Victoria worked as a research coordinator at IWK Health Centre, where she coordinated multiple studies and knowledge translation/ mobilization projects on promoting wellbeing and healthy sleep in hospitalized families, and in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or chronic health conditions and their families. Victoria's research interests center on understanding mental health and educational challenges within the context of systemic inequities, such as racism and poverty, and ensuring practice in education and mental health care is effective, meaningful, and safe for diverse children and families. Victoria was awarded the CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Celina Reyes, M.A.
Ph.D Student, Child Study & Education
Celina is a first-year doctoral student in the Child Study & Education Program at OISE. As an educator and co-founder of TMBUK2 Education, she combines academic study with professional practice, developing academic programs that serve diverse students and families across the GTA.
Her research interests include understanding how low self-efficacy in high-risk youth exposed to trauma and adversity influences educational outcomes, how learning environments affect the success of marginalized students, and how resilience-based programs can strengthen achievement. By bridging research and practice, her goal is to influence educational policy and create sustainable approaches that improve academic achievement and long-term opportunities for marginalized and high-risk youth.
Josanne Buchanan, M.A.
Ph.D Student, Developmental Psychology and Education
Josanne Buchanan is a first-year PhD student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program at OISE. Josanne’s research interests include: understanding the ways in which children’s identities are correlated with experiences that influence their well-being, examining the links between media use habits of youth from racialized backgrounds and their mental health outcomes, and digital wellness outcomes of youth from racialized and marginalized communities.
​
Insiya Samji BSc. (Hons)
M.A. Student, Master of Education
Insiya is a first-year M.Ed. student with a deep passion for promoting equitable access to mental health care. Her research centers on the effectiveness of interventions and the delivery of culturally competent care within marginalized communities. Before beginning her graduate studies, Insiya worked as an Education Researcher with SMILE Canada – Support Services, where she contributed to inclusive, community-based projects supporting low-income and refugee families raising children with disabilities. She has also gained research experience in both a cognitive psychology lab and a neuropsychology lab, which sparked her interest in child clinical psychology. Drawing on these diverse experiences, Insiya aims to build a career as a culturally competent clinical psychologist, committed to advancing research and practice that addresses barriers in mental health care for underserved and racialized populations.