Find us in FSS 2050!
We're happy to answer any questions about what we do and how we can help you through your undergraduate career. We swear we won't bite!
Our Mission
The Psychology Students’ Association (PSA) is a federated body of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) with the mandate to offer information to all its members about subjects related to the field of psychology and student life.
OUR TEAM
The Psychology Student Association is comprised a team of executive members whose goal is to represent psychology students at the University of Ottawa at the undergraduate level.
Your Co-President - Laila Fuoco
I’m from: Peterborough, Ontario
Year: 5th
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I serve as the official spokesperson of the PSA, along with Isabelle. Together we help with a lot of the logistical things behind all of our events and the opportunities we offer! This year I want to focus on increasing our outreach, supporting other student-led initiatives on campus and making sure that psychology students truly make the best out of their time as an undergrad.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: My cat, Betty!
Advice for students: Never give up on an opportunity if it’s important to you. I’ve been rejected from so many things I’ve applied to, only to get accepted later on because I kept reapplying.
Academic Interests? Clinical psychology, childhood development, spiritual psychology, cross-cultural psychology
Language Proficiency: English and French
Two words that describe me best: Madam President
Fun Fact: My minor is in Theatre!
Contact me: president@psaep.ca
Your Co-President - Isabelle Heatherington
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As Co-President of the PSA, I represent all psychology undergraduate students with Laila to ensure their concerns are properly voiced to faculty, as well as oversee team initiatives and ensure each member has the proper resources and support necessary to excel at their role. This year I plan to promote various resources to help students succeed in their various aspirations whether academic, graduate school-oriented or other. And of course, the most important part about being co-president; using the privilege of my position to give back to the student community. I also host office hours every Tuesday from 12-3pm to answer questions students may have, so come stop by.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Marvel movies, bubble baths, floor time.
Advice for student: 1) Get involved in student life, it is a great way to meet people and play a bigger role in your community 2) Start thinking about graduate school early if that's what you want to do, so you can start gaining research/clinical experience asap.
Academic Interests? Computational neuroscience, transcranial electric stimulation, synaptic plasticity, hippocampal atrophy.
Language Proficiency: English (Native) and French (Beginner/B1)
Two words that describe me best: Academic weapon.
Fun fact: I have 3 nephews.
Contact me: president@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Internal Affairs -
Lynne Jeanty
I’m from: Born in Flawda, raised in Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 5th
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I handle merch! I help with scheduling, keeping track of meetings, and making sure communication between everyone stays clear and organized. I also get to plan fun bonding events with the team!
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Rewatching my comfort movies and shows (ex. Twilight, The Hunger Games, New Girl, Friends, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, Harry Potter, etc.) or hanging out with friends. Its been a couple months since I’ve read, but I love to read!
Advice for students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Talk to Professors! Join clubs!
Academic Interests: Anything Neuro + anything behaviour or psychopathology
Language Proficiency: English, French, and Haitian Creole.
Two words that best describe you: Bubbly and charismatic
Fun Fact: I’ve been hit by a semi truck. And I plan on running my first marathon next year!
Contact me: internal@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Philanthropy - Taylor Rolleman
I’m from: Clinton, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the Vice-President of Philanthropy, I help connect psychology students with meaningful causes through fundraisers, activism initiatives, and campus-wide events. I collaborate with UOSU and campus partners to ensure our community is engaged in important campaigns such as Shinerama, as well as organizing our own fundraising events. My goal is to create opportunities where students can give back, raise awareness, and come together in support of issues that matter. If you have ideas for fundraisers or causes you’d like to see represented, feel free to reach out, I’d love to hear from you!
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: A good meal, talking to my family and friends, and hiking.
Advice for students: Celebrate small wins. Finishing a reading, submitting a paper, even just showing up to class counts. Don’t compare yourself to others; everyone’s path looks different and you're doing amazing :)
Academic Interests: Neuroscience and psychopathology.
Language Proficiency: English
Two words that best describe you: Ambitious and compassionate
Fun Fact: I have a job back home as a chicken catcher.
Contact me: philanthropic@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Social Affairs - Jayce McMillan
I’m from: Toronto, Ontario
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: Any pronouns
What is my role in my position? My role in the PSAÉP is to plan and execute events throughout the academic year for students in the school of psychology and students from other faculties through collaborative events with their respective Registered Student Governments (RSGs).
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Getting coffee, baking, or calling my friends
Advice for students: Put yourself first.Your mental health and wellbeing should always come first. Be sure to take breaks, seek help when needed, and use the school resources - they are there for a reason.
Academic Interests? Forensic psychology, social psychology, psychopathology, and the criminal justice system.
Language Proficiency: English (Native) and French (working proficiency).
Two words that best describe you: Hardworking and creative.
Fun Fact: I’m Spider-Man
Contact me: social@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Communications - Abby Thompson
I’m from: Truro, Nova Scotia
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My role is to ensure psychology students are kept up to date with pertinent information (i.e. events, mental health resources, opportunities) in both French and English, sending out newsletters, updating the website and the social medias, answering emails and DM’s and directing students to available resources.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Cooking, rereading a good book, spending quality time with friends, or going for a walk along the canal.
Advice for students: Get involved in literally anything! I have met so many friends through various clubs and organizations (including the PSAEP!), and it truly is the best way to integrate yourself into the university community.
Academic Interests: Neuropsychology, neurobiology, drugs and behaviour.
Language Proficiency: English
Two words that best describe you: LOCKED IN
Fun Fact: I used to compete in national environmental science competitions!
Contact me: communications@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Finance - Breeann McNeill-Wilson
I’m from: Medicine Hat, Alberta
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I keep track of the finances in the PSAEP. I make payments, do reimbursements, and track the budget! I ensure the funds coming in are being spent appropriately and actually get spent!
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Drinking a Coke Zero 😂 or taking my dog for a walk in the woods.
Advice for students: get involved! Get involved, try new things, and you can always change your mind.
Academic Interests: Child development, specifically nature vs. nurture. Focusing on birth to pre-adolescence.
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Excited and persistent
Fun Fact: I used to have 7 cats!
Contact me: finance@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of University Affairs - Silvi Ivardi
I’m from: It’s complicated.
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I organize networking events like Brunch and Baileys, Brains and Bagels and Wine and Cheese so the undergrads get to meet the faculty and grad students in psychology. I also organize grad school talks with the undergraduate director of the School of Psychology, career talks from profs and grads and lab tours on campus. I also attend the School Council meetings as the representative of the undergrad student body.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Dancing, petting cats, clubbing, being in big crowds
Advice for students: Don’t rush! Whether you take an extra semester or an extra year, take your time so you can try cool things like clubs, jobs, recreations or exchanges.
Academic Interests: Nutritional psychology - how does food affect our mental state? Current research is focused on how parents’ dialogue around food affects children’s health and body image perception
Language proficiency: English, French, and un poco Espanol
Two words that best describe me: Extraverted and busy.
Fun Fact: I am a personal trainer at uOttawa!
Contact me: universityaffairs@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Equity - Anupriya Kakkar
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 5th
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As VP Equity, I implement events that educate students on equity issues, amplify historically marginalized voices, and eliminate barriers within the PSA.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: spending time with my friends and family, playing guitar, photography, late night drives, watching comedy movies.
Advice for students: Focus on the present and your mental well being ALWAYS. Remember to always be kind to yourself and have a positive mindset. Your thoughts become your actions and your actions become your reality.
Academic Interests: Neuroscience, Psychological disorders and treatments, Anatomy and Physiology.
Language proficiency: Hindi, English, and French (beginner)
Two words that best describe me: Outgoing and empathetic
Fun Fact: I was born in New York
Contact me: equity@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Francophone Affairs - Florence Larochelle
I’m from: Gatineau, Quebec
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My role is to ensure that French-speaking psychology students have equitable access to information in their native language. This includes overseeing the accurate translation of existing materials and advocating for equal treatment and opportunities for francophone students alongside their anglophone peers.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Going to the gym, baking my favorite cookies, spending time with friends, or taking long walks while listening to music.
Advice for students: Take every opportunity you can, get involved in things you love, and you’ll naturally meet new people along the way..
Academic interests: Psychology of trauma, the psychology of addiction, and the psychology of child development.
Language proficiency: French and English.
Two words that best describe me: Organized and determined.
Fun fact: I took a class of Witchcraft and Magic at the university.
Contact me at: bilingualism@psaep.ca
Your Director of Secretarial Affairs - Catherine Lamarche
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As Director of Secretarial Affairs, I help keep the PSA organized and running smoothly. My role includes taking minutes at meetings, supporting administrative tasks, and making sure documentation is accurate and accessible in both French and English.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Listening to music, working out, spending time with my friends, or watching the sunset by the water.
Advice for students: Stay connected with friends and do things that recharge you!
Academic interests: Child psychology, sport psychology, and psychodiagnostic evaluations.
Language proficiency: French and English
Two words that best describe me: Compassionate and curious.
Fun fact: I’ve been a hockey goalie since I was 9, and yes… I have my fair share of pre-game rituals!
Contact me: secretarialaffairs@psaep.ca
Your Director of Sponsorships - Simona-Maria Williams
I’m from: Toronto, Ontario
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BA (French Immersion)
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the Director of Sponsorships, my role is to connect our student association with organizations, businesses, and community partners that can provide meaningful support. I am responsible for identifying potential sponsors, building professional relationships, and securing contributions that help us fund events, initiatives, and resources for psychology students.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Watching the newest movies, walking along the water, and listening to music.
Advice for students: Pursue what excites you, surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, and always make time for self-care as it’s just as important as your academics.
Academic Interests: Neuropsychology, Law, and Policy.
Language proficiency: English (Native) and French (working proficiency).
Two words that best describe me: Organized and driven.
Fun Fact: I love playing ultimate frisbee!
Contact me at: external@psaep.ca
Your Director of Promotions - Ananya Sathyanarayan
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I manage the association’s Instagram presence by designing engaging graphics and posts and respond to student inquiries about resources and opportunities. My goal is to keep students informed, connected, and supported so they can enjoy a meaningful and memorable experience throughout their degree.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Spicy food, TV shows, and dog walks.
Advice for students: Find a senior whose academic and career trajectory aligns with yours. Model their path, learn from their mistakes, and build on the foundations they’ve already laid!
Academic interests: Marketing and consumer behaviour.
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Goal-oriented and sleep-deprived.
Fun fact: I was a competitive badminton player for five years!
Contact me: promo@psaep.ca
Your Director of Marketing - Keira Boland
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position?: As Director of Marketing I lead branding and social media strategies to engage students, build community, and showcase faculty initiatives.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Petting a dog.
Advice for students: Check rate my prof!!! Take time for yourself. Make sure to get outside and keep moving, those kinds of breaks are usually most efficient. Keep a couple hobbies to take your mind off of school once in a while!
Academic Interests: Developmental psychology, neuroscience, drug manufacture, positive psychology.
Language proficiency: English and French
Two words that best describe me: Determined and fun.
Fun Fact: I have played field hockey since I was eight years old!
Contact me: promo@psaep.ca
Your First-Year Representative - Stella Pazderski
I’m from: Montreal, Quebec
Year: 1st
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I get to sprinkle a little of my own magic on first-year activities and make the stress of settling in feel a little more fun.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Let me put you guys on: rewatching Beautiful Boy, listening to Billy Joel, kidnapping my sausage dawg and eating a good ole A&W burger.
Advice for Students: Reach out to those you love most when you feel like you're losing yourself. Sometimes going back to the people that make you feel most like yourself, is what helps you find what you once lost :)
Academic Interests: Law and children psychology
Language Proficiency: English, French, and Polish
Two words that best describe me: Nice guy.
Fun Fact: Me and my twin sister had to be separated when we were younger because we started to form our own dialect
Contact me: firstyear@psaep.ca
I’m from: Red Deer, Alberta
Year: 4th
BA or BSC: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My job (alongside my fellow Council Representatives) is to represent the interests of undergraduate psychology students at faculty council meetings, and to ensure that our professors are kept up-to-date with the activities of the Psychology Students Association.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Meditation or gym.
Advice for students: Talk to your professors! Go to their office hours, and ask them about their research and their career. You can learn so much more from your professors than just what they teach in class.
Academic interests: Neuropsychology and MRI, mindfulness, ACT, problematic internet use, psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Language Proficiency: English and French
Two words that best describe me: Compassionate and driven.
Fun Fact: I was a House of Commons Page in my first year.
Contact me: council@psaep.ca
Queen Afia Boateng Pinamang
I’m from: Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario!
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I help bridge the gap between faculty and students by attending faculty meetings, and taking notes on planned adjustments within the School of Psychology. A key part of my role includes providing input and feedback during meetings in regards to student life and experience.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Reorganizing! It could be reorganizing my phone, room, schedule, or anything. It helps me feel like I have regained control and gets me out of any slump.
Advice for students: Listen to yourself, and trust your ideas.
Academic Interests: Cognition and Anxiety research
Language Proficiency: English, Twi, and very basic French.
Two-words that best describe me: Energetic and ambitious.
Fun fact: I like to wake up ridiculously early for fun
Contact me: council@psaep.ca
Sonia Hull
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? Alongside my other council representatives, I attend faculty council meetings and speak on behalf of undergraduate psychology students! I also host office hours every week to hear from psych students.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: A prayer always lifts up my mood :) Or I love to grab a hug from a friend.
Advice for students: Talk to your professors! They don’t bite and most often than not genuinely care to see you succeed. There is no question too simple to ask! So don’t be afraid, they’re such a great resource.
Academic Interests? Child development, trauma, rehabilitation, perception
Language Proficiency: English, French, and Arabic
Two words that describe me best: Kind and dedicated.
Fun fact: I exclusively wake up with an alarm clock - I love to start my mornings without my phone!
Contact me: council@psaep.ca