Postdocs in the Spotlight: Simonne Collins

Welcome to our blog series highlighting the work of our postdoctoral fellows!

Postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role within CHILD-BRIGHT's research projects underway. These fellows are passionate about implementation science (IS) and patient-oriented research (POR) and its potential to improve health outcomes for children and youth with brain-based developmental disabilities and their families. 

Today, we’re delighted to introduce Simonne Collins, the newest member of CHILD-BRIGHT's IS Research Program. 

IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE PROGRAM

Simonne Collins (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow, STIC Lab

IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia

From Melbourne to Halifax

Simonne, our newest postdoctoral fellow, hails from Melbourne, Australia. In the summer of 2024, propelled by her commitment to patient-oriented research (POR), she relocated to Halifax to start a CHILD-BRIGHT research fellowship based within the Strengthening Transitions in Care Lab at the IWK Health Centre. Her position with CHILD-BRIGHT is being supported by the IWK Foundation. Simonne has quickly become a pivotal member of the network’s Implementation Science (IS) Research Program!  

Simonne has been a proponent of POR since being introduced to the concept during her doctoral studies in Psychology at Monash University, in Melbourne. Her doctoral studies focused on children at risk of brain-based developmental disabilities. “There were things that we weren’t sure about,” she recalled. “We didn’t know whether we were asking the right questions or if they were even relevant to our population.” 

Ultimately, she and her team decided to consult with parent research partners, and the experience was truly illuminating: “It was so valuable to hear their insights! Hearing from PWLEs allowed us to get at the heart of the barriers they face.” 

Now, Simonne is delighted to be broadening her skillset in POR and implementation science—and the move to Canada adds to the adventure! 

“All our research should be with patient-partners and PWLEs!”

— Simonne Collins, CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellow

Simonne’s role at CHILD-BRIGHT

As part of CHILD-BRIGHT's Phase 2, the IS Research Program is working to better understand how evidence can be systematically applied in routine practice to improve the quality and effectiveness of pediatric health services in Canada. 

Under the supervision of co-leads Steven Miller and Janet Curran, Simonne is supporting two of the IS Research Program’s main goals: 1) review which IS methods are being used across the network’s Phase 2 projects and identify the unique factors that should be considered by IS project teams when implementing treatments and interventions for children with brain-based developmental disabilities; and 2) understand how pan-Canadian research networks like CHILD-BRIGHT can build IS skills among postdoctoral research fellows. Simonne reviews the projects’ research protocols; conducts interviews with researchers, partners with lived and living experience (PWLEs), and youth partners; analyzes the data; and disseminates the findings.  

Simonne also organizes regular meetings for the network’s postdoctoral fellows, giving them the opportunity to discuss the challenges they’re facing, form connections, and build a community within CHILD-BRIGHT. Experts in the field are invited to some of the meetings to share insights on implementation science methodologies and career development. 

Looking to the future

When asked how she thought her time at CHILD-BRIGHT would impact her career, Simonne was effusive: “Oh, quite considerably!” 

She's particularly excited to be immersed in IS research. “I’m really developing those skills,” she said. She’s also grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a diverse group of health experts, which includes researchers, clinicians, and PWLEs. “I’m building a great network across Canada!” Since her arrival, Simonne has also found it eye-opening to learn about another country’s health care system and its challenges. “And I’m bringing my own cultural insights to the network,” she added. 

Today, Simonne hopes that her research will always incorporate POR methodologies. “I think researchers are getting better at understanding the impact of POR on health outcomes,” she said. “It allows us to address the needs and challenges that actually matter to patients and families.” 

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Marie-Ève

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

CARE PATHWAYS FOR CHD PROJECT

Marie-Ève Bolduc (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine 

Assistant professor, School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University 

Marie-Ève is the postdoctoral fellow on the network’s Care Pathways for CHD project, under the supervision of principal investigators Mike Seed and Andrea Patey. In this Phase 2 CHILD-BRIGHT project, the research team aims to develop recommendations, based on current approaches used around the world, to optimize the identification of developmental delays in children and adolescents with a congenital heart defect (CHD) in Canada. 

Marie-Ève oversees all aspects of coordinating the Care Pathways for CHD project. “My responsibilities include liaising with family partners, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, and leading our consensus groups,” she says. In this multifaceted role, Marie-Ève ensures that all voices are heard, that research is progressing well, and that the project is contributing to the advancement of neurodevelopmental care for children and adolescents with a CHD.

Marie-Ève has been interested in patient-oriented research (POR) since her first collaboration with a parent partner during her PhD. “I realized how important their feedback was,” she recalls. “But later, I realized that the project could’ve benefitted even more from their input.” She wished she’d had a deeper understanding of POR and the strategic integration of partner feedback throughout various project stages. “That’s when I decided to enroll in a patient-oriented research course.”

Marie-Ève believes that incorporating the perspectives of partners with lived experience (PWLE) in research has profound implications for the improvement of outcomes in our health care system. “Patient-generated research questions are instrumental,” she says. “They reflect the unique challenges faced by the individuals we’re trying to help.” While she knows she still has a lot to learn, Marie-Ève is optimistic that her ongoing collaboration with current research partners will help her learn and hone her expertise over time.  

“By actively involving users in shaping research agendas, projects become more relevant, resonant, and aligned with the lived experiences of patients. This not only enhances the design of robust research initiatives, but also ensures that patients’ needs and expectations are at the forefront.”

— Marie-Ève

Marie-Ève is thrilled to be an Azrieli-CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellow and knows that the scholarship is an invaluable opportunity to build on the knowledge acquired during her graduate and PhD studies. “Engaging in patient-oriented research and implementation science will not only enhance my skillset, but also significantly elevate the quality of my future projects,” she says happily. Being part of a collaborative network is also allowing her to learn from diverse expertise and make connections with researchers across North America. “This scholarship is a gateway to knowledge exchange, skill refinement, and collaborative opportunities,” says Marie-Ève. “I have no doubt that it will shape the trajectory of my research career.”

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Sharon

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

PAIN PATHWAY PROJECT

Sharon Hou (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Registered psychologist, BC Children’s Hospital 

Under the supervision of co-principal investigators (PIs) Hal Siden and Stephanie Glegg, Sharon is contributing to the CHILD-BRIGHT Pain Pathway project, a study on pain and irritability of unknown origin (PIUO) among children with severe neurological impairments. In Phase 1, the research team designed and tested a clinical pathway to streamline the assessment and management of PIUO (the Studying PIUO project). Now in Phase 2, the team is studying how to implement the clinical pathway in community pediatric practices with pediatricians across British Columbia.

Sharon is taking a lead role in carrying out the Pain Pathway project, from study design, recruitment, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of results. But none of her tasks are carried out solo: “I work closely with our multidisciplinary study team, including our parent partners and clinician partners” says Sharon, who is delighted to be working towards a collective goal of improving children’s health and well-being. 

Even before working with CHILD-BRIGHT, Sharon was a strong proponent of patient-oriented research (POR). Early on in her academic career, she happened to be mentored by researchers who use a POR approach, which allowed her to see its value first-hand. “Since then, I’ve been consistently working with partners who have lived and living experiences,” says Sharon. Incorporating lived experience perspectives has become a necessary foundation for her own research; it allows her to ask research questions that are relevant and meaningful to the children and families she works with. “What is most exciting and meaningful for me is being able to collaborate with people who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the project,” says the postdoc.

“I want to make sure that my study findings are useful, informative, and accessible to children and families navigating the health care system.””

— Sharon

Sharon knows that this fellowship is an incredible opportunity to gain advanced training in patient-oriented pediatric health research. She’s not only learning how to conduct studies involving children with a high degree of health complexity and their families, but also strengthening her research methodologies in implementation science and knowledge mobilization. She’s also excited to be engaging with the broader CHILD-BRIGHT network of researchers, clinicians, and partners with lived experience, and can already see how it will lead to collaborations and opportunities in her future. “I believe this fellowship will help me build my program of research as I work towards becoming an independent researcher,” she says.

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Alicia

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

INTERPLAY PROJECT

Alicia Hilderley (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow | Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Calgary 

Alicia is joining CHILD-BRIGHT as a member of the pre-implementation project INTERPLAY: Implementation of iNtensive Therapy for Early Reach through PLAY. Led by principal investigators (PI) Adam Kirton, Darcy Fehlings, and John Andersen, the research team is gathering information on why early hand therapy for young children with cerebral palsy is or isn’t being implemented. The goal is to then use this information to identify strategies to support implementation across Canada.

“I’m involved in seeing the project through four consecutive phases,” says Alicia. The project team includes both parent partners and knowledge-user partners (namely, occupational therapists and health care administrators) with whom Alicia works closely to find solutions and integrate feedback. 

“I’m firm in my belief that the only way to advance rehabilitation practice is to design patient-oriented research that engages children and families as partners.”

— Alicia

Alicia has always been keen to learn from and with people with lived experience—an interest that has played a major role in steering her research career. “Partnerships provide opportunities for in-depth conversations and knowledge exchange with children and families,” she says. “This helps us design research that’s pertinent to them.” 

Alicia points out that learning from those with lived experience can facilitate and improve the quality of research across all stages, often in unexpected ways. “By aligning with patient priorities, we can improve the meaningfulness of our projects and have a greater impact, which I believe should be a goal for all clinical researchers.” 

Alicia is certain that this fellowship will help shape her future as an emerging research partner and advocate. “The skills I’m acquiring will help me effectively integrate patient perspectives to co-build high-calibre research.” Alicia is also delighted to be gaining valuable experience in implementation science, a field that she believes is essential in bridging the gap between research findings and clinical practice.

Postdocs in the Spotlight: Catherine

Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the work of our Azrieli CHILD-BRIGHT postdoctoral fellows!

Within the various research projects underway at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role. This year, thanks to the generous contribution of the Azrieli Foundation, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming scientists who are passionate about patient-oriented research (POR) and its incredible potential in the study of pediatric brain-based developmental disabilities. In the next few weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of our postdocs and the pivotal work they’re doing at CHILD-BRIGHT, across Canada. 

PARENT VOICES PROJECT & KM PROGRAM 

Catherine Demers (she/her)

Postdoctoral fellow | Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OSOT), University of British Columbia 

Catherine, a Vancouver-based postdoctoral fellow, divides her time between the Parent Voices project with the Parent-EPIQ research team and the Knowledge Mobilization (KM) program. The Parent Voices project, transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2, is focusing on implementing new patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) in neonatal follow-up programs across Canada. Led by principal investigator (PI) Thuy Mai Luu, this initiative aims to better address parents’ needs and priorities in the medical follow-ups of children born preterm. 

“My role is to oversee the different steps of the project, from submitting ethics applications to conducting interviews, and collaboratively building the implementation plan with different teams,” says Catherine. Within the KM program, led by PI Stephanie Glegg, she contributes to various projects, including the Social Network Analysis study and program evaluation.

As an occupational therapist with a strong clinical background, Catherine’s commitment to patient-oriented research (POR) stems from a desire to collaborate with patients and make real improvements to our health care system. “Patient engagement inherently aligns with patient-centered values of occupational therapy,” says Catherine. She believes a POR approach enhances research relevance and promotes patient-centered care and, ultimately, better health outcomes. 

“I strongly believe that incorporating the patient’s perspective into research significantly improves outcomes in our health care system. Patients offer unique insights that may not be apparent from a purely clinical or research standpoint.”

— Catherine

Just a few months into this fellowship, Catherine can already see its profound impact on her career trajectory. Her previous work and research experience was almost exclusively gained in Montreal within tertiary (i.e., extremely specialized) care. Joining the CHILD-BRIGHT Network and relocating to Vancouver has significantly broadened her horizons. “Working for a pan-Canadian network, learning about new research methodologies, and connecting with such a diverse team of passionate individuals has already been transformative,” says Catherine.  

She anticipates that she’ll learn how best to engage with and address patient needs, deepen her understanding of implementation science, and expand her professional network. “The insights I gain will not only contribute to my current role, but also align with my long-term goal of conducting research that improves health outcomes and quality of life for children.”