Statement of Intent
I am thrilled by the prospect of taking on the role of Communications Executive for the CPA Student Section. As I embark on my graduate training in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Saskatchewan, I would love the opportunity to further engage with the CPA community and foster ties among aIiliates and members across the country.
I am drawn to the role of Communications Executive as it provides a unique opportunity to serve as a main contact for students interested in psychology. In the role of Communications Executive, I would leverage my community experience volunteering with the German Red Cross and running a support group for brain injury survivors to be a welcoming connection for those interested in psychology and the CPA.
Further, I speak fluent in English and German and am actively working on certification in French to better engage and represent our French-English bilingual community. A multi lingual background and experience communicating with diverse groups in international
settings has provided me with the communication skills needed to serve the CPA community in this position.
In addition to my community experience, I feel my academic and research background will enable me to thrive in the role of Communications Executive. I have extensive experience coordinating CIHR-funded studies, including a six-year longitudinal study, and have developed strong attention to detail and organizational abilities. I feel these experiences would serve me well in performing the Communications Executive’s duties, including coordinating and sending Section News, maintaining the Section website, and proofreading official documents.
I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to the CPA Student Section and to undertake the responsibilities of the Communications Executive role. I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact within the CPA community and am grateful for your consideration.
Biography
Alexandra Brilz is a fourth-year Honours student at the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Mathematics. She will be joining the University of Saskatchewan’s Clinical Psychology MA/PhD program in the Fall of 2024.
Alexandra’s journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences involving severe illness and a musculoskeletal disorder during her adolescence. Her struggles with physical and psychological pain during this time left a lasting impact and fuelled Alexandra’s passion for pediatric pain psychology. These experiences drove her to actively engage in pain research and work to make a positive diPerence in the lives of youth facing similar challenges.
Alexandra joined Dr. Michelle Gagnon’s team in the Family Health Lab. Under Dr. Gagnon’s mentorship, she coordinated several CIHR-funded studies, including a longitudinal study examining the development of menstrual pain and other pain
conditions in early adolescents, as well as the development and testing of a mindfulness app for menstrual pain in teens. Her doctoral research will focus on the impact of the physician-patient relationship on pediatric pain outcomes.
Coming from a multidisciplinary background, Alexandra enjoys collaborating with individuals from other disciplines, institutions, and communities. She firmly believes that integrating diverse perspectives and making connections across communities and institutions provides the best opportunity to help individuals and communities.
Previously living in Münster, Germany, Alexandra had the opportunity to volunteer for a year with the German Red Cross in a local hospital, supporting patients during their hospital stays. After returning to Canada, she became involved with the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association and now works as a Program Facilitator for their weekly social support group. Working with communities to enrich the lives of others is her greatest joy and something she hopes to continue for years to come.