icsa board

Meet our board members

At ICSA, we believe in the importance of transparency, impartiality, and open dialogue. Our board members play a crucial role in guiding the organization in a way that reflects our commitment to education and balanced perspectives.

Read more about ICSA’s mission and vision

Carol Merchasin

ICSA Board President | United States

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Debby Schriver

ICSA Board Vice President | United States

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Jackie Johnson

Executive Director | United States

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Adam Arnold

Board Member | United States

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Ann Stamler

Board Member | United States

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Carmen Almendros

Board Member and IJCAM Editor | Spain

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Rod Dubrow-Marshall

Board Member and IJCAM Editor | United Kingdom

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Robin Boyle-Laisure

Board Member | United States

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Omar Saldaña

Board Member and IJCAM Editor | Spain

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Zoe Lambert

Board Member | United Kingdom

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BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS

Know someone who would be a great candidate?

At ICSA, we value the diversity of thought, background, and lived experience that our board members bring to the table. We are committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, and we strongly encourage nominations from individuals of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. By fostering an inclusive environment for thoughtful discussion, we aim to deepen understanding and support our mission to create a more informed, compassionate, and equitable world.

If you know someone who shares our commitment to these values, we welcome your nominations. Please email us at hello@internationalculticstudies.org. 


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Carol Merchasin, JD

ICSA Board President, Of Counsel/Head of Spiritual Misconduct Legal Practice, McAllister Olivarius

Carol Merchasin, JD, is an experienced attorney at McAllister Olivarius, specializing in cases involving sexual misconduct, forced labor and other abuses in religious, faith-based, and spiritual communities. Known as “the Cult Assassin” and “Wonder Woman of taking down cults,” Carol investigates and litigates cases of sexual abuse within spiritual communities. She has worked with survivors across a range of global religious movements, including Shambhala International, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, FPMT and more.

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Research & expertise

Carol brings deep expertise in both litigation, investigative roles, and survivor-centered legal practices with a particular focus on uncovering sexual misconduct and forced labor practices in cultic and spiritual environments. She speaks regularly at conferences world-wide on these issues.

Publications & media appearances

  • Orgasm Cult May Have Violated Federal Human Trafficking Law. (2023). Insider.
  • The ‘King’ of Shambhala is Undone by Abuse Report. (2018). New York Times.
  • How Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Allegedly Used His Empire and Employees to ‘Get His Way’ with Women. (2024). LA Times.
  • Litigating Against Cults. (2024). Ladies Who Law Podcast.
  • How Abuse Survivors in Cults Can Seek Civil Legal Reparation. (2023). Harvard Divinity School Conference.
  • Other Representative Podcasts Including: Indoctrination, Bad Buddhist, Generation Cult, Let’s Talk About Sects, Divorcing Religion, Unshut Cases, Cultimatum.

Other roles & contributions

  • Former Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Philadelphia
  • Director of Morgan Lewis Resources, specializing in harassment and discrimination training
  • Registered Attorney with the Massachusetts BarAdvisory Board member, The Heartwood Center Survivor Program

Debby Schriver

ICSA Board Vice President, Staff Emeritus, University of Tennessee, Child and Human Rights Advocate

A native of Chicago, she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in educational counseling psychology and early American literature. Schriver’s professional focus has been on the psychological and sociological aspects of human development, particularly during formative years. She served as Associate Dean of Student Conduct and Orientation at the University of Tennessee for 13 years and Manager of Employee Training and Organizational Development for 18 years.

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Research & expertise

Schriver has written several books, with a focus on historical narratives and transformative stories, including works on sports, recovery from cults, and personal stories of resilience. She is particularly interested in civic engagement and helping those affected by coercive control.

Publications & media appearances

Books:

  • Rise and Shine, The Monica Abbott Story. Schriver, D. (2023). University of Tennessee Press.

  • Whispering in the Daylight, The Children of Tony Alamo’s Christian Ministry and Their Journey to Freedom. Schriver, D. (2018). University of Tennessee Press.

  • Ice ‘n’ Go: Score in Sports and Life. Schriver, D. (2013). University of Tennessee Press.

  • In the Footsteps of Champions: The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, The First Three Decades. Schriver, D. (2008). University of Tennessee Press.

  • To Read My Heart, the Journal of Rachel Van Dyke 1810–1811. Schriver, D. (2000). University of Pennsylvania Press.

 

Media & appearances:

  • Consulting Producer, How I Escaped My Cult (Hulu, 2025)
  • Featured educator in Cults and the Law (A&E Network, 2022)
  • Featured in Ministry of Evil: The Twisted Cult of Tony Alamo (NBC Peacock & Sundance, 2019)
  • National radio and television interviews, including NPR and call-in shows (1976–present)
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Other roles & contributions

  • Founder of Keys to Me, a nonprofit providing community education and supporting individuals impacted by coercive control
  • Board Member for PBS for East Tennessee 
  • Board member and past president of the Blount Mansion Association
  • Member of the Foster Care Review Board for the Knox County Juvenile Court
  • Girl Scout Volunteer

Jackie Johnson, DSW, MS

ICSA Executive Director, Consultant and expert witness on coercive control

Dr. Jackie Johnson is the Executive Director of ICSA and Editor-in-Chief of both ICSA Today magazine and the International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation. She is a second-generation cult survivor, raised in Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Dr. Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker (NY, GA) and forensic social worker. In her private practice, Dr. Johnson specializes in helping individuals recover from trauma, abuse, and systems of control and coercion, and serves as an expert witness in cult-related legal cases.

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Research & expertise

Dr. Johnson’s research interests include the cognitive development and epistemology of female cult and abuse survivors. She is a licensed clinical social worker (NY, GA) and has held leadership and executive level positions in various government and community organizations throughout her career.

 

  • Coercive Control: What it is and Why it is a Concern for Communities; A Public Health and Safety Issue. Keys to Me Conference, March 2023. Knoxville, TN
  • Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Dynamics and Interpersonal Relationships. 2020 ICSA Conference. Virtual
  • Mainstream Media: What is Their Role and Responsibility in Educating the Public About Cults? 2021 ICSA Conference. Virtual
  • Therapy with Born and Raised-in Former Cult Members, with Lorna Goldberg. 2018 ICSA Conference. Philadelphia, PA
     2021 ICSA Conference. Virtual
  • How Female Former Cult Members Can Reclaim Their Relationship with Knowledge and Self-Identity. 2019 ICSA Conference. Manchester, UK
     2020 ICSA Conference. Virtual
  • Increasing Community Safety from Juvenile Firesetting: Using the Risk-Need-Response Model to Create Treatment and Programming for Juvenile Firesetters. 2015 National Organization of Forensic Social Workers Annual Conference. New Orleans, LA
  • The Influence of Organizational Culture and Climate on Staff Turnover and Turnover Intention in Human Service Agencies. 2016 University of Tennessee, School of Social Work. Knoxville, TN

Publications & media appearances

  • Kaufman, A. (Writer and Director). (2021, July 28). Crusaders: Ex Jehovah’s Witnesses Speak Out (Season 1, Episode 9) [TV series episode]. In L. Terp (Executive Director), Vice Versa. Vice TV; Vice Studios; Vice Media Group. Link
  • Gagne, Michel. (2023, December 20). The Cultic Culture Club. Paranoid Planet [Audio podcast episode]. Link
  • Leger, Bethany. (2025, April 2). Interview: EXJW and Cult Recovery Specialist. Stop the Shunning [Video interview]. Link
  • Farrah, Kristen. (2025, March 30). Leaving the Cult: How to Rebuild Your Life After Living a Lie. Radio Health Journal [Audio broadcast]. Link

Other roles & contributions

  • Regional Manager for Clinical Services, Coastal Georgia Region, Gateway Community Service Board, Brunswick, GA
  • Deputy Commissioner and Director of Community Services, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Dutchess County, NY
  • Chief of Treatment Services, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Juvenile Justice
  • Founder of Hudson Valley Social Work, specializing in in Trauma, Abuse, and Cult Recovery Services

Adam Arnold, MA, LMFT, LADC

Licensed psychotherapist and trainer based in Minnesota

Adam Arnold is a licensed psychotherapist, trainer, and consultant based in Minnesota. His clinical practice focuses on helping individuals of all ages who have been harmed by systems of control, including survivors of religious, spiritual, therapeutic, and medical abuse. He is the founder of the Democratic Youth Engagement (DYE) Model, a collaborative framework for adults working with young people, which informs his trauma-responsive, consent-based approach to psychotherapy. Adam joined the ICSA Board in 2025.

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Research & expertise

Adam’s clinical and educational work centers on coercive control, religious trauma, and ethical practice in mental health care. He has special expertise in working with children and adolescents, and is a certified supervisor for clinicians across multiple licensure tracks. He has presented at the International Cultic Studies Association Conference and the International Fragile X Conference, and his background in theater has informed his creative and therapeutic work with young people, including the founding of blank slate theatre—a company dedicated to youth-led productions on mental health and social issues.

Publications & media appearances

  • Disordered [thy name is teenager] – Original youth-led production on adolescent mental health
  • Bottom – A play on child sex trafficking, produced with adolescent performers
  • Bloodymerryjammyparty – Named one of the “Top 10 Plays of the Year” by Twin Cities Daily Planet

Other roles & contributions

  • Founding supervisor – Aspen House youth shelter
  • Chair – Safe Schools, Safe Students Conference
  • Secretary & Treasurer –  Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Approved supervisor – Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
  • Singer/Actor – Various Twin City arts organizations

Ann Stamler, MA, MPhil

Board Member | United States

Ann Stamler has been an ICSA Board Member since 2018. She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College and holds an MA and MPhil in Latin from Columbia University. She was born into the Aesthetic Realism movement in New York City, which her parents, both artists, had joined before her birth. Ann became one of the first individuals designated by the founder to teach this philosophy. Over time, she recognized cultic behavior within the movement and chose to leave it at age 41.

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Research & expertise

Ann spent most of her professional career managing charitable and educational organizations, and has also served in public office. She has dedicated much of her life to understanding cultic behavior and the impact of cultic environments on individuals. She participated in ICSA’s workshop for people born or raised in cultic groups from its inception in 2006 and eventually helped lead and run the program. She has been the managing editor of ICSA Today Magazine and its columns since its inception in 2010, and founded ICSA Reviews in 2023. . She is an active board member, serving on numerous committees with the ICSA Board and with staff on programs and publications.

Publications & media appearances

  • Paper on Cultic Experience (2002, Cult Information Service Conference)
  • Her Critical Voice Wouldn’t Die (2014, International Journal of Cultic Studies, vol. 5)

Awards & recognition

  • Margaret T. Singer Award, ICSA, 2014
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, ICSA, 2024

Other roles & contributions

  • Senior Executive of a nonprofit in New York working with U.S. and Israeli labor movements
  • Co-Founder of a pluralistic Jewish High School in Connecticut
  • Elected three times to public office
  • Facilitator and Coordinator for ICSA’s workshop for those born or raised in cultic groups or relationships

Carmen Almendros, PhD

Board Member and Editor for IJCAM | Spain

Carmen Almendros is a clinical and health psychologist and associate professor at the Faculty of Psychology at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain. She developed an early interest in the study of coercive groups, which began before and continued throughout her undergraduate studies in Psychology. She was also a founding member of the Association for Psychosocial Research and Counseling – Counselling in Madrid, which provided support to individuals and families affected by psychological manipulation (2003–2010). Carmen lectures on courses such as Psychological Assessment, Ethics and Professional Deontology, Gender and Psychology, as well as various subjects related to violence in different contexts, including coercive groups.

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Research & expertise

Her research focuses on forms of violence in various intimate contexts, including psychological abuse and manipulation in cultic groups, gender-based violence, and patterns of parental socialization and discipline. She has also explored violence in other settings, addressing issues such as violent youth groups, terrorism, and radicalization. Additionally, Carmen has participated in research on problematic online behaviors, such as online sexual grooming, sexting, and hate speech on the internet.

Publications & media appearances

  • Caring in the Shadows: Emotional and Caregiving Challenges Faced by Families of Individuals in Coercive Controlling Relationships. Almendros, C., Gonzalez-Espejito, F., Nájera, P., & Garcia-Sanchez, R. (manuscript under second review).
  • Development and Validation of a Measure of Emotional Distress in Survivors of Group Psychological Abuse. Saldaña, O., Antelo, E., Almendros, C., & Rodríguez-Carballeira, A. (2019). The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 22, e33. https://doi.org/10.1017/sjp.2019.32
  • Persuasion Strategies and Sexual Solicitations and Interactions in Online Sexual Grooming of Adolescents: Modeling Direct and Indirect Pathways. Gámez-Guadix, M., Almendros, C., Calvete, E., & De Santiesteban, P. (2018). Journal of Adolescence, 63, 11-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.12.002
  • Development and Validation of the Psychological Abuse Experienced in Groups Scale. Saldaña, O., Rodríguez-Carballeira, A., Almendros, C., & Escartín, J. (2017). The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context, 9(2), 57-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpal.2017.01.002
  • Young People Belonging to Violent Groups in the Region of Madrid: Psychosocial Process Model on the Onset and Evolution of Violent Identity Behaviour. Martín, M.J., Martínez, J.M., Aramayona, B., García-Sánchez, R., Almendros, C., & Jiménez, C. (2017). Anales de Psicología, 33(1), 120–132. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.33.1.228541
  • Psychological Abuse in Manipulative Groups. Almendros, C., Gámez-Guadix, M., Carrobles, J.A., Rodríguez-Carballeira, A. (2011). Behavioral Psychology, 19(1), 157-182. Reprinted in International Journal of Cultic Studies, 2(1), 61-76.
  • Disengagement and Psychological Distress in Former Members of Cultic Groups. Almendros, C., Carrobles, J.A., Rodríguez-Carballeira, A., Gámez-Guadix, M. (2009). Behavioral Psychology, 17(2), 181-201. Reprinted in Cultic Studies Review, 8(2), 111-138.
  • Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Group Psychological Abuse Scale. Almendros, C., Carrobles, J. A., Rodríguez-Carballeira, Á., & Jansa, J. M. (2004). Psicothema, 16(1), 132–138.

 

See here for more publications.

 

Books:

Ladrones de Libertad. Pseudoterapias “religiosas” New Age, with Carmen Rodriguez (2005, Ediciones Universidad Autónoma de Madrid).

Awards & recognition

  • Best Poster Award, XI Latin American Congress on Behavior Analysis and Modification (ALAMOC), 2001. “Psychological Manipulation: The Importance of Preventive Education” Authors: Almendros, C., Carrobles, J.A., Remor, E., Sepúlveda, A.R.
  • Margaret Singer Award, ICSA, 2005.
  • Paul R. Martin Memorial Lecture (II Edition), ICSA, 2011.
  • National Award from the Psychology Students’ Collective (CEP-PIE), 2016.
  • Honorary Member of the Asociación PsicoSanitaria: Asociación Nacional de Psicología Sanitaria, since 2017.

Other roles & contributions

  • Principal Researcher: Coercive Control as a Distinctive Element in Violent Dynamics within Young Partner Relationships: An Intermethod and Longitudinal Study Funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, 2020–2024.
  • Co-Editor of the International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation (since 2020). Editorial Board Member of Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica (Springer Open) (since 2016) and of Behavioral Psychology: International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology (since 2010)
  • Member of the Standing Committee of the Spanish Network of University Comisiones de Convivencia (RedCCU), under the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (since 2024). Member of the Comisión de Convivencia at the Autonomous University of Madrid (since 2023)
  • Founding Member of the Interuniversity Seminar for the Advancement of Psychology and the Quality of Psychological Care (SIPPyCAP), Spain (since 2014). Founding Member of the Spanish Society for the Advancement of Psychological Assessment (since 2017)
  • Member of the UAM-recognized Research Group: Abuse and Violence in Interpersonal Relationships (since 2008) and of Barcelona-recognized Research Group: Invictus Research (since 2009)
  • Visiting Researcher at Arizona State University with Dr. Robert B. Cialdini (2004 and 2007). Clinical and Research Internship at Wellspring Retreat & Resource Center (2003 and 2004), with Dr. Paul R. Martin and Dr. Ronald J. Burks

Rod Dubrow-Marshall, PhD, GMBPsS

Professor, Psychologist and Programme Leader and Member Centre for Research on Inclusive Society | University of Salford, United Kingdom

Dr. Roderick Dubrow-Marshall is a Professor and psychologist and is a Programme Leader at the University of Salford. A member of the ICSA Board of Directors, he has been researching the psychology of coercive and undue influence including in cults and extremist groups and in relationships and families for over twenty five years and developed the evidence based Totalistic Identity Theory to explain and tackle the psychological effects of coercion and ideological extremism. Rod also offers private consultations with families and individuals affected by coercive control and is an exit worker and psychologist with the Re-entry Therapy, Information and Referral Network (RETIRN) UK which he co-founded in 2004 with Dr Linda Dubrow-Marshall. He has served in leadership roles in higher education and as a trustee in the non-profit sector and in schools.

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Research & expertise

Dr. Dubrow-Marshall’s research interests include organizational behavior, mental health, identity and prejudice, and public policy. His Totalistic Identity Theory is a key contribution to understanding and combating ideological extremism. He also works as a psychologist and exit worker with individuals and families affected by cults and coercive environments.

Publications & media appearances

  • The Recognition of Cults. Dubrow-Marshall, R.P. (2024). In Thomas, A., & Graham-Hyde, E. (Eds.), Cult Rhetoric in the 21st Century: Deconstructing the Study of New Religious Movements. Bloomsbury.
  • Cults and Mental Health. Dubrow-Marshall, R.P., & Dubrow-Marshall, L. (2023). In Friedman, H.S. (Ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Mental Health. New York: Academic Press.
  • The Influence Continuum – The Good, the Dubious and the Harmful – Evidence and Implications for Policy and Practice in the 21st Century. Dubrow-Marshall, R. P. (2010). International Journal of Cultic Studies, 1(1), 1-13.

Awards & recognition

  • Herbert L. Rosedale Award, ICSA, 2006 (with Dr. Paul Martin)

Other roles & contributions

  • Chair of ICSA’s Research Committee and Network
  • Co-Editor, International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation
  • Co-Founder, Re-Entry Therapy Information and Referral Network (RETIRN) UK
  • Co-Program Leader, Masters of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control, University of Salford, UK (Distance Learning Program)
  • Governor, Akaal Primary School, Derby, UK
  • Director and Trustee, Northern Schools Trust, Liverpool, UK

Robin Boyle-Laisure, JD

Professor of Legal Writing, St. John’s University School of Law

Robin Boyle-Laisure, JD, is a Professor of Legal Writing at St. John’s University School of Law and a member of ICSA’s Board of Directors. Her work addresses legal issues around cults, human trafficking, undue influence, and coercion.

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Research & expertise

Robin’s legal expertise intersects with cultic studies, with a focus on the application of trafficking laws to predatory cults and coercive groups. She has lectured internationally and authored multiple articles on these subjects.

Publications & media appearances

  • Undoing Undue Influence: How the Doctrine Can Avoid Judicial Subjectivity by Omitting the Vulnerability Element. (2023). American Journal of Trial Advocacy.
  • Human Trafficking, Cults, & Coercion: The Use of Drugs as a Tool. (2023). International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation.
  • Preventing Predatory Alienation by High-Control Groups. (2021). International Journal of Coercion, Abuse, and Manipulation.
  • Staying Safe: Observing Warning Signs of a Dangerous Liaison, with Andrea Laisure. (2017). ICSA Today.
  • Employing Trafficking Laws to Capture Elusive Leaders of Destructive Cults. (2016). Oregon Review of International Law, reprinted in 2018, International Journal of Cultic Studies.

 

Books:

  • Taken No More: Protect Your Children Against Traffickers and Cults. (forthcoming 2025). Bloomsbury.
  • Persuasive Advocacy in Action: A Workbook for Law Students. (2025). Carolina Academic Press.
  • Becoming a Legal Writer: A Workbook with Explanations to Develop Objective Legal Analysis and Writing Skills. (2019, forthcoming 2nd ed. 2025). Carolina Academic Press.
  • Teaching Contract Drafting. (2023). Edward Elgar Publisher.

Other roles & contributions

  • Lecturer on Cults and Law
  • Documentary Interview, Branded & Brainwashed: Inside NXIVM (2023, Tubi Channel)

Omar Saldaña, PhD

Associate Professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology at the University of Barcelona

Omar Saldaña is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology at the University of Barcelona. He holds a PhD in Psychology from the same institution, where he graduated with the distinction of Excellent Cum Laude. His doctoral research focused on psychological abuse in group contexts, including its assessment and psychological consequences. He has been a member of ICSA since 2010 and is a frequent contributor to ICSA conferences and publications.

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Research & expertise

Omar’s academic work focuses on coercive control, psychological violence, and radicalization, particularly in group and interpersonal contexts. He has developed and validated several instruments for measuring psychological abuse and emotional distress in survivors of high-control environments. His research integrates quantitative and psychosocial approaches and has been published widely in peer-reviewed journals. In addition to his university teaching, he regularly provides specialized training for professionals and contributes to projects addressing abuse prevention, public safety, and social well-being. He also serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Cultic Studies and is active in peer review and academic evaluation committees.

Publications & media appearances

  • Group psychological abuse perpetration: Development and validation of a measure using classical and modern test theory. (2023). Psychology of Violence, 13(4), 338–347.
  • The negative impact of group psychological abuse on life satisfaction and well-being. (2022). Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(19–20), NP18865–NP18887.
  • The impact of group psychological abuse on distress: The mediating role of social functioning and resilience. (2021). European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1954776.
  • Group psychological abuse and psychopathological symptoms: The mediating role of psychological stress. (2021). Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(11–12), NP6602–NP6623.
  • Development and validation of a measure of emotional distress in survivors of group psychological abuse. (2019). The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 22, E33.
  • El abuso psicológico en sectas coercitivas: Análisis, evaluación e intervención. (2021). Formación Continuada a Distancia, 46, 1–37.
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Awards & recognition

  • Awarded the Margaret Thaler Singer Award (2024) by ICSA

Other roles & contributions

  • Member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Cultic Studies
  • Reviewer for journals including Journal of Family Violence and International Journal of Social Psychology
  • Scientific Committee member for the 2024 ICSA Annual Conference
  • Frequent contributor and presenter at ICSA conferences on topics such as radicalization, cult recovery, and abuse assessment

Zoe Lambert, PhD

Author and Lecturer at the Department of English and Creative Writing at Lancaster University

Zoe Lambert is a lecturer in the Department of English and Creative Writing at Lancaster University, where she teaches and supervises creative writing at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Manchester Metropolitan University and has a strong background in short fiction, memoir, and writing for wellbeing. Zoe has read and performed her work at national and international venues, including the Hay Festival, the Manchester Literature Festival, and the International Cultic Studies Association conference. Her short story collection The War Tour was shortlisted for the Edge Hill Prize in 2012.

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Research & expertise

Zoe’s research explores writing as a tool for processing religious trauma and constructing post-cult identity. Her practice-based work uses journalling, fragmented memoir, and trauma-informed teaching to investigate how recovery can be represented as a lifelong and nonlinear process. She has developed writing-for-wellbeing workshops for survivors of religious coercion and sexual violence, including a course co-facilitated with a therapist in 2024. Zoe is also active in mentoring early-career academics and fostering inclusive university culture. Her creative writing addresses themes of care, chronic illness, trauma, and speculative futures shaped by climate change.

Publications & media appearances

  • I’m Having Sex and I Will Die: On Nearly Overcoming Purity Trauma. (2024). bioStories
  • So That’s the Tale: A Sequence of Vignettes about Caring and Chronic Illness. (2020). Short Fiction in Theory and Practice, 10, 89–103
  • Because There Are No Deaf Disney Princesses. (2019). Confingo, 11
  • She’s Lost Control. (2018). In We Were Strangers: Stories Inspired by Unknown Pleasures. Confingo
  • Chaconne in G Minor. (2016). In The End: Fifteen Endings to Fifteen Paintings. Unthank Books
  • The War Tour. (2011). Comma Press

Other roles & contributions

  • Co-developer of Writing for Wellbeing programs in collaboration with Dr. Sara Wasson and the Birchall Trust
  • Host and interviewer for Litfest and university literary events, including sessions with A. K. Blakemore and Winnie M Li
  • Mentor for new and early-career academic staff and hourly-paid lecturers at Lancaster University
  • Peer reviewer for Short Fiction in Theory and Practice
  • External examiner for the MA in Creative Writing at the University of Bristol
  • PhD examiner for institutions including Birkbeck, York St John, and the University of Manchester