COMIC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Comic Team
- Researchers
Dr Clare Fenton holds a Masters in Psychiatry from the University of Leeds, and is a practicing Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She is a Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of York, in a joint appointment between Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust and Hull York Medical School. Her current research focuses on preventative strategies and interventions in young people vulnerable to or suffering from mental health problems. She has a particular interest in research into preventing and treating self-harming behaviours and eating disorders.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Member of the Comic Team
Dr Hannah Armitt is a Clinical Psychologist by background and has several roles working in the NHS. She works part time for the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust Research and Development Team and is also the Clinical Lead for the Test and Learn Green Social Prescribing Programme in Humber, Coast and Vale. Hannah has over 10 years' experience working with children, young people and families and has specialist knowledge and interest in working with children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. Hannah's research interests include how green and blue spaces (outdoors/nature) can support people's mental and physical health, supporting those with Autism/ADHD and the mental health needs of women and girls.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Comic Team
- Research Programme Manager
Zoe joined COMIC as Research Programme Manager after 10 years of virology research at the University of Leeds where she completed an MSc and PhD followed by Post-Doctoral work. After having a pandemic baby and seeing first-hand the difficulties that this period has placed on children's mental health and mental health resources, she is looking forward to applying her research knowledge and experience into the COMIC team.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Member of the Comic Team
Ellen is a research trial coordinator with a strong interest in both neuropsychology and mental health research. She holds a BSc in psychology from Florida State University and an MSc in cognitive neuroscience from the University of York. She previously worked as a research assistant with psychosis and older adult mental health studies. She also has experience running fMRI based research studies at the York Neuroimaging Centre. Ellen is currently working with the COMIC team on a study looking into LEGO-based therapy for children with diagnoses on the Autism spectrum (I-SOCIALISE).
Leah received her BSc in Psychology from the University of Plymouth in 2018. During her studies she was involved in a range of research and spent one year working as a Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts Boston where she explored the use of moral philosophy in sexual health education and studied the experiences of bystanders who witnessed potential sexual assaults.
Leah also holds 6 years of experience working hands-on with children and adults with various cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs in outdoor education and recreation programming and in residential services. It was in doing this work that she became passionate about utilising applied research to support this population in leading happy and fulfilling lives and supporting their families and carers. At COMIC, Leah is a research assistant for ASSSIST-2, assessing the efficacy of social stories as behavioural interventions for children with ASD.
Megan completed her Psychology BSc degree at the University of York in 2016, and has an interest in mental health research. Megan completed an internship with COMIC in January 2017, after which she joined COMIC as a full time Research Assistant, working on a range of projects. This has included completing a systematic review based on attachment disorders, and working on the Cluster Schools project, which aims to evaluate mental health interventions in schools. Megan is now a Research Fellow within the COMIC team and coordinates the preparation and submission of grant applications for funding for future research studies.
Sharon has over 20 years experience in the NHS and has worked in a variety of roles, including working for the Ambulance service for 17 of these. Sharon has a background in Human Resources and has worked as a HR Assistant Manager; managing disciplinary, attendance management, grievances, capability issues and is also a qualified mediator. She also has Further Education teaching experience and is also a qualified NVQ assesor.
Sharon joined LYPFT in 2015 as a bank member of staff in Human Resources for 18 months and progressed to Mill Lodge and Clifton House. She joined the R&D team in early 2018 and works as a secretary for a lovely team of people. She is responsible for day to day administration such as supplies, travel, invoicing, amending various papers, reference researching, organising conferences and meetings. She is also trying to maintain some form of organisation for our Professor!