Kyla Brophy is a PhD student in Counselling Psychology at McGill University. She joined the ATTSVE project as an intern in summer 2018, when she had the opportunity to conduct focus groups, interviews, and workshops at 4 ATVETs in Ethiopia. This work has led to the development of a report on student perceptions of gender-based violence, as well as briefing papers on several key initiatives in ATTSVE’s gender-transformative programming (e.g., Cash Transfers, Gender Clubs, Women and leadership; available on the Resources page). ​

Kyla’s background is in community education and health promotion.  She has worked in the non-profit sector coordinating social justice education programs, including a gender-based violence prevention program in partnership with Status of Women Canada.  She later worked in hospital and community health settings supporting the transition to adulthood for youth with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, and youth with connections to the foster care system.  Her doctoral research investigates self-compassion as a factor that promotes resilience and well-being, supervised by Dr. Annett Körner, a member of the Institute for Human Development and Well-being and Director of the Science and Practice in Psychology Research Lab.

Kyla says: “My involvement in ATTSVE’s in-country activities and ongoing knowledge mobilization has highlighted the important role of gender transformative programming in supporting and promoting well-being and human development.  I feel fortunate to be able to learn from the diverse perspectives and experiences of students, faculty, and ATTSVE team members in Ethiopia, and the team members at McGill and Dalhousie.”

Kyla holds BAs in Political Science and Psychology from the University of British Columbia, a Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement from Simon Fraser University, and an MSc in Gender (Research) from the London School of Economics.  In addition to her doctoral research, she facilitates workshops on self-compassion, mental health, and well-being with students, community groups, and professional organizations.