Michelle Keightley, Ph.D.

 

Dr. Keightley received her B.Sc. (Hons.) in Psychology from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology, with the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, from the University of Toronto. Dr. Keightley is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist in the province of Ontario.

In addition to her role as an educator and researcher at the University of Toronto, Dr. Keightley also provides clinical services to the Northwestern Ontario Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic in Kenora, Ontario and Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Her expertise in the field of FASD has been recognized at both the provincial and national level.

Her research interests address disparities regarding best practices for treatment and long-term care of Aboriginal Canadians recovering from brain injury, mental illness and related disabilities. These include the development of culturally competent assessment tools as well as exploring the inclusion of traditional Aboriginal healing approaches for improved long-term outcome following illness and injury. In particular, Dr. Keightley combines her previous training in the field of cognitive neuroscience with current community-based collaborations in northern and remote First Nations communities in order to apply functional neuroimaging techniques to better understand the influence of Indigenous culture and language on normal brain functioning. More broadly, Dr. Keightley maintains a strong interest in her previous work examining the neurobiology of emotional health and well-being, and is currently participating in research and clinical initiatives that explore novel therapeutic approaches (e.g. healing arts programs) to cognitive and emotional rehabilitation.

Dr. Keightley is a respected and conscientious researcher who strives to increase the capacity for Aboriginal health research that is conducted from an Aboriginal perspective, through full collaboration and participation from stakeholders and Aboriginal community partners.

Dr. Keightley was involved in the following M-THAC projects as an M-THAC researcher:

• A community-based approach to exploring brain injury from an Aboriginal perspective

• familycaregiving.ca: Innovative Ways to Serve Family Caregivers of People with Traumatic Brain Injury in Northern Ontario

Contact Information:
E-Mail: michelle.keightley@utoronto.ca