Find us in FSS 2050!
We're happy to answer any questions about what we do and how we can help you through your undergraduate career. We swear we won't bite!
Our Mission
The Psychology Students’ Association (PSA) is a federated body of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) with the mandate to offer information to all its members about subjects related to the field of psychology and student life.
OUR TEAM
The Psychology Student Association is comprised a team of executive members whose goal is to represent psychology students at the University of Ottawa at the undergraduate level.
Your President - Rachel Pang
I’m from: Calgary, Alberta
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the President, I oversee the internal processes of the PSA and support the executive team in their various initiatives. I work closely with all executive members to ensure that all events, services, and initiatives are inclusive, accessible, engaging, and sustainable. My primary goal is to ensure all student voices are heard and action is taken to address their wants and needs.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: listening to music, talking with friends, going for walks, baking.
Advice for students: there will always be “just another club, just one more commitment, just a couple more hours.” In your search for perfection, you miss the little details along the way. University is so much more than just top grades and back-to-back extracurriculars, it’s also late nights laughing with friends, exploring a new world, and creating the life your childhood self always dreamed of. Take a step back and admire how far you’ve come.
Academic Interests? child development, psychopathology, pediatric medicine
Language Proficiency: English
Two words that describe me best: dedicated and empathetic.
Fun Fact: I’m named after Rachel from Friends!
Contact me: president@psaep.ca
Your Vice Presidents of Internal Affairs -
Liza Ilin
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the VP of Internal Affairs, my job is to coordinate the use of PSA resources, overseeing and distributing merchandise for the faculty, coordinating executive meetings and office hours, managing volunteer hours and opportunities, and working closely with the president to ensure the PSA runs efficiently.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Going for walks, spending time with friends, baking, listening to music, going to the movies.
Advice for students: If you have the chance, try and get involved on campus! You’ll meet so many amazing people and learn a lot about your own interests.
Academic Interests: Clinical and Counseling Psychology.
Language Proficiency: English (fluent), French (fluent), Russian (fluent).
Two words that best describe you: Kind and Hard-Working.
Fun Fact: I don’t like ketchup or mustard.
Contact me: internal@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Philanthropy - Isabelle Hetherington
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? In my role as the Vice President of Philanthropy and Activism, I work to plan fundraising and activism events for students in psychology and the uOttawa community. I am excited to bring students together for exciting events that support a great cause with the support of the PSA executive team. If you have any fundraiser ideas or causes you are passionate about, please be sure to contact me (email below)!
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: reading (a lot), going for walks, talking with friends or family, playing volleyball and listening to music.
Advice for students: try to stay on top of class material and don’t procrastinate. That way when it's time to prepare for exams its review instead of having to learn the material from scratch.
Academic Interests: social/moral development and cognition.
Language Proficiency: English
Two words that best describe you: Curious and motivated
Fun Fact: I am a triplet
Contact me: philanthropic@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Social Affairs - Arianna Houle
I’m from: Russel, Ontario
Year: 6th
BA or BSc? BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the VP of Social Affairs, I organize and host social events throughout the academic year for students within the School of Psychology, in addition to students from other faculties via RSG (registered student government) collabs. My goal is to bring forth events that will allow students to interact with their peers and feel like a part of a community.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Going to the gym or a long bath.
Advice for students: Make sure to use university as a chance to get to know yourself and what you love! Join clubs, take all the interesting classes you can, meet as many people as possible and pay attention to what makes you excited and what serves you!
Academic Interests? Social Work, Crisis Intervention, Social Determinants of Health.
Language Proficiency: English (First Language), French (Second Language).
Two words that best describe you: Outgoing and Driven.
Fun Fact: I can usually memorize song lyrics after only 1-2 listens.
Contact me: social@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Communications - Bayley Pellow
I’m from: London, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc? BA with a minor in sociology
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My role is to ensure psychology students are kept up to date with pertinent information (i.e. events, mental health resources, opportunities) in both French and English, sending out newsletters, updating the website and the social medias, answering emails and DM’s and directing students to available resources.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: Reading or hanging out with friends.
Advice for students: Don’t be afraid to take different classes! My favourite electives have been classes nobody thought I would take because of my major.
Academic Interests: Child development and learning.
Language Proficiency: English/French.
Two words that best describe you: Bubbly and adventurous.
Fun Fact: I used to be a Park Ranger with Ontario Parks.
Contact me: communications@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Finance - Samantha Clement
I’m from: Paris, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? My position on the PSA is VP of financial affairs. My job on the PSA is primarily to create the budgets for activities and ensure PSA funds are spent responsibly. I will also work with members of the PSA, when they spend their own money, to ensure they are reimbursed. I as well provide UOSU with reports of the PSA’s spending. These reports are to ensure money was spent responsibly and all money is accounted for.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: sitcoms and snacks :)
Advice for students: get involved! Joining clubs and being involved on campus is a great way to meet new people and to build your resume.
Academic Interests: Clinical psych, child psych, and forensic psychology.
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Optimistic and Animated
Fun Fact: I grew up on a dairy farm
Contact me: finance@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of University Affairs - Silvi Ivardi
I’m from: 8 different places across Canada
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
As the VP of University Affairs, I am responsible for supporting students with any academic inquiries, conflicts, appeals, grade reviews and course selection. I’m focused on promoting the improvement of the Psychology program at UOttawa and aiding students with their professional and personal growth. I also organize events and panels that contribute to the academic development of undergraduate psychology students.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Cats!
Advice for students: Get involved in everything! My favourite parts of university are my dance club (UODC), this association and work-study jobs at the school.
Academic Interests: Nutritional psychology
Language proficiency: English and French
Two words that best describe me: Extroverted and Happy
Fun Fact: I’m a personal trainer and group fitness instructor here at uOttawa!
Contact me: universityaffairs@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of Equity - Anupriya Kakkar
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As VP Equity, I implement events that educate students on equity issues, amplify historically marginalized voices, and eliminate barriers within the PSA.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: spending time with my friends and family, playing guitar, photography, late night drives, watching comedy movies.
Advice for students: Focus on the present and your mental well being ALWAYS. Remember to always be kind to yourself and have a positive mindset. Your thoughts become your actions and your actions become your reality.
Academic Interests: Neuroscience, Psychological disorders and treatments, Anatomy and Physiology.
Language proficiency: Hindi, English, and French (beginner)
Two words that best describe me: Outgoing and empathetic
Fun Fact: I was born in New York
Contact me: equity@psaep.ca
Your Vice President of External Affairs - Yijia Xin
I’m from: China
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/They
What is my role in my position? As VP external, I am responsible for creating sponsorship packages and communicating with companies and business to secure sponsors for the PSA as a whole and for specific events, such as 101 Week and the Social Sciences Ball.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: listening to music
Advice for students: Relax, enjoy the years in university! Things will always seem easier when you’re having fun.
Academic interests: cognition, behaviour, neuropsychology.
Language proficiency: English, French, Chinese.
Two words that best describe me: enthusiastic and empathetic
Fun fact: I just started learning the electric guitar
Contact me at: external@psaep.ca
Your Director of Secretarial Affairs - Lynne Jeanty
I’m from: Ottawa Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the Director of Secretarial Affairs, my role is to take attendance and meeting minutes during Executive Team meetings. My role also includes helping the other executive members in setting up events.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: a good long nap, reading a book, playing piano, rewatching my favourite movies and shows.
Advice for students: Stay organized and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
Academic interests: Behavioural neuroscience, psychopathology, neurobiology, child development, drugs and behaviour
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me:
Fun fact: I’ve been hit by a semi truck
Contact me: secretarialaffairs@psaep.ca
Your Director of Financial Affairs - Bee McNeill
I’m from: Calgary, Alberta
Year: 3rd of studies, 1st at uOttawa.
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the Director of Financial Affairs, I hope to have a positive impact on the PSA, students at UOttawa, and my overall university experience. I will be helping the VP of Financial Affairs with budgets, planning, approvals, and all of the other finance-related tasks.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: Running in the forest with my dog! She can carry a log in her mouth for over 30 minutes.
Advice for students: There’s no perfect way to experience university. We all have our place in life that allows us to go on our own, beautiful, journeys. Whether you’re grinding out your undergrad, or have been finding your calling slowly, you’re doing perfect!
Academic Interests: developmental psychology, parental psychology, nature vs. nurture
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Excited and curious.
Fun Fact: I used to have 6 cats!
Contact me at: bmcne042@uottawa.ca
Your Director of Promotions - Abby Thompson
I’m from: Truro, Nova Scotia
Year: 2nd
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As the director of promotion, I manage the Instagram account including answering DMs, reposting posts from other clubs and posting our own promotional content. I also create all of our promotional material for events and other initiatives.
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: baking bread, taking a dance class, or getting a sweet treat.
Advice for students: Make time to do things other than just schoolwork. There are so many great clubs at uOttawa you can get involved in, but even just having a movie night with your friends can be good! It is so important to have balance while you’re in university to take away some of the stress and help you feel less overwhelmed.
Academic interests: Neuroscience, learning, and social psychology.
Language proficiency: English
Two words that best describe me: Dedicated and dependable
Fun fact: I read 80 books in 2021!
Contact me: promo@psaep.ca
Your Director of Marketing - Jayce McMillan
I’m from: Toronto, Ontario
Year: 1st
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: They/She/He
What is my role in my position?: As the director of marketing I manage and film TikToks, including brainstorming, filming, and posting promotional videos on both TikTok and Instagram
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: making an iced latte, watching a comfort movie, and talking to my friends.
Advice for students: put yourself first. As important as school is, your mental health and wellbeing should always come first. Be sure to take breaks, seek help when needed, and use your available resources.
Academic Interests: social psychology and forensic psychology
Language proficiency: English / French
Two words that best describe me: hardworking and independent
Fun Fact: my favourite font is Times New Roman
Contact me: promo@psaep.ca
Your Director of Bilingualism and Translation - Gabe Kotch
I’m from : Barrie, Ontario
Year: 4th
BA or BSc? BSc
Pronouns: He/Him
What is my role in my position? As Director of Bilingualism and Translation, my role is to promote a bilingual environment for both French-speaking and English-speaking students and ensure that all documents shared by the PSA reflect both official languages.
When I’m down my go-to pick me up is: watching a movie
Advice for students: learn how to manage your time properly and ask for help from everyone you can.
Academic Interests? School Psychology
Language Proficiency: French and English
Two words that best describe you: book writer
Fun Fact: I wrote a book
Contact me: bilingualism@psaep.ca
1st Year Representative - Ananya Sathyanarayan
I’m from: Ottawa, Ontario
Year: 1st
BA or BSc: BSc
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? I'm in charge of organizing events for first-year psychology students and helping them get involved with the association. I look forward to promoting the PSA’s purpose and activities!
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: cooking, listening to music and making playlists, going on drives and watching comfort TV shows.
Advice for Students: I’m a first-year student experiencing university for the first time myself and I’ve met some really amazing people who I cannot imagine getting this far without - we’re all in this together!
Academic Interests: Consumer and IO Psychology
Language Proficiency: English
Two Words To Describe Me: passionate and approachable
Fun Fact: I have a really high spice tolerance!
Contact me: exec@psaep.ca
I’m from: Peterborough, Ontatio
Year: 4th
BA or BSC: BA
Pronouns: She/Her
What is my role in my position? As a council member I really want to make sure the voices of psychology students are heard. It is so important that the faculty understands the concerns, needs, and desires of their students. I hope to be able to create a better bridge between the student body and the faculty.
When I'm down my go-to-pick-me-up is: a great playlist or petting my cat.
Advice for students: Don’t give up if certain opportunities don’t work out for you! Try, try and try again, because in the end you will figure it out.
Academic interests: Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Childhood Development, Dream Psychology
Language Proficiency: English, and French
Two words that best describe me: Approachable and curious
Fun Fact: I played a seagull in a production of The Little Mermaid!
Contact me: council@psaep.ca
Elena Bakker
I’m from: Red Deer, Alberta
Year: 3rd
BA or BSc: BA
Pronouns: She/Her/Elle
What is my role in my position? As a general council member, I attend School of Psychology council meetings with professors within the program. At these meetings, I note updates from the professors on matters related to the psychology program. I also act as a representative of the undergraduate students at these meetings by advocating for psych undergraduate students!
When I’m down my go-to-pick-me-up is: reading!
Advice for students: Talk to your professors! Go to their office hours, and ask them about their research and their career. You can learn so much more from your professors than just what they teach in class.
Academic Interests: Neuroscience, clinical psychology, mindfulness, motivation
Language Proficiency: English and French
Two-words that best describe me: Inquisitive and determined
Fun fact: I have a horse back home!
Contact me: council@psaep.ca
Anita Suthakaran
Contact me: council@psaep.ca