People

Dr. Aleah Fontaine

Dr. Aleah Fontaine is an Anishinaabe, British, and German Winnipegger, and proud urban band member of Sagkeeng First Nation. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Manitoba and is currently pursuing liscensure as a Registered Clinical Psychologist.

Dr. Fontaine is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology within the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba and provides clinical services within the Women’s Psychology Service at the Women’s Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre. She has experience with a range of evidence-based psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies. She works with women who have experienced birth trauma, loss, and mood-related challenges within the perinatal period and has a particular interest in developing culturally-grounded and community-informed mental health services for Indigenous people.

Recognizing how historical and present social environments impact health across generations, her research interests include Indigenous well-being, perinatal mental health, intergenerational transmission of health, emotional responses to social injustice, reconciliation, and intergroup relations.

Meet the Lab

  • Taylar Hanson-Oliveira, Research Assistant

    Taylar is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Manitoba. She plans to continue her education at the University of Manitoba to pursue her Masters and PhD in School Psychology. Her research interests include Indigenous mental health and wellbeing, as well as mental health accessibility in remote and northern communities. When Taylar finishes her schooling, she hopes to travel to northern Manitoba communities to support students in school. When she isn't studying, Taylar enjoys spending time with family and friends and travelling to her hometown of Thompson Manitoba. 

  • Sandra Hunter, Research Assistant

    Sandra Hunter is in the process of completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manitoba. She is Anishinaabe on her mother’s side, and Scottish, Irish, and English on her father’s side. Sandra grew up in Dauphin River First Nation and is a member of Lake St. Martin First Nation in the Interlake region of Manitoba. Sandra is a mother and grandmother and worked as a Families First Home Visitor for 14 years. She returned to university to explore Indigenous created and led methods of supporting Indigenous families. Sandra’s research focuses on traditional Indigenous child rearing and reclamation of culture to increase wellness and positive cultural identity.

Lab Alumni

Thank you to all of our past alumni for all of your contributions!

Beluchi Akabogu, Volunteer Research Assistant, 2025

Christopher Duguay, Volunteer Research Assistant, 2025

Janina Reimer, Volunteer Research Assistant, 2025