I am a licensed clinical psychologist and health behavior researcher specializing in the assessment and treatment of pediatric overweight and obesity as well as the promotion of family thriving. I received my Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Behavioral Science from Emory University in 2001 and my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2007. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL (Consult-Liaison track) and my post-doctoral fellowship in the AFLAC Cancer Center at Emory University/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA. I completed a 3 year T32 research post-doctoral fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 2011 where I specialized in pediatric weight management (behavioral and surgical).
My research interests include understanding the contextual factors that influence people’s engagement in health behaviors, pediatric overweight and obesity, using motivational interviewing as a catalyst for change, and identifying facilitators of family thriving. I was a co-investigator and motivational interviewing home therapist for a NIH clinical trial investigating clinic and home family based behavioral treatment for obese preschoolers (5R01DK091251-04) as well as a content expert for a NIH clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of weight loss surgery vs. comprehensive lifestyle intervention as a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in severely obese adolescents (1R01DK100429-01A1). I received a NIH Loan Repayment Award (2009-2010) in conjunction with a pilot study exploring the post-operative lifestyle behaviors of adolescent bariatric patients.
I enjoy providing motivational interviewing workshops, coaching, and consultation for individuals and organizations seeking a collaborative, values based, self-motivating way of interacting with clients and patients. Recent clients include:
- University of Georgia Clinical Psychology Program (Full Day Intermediate)
- Wellspring Living (2 Day Advanced Beginner)
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Program Provider Training (Half Day Intermediate)
- Georgia Psychological Association (GPA; Half Day Intermediate)
Training feedback:
"Megan, you rock! Thank you for your expertise and time. I feel more confident and prepared to utilize MI skills and techniques."
"Great blend of information and practice. Discussions/reflections were helpful and I appreciate being able to receive individualized feedback."
"Great training!"
"This was a great workshop and I look forward to applying the skills learned in my clinical work."
Check back soon for a list of my upcoming trainings or feel free to contact me directly to discuss your training needs.
