Our Team
Dr. Sarah MacEachern MD PhD FRCPC
Principal Investigator
Dr. MacEachern is an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Calgary and a Developmental Pediatrician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. She has a PhD in Neuroscience and specialty training in Pediatrics and Developmental Pediatrics. She leads the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. Clinically, she sees pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and has a special interest in children and youth with NDDs who have severe behaviours of concern such as aggression or self-injury.
Dr. Myka Estes PhD MSc
Research Manager
Dr. Estes is a highly experienced researcher with 20 years of experience in translational interdisciplinary research. She has a PhD in Neuroscience and a Masters in Immunology. Her research interests include behaviours of concern, sleep difficulties, and patient access to care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and dog.
Ishnoor Nahal
PhD Student, Medical Science
Ishnoor (she/her) is a PhD student in Medical Science at the University of Calgary. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences and Native Studies alongside a Research Certificate in Science at the University of Alberta. Ishnoor’s PhD is focused on the creation and feasibility testing of Nova Sleepcare. She led Phases I and II and is now turning her attention to Phase III - see the About tab for more information. Outside of the lab, she enjoys knitting, baking, and building her knowledge regarding Indigenous Health.
Greta Heathcote
Greta is a family research partner with the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab along with her son, Callum. She is currently Associate Director, Work-Integrated Learning for Neurodiverse Students Initiative at the University of Calgary. Greta has participated in the co-design of Nova Sleepcare and is overseeing the feasibility testing work. She is passionate about contributing to research that supports families of neurodivergent children and creating neuro-affirming work environments.
Callum Heathcote
Callum is an 11 year old youth research partner with Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. Keen to share his lived experiences in the research and co-design process, Callum loves to share stories, drawings, ideas, and his youthful perspectives with the research team. He has participated in the co-design of Nova Sleepcare and is overseeing the feasibility testing work.He is passionate about biathlon, Lego, and learning more about history.
Suzanne Deliscar
Suzanne is a family research partner with the Precision Neurodevelopment Lab along with her daughter, Elizabeth. She is currently a Spanish and French legal translator and an authentication & legalization agent. Suzanne has been involved in a number of hospital and university studies as a research participant and has spent time involved with online groups that support parents of children with special needs and other caregivers. Suzanne has participated in the co-design of Nova Sleepcare and is overseeing the feasibility testing work.
Elizabeth Deliscar
Elizabeth is a youth research partner with Precision Neurodevelopment Lab. She is currently in grade 8. Elizabeth loves to share her lived experience, ideas and thoughts through a variety of means, including drawing, painting, and conversations with the research team. She has participated in the co-design of Nova Sleepcare and is overseeing the feasibility testing work.Elizabeth is passionate about science experiments, being active, and arts and crafts.
Our Collaborators
Dr. Deborah Dewey
Dr. Dewey is a Professor of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences at the UCalgary and a clinical psychologist. She is an established researcher who is an expert in clinical child health and neurodevelopment research. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, including mentorship, to the research team.
Dr. Megan Thomas
Dr. Thomas is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University and a Developmental Pediatrician at the IWK Health Center in Halifax NS. She brings her clinical and research expertise in behavioural and sleep management for children and youth with NDDs and their families, and extensive clinical trial senior management expertise.
Dr. Anamaria Richardson
Dr. Richardson is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia, a Pediatrician at BC Children’s Hospital, and a community-based Pediatrician in Vancouver BC. She brings her expertise in self-injurious behaviours in children and youth with NDDs and pediatric health equity with a focus on rural and remote Indigenous communities.
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, a Canada Research Chair Tier II in Mental Health and Intersectionality, and a clinical psychologist. She is the lead of the Canadian Sleep Equity team and the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity. She bring expertise in sociodemographic and racial disparities in health, with a particular focus on sleep.