Founder of the Attune Trauma and Regulation Centre, Dr. Kristen McLeod is a registered clinical developmental psychologist who received her MA and PhD from the University of Guelph. While in Guelph, Dr. McLeod worked in various clinical settings serving the needs of children and youth with complex mental health concerns. Dr. McLeod moved to Nova Scotia in 2007, where she spent her first five years working at the IWK Hospital, initially in residential treatment and then in outpatient treatment with children in the care of the child welfare system. After leaving the hospital in 2012, Dr. McLeod set up a private practice in Truro, Nova Scotia that specialized in trauma-based consultation and support to caregivers, and to helping children and youth recover from traumatic life experiences. Dr. McLeod has now returned to her old home and is looking forward to once again being a psychologist in Guelph.

Much of Dr. McLeod’s focus is on better understanding the neurodevelopmental impact of trauma and neglect, and the challenges this impact creates for traditional methods of intervention and caregiving. A strong advocate of the need for trauma-informed care, Dr. McLeod provides regular workshops and trainings across Canada on developing trauma-informed approaches to diverse groups including early interventionists, early childhood educators, schools, medical and mental health professionals, and parents and prospective parents.