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Hi…My name is Meredith and I am a McBride Scholars student in my first year at Bryn Mawr. After many years of discovery I have finally decided on Psychology as my major with an interest in Gender and Sexuality Studies. I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Caila, 10, and Lily, 3, and I am determined to raise them in a family and community where they can flourish and grow surrounded by love and support.

Concerned by how the brain is affected by repeated trauma in childhood (sexual, emotional, verbal abuse) and the mind/body connection, I am interested especially in how trauma changes the brain chemistry which could cause mental illnesses. How can we treat survivors and people who suffer with illnesses such as schizophrenia, DID, somatic disorders, etc., with more dignity and respect? My experiences as a child growing up in a family with a mother who suffers with bipolar disorder and a brother who was born with Neurofibromatosis has provided a clear definition of the bias in how our society views different types of illnesses. My brother, after diagnosed with NF and four brain tumors was provided for not only physically by his doctors, the insurance company, his family, and friends, but nurtured, loved, and always held in high regard, no matter what his mental state had become. My mother, who suffered with a severe illness also, but one that regarded by society as “crazy,” had limits set on her recovery regarding when she had to be well or her medical insurance would run out, and her friends and family gave up on her. Is there a difference between the two? They are both diseases of the brain…I want to know more about the neurobiology of mental illnesses.

I am looking forward to lots of wonderful discussions and learning and growing!