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About

As many ADHDers - I am a Jack of All Traits type. I am in love with learning and this reflects in my personal and professional background.

 

My work is grounded in a multidisciplinary foundation of education, psychology, and neuroscience. Through rigorous academic programs and hands-on experience, I’ve developed an in-depth understanding of how learning, development, and mental health intersect—particularly for neurodivergent individuals navigating high-demand environments.

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Post-secondary Education

State-certified Educator (Erzieher - Germany)
Academy for Social Pedagogy - 2007 - 2012

In Germany, an Erzieher is a highly trained education and care professional qualified to support social, emotional, and cognitive development across all ages. The five-year Social Pedagogy and Education program combines academic coursework with extensive practicum, covering developmental psychology, life skills, inclusive education, and group leadership. A key focus is pedagogy—the practice and methodology of how people learn—preparing professionals to create effective, developmentally appropriate learning environments. Erzieher*innen work in diverse settings, including early childhood, youth, residential care, and adult mental health services, guiding learning, fostering well-being, and creating safe, inclusive spaces. Practicum experience includes early intervention, family support, and psychosocial care.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology
The University of British Columbia - 2016 - 2018

The Honours program at UBC is a selective, two-year research-intensive stream designed for students intending to pursue graduate studies in psychology. Admission is highly competitive, with only 30 students accepted annually. The program includes advanced coursework in research methods and statistics, as well as two independent research projects conducted under faculty supervision during the third and fourth years. This rigorous training provides a strong foundation in psychological theory and empirical research .

Master of Science in Cell and Developmental Biology
The University of British Columbia - 2019 - 2022

This graduate program offers advanced interdisciplinary training in cell and developmental biology. Students engage in original and significant research from the outset, under the supervision of faculty members. The curriculum provides a thorough understanding of the scientific fundamentals and methodologies of contemporary cell and developmental biology. Research areas include molecular and cellular mechanisms governing development and brain function, with applications to fields such as neuroscience and endocrinology.

Additional Certifications

Mind-Body Coach (ongoing)

I am currently completing a Mind-Body Coaching certification through The Embody Lab, a leading global platform for integrative and somatic education. This program deepens my ability to support clients using a holistic, trauma-informed approach that honors the connection between the nervous system, emotions, and learning. Through practices rooted in somatic psychology, neuroscience, and mindful coaching, I’m expanding my toolkit to help clients regulate stress, build resilience, and access greater clarity and self-trust in both academic and personal growth.

Experiential Education/Pedagogy

This qualification in Experiential Education emphasized learning through direct, embodied experience in nature and group settings. I was trained to use outdoor adventures, creative activities, and cooperative challenges to foster emotional regulation, social skills, and personal growth. Applied within camps, youth centers, and therapeutic environments, this approach builds resilience, trust, and self-awareness — principles that continue to inform my coaching style today.

Religious Education/Pedagogy

This additional qualification, completed as part of my Social Pedagogy training in Germany, focuses not on teaching a specific religion, but on exploring spirituality, values, and meaning-making in a reflective, inclusive way. Rooted in interfaith understanding and ethical development, it supports individuals in navigating questions of belonging, identity, and purpose — particularly in times of transition or adversity. I draw on this background only when clients find it personally meaningful or helpful, and always with sensitivity to diverse worldviews and personal belief systems.

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Academic Achievements 

 Distinctions & Scholarships

​Cordula and Gunter Paetzold Fellowship (2020) — Awarded for research excellence and academic promise. Faculty of Medicine One Year Fellowship, UBC (2020) — Competitive fellowship supporting advanced study. Top 15 Early-Career Science Abstracts (2020) — Recognized internationally at the Endocrine Society Conference. Cell Graduate Program Faculty of Medicine Entrance Scholarship, UBC (2019) — Merit-based scholarship for graduate students. CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s Award (2019) — Prestigious national research funding award. Canadian Psychological Association Certificate of Academic Excellence (2018) — For outstanding honours thesis work. Student Scholarships in Arts, Faculty Recommendation, UBC (2018) — Awarded for academic achievement and faculty support. AMS Impact Grant, Undergraduate Research Grant (2017) — Funded independent undergraduate research. Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund, UBC (2017) — Supported innovative educational research projects. Centennial Scholars Major Entrance Award, UBC (2016) — Major entrance scholarship recognizing academic merit. Lifetime Membership, Psi Chi International Honour Society in Psychology (2016) — Inducted for outstanding academic performance. Dean’s List, Okanagan College & University of British Columbia (2014–2018) — Consistently maintained top academic standing. Mature Student Award, Okanagan College (2014) — Recognized for academic success and life experience

Research & Academic Contributions
Theses

Master’s Thesis: The Effects of Brain-Derived Insulin Loss on Adult Neurogenesis in Aged Male and Female Ins2 Knockout Mice Supervised by Dr. James D. Johnson, a leading expert in diabetes and insulin research. This research explored how the loss of brain-derived insulin affects neuron growth in the hippocampus, shedding light on cognitive aging mechanisms. Honors Thesis (Fourth Year) The Effects of Electrically-Induced Seizures on Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Cell Maturation in Mice – A Pilot Study Supervised by Dr. Jason Snyder, a leading expert in neuroplasticity. Investigated the impact of seizure activity on neuron development in the hippocampus, a key brain area for memory formation. Honors Thesis (Third Year) Associations of Allostatic Load, Social Support, and Wellbeing in Older Couples Supervised by Dr. Christiane Hoppmann, a leading expert in healthy aging and health psychology. Examined the interplay between physiological stress, social support, and wellbeing in aging couples.

Publications

Ungar, N. L., Michalowski, V. I., Baehring, S. K., Gerstorf, D., Ashe, M. C., Madden, K. M., & Hoppmann, C. A. (2021). Joint Goals in Older Couples: Associations with goal progress and relationship satisfaction. Frontiers in Psychology. Baehring, S. K., O’Leary, T. P., Holenka, D. M., Li, H., Kim, K., Mehran, A. E., Pavlidis, P., Kim, E. K., Bamji, S. X., & Johnson, J. D. (2020). Female Mice Lacking Brain Insulin Production Exhibit Learning Deficits, Anxiety, and Reduced Hippocampal Cyclin D1 Expression. Journal of the Endocrine Society, 4(S1), 1. Baehring, S. K., & Barnes, S. J. (2019). Creating Student-Focused Syllabi: A Tool for Instructors. University of British Columbia Report. Baehring, S. K., Lussier, A. L., Kesici, A. B., & Snyder, J. S. (2019). The Effects of Electrically-Induced Seizures on Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Cell Maturation in Mice – A Pilot Study. UBC Undergraduate Journal of Psychology.

Presentations

ENDO2020 – Annual Meeting Endocrine Society, San Francisco (Poster & 3-minute Knockout Rounds) Baehring, S. K., O’Leary, T. P., Holenka, D. M., Li, H., Kim, K., Mehran, A. E., Pavlidis, P., Kim, E. K., Bamji, S. X., Johnson, J. D. (2020). Female Mice Lacking Brain Insulin Production Exhibit Learning Deficits, Anxiety, and Reduced Hippocampal Cyclin D1 Expression. (Cancelled due to COVID-19) International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Conference, Cairns, Australia (Poster) Hodges, E., Baehring, S. K., Galea, L. M. (2019). Hippocampal Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Negative Cognitive Bias in Adult Rats. 47th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting, Canadian Association on Gerontology (Poster) Baehring, S. K., Pauly, T., Michalowski, V. I., Hoppmann, C. A. (2018). Beyond the Individual: A Dyadic Approach to Social Support and Wellbeing in Older Adults. Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference, University of British Columbia (Oral Presentation) Baehring, S. K., Lussier, A. L., Kesici, A. B., Snyder, J. S. (2018). The Effects of Electrically-Induced Seizures on Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Cell Maturation in Mice – A Pilot Study. Baehring, S. K., Michalowski, V. I., Pauly, T., Hoppmann, C. A. (2017). Allostatic Load and Well-being in Older Couples – The Interaction of Biological Health Risk and Social Support on Perceived Well-being.

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