Born This Way Foundation was launched in 2012 by the singer Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. The foundation has dedicated the past two years to researching and developing programs to connect young people in safe ways and empower them with the skills and opportunities to create a kinder and braver world. Its priorities include creating more positive school climates and fostering youth mental wellness, and combatting online harassment and bullying.

The Foundation also participates in the Born Brave Experiences Studies, which focus on improving understanding of factors that influence youth engagement, mental health and emotional wellbeing; identifying the conditions that empower young people to live their best lives; and improving the services and resources available to them online and offline. Working with partners around the country and with youth themselves, the Foundation uses this research to promote kindness and bravery in schools, homes, and communities.

Brassard serves as Director of Clinical Training for TC’s School Psychology Ph.D. Program, in the College’s Department of Health and Behavior Studies. For over 30 years her research and advocacy have focused on psychological maltreatment of children by parents, teachers, and peers – its assessment, the emotional/behavioral injuries that result, contextual factors that moderate the effect of maltreatment, prevention/treatment, and how schools and child welfare agencies, by embracing a child rights approach, can prevent violence and neglect before it occurs by valuing all children and creating environments and communities that promote their full development.

Published Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016