Shelly Russell-Mayhew

Dr. Russell-Mayhew is a registered psychologist and associate professor. She joined the Faculty of Education in 2005 after completing both her MSc. and Phd. at the University of Calgary. Prior to becoming an academic, Dr. R-M served in various positions at the Calgary Health Region including as Eating Disorder Coordinator for Alberta as well as Promotion and Prevention Specialist for the Calgary Eating Disorder Program. Dr. R-M has been involved in the development and implementation of the Master of Counselling program and teaches in the areas of health psychology, working alliance, and counselling skill development.

Dr. Russell-Mayhew’s research centers on weight/ eating related issues. Her research program (a) focuses on the prevention of eating-related issues particularly in school contexts; (b) considers the risk and protective factors that integrate the prevention of eating disorders and obesity with the promotion of mental health wellness and resiliency (product innovation); (c) uses mixed methodological designs to capture both process and outcome in an ecological framework (process innovation); and (d) capitalizes on interdisciplinary knowledge from both participants and the research team (organizational innovation).

Current Projects:

Integrating eating disorder and obesity prevention: A study of school-based activities aimed at shared risk factors. SSHRC Standard Operating Grant. Principal Investigator

Preventing chronic diseases in children and youth using an integrated approach: Feasibility and pilot of a professional development model designed to help build resiliency, promote mental health, and prevent the triggering of weight and shape preoccupation. Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Linking research, practice and policy to devise a national prevention strategy for weight-related issues. CIHR.

PhD
Counselling Psychology Faculty of Education, University of Calgary

MSc
Counselling Psychology Faculty of Education, University of Calgary

BSc
Psychology (Honors) University of Calgary

Dr. Russell-Mayhew holds membership in a number of professional organizations including: Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Canadian Psychological Association, Canadian Obesity Network, and the Academy for Eating Disorders. She is the past treasurer for the counselling subsection of CPA, and former co-chair of the special interest group in prevention for AED.

Godley, J., & Russell-Mayhew, S. (2010). Interprofessional practice in the field of obesity: Data from Canada. Journal of Research in Interprofessional Practice and Education, 1(2), 88-108.

Arthur, N., & Russell-Mayhew, S. (2010). Preparing counselors for interprofessional collaboration through supervision and lateral mentoring. Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Counselling, 44(3), 258-271.

Russell-Mayhew, S., von Ranson, K. & Masson, P. (2010). How does Overeaters Anonymous help its members: A qualitative analysis. European Eating Disorder Review, 18, 33-42.

Russell-Mayhew, S. (2007). Eating disorders and obesity as social justice issues: Implications for research and practice. The Journal for Social Action in Counseling and Psychology, 1(1), 1-12.

Russell-Mayhew, S. (2007).Preventing a continuum of disordered eating: Going beyond the individual. The Prevention Researcher, 14(3), 7-10.

Interviewed for both radio and television in live, and live-to-tape formats and for print media over 30 times.
A select sample of recent interviews include:

• Avenue Magazine. (2009). One Pill Makes you Smaller.
• Terry Spence Radio Talk Show C-FAX 1070 & 107.3 KOOL FM (2009). One hour live interview with caller questions. Body image and youth.
• Today’s Parent Magazine (2009). A healthy body image.
• Globe and Mail (2007). Death of mother to liposuction.
• Glow: Canada’s Beauty and Health Magazine (2007). Body of work.

• The Faculty of Education Nominee for Killam Emerging Research Leader Award (2010, 2011)
• The Faculty of Education Nominee for CIHR Tier II Canada Research Chair (2010)
• Brooks Composite High School Wall of Fame (2007) Awarded to Alumni that have made a difference in the world

• Courses