Leadership Team

The leadership team (Executive Committee) of the SIPPA Division is focused on helping students flourish and thrive in the world of positive psychology. Their primary responsibilities include formulating policies and providing a degree of administrative oversight and direction for the Division as needed.

Jennifer Martow
President

Jennie Martow is thrilled to serve as the President of the Student Division of IPPA. More

She is a graduate student in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph in Canada. Jennie contributes to the Resilient Youth Research Group with her research in positive education, growth mindset, goal-setting, schemas, and more!

Cassandra Freeman
President-Elect

Dr. Cassandra Freeman is a proud graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Science Education, graduating with honors. More

Dr. Freeman holds three master’s degrees, each achieved with valedictorian honors and a PhD in Positive Psychology. Currently pursuing another master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, Dr. Freeman is an award-winning business owner, keynote speaker, and endorsed author of three books by Brian Tracy. She is also one of the directors of Marriage Center, a leading counseling center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Passionate about clinical positive psychology, she is committed to helping people lead better lives. Dr. Freeman aims to continue developing practical and accessible approaches in mental health, using positive psychology to help people never give up on what matters most to them. In addition to her role as a clinical psychology intern, she is a devoted wife, mother to four young adult and teenage boys, and a loving cat mom.

Sydney Austin
Mentorship Lead

Sydney Austin is thrilled to be the Mentorship Lead for the Student Division of IPPA More

She is a graduate student in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph. Sydney is a part of the Resilient Youth Research Group, researching character strengths and protective factors within neurodivergent communities. She spends her free time reading, enjoying movies, and tending to her beloved plant collection.

Genevieve Barlow
SIPPA Scholarship and Awards Lead

Genevieve is a graduate student in Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph in Canada. More

Her research focuses on health psychology and pediatric injury prevention. She is also a member of the Resilient Youth Research Group, working on a scoping review of positive education interventions with youth. She enjoys crafting and going on outdoor adventures with her dogs!

James Seow
Division Liaison Positive Health and Wellbeing

James Seow has extensive experience in group facilitation, community development, cross-cultural leadership, intercultural learning, mental health and well-being education, and LGBTIQA+ advocacy. More

He is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program at Leadership Victoria in Australia, and holds a Graduate Certificate with Distinction in Positive Psychology from Central Queensland University, as well as a Master of Business in Arts and Culture Management from University of South Australia. He facilitates human connections and intergroup empathy to improve societal well-being. He was appointed by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan to facilitate the youth leadership program, Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).

James worked in the government, non-profit, arts and culture, tourism, adult learning, and health sectors. James specialises in project management, communications, partnership development, stakeholder management, training, well-being interventions, community empowerment, and social innovation. As a board and committee member of organisations in Australia such as the Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Port Phillip Council, Victorian Pride Centre, and Access Health and Community, he provides advice and insights on multicultural, migrant, intersectional, and disadvantaged communities to advance social inclusion, equity, diversity, and positive ageing.

Emily Thornton
Training and Resource Lead

Emi is a graduate student in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph in Canada. More

Emi contributes to the Resilient Youth Research Group with her research on parenting interventions, parent-child relationships, and character strengths.

Sabrina Wester
Division Liaison Positive Clinical Psychology

Sabrina has a background in marketing and communications and is currently a postgraduate psychology student at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand. More

She is passionate about making psychological research accessible and recognises the value of positive psychology in clinical psychology for promoting psychological well-being and improving mental health and overall quality of life. Her research interests centre on affective science and emotional well-being in emerging adults. Committed to helping others through a strengths-based approach, Sabrina also volunteers with mental health support and counselling services.