My research focuses on qualitative and mixed methods action-based research, with a special emphasis on narrative storytelling. My goal is to amplify participant experiences and enhance community-based practices of wellbeing through my work. I use storytelling as a powerful tool to explore and document the rich, nuanced experiences of diverse communities, aiming to both understand and drive positive change.

As a current Ph.D. candidate, I am committed to integrating qualitative methodologies with actionable strategies that empower and reflect the needs of the communities involved. My approach is deeply collaborative, working closely with local organizations and community members to ensure that my research supports and advances their wellbeing.

I am passionate about bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications. Through my publications, workshops, and forums, I strive to demonstrate how personal narratives and the discourse surrounding experiences can provide valuable insights into complex social issues and foster meaningful change.

Current Position: Project Coordinator/Research Assistant, University of Nebraska-Lincoln CHIME Program.

Evolving the Discourse on Family Caregiving Founder/Coordinator August 2024

This event is designed to delve into the contemporary discussions surrounding family caregiving. Its primary goal is to examine the current experiences of family caregivers and develop new narratives that can empower them and strengthen community support systems. Participants will engage in discussions that address the challenges and opportunities within the realm of family caregiving and hear from specialists and thought leaders who will share their knowledge and research on family caregiving practices and support structures. Participants will also engage with fellow caregivers and community members to share experiences, insights, and strategies for improving caregiving practices.

Self-Compassion for Family Caregivers Dissertation with Madonna Rehabilitation, Lead Investigator Fall 2024/Spring 2025

In collaboration with Madonna Rehabilitation, this is a research-based self-compassion and mindfulness intervention program for family caregivers. Pre and post surveys and semi-structured interviews will be used to measure effectiveness of intervention strategies during a 6-week program series combined of journaling, group share, meditation, and self-compassion practices. This is a mixed-methods research study with a 3-group intervention model with random assignment.

Publications

“Examining the Associations of Early Childhood Teacher’s Emotional Well-Being with Physiologic Stress, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion.” • Holly Hatton-Bowers, Carrie Clark, Gilbert Para, Sarah Rasby, Emily Starr, Pearl Avari • Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 153, July 2023, p. 106252, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106252.

"Growing through adversity: The relation of early childhood educator post-traumatic growth to young children's executive function,” 2023. • C.A.C. Clark, H. Hatton-Bowers, K. Akhavein, S. Rasby, G. Parra • Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 15, Feb. 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1272294