People...

The Health and Education Research Group (HERG) recognizes that at the heart of its efforts is the invaluable contribution of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultural settings.

​Pursing these goals involves the active engagement and participation of students, academics, community members, policymakers, practitioners, Canadian researchers, and international research entities.

​It is through the collective efforts and shared vision of these participants that the HERG seeks to leverage the unique capacities, and perspectives of individual in fostering innovative, creative and effective applied research collaborations.  

Ultimately it is the strengths of these partnerships and the common pursuit of bringing out the best in people and their environments that inspires us to make a positive difference in the wellbeing, engagement and thriving of children, youth families and communities.

Executive Directors

Dr. Melissa Dockrill Garrett

 Melissa is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education. Her academic interests focus on a variety of qualitative and classroom-based research in the area of inclusive practices and exceptional learners in French second language learning contexts. Currently, she is the newly appointed chief editor of the Antistasis in Education Journal.

Dr. Andrea Garner

Andrea is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at UNB. Andrea has been a teacher for 22 years across settings ranging from preschool to high school and post-secondary to outdoor therapeutic recreation. She has taken on teaching and leadership roles in education while living and working in Canada, Scotland, England, and Australia. 

   Dr. Mary Lou Batty

Mary Lou is a Teaching Professor in the Faculty of Nursing. With a broad range of expertise, Mary Lou is primarily involved with classroom, clinical teaching and resource development within the areas of community health, perinatal health and pedagogy. Areas of special focus include positive mental health, infant mental health, population health, comprehensive school health, environmental health and strength-based approaches in education, practice, theory and research.  

Research Collaborations