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Back for it's four year, we are pleased to announce our 2025 APHD Recognition Award winners. The APHD Recognition Awards are an initiative that was implemented within the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development to recognize our amazing students, their hard work, and dedication to their programs and peers.

The APHD Recognition Awards have four categories, including a Compassionate Award, a Volunteer Award, a Leader Award, and a Star Award.

APHD Compassionate Award
The APHD Compassionate Award is awarded to a master's or doctoral APHD student who has demonstrated exceptional kindness and compassion within our community.

Award recipient: Tushti Hari, MEd GMH, Year 1

Bio:
Tushti is a first-year Counselling Psychology student in the Global Mental Health and Counselling Psychology (GMH) program. She is grateful to receive this award and values the community that continues to shape her personal and professional growth. Tushti believes that each person’s experiences contribute to who they are, and she finds meaning in learning from the diverse and inspiring people around her.

She enjoys connecting with others through meaningful conversations, especially around personal stories of growth and lived experiences. Tushti looks forward to meeting more fellow APHD students and continuing to build spaces for thoughtful dialogue and connection within the community.

APHD Leader Award
The APHD Leader Award is awarded to a master's or doctoral APHD student who has started or led an initiative with deliverable results. 

Award recipient: Kanza Batool, PhD DPE, Year 2

Bio:
Kanza is a second-year PhD student in the Developmental Psychology and Education program. As an active member of the APHD Student Association, she is passionate about creating opportunities for student connection, collaboration, and community-building. Kanza is committed to enhancing the student experience at OISE by listening to and advocating for the needs and concerns of APHD students.

Her research focuses on child development, with a particular interest in children’s moral judgments and young children’s cheating behaviours. Through her work, she aims to deepen understanding of early moral development and contribute to research that supports positive developmental outcomes for children.

After completing her degree, Kanza hopes to work in the not-for-profit sector to create and improve programs that support marginalized groups in our communities.

APHD Star Award
The APHD Star Award is awarded to a master's or doctoral APHD student who has made a positive impact on their peers and the APHD/OISE community.

Award recipient: Teresa Orbillo-Villaruz, PhD DPE, Year 3

Bio:
Teresa is a third-year PhD student in the DPE program; her research interest is in the physiology of emotions and its resounding effects on cognition and education. You may have seen her on campus as a proud member of the your APHD students' association for 3 years running, planning events throughout the year for fellow students. Off campus, Teresa has 9 years of clinical experience working in a variety of community and private practice settings, notable positions include: Neurofeedback Therapist, Behaviour Clinician, and Program Evaluation and Implementation Specialist.

APHD Volunteer Award
The APHD Volunteer Award is awarded to a master's or doctoral student who has volunteered within the OISE community and beyond in the last two years.

Award recipient: Meagan Muscat, EdD CP, Year 2

Bio:
Meagan is a second-year EdD student in Counselling Psychology. She is a proud Métis student with extensive volunteer experience across both community and academic settings. Most recently, she has been actively involved with the OISE Council, the Graduate Education Council, and the OISE Graduate Student Association.

Meagan is passionate about contributing to the academic community and believes that student involvement is essential for increasing representation, supporting personal growth, and building stronger, more connected teams.

Her research focuses on Indigenous mental health, with the goal of supporting culturally responsive and community-informed approaches to care.

After completing her degree, Meagan hopes to become a Registered Psychotherapist and open a private practice.