Centre for Neurology Studies:
From Idea to Impact

Dr. Ryan C.N. D’Arcy is an internationally renowned neuroscientist, innovator and entrepreneur. He has led numerous neuro-scientific discoveries and neuro-technology developments, such as Brain Vital Sign monitoring.

Dr. D’Arcy co-founded HealthTech Connex to ensure that advanced brain technology innovations benefit individual brain health and optimize our global brain potential. Beyond HealthTech Connex, Dr. D’Arcy is an active leader within both academic and hospital settings to ground every innovation in highest quality science and clinical evidence.

SHIMI K. KANG, MD is an award-winning, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, researcher, media expert, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and the former Medical Director for Child and Youth Mental Health for Vancouver community.

Dr. Kang is passionate about providing science based tools that optimize the power of the human mind. She is a dynamic and engaging keynote speaker represented by Speaker’s Spotlight Agency.

Dr. Kang is the founder of Dolphin Kids: Future-Ready Leaders, C-Founder of the Get SPARKY App, and host of “Mental Wealth” on YouTube. She has received numerous honors including the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and YWCA Woman of Distinction awards.

Dr. Kang is most proud of receiving the Diamond Jubilee Medal for her years of outstanding community service and of being the mother of three awesome but exhausting children.

Dr. Venu Karapareddy is an Addiction Psychiatrist in Vancouver and Surrey, BC, Canada who specializes in occupational psychiatry, addictions and comorbid conditions. Dr. Karapareddy has over twenty years of experience in mental health and addictions treatments.

Dr. Karapareddy is a physician leader who is passionate about providing and developing innovative care solutions for those with Mental health, addictions, pain and cognitive issues. He is trained in the UK and holds membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Dr. Karapareddy has over twenty years of experience in mental health and addictions treatments. He worked in Wales and England as a Psychiatrist. During his time as a Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist with Mersey Care NHS trust in Liverpool, he was responsible for running a busy inner-city community and inpatient detox (Drug and alcohol services). Since moving to Vancouver, he has provided his concurrent disorder expertise to varies areas within Vancouver Coastal Health such Vancouver General Hospital, community mental health teams, Vancouver Daytox and Detox); and Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) at BC Centre for Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS).

Dr. Reg Peters is a Trauma and Emergency physician in Abbotsford, BC. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Peters played an integral role in the creation and development of the Abbotsford UBC Family Practice Residency Program and has been involved in teaching medical students and residents since 1997. He received the Clinical Faculty Teacher of the Year Award from the UBC Residency Program.

25 years of ER experiences have fueled Reg’s passion for wellness and holistic health. He recognizes there is a need not being met by our current medical system and has obtained training in Functional Medicine, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and the use of psilocybin in healing.

Reg has a strong desire to work with patients struggling with end-of-life anxiety and is interested in developing communities of support for patients wanting to heal from trauma.

In his personal life, Reg enjoys trail running and connecting to the outdoors.

Dr. Jacqueline Pierce is a Physiatrist, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She has a passion for working with patients living with disabilities related to Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Neuromuscular Disease and complex Neurologic, Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic conditions.

Before becoming a Medical Doctor, Dr. Pierce worked as a Physiotherapist, and her practice is grounded in both practical and theoretic expertise in the field of Rehabilitation Medicine. Her goal is to improve quality of life for those who are living with long-term disabilities.

Caroline is a Medical Laboratory Technologist with over 34 years of experience in a hospital laboratory setting. For 6 years, she was the Laboratory Research Coordinator. She supported clinical researchers by coordinating laboratory support for their clinical trials.

Caroline joined the Centre for Neurology Studies in September 2023. She enjoys supporting the CNS clinical research team with their quest to advance innovations in brain and mental health. For those that participate in a study that requires lab work, she will perform your phlebotomy, ECG, record your vital signs, and  process your lab samples.

When not working, Caroline’s passions are gardening and her 2 dogs Sophie and Mylo.

Rianne was born in Delft, a small city in the Netherlands. She completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and has joined the CNS team HTC in an internship for her master’s degree in Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Maastricht. She is exploring what areas of neuroscience she wants to focus on, but for now she is drawn to research regarding neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. She hopes to contribute to knowledge in this area, ultimately helping patients achieve better outcomes and lead healthier lives.

Outside of work, Rianne likes to travel and learn about new cultures and their food. While she is here in Vancouver, she hopes to get into the mountains for some snowboarding and hiking. She hopes to find a salsa party for a fun night in the city.

Julia is a Clinical Research Coordinator at HealthTech Connex and holds a Masters in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol, UK.

Julia is fascinated in understanding how the brain works, particularly when it’s affected by disease. She has undertaken research in a variety of topics including Alzheimer’s disease, concussion and brain trauma as well as psychedelic therapy for mental health challenges. She believes that research using innovative technologies can help us achieve a better understanding of our brains and ultimately lead to improved health.

When not at work, Julia can be found up a mountain either biking or skiing. She also enjoys surfing, yoga and is still on the sourdough baking trend.

Raman Samra is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology.

Raman has a background in Forensic Psychology, works with South Asian women and couples, and is interested in alternative, science-based methodologies for supporting mental health. She has worked as a research therapist for psychedelic-assisted therapy and believes that there is no one-sized fits all approach to healing.

When she’s not working, Raman can be found doing all things creative. She loves painting portraits and interior design.

Devon Silvers is a registered clinical counsellor with over two decades of experience in forensic psychiatry and correctional settings. Devon brings a deep understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals. Her specialized training is in supporting those affected by PTSD, particularly first responders. She supports trauma exposed professionals in the healthcare field, as well as in private practice.

Devon has been heavily involved in research since the beginning of her career, and has been a lead research therapist in a number of studies examining treatments for trauma as well as psychedelic studies at the CNS.

Stephanie Slater is an experienced therapist with over 10 years in the field of counselling psychology. She is the founder and owner of Slater & Associates Counselling and Psychotherapy Clinic, located in South Surrey, B.C. Under her leadership, the clinic has grown to include a team of 12 therapists, five of whom have advanced training in perinatal mental health.

Stephanie is dedicated to exceptional care. Her practice focuses on a variety of areas, including anxiety, depression, workplace burnout, and perinatal mental health. In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie is committed to community education, regularly delivering talks on mental health topics to increase awareness and understanding. Stephanie is proud to be part of cutting edge clinical research as that fits with her values of delivering the best possible care to the clients at her practice.

Monica Vo is the Senior Manager, Clinical Research Strategy & Study Startup at the Centre for Neurology Studies. She holds a BA from the University of British Columbia and is ACRP certified with over 6 years of clinical research experience across Phases I–IV clinical trials in neurology, psychiatry, dermatology, and orthopedics. Monica is passionate about advancing innovative therapies while ensuring high-quality research operations, regulatory compliance, and successful study execution.

Outside of work, Monica enjoys traveling, trail runs and staying active through strength training. She also has a soft spot for animals and never turns down the opportunity to see photos of someone’s furry companion.

Claire is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with 14 years of experience, specializing in supporting individuals affected by trauma – individual, familial, cultural or ancestral – and the wide range of disorders that arise out of trauma or neglect.  She has a particular passion for working with therapists, healers, parents and other caregivers, and has specialized experience with addictions, chronic pain / illness, mood disorders and anxiety.

She offers a holistic and integrative approach to counselling which highlights empowerment and healing; her priority is to treat the whole person, with emphasis on bringing all parts into balance. In her work she draws from attachment-based therapy, emotion-focused therapy, internal family systems, energetic and somatic therapies.  Her approach is feminist, inclusive and evidence-based.

Through her own personal and extensive professional experience, she has a deep understanding and appreciation for how complicated, messy, and challenging life can be, and considers it a great privilege to love and support other people in her work as a counsellor.  With a warm and compassionate presence, she provides a safe and confidential space where clients can work through personal challenges towards emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.  Claire is a mother and a writer, and she loves being in the forest sitting on a mossy log reading a book.