EDUCATION

2017                         Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

                                 Degree: Ph.D. Dual-Title in Social Work & Infant Mental Health

                                 Dissertation: Preparing to Parent: Mindfulness in Expectant Parents Exposed to Adversity

2012                         Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

                                 Degree: Master of Social Work (Psychodynamic Concentration)

                                 Directed Study: Secondary and Vicarious Trauma in Sexual Assault and other Front-line Workers

2001                         University of Windsor, Windsor, ON

                                 Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering

EMPLOYMENT

2019 – present         University of Colorado – Boulder, CO

                                 Research Scientist

                                 Renée Crown Wellness Institute

POST-GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

2017 – 2019             University of Denver – Denver, CO

                                 Postdoctoral Fellow

                                 Neurodevelopmental Research Lab

                                 Department of Psychology

LICENSURE

2025 – present Licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator (Colorado: NMIT.0000053)

2017 – present        Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Colorado: CSW.09924874)

2015 – present        Licensed Clinical Master Social Worker (Michigan: 6801094277)

2022 – present        Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Indiana: 34010038A)

2012 – 2017             Registered Social Worker (Ontario: 820626)

PUBLICATIONS

Journal Articles (PEER-REVIEWED: Last updated July 2025)

In Process

Hicks, L.M., Goodman, S., Mellinger, C. Kordyban, L., Segal, Z., Cohen, L., Dimidjian, S. (in process). A randomized control trial to reduce perinatal depression relapse: Effects on infant developmental psychopathology risk indices. Submitted to Journal of Mindfulness.

Onofrietti, A., Hicks, L.M., Collado, A., Hubley, S., Bauer, D., Dimidjian, S. (in process) Peers in the Gap: A Review of Peer-Delivered Perinatal Mental Health Supports for Racially, Ethnically, and Culturally Diverse Communities in the U.S. Submitted to Current Psychiatry Reports.

Collado, A., Hicks, L.M., Hubley, S., Kordyban, L., Palomer, M., Bauer, D., Gallop, B., Dimidjian, S. (in process). Prevalence and Correlates of Clinically Significant Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Latinas in the Perinatal Period

Collado, A., Hicks, L.M., Hubley, S., Kordyban, L., Palomer, M., Bauer, D. Dimidjian, S. (in process) New and expectant Spanish-speaking Latina mothers’ attitudes toward a peer-led behavioral activation program for depression – results from a national survey. 

Under Review

Santarossa, S., Haley, E.N., Coyne, P., Pappas, C., Braciszewski, J.M, Miller-Matero, L.R., Zreik, M., Hicks, L.M., Loree, A.M. (Submitted) Equity-focused barriers and facilitators to implementing a prenatal yoga intervention in a healthcare system: Patient and provider perspectives. Submitted to BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 

Loree, A.M., Santarossa, S., Coyne, P., Haley, E.N., Boulay, M., Pappas, C., Braciszewski, J., Miller-Matero, L. R., Hicks, L.M. (Revise & Resubmit) Virtually-delivered prenatal yoga to prevent postpartum depression (PRY-D) in women with a history of depression: Protocol for an exploratory pilot randomized controlled trial.    

Dayton, C., Hicks, L.M., Carbone, J., Saini, E., Brown, S. Simon, V. (revise and resubmit) Sex Differences in Physiological Stress Response among Urban-Dwelling, Risk-Exposed Expectant Parents to a Simulated Baby Cry Protocol. Submitted to Infant Mental Health Journal.

Dimidjian, S., Gallop, R., Goodman, S., Segal, Z., Freeman, M., Hicks, L. M., Mellinger, C., Ellison, K., Yu Dunn, K. A., Levy, J., Kordyban, L., Fritzson, A., Clifford, C., Nolan, E., Vanderkruik, R., Wales, R., & Cohen, L. (Submitted 2025). Outcomes of Mindful Mood Balance for Moms, an online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for perinatal depressive relapse prevention: A randomized clinical trial. Submitted to The Lancet.

Published

Collado, A., Hicks, L.M., Hubley, S., Levy, J., McKimmy, C., Genovez, M., … & Dimidjian, S. (2024). Using Alma to Alleviate Tristeza Maternal: Preliminary Outcomes of a Peer-Led Behavioral Activation Program Among Latina Mothers. Behavior Therapy.

Collado A, Hicks L.M., Hubley S, et al. (2024) Perceptions of peer-delivered mental health support for anxiety and depression among Spanish- speaking, perinatal Latinas: Results from a national survey. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.

Brown, S., Carbone, J., Hicks, L.M., Saini, E., Panish, L., Dayton, C.J. (2023). The Moderating Role of Social Support on the Cortisol Stress Response of Expectant Fathers Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Journal of Family Violence.

Carbone, J., Hicks, L.M., Brown, S, Saini, E.K., Dayton, C. (2023). Adverse Childhood Experiences: Associations with a Blunted Cortisol Stress Response during Pregnancy. Maternal and Child Health Journal.

Fritzson, A.E., Dimidjian, S.A., Hicks, L.M., Law, G., Nytch, J., Park, B. (2023). The Use of Lullaby to Support Social and Emotional Wellness among Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychology of Music.

Chaput, K., Freeman, M., McMorris, C., Metcalfe, A., Cameron, E. E., Jung, J., Tough, S., Hicks, L.M., Dimidjian, S & Tomfohr-Madsen, L. (2022). Effect of a Remote Peer-administered Behavioral Activation and Peer-support intervention for Antenatal Depression on Gestational Age at Delivery: a single-blind, randomized control trial. Trials

Hicks, L.M., Ou, C., Charlebois, J., Tarasoff, L.A., Roos, L., Pawluski, J., Fairbrother, N., Hooykaas, A., Tomfohr-Madsen, L. (2022). Assessment of Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Services from the Perspective of Providers: Where Can we Improve? Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Day, A., Curtis, A., Paul, R., Shi, C., Hicks, L.M., Quist, L., Jianrattanasawat, L. (2022). Access to Adequate Prenatal Care and Delivery Services among Female Youth in Foster Care: Michigan Medicaid Claim Analysis. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal.

Wong, S. D., Wright, K. P., Spencer, R. L., Vetter, C., Hicks, L. M., Jenni, O. G., & LeBourgeois, M. K. (2022). Development of the circadian system in early life: maternal and environmental factors. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 41(1), 22. doi:10.1186/s40101-022-00294-0

Irwin, J. L., Meyering, A. L., Peterson, G., Glynn, L. M., Sandman, C. A., Hicks, L. M., & Davis, E. P. (2021). Maternal prenatal cortisol programs the infant hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 125, 105106.

Hicks, L. M., & Dayton, C. J. (2019). Mindfulness and trauma symptoms predict child abuse potential in risk-exposed, men and women during pregnancy. Child Abuse & Neglect, 90, 43-51. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.018 (IF: 2.9)

Wong, K., Hicks, L.M., Trentacosta, C., van den Heuvel, M.I. (2019) The Role of Mindful Parenting in Individual and Prosocial Decision-making in Children. Frontiers in Psychology. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00550 (IF: 2.09)

Dayton, C. J., Brown, S., Goletz, J., Hicks, L.M., Barron, C., Sperlich, M., & Smith-Darden, J. (2019). Pathways to Parenting: Predictors of Prenatal Bonding in a Sample of Expectant Mothers and Fathers Exposed to Contextual Risk. Child & Family Studies. doi:10.1007/s10826-019-01343-6 (IF: 1.42)

Hicks, L. M., Swales, D. A., Garcia, S. E., Driver, C., & Davis, E. P. (2019). Does Prenatal Maternal Distress Contribute to Sex Differences in Child Psychopathology? Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(2), 7. doi:10.1007/s11920-019-0992-5 (IF: 3.86)

Dayton, C. J., Johnson, A., Hicks, L. M., Goletz, J., Brown, S., Primuse, T., … & Muzik, M. (2018). Sex differences in the social ecology of breastfeeding: a mixed methods analysis of the breastfeeding views of expectant mothers and fathers in the US exposed to adversity. Journal of Biosocial Science, 1-20. doi:10.1017/S002193201800024X (IF: 1.2)

Hicks, L. M., Dayton, C. J., & Victor, B. G. (2018). Depressive and trauma symptoms in expectant, risk-exposed, mothers and fathers: is mindfulness a buffer?. Journal of Affective Disorders. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.044 (IF: 3.84)

Hicks, L. M., Dayton, C. J., Brown, S., Muzik, M., & Raveau, H. (2018). Mindfulness Moderates Depression and Quality of Prenatal Attachment in Expectant Parents. Mindfulness, 1-11. doi:10.1007/s12671-018-0907-2 (IF: 3.02)

Dayton, C. J., Matthews, W. K., Hicks, L. M., & Malone, J. C. (2017). The expression of music throughout the lives of expectant parents. Journal of Psychology of Music, 45(6), 839-854. (IF: 1.4)

Brown, S., Victor, B., Hicks, L. M., & Tracy, E. M. (2017). Recovery support mediates the relationship between parental warmth and quality of life among women with substance use disorders. Quality of Life Research, 26(5), 1327-1335. (IF: 2.95)

Brown, S., Hicks, L. M., & Tracy, E. M. (2016). Parenting efficacy and support in mothers with dual disorders in a substance abuse treatment program. Journal of dual diagnosis, 12(3-4), 227-237. doi:10.1080/15504263.2016.1247998 (IF: 1.639)

Dayton, C. J., Buczkowski, R., Muzik, M., Goletz, J., Hicks, L.M., Walsh, T. B., & Bocknek, E. L. (2016). Expectant fathers’ beliefs and expectations about fathering as they prepare to parent a new infant. Journal of Society of Social Work Research, 1-11. doi:10.1093/swr/svw017 (IF: 1.05)

Book Chapters

Collado, A., Hicks, L.M., Dimidjian. (2024). Behavioral Activation: What it was, what it is, and how it works. In Ed Craighead (Ed.), ADAA Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Kordyban, L., Fritzon, A., Hicks, L.M., Dimidjian, S. (2024). Perinatal Mindfulness-Based Interventions. In A. Wenzel (Ed.), International Handbook of Perinatal Mental Health Disorders: Routledge Press. 

Hicks, L. M., Brookens-Harvey, B., Muzik, M. Mindful Mamas: Mindfulness-Based Yoga for Depressed Women entering Motherhood. In I. Ivtzan (Ed.), The Handbook of Mindfulness-Based Programs: Every Established Intervention, from Medicine to Education: Routledge Press, 2019.

Gonzalez-Prendes, A. A., & Hicks, L. M. (2018). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In E.J. Mullen (Ed.), Oxford Bibliographies in Social Work. New York: Oxford University Press.

Gonzalez-Prendes, A. A., & Hicks, L. M. (2018). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In E.J. Mullen (Ed.), Oxford Bibliographies in Social Work. New York: Oxford University Press.

Reports

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (2020). Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program Legislative Report 2014–2016.

RESEARCH GRANTS

Prenatal Yoga to Prevent Postpartum Depression ($699k total, $46k internal)

Co-I: Hicks; PI: Loree, Santarossa (Henry Ford Health Systems)

Funded by NIMH R34MH131573 07/2023-07/2026

The purpose of this R34 Pilot Effectiveness Trial is to determine the effectiveness of using a virtually delivered prenatal yoga intervention for the prevention of PPD among at-risk women in a diverse health care system and explore preliminary factors which influence implementation of the intervention. The specific aims are to: 1) Optimize delivery of a yoga intervention within a healthcare system to prevent PPD through examining facilitators and barriers of implementation, 2) Examine feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction of the intervention within a health care system, and 3) Evaluate preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on PPD and proposed mechanisms.

Colorado Perinatal Access Program ($4.75m)

Co-I: Hicks; PI: St. John-Larkin (University of Colorado Anschutz)

Proposed a new project to address maternal depression and related behavioral health disorders in pregnant and postpartum women in Colorado. The purpose of this proposed project is to expand the capacity of health care providers to screen, assess, treat and refer pregnant and postpartum women for maternal depression and related behavioral health disorders, including substance misuse. The project also aims to improve access to behavioral health care and other support services for pregnant and postpartum women.

Pathways to Perinatal Mental Health Equity (Pathways)($1.3m)

Co-I: Hicks; PI: Byatt (UMass) & Davis (PSI)

Funded by PCORI 3/2024 – 2/2030

This program compares the effectiveness of two multicomponent interventions, one focused on the healthcare system (PRISM) vs. both the healthcare system and the community including a partnership with Postpartum Support International Peer Mentors delivering Alma. 

Expanding Alma: A Peer Mentoring Program for Perinatal Depression ($350,000)

Co-I: Hicks, Hubley, Collado, PI: Dimidjian

Funded by Perigee Foundation, Buell Foundation, Kellogg Foundation; 1/1/23-12/31/23

This study aims to expand the perinatal peer mentoring program, Alma. We propose to expand through 1) expanding program tools to meet the needs of a greater number of new and expectant mothers by addressing both mental health and substance use concerns during pregnancy and early parenting, 2) Obtain formal state certification for peer support specialists in Colorado in English and Spanish, 3) Develop partnerships with local community organizations outside of Colorado and train a cohort of new Alma peer mentors , 4) Connect with Health Policy Networks to advocate for long-term policy changes that support peer specialist programs in English and Spanish.

Expanding Alma: A Peer Mentoring Program for Perinatal Depression ($400,000)

Co-I: Hicks, Hubley, Collado, PI: Dimidjian

Funded by Zoma Foundation; 1/1/21-11/30/23

This study aims to expand the perinatal peer mentoring program, Alma. We propose to expand through 1) partnerships with community programs and with the world’s leading resources for parents, BabyCenter, LLC, 2) use of a train-the-trainer model to train new peer mentors and deliver Alma to 200 new and expecting moms in English and Spanish, 3) use of a scalable web-based training platform that also supports remote delivery of the Alma program, 4) development of an ongoing community support component, and 5) engagement of a stakeholder Advisory Board.

Preventing Depressive Relapse in Pregnant Women with Recurrent Depression (~$3.8 million)

5R01 MH117251

PI: Dimidjian & Cohen

Funded by NIMH; 6/1/19-4/30/23         

The study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial (N=500) to determine whether digitally delivered non-pharmacological approach is more effective than usual care at preventing relapse and reducing depressive symptoms, to test prospectively the ability of a treatment selection algorithm to differentiate those women who are best served by remaining on antidepressant medication during pregnancy, and to identify mediators of treatment outcomes

Suicidal Ideation in Pregnancy amount Women with Recurrent Depression ($368k)

Administrative Supplements for NIMH Grants to Expand Suicide Research

3R01 MH117251-02S1

PI: Dimidjian & Cohen

Funded by NIMH; 8/15/19 – 8/14/20

In this study we address three specific aims with a total sample of pregnant women (N = 630) and prenatal healthcare providers (N = 100): 1) to characterize suicidal ideation and behavior among pregnant and postpartum women using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs; 2) to use qualitative interviews with prenatal healthcare providers to describe the extent to which community healthcare providers report the knowledge base and requisite skills to address suicidal ideation; 3) to use expanded entry criteria to include women reporting suicidal ideation in a trial of MMB for Moms.

Digital Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Perinatal Depression (~$1.8 million)

1U19 MH121738                                                       

Lead Clinician, Consultant: Hicks; PI: Beck, Kaiser Health Foundation                  

Funded by NIMH; 9/1/19-6/30/23

This large pragmatic hybrid type II effectiveness–implementation trial compares Mindful Mood Balance for Moms (MMBFM) to usual care (UC) among pregnant women at risk for recurrent to address the following aims: AIM 1: Test the effectiveness of MMBFM in reducing depression symptoms, reducing risk of relapse or significant worsening, and improving perinatal outcomes when implemented in real-world health systems. AIM 2: Evaluate the incremental cost effectiveness of MMBFM compared to UC. AIM 3: Evaluate healthcare system’s implementation of MMBFM using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) model.

Completed Research Support

Reducing Fetal Exposure to Maternal Depression to Improve Infant Risk Mechanisms (~$3 million)

5R01 MH109662                                                       

Postdoctoral Fellow: Hicks; PI: Poggi Davis, Hankin                                               

Funded by NIMH; 9/1/19-6/30/23

This study assessed 300 pregnant women who report elevated levels of depressive symptoms and their infants. Prior to the intervention, maternal psychophysiological measures were collected. Then half of the women were randomized to receive Interpersonal therapy and the other half received enhanced usual care. After completion of the intervention, maternal measures are collected longitudinally through 14 months postpartum. Infants were evaluated at birth and at 7- and 14-months corrected age. Infants are assessed across four units of analysis (brain structure and function, physiology, behavior, and maternal-report).       

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Paper Presentations

2023    Pettigrew, J., Webb, S., Hicks, L.M., & Brown, S. M. Social determinants of sleep health disparities among postpartum mothers. Society for Social Work and Research, Phoenix, AZ.

2022    Hicks, L.M. The Experience of Participating in Mindful Mood Balance for Moms in Pregnancy. Paper presented at the University of Washington Center for Family and Child Wellbeing, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Parenting Research Meeting, Seattle, WA, April 1.

2022    Hicks, L.M., Carbon, J., Saini, E., Brown, S., Simon, V., Dayton, C.J. Sex Differences in Heart Rate Variability Among Risk-Exposed, Expectant Mothers and Fathers during a Simulated Parenting Stress Protocol. Paper presented at the Society of Social Work Research, Washington, DC, January 17.

2022    Brown, S., Carbone, J., Hicks, L.M., Saini, E. & Dayton, C.J. Social Support Buffers the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on the Cortisol Stress Response among High Risk Fathers Engaged in a Stressful Parenting Task. Paper presented at the Society of Social Work Research, Washington, DC, January 17.

2020    Hicks. L.M., Kordyban, L., Coleman, N., Levy, J., Segal, Z., Goodman, S.H., Dimidjian, S. Mindful Mood Balance for Moms: A Scalable Digital Intervention to Prevent Relapse of Depression in the Perinatal Period. Paper presented at the International Marcé Society Biannual Conference, Iowa City, IA. October 5.

2018    Hicks, L.M. Mindfulness Interventions in the Perinatal Period. Zero to Three Annual Conference, Denver, CO. October 4.

2018    Dayton, C.J., Hohentanner, E., Goletz, J., Hicks, L.M., & Brown, S.  A Longitudinal Analysis of Prenatal Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Postnatal Parenting in Mothers and Fathers Exposed to Contextual Risk.  Paper presented at Society for Social Work and Research Conference. Washington, DC. January 13.

2018    Brown, S., Dayton, C.J., Hicks, L.M., Kuo, P., & Saini, E. (2018, January).  Testosterone Moderates the Influence of Attachment Anxiety on Quality of Antenatal Bonding Among Fathers but Not Mothers Exposed to Contextual Risk. Paper presented at Society for Social Work and Research Conference. Washington, DC. January 11.

2017    Hicks, L. M., Dayton, C. J., Brown, S. Mindfulness Moderates the Relationship of Depression and Quality of Prenatal Attachment in Expectant Parents Exposed to Contextual Risk. Paper presented in symposium Integration of Relational and Contemplative Practices in Preventative and Therapeutic Interventions for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders at the Biennial Perinatal Mental Health Conference, Chicago, IL. November 18.

2017    Hicks, L. M., Dayton, C. J. Dispositional Mindfulness as a Moderating Mechanism for the Association Between Depression and Quality of Parental Bonding in Urban Expectant Parents. Paper presented in symposium Mechanisms of Mindfulness and Their Applications to Social Work Practiceat Society for Social Work Research Conference, New Orleans, LA. January 14.

2017    Dayton, C. J., Hicks, L. M. Prenatal Bonding and Child Abuse Potential: Risk and Resilience in Vulnerable, Pregnant Mothers and Fathers. Paper presented in symposium Enhancing Services to Meet the Needs of Men Around the Period of Their Child’s Birth at Society for Social Work Research Conference, New Orleans, LA. January 15.

2017    Dayton, C. J., Hicks, L. M. We Have to Set an Example for Them: Expectant Fathers’ Perceptions of the Impact of Interpersonal Violence on Their Child. Paper presented at Society for Social Work Research Conference, New Orleans, LA. January 15.

2016    Hicks, L. M., Dayton, C. J. Mindfulness-Based Interventions in the Perinatal Period: Clinical Practice & Current Research. Paper presented at Ontario Association for Infant and Child Development 2016 Learning Institute, Windsor, ON. October 15.

2016    Shaddix, C., Cook, J. G., Hicks, L. M., & Duncan, L. Linking prenatal participation in Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) with later parent-toddler interactions: A qualitative follow-up study. Paper presented at the 2016 Annual American Psychological Association Convention, Denver, CO. August 4.

2016    Hicks, L. M., Dayton, C. J. Potential of child abuse and dispositional mindfulness in urban expectant mothers and fathers. Presented at the Lifespan Alliance Research Day, Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute / Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. February 14.

2015    Goletz, J., Dayton, C. J., Hicks, L. M. The Developing Parent-Infant Relationship: Understanding the Effects of Pregnancy Intendedness on Prenatal Parental Bonding. Undergraduate Research Symposium, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. November 13.

2015    Muzik, M., Hammer, L., Zhao, L., Anderson, L., Hicks, L. M., Baker, K. Integrated mental health in primary care: Total family support in an OB/Gyn and Pediatric clinic for perinatal women. Paper presented at Postpartum Support International Annual Conference, Plymouth, MI. May 5.

2015    Hicks, L. M., Moriarty, K., Muzik, M. Mindfulness-Based Interventions in the Perinatal Period: Clinical Practice & Current Research. Paper presented at the Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health, Kalamazoo, MI. May 24.

2015    Dayton, C. J., Walsh, T., Bocknek, E. L., Hicks, L. M., Muzik, M., Rosenblum, K. L. Fathering in an urban setting: A qualitative analysis of interviews with Detroit fathers preparing to parent a new baby. Paper presented at the Society for Research in Child Development, Philadelphia, PA. March 14.

2015    Dayton, C. J., Walsh, T., Bocknek, E. L., Hicks, L. M., Muzik, M., Rosenblum, K. L.  Fathering in an urban setting: A qualitative analysis of interviews with Detroit fathers preparing to parent a new baby. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA. January 12.

2014    Dayton, C. J., Huth-Bocks, A. C., Busuito, A., & Hicks, L. M. Mechanisms of Transmission:  Interpersonal Conflict, Maternal Perceptions of Infant Emotions and Early Parenting Processes. Paper presented at the Society for Research in Child Development Special Topic Meeting: New Conceptualizations in the Study of Parenting At-Risk, San Diego, CA. November 10.

2012    Patterson, D., Hicks, L. M. & Dennerly, K. Prevention of Secondary Trauma at the Individual, Supervisory, and Organizational Level. Paper presented at NASW-Michigan Annual Conference, Kalamazoo, MI. April 9.

POSTERS/ABSTRACTS

2020    Babayon-Grandgeorge, A., Merrick. J. M., Hicks, L.M., Narayan, A. J., & Davis, E. P. (2020, May). Benevolent childhood experiences in fathers-to-be: A replication and extension of resilience processes in low-income families. Poster accepted at the UCLA Undergraduate Research Conference. Los Angeles, CA.

2020    Kordyban, L., Coleman, N., Levy, J., Hicks. L.M., Segal, Z., Goodman, S.H., Dimidjian, S. Mindful Mood Balance for Moms: A Scalable Digital Intervention to Prevent Relapse of Depression in the Perinatal Period. Poster session presented at the National Perinatal Association Conference, Denver, CO.

2019    Nolan, R.J, Vlasenko, V.V, Hicks, L.M, Garcia S.E., Davis, E.P. Exploring the effects of maternal trauma on infant developmental outcomes: A literature review and research proposal. Poster session presented at the 89th Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association. Denver, CO. 

2018    Hicks, L.M., Anderson, A., Peterson, G., Glynn, L., Sandman, C., Davis, E.P. Prenatal Maternal Cortisol Programs the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Infants at 6 and 12 Months. Poster presented at International Society of Psychoendocrinology, Irvine, CA.

2018    Zueger, M., Novak, M., Hicks, L.M., Narayan, A., Davis, E.P. Perinatal Paternal Mental Health and its Impact on Birth and Infant Outcomes: A Literature Review and Research Proposal. Poster presented at DPRG research day, Denver, CO.

2017    Goletz, J.L., Dayton, C.J., Hicks, L.M. Differences in Prenatal Maternal and Paternal Bonding with the Developing Fetus. Poster presented at Lifespan Alliance Research Day, Detroit, MI. February 13.

2016    Hicks. L. M., Dayton, C.J. Dispositional Mindfulness Moderates Quality of Parental Bonding and Depression in Urban Expectant Parents. Poster accepted for the International Symposium for Contemplative Studies, San Diego, CA.

2016    Hicks, L.M., Dayton, C.J. Potential of child abuse and dispositional mindfulness in urban expectant mothers and fathers. Poster presented at the Mind Life Summer Research Institute, New York.

2016    Muzik, M, Hammer, L., Zhao, L., Anderson, L., Hicks, L.M., Baker, K. Integrating Peripartum Mental Health and Lactation Support into a Medical Home: A Total Family Support Model. Poster presented at North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology, NY, NY.

2015    Hicks, L.M., Dayton, C.J. (2015, October). Potential of child abuse and dispositional mindfulness in urban expectant mothers and fathers. Poster presented at the Contemplative Studies to Promote Child and Family Wellbeing Conference, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

2015    Hicks, L.M., Dayton, C. J., & Nordin, M. Mindfulness, depression, trauma and resiliency in a group of low income urban expectant parents: Preliminary analysis from the Baby on Board study.  Poster to be presented at the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health Biennial Meeting, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

2015    Hicks, L.M., Dayton, C. J. Parents-to-be in Detroit: How mindfulness is associated with perinatal depression. Poster to be presented at the Wayne State University Graduate Exhibition, Detroit, Michigan. (received 1^st place award)

2015    Hicks, L.M., Dayton, C. J., & Nordin, M. Promoting mindfulness in high-risk populations.  Poster to be presented at the WSU Lifespan Alliance Graduate Research Day, Detroit, Michigan.

2014    Hicks. L.M., Dayton, C.J. A Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Expectant Mothers and Fathers in High-Risk Populations: A Literature Review and Research Proposal. Poster presented at the International Symposium for Contemplative Studies, Boston, MA.

2014    Hicks, L.M. Mindful Mamas: Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness in Pregnancy. Poster presented at the Wayne State University School of Social Work Qualitative Methods Research Symposium.

2014    Hicks, L.M., Dayton, C.J. Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Expectant Mothers and Fathers in High-Risk Populations: A Literature Review and Research Proposal. Poster presented at the annual Merrill Palmer Skillman Graduate Research Day, Detroit, Michigan.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2018 – present         University of Denver – Graduate School of Social Work & Graduate School of Professional Psychology

                                 Adjunct Professor

2016 – 2017             Wayne State University – School of Social Work

                                 Adjunct Professor

                                 SW 6991: Mind, Body, Spirit Approaches in Social Work.

2010 – present         Mindful Mamas: Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

                                 Course developed and taught internationally

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2012 – present         Licensed Social Work Therapist, Windsor, ON / Novi, MI / Denver, CO

Responsibilities: Provide therapeutic treatment for a variety of mental health diagnosis including PTSD, substance abuse, depression, anxiety

2014 – 2015             Pre-Doctoral Clinical Practicum, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Women and Infant Mental Health Clinic (under Maria Muzik, MD, MSc.)

Responsibilities: Provide therapeutic treatment for women who are pregnant or one year postpartum. Develop and implement postpartum intervention group. Integrate care with Perinatal Psychiatrists, Obstetricians and Lactation Consultants.

2011 – 2012             Crisis Centre Counseling Intern: Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital, Windsor, ON

Responsibilities: Crisis intervention to clients 16 yrs. and older in the emergency room, walk-in clinic, psychiatric intake clinic, client’s home and through the 24 hr. crisis line.

2010 – 2011             Bereavement Therapy Intern: Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor, ON

Responsibilities: Individual and group counseling to children and adolescents suffering from bereavement related issues. Includes, art therapy, play therapy, therapeutic storytelling. Edited book for child grief. Developed a curriculum for children’s bereavement group.

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

2016, 2015, 2014     Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Predoctoral Fellow, Wayne State University.

2016, 2015, 2014     Merrill Palmer Skillman Travel Award

2016                         Mind Life Summer Research Institute Research Fellow

2015                         1^st place poster (University-wide competition) – Wayne State University Graduate Exhibition

2014                         Wayne State University, School of Social Work Travel Award

2014                         Blackstone Launch Pad, Mobile App Competition: Best Non-WSU based app, Wayne State University

2014                         Thomas C. Rumble Fellowship Development of Research and Scholarship Award, Wayne State University: Presented to doctoral student who shows high promise in research and scholarship.

2014                         Wayne State Graduate School External Funding Application Award

2013                         Thomas C. Rumble Fellowship Recruitment Award, Wayne State University: Presented to outstanding new doctoral recruit.

2011                         Graduate Professional Scholarship, Wayne State University

                                 Presented to outstanding academic graduate students who show promise in research.

2011                         Metro Canadian Scholarship

2011                         Elizabeth Brehler Scholarship Finalist

2011                         Yale Child Study Centre Post-Grad MSW Fellowship Finalist

2011                         Phi Alpha Honor Society – Chapter Omicron Omicron

2011                         Golden Key International Honor Society

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

2020Mom Policy Fellow

Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project, Board of Directors

Postpartum Support International, Colorado Chapter Advisory Board Member

Colorado Public Health, Perinatal-Related Depression Advisory Board

Colorado Perinatal Learning Collaborative Steering Committee

Zero to Three Mindfulness Advisory Board

Denver Health, Volunteer Labor Doula

AD HOC REVIEWER

JAMA Pediatrics

Journal of Mindfulness

International Journal of Yoga Therapy

Advances in Mind Body Medicine

Society of Research in Child Development Biannual Conference Review Committee

Archives of Women’s Mental Health

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Psilocybin Facilitator Training (Elemental Psychedelics)

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (Elemental Psychedelics)

Ketamine-Assisted EMDR therapy

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT: ATMA)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT Skills)

Eye Movement and Desensitization Therapy (EMDR)

Interpersonal Therapy in Pregnancy (MOMCare: Nancy Grote, PhD)

Perinatal Mental Health Disorders and Interventions (Postpartum Support International)

SBIRT Training

Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Education Professional Training (Nancy Bardacke, CNM, Larissa Duncan, PhD)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training (Susan Woods, LCSW)

Bayley III – Scales for Infant Development – Clinical Assessment Course

Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia – Data Collection and Analysis

Working Model of the Child Interview Coding Training (Kate Rosenblum, PhD)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (Zindel Segal, Phd)

Mindful Schools Curriculum Training

Non-Violent Communication Training

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training

Alive! Canada Suicide Prevention Training

Therapeutic Story Telling for Children (Jerrold Brandell, Ph.D.)

Teaching Yoga to At-Risk Populations Training

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Marcé Society of North America

Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health

Society of Social Work Research

American Psychological Association

National Association of Social Workers

Postpartum Support International

Yoga Alliance

CAPPA Canada Birth Professionals

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