Raynie Leard

Raynie Leard is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Health Service Psychology PsyD (Clinical-School Combined) program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She earned her Master of Science in Developmental Psychology from Arizona State University and completed her master’s-level internship as a Child Advocate in a safe shelter for women and children who experienced domestic violence. She also has experience in applied behavior analysis, conducting behavioral parent training in an early intervention research clinic for youth with autism spectrum disorder. Raynie’s research centers on resilience processes—such as benefit finding, posttraumatic growth, and self-compassion—in families navigating chronic stress and/or chronic pain. Her mixed-methods studies incorporate a strengths-based and human-centered design. She is interested in the unique experiences of youth and caregivers from military-serving families and those managing chronic health conditions, like spina bifida. Clinically, Raynie has experience in pediatric psychology and pain psychology, working with children, adolescents, and families impacted by acute and chronic health conditions. She has provided individual and family therapy using principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Parent Management Training. She also enjoys conducting psychodiagnostic assessments across the lifespan. To support her own well-being, Raynie enjoys going to the gym, watercolor painting, hanging out with her six rescue pets, playing video games, and exploring nature.