Dr. Staples is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Washington. She is passionate about combatting mental health stigma and reaching individuals who may not otherwise access mental health support. She comes from a long line of family in the restaurant industry and worked as a server for 13 years with a personal investment in impacting restaurant mental health culture.

Dr. Staples has over 10 years of experience providing mental health and diversity trainings for various audiences. Furthermore, she taught doctoral level graduate students for five years and won a teaching award nominated by her students. She regularly utilizes the skills and strategies taught in Work Wiser workshops in her own personal and professional life and is dedicated to helping others be successful without getting in their own way.

Dr. Staples is also committed to social justice and mental health inclusion. She has a research background focused on mental health implications of minority stress and oppression-based trauma, with over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. She holds a postdoctoral specialty in LGBTQIA+ mental health and seeks ongoing continuing education opportunities to strengthen her cultural awareness and knowledge, which is integrated throughout Work Wiser trainings.