Johanna Quina

Profile

I am a Clinical Psychologist from the Catholic University of Ecuador and hold an MA in Childhood Studies from the University of Leeds. Currently, I am in my third year of a Ph.D. at the School of Education at Leeds.

Throughout my career, I have worked on diverse research projects focusing on vulnerable populations, gaining experience in both clinical practice and community interventions. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the critical role of mental stability in overall well-being. I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need to prioritize mental health support, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.

My passion lies in promoting mental health as a fundamental human right—one that should be accessible to all individuals from birth. I strongly believe that health should be a shared and co-produced endeavor rather than a vertical, hierarchical system. By fostering collaboration between individuals, communities, and professionals, we can create more inclusive and effective approaches to mental health care.

Through my research and professional work, I strive to contribute to policies and practices that ensure equitable access to mental health care for all.

Research interests

• Mental Health & Well-being: Focus on children, adolescents, and young people, particularly in global health crisis contexts and children's rights.
• Participatory & Co-Production Methods: Emphasis on collaborative research approaches that actively involve communities and prioritize shared knowledge creation.
• Theoretical Frameworks: Grounded in psychoanalysis, dynamic psychology, childhood studies, relational theories, and decolonial perspectives to critically examine mental health and well-being.