Julie Lessard

Julie Lessard is a Full Professor in the Department of Foundations and Practices in Education at the Faculty of Education, Université Laval. She holds a doctorate in psychology with a specialization in psychoeducation and has established herself as a leading researcher in family and child welfare studies.

Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Montreal (2010), an M.Sc. in Psychoeducation from the University of Quebec in Outaouais (2005), and a B.A. in Psychology and Governance and Public Policy from the University of Ottawa (2002).

Professor Lessard's research focuses on parental educational practices, intervention with parents, youth protection systems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has developed significant expertise in assessing parenting skills and evaluating parenting skills training programs, particularly for families under youth protection supervision and families with children with ADHD. Her work on the 'Incredible Years' program has contributed substantially to evidence-based practices in this field.

Analysis of her recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a consistent focus on practical applications of psychological research in educational and child welfare settings. Her work spans teacher training for behavior management, online learning adaptations during the pandemic, youth protection systems, and the impact of bullying on adolescent well-being. These publications demonstrate her interdisciplinary approach bridging psychology, education, and social work.

Professor Lessard maintains active research funding through SSHRC, FRQSC, and institutional grants for projects related to vulnerable children and families. Her current work includes developing observation tools for parenting skills assessment across different age groups and examining voluntary measures in Quebec's youth protection system.

She is affiliated with the Centre for Research on Youth and Families (CRUJeF) and the Centre for Research on the Adaptation of Youth and Families at Risk (JEFAR), where she supervises graduate students and collaborates on interdisciplinary research projects addressing critical issues in child and family welfare.