Kerry Montgomery

Dr. Kerry Montgomery is a Research Fellow at the University of the West of England (UWE), affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS) and the Centre of Appearance Research. Her work focuses on psychological interventions, visible difference, and the psychosocial impact of conditions like alopecia. She leads projects exploring family planning decisions for heritable visible differences and has collaborated with charities such as the Katie Piper Foundation and Alopecia UK.

Education:

• BSc Psychology
• MSc Developmental Psychopathology
• PGCert Low Intensity Psychological Interventions (IAPT)
• PhD

Research Interests: Visible difference, psychological impact of hair loss, qualitative research, peer support systems, and low-intensity psychological interventions. Her work emphasizes developing resources for affected individuals and training professionals on psychological support strategies.

Advising & Grants: Led a VTCT Foundation-funded project on family planning for heritable visible differences. Previously held postdoctoral roles evaluating interventions for visible difference and worked with the NHS using CBT-based therapies for anxiety and depression.

Labs/Teams: Centre of Appearance Research at UWE, collaborating with national charities to advance support for individuals with visible differences.