Kirsten Byrnes

Dr. Kirsten Byrnes is an Assistant Professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Research and Training at POETIC, Dallas—an organization supporting youth impacted by maltreatment or trafficking. She holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (Long Island University) and an M.A. in Forensic Psychology (John Jay College), with postgraduate certifications in Criminal/Family Forensic Psychology and Clinical Trauma.

Her research examines:

• Child abuse, trafficking, and sexual exploitation dynamics
• Trauma-informed assessment methodologies
• Forensic considerations for neurodiverse youth
• Grooming behaviors in abuse cases

She previously directed psychology training at Audrey Hepburn Children’s House (Hackensack) and teaches across academic levels.

Notable scholarly work includes publications on:

• Forensic approaches for ASD youth experiencing abuse
• Application of the MACI tool in abuse assessments