The UK Psychological Trauma Society welcomes two new members to the Society’s Board.
Major Amos Simms is a Mental Health Nurse and Psychotherapist and works between Defence Healthcare Recovery Group and the Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King’s College London. Whilst he is currently involved in a range of novel research projects his role is also to monitor and evaluate global mental health research to ensure the UK Armed Forces continues to have a strong evidence base behind the delivery of its Mental Health component. Amos has served in the UK Armed Forces for over 30 years, firstly in the Royal Air Force and then the British Army, he has worked both as a general and mental health nurse in the UK and Germany and in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Bosnia. Clinically focussed, he specialised and undertook his MSc in the delivery of psychotherapy and has been heavily involved in the development of both clinical services and preventative mental health strategy in the firm base and on operations. He is currently undertaking a PhD looking at the impact of remote warfare on the mental health of military personnel.
In addition, Gioia Kunst joins the board as Student Communications Lead. She is currently studying for an MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath where her dissertation focuses on how schools can support children’s mental well-being, reflecting her interest in early intervention and system-wide approaches to mental health. Gioia has a particular passion for trauma-informed care and a personal interest in the lived experience of PTSD. On completion of her MSc, she hopes to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of working with children and young people affected by trauma. As Student Communications Lead, Gioia will help shape and implement UKPTS communications and build connections among student and early-career professionals.
“I’m really excited to be joining the UKPTS board as Student Communications Lead,” she said. “It’s a privilege to contribute to a society that’s doing such important work in the field of psychological trauma. I’m especially passionate about making trauma-informed knowledge more accessible to students and early-career professionals, and I look forward to helping build a stronger, more connected community.”
UKPTS President, Dr Victoria Williamson said: “I am delighted that Amos and Gioia are joining the Board and helping shape the UKPTS so we can continue to grow and reflect our diverse membership”.
