We are excited to announce that Dr. Chantel Ritter is the winner of the 2025 Dr. Sterling Clarren FASD Research Award! Chantel’s research focuses on the strengths and protective factors in youth with FASD involved in the criminal legal system.  

Each year, CanFASD present this award to a student or early career researcher who has made a significant contribution to our field. We named the award in honour of Dr. Sterling Clarren, CanFASD’s founding CEO and Scientific Director. Not only does it recognize excellence in research, but it also emphasizes work that integrates policy, practice, and evidence to improve real-world outcomes for individuals with FASD, their families, and communities. 

A fresh perspective on FASD in the legal system  

Dr. Ritter shares: “My program of research explores strengths and protective factors in youth with FASD involved in the criminal legal system. Moving beyond deficit-focused views, it emphasizes a strengths-based, ecological approach by analyzing caregiver perspectives through qualitative methods. 

Key findings highlight individual character strengths, the importance of supportive relationships, and systemic factors that promote resilience and positive outcomes. The work advocates for holistic, inclusive interventions and policy reforms to empower youth with FASD and reduce recidivism.” 

Meet Dr. Chantel Ritter  

Dr. Chantel Ritter recently completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Guelph. She is currently a Psychologist in Supervised Practice at Kinark Child and Family Services. She provides clinical support to children, youth, and families facing complex and co-occurring mental health challenges.  

Chantel’s work draws on trauma-informed, strengths-based, and lived experience-centered approaches that emphasize resilience and systemic change over deficit-focused models. She is passionate about clinical practice, with a focus on children, youth, and families impacted by trauma, neurodiversity, and system involvement. She is dedicated to creating collaborative, individualized interventions and bridging research and practice to support those with complex needs.  

Thank you, Chantel for your important contributions to the field of FASD research. We look forward to formally recognizing you at the Canada FASD Conference in October!