Meet Lauren Sharples, BSc, ISNR International Member-at-Large Board Member
Since completing an International Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Leeds, UK and Queensland University of Technology, Australia in 2012, Lauren Sharples has been working full-time within inner-city schools in Manchester, UK. She began her neurofeedback journey in 2014, on completing the BCIA Didactic course and shadowing the UK’s most experienced neurofeedback practitioner, Dr. Lesley Parkinson in London, UK. Lauren then brought neurofeedback to the North of England, becoming the Director of Optiminds Brain Training Ltd, specialising in providing QEEGs and neurofeedback therapy to pupils from inner-city schools within Manchester. Prior to completing her degree, Lauren held various positions to assist and support vulnerable groups. This includes an inner-city youth club in Manchester, the ‘Caring Together’ social services group for the elderly in Leeds, the ‘New Futures’ orphanage in Cambodia, and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.
When I first joined ISNR in 2014, I remember reading through the conference schedule and being so impressed by the range of workshops, keynote speakers and presentations that were on offer to attendees. Living in the UK means such learning opportunities are rare, and therefore without hesitation I booked my flights to San Diego for the following month. My first ISNR conference experience was above and beyond my expectations, and I left feeling so eager to implement all that I had learned about neurofeedback that week. As an international member of ISNR, the annual conference continues to be vital to my professional development within the field of neurofeedback.
This year, I am so grateful to have been elected by the ISNR membership to serve on the board as the International Member-at-Large. This is a wonderful opportunity to sit alongside such innovative, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals who continually strive for the advancement of our field.
As the new PR Committee chair, I hope to bring a fresh and creative approach to enhancing exposure of neurofeedback to the general public. I would like to openly invite any member to reach out to me directly if they would like to contribute their ideas or skills to help ISNR continue to move forward with momentum and unity.