Meet the employee: Cherie La Rocque
Written by: HALEO
Published on: November 7, 2024 | Reading time: 🕐 2m
Cherie La Rocque, Ph.D., RPsych, Product Owner at HALEO
“Many people think they’ve tried everything to fix their sleep, but they often haven’t heard of CBT-I. At HALEO, our mission to make this treatment more accessible is crucial for helping individuals achieve better sleep.”
Academic journey
Cherie’s path began at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, where a simple psychology elective sparked her passion for the subject. Fascinated by the scientific method’s role in understanding complex mental health issues, she pursued a master’s and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Queen’s University. As part of the Mood Research Lab, she initially studied the effects of stress on depression but later shifted her focus to more applicable research aimed at making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Her dissertation explored the impact of yoga and aerobic exercise on major depression in women, along with underlying mechanisms of action.
From research to real-world impact
For years, Cherie has advocated the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Alongside her passion for exercise and nutrition, she recognizes sleep as a vital component of overall well-being. This perspective is what makes her role at HALEO a perfect match.
Since joining HALEO in 2018, Cherie’s role has evolved, reflecting her commitment to making our solutions accessible and enhancing the user experience. She strives to ensure that every individual has a smooth and meaningful interaction with our services.
Product owner with a human-centered focus
As product owner, Cherie collaborates closely with stakeholders to transform innovative ideas into reality. Her clinical background allows her to integrate research with user experience, driving the development of clinically relevant projects. Cherie prioritizes the individual’s perspectives, aligning stakeholders’ goals with the genuine needs of those who rely on our services. Her ultimate aim is to create an intuitive and enjoyable app that empowers individuals to improve their sleep for years to come.
Achievements at a glance
- Improved accessibility of evidence-based sleep solutions. Enhanced the intuitiveness and accessibility of these solutions for individuals.
- Integration of research and clinical practice. Ensured that individual’s needs are effectively met through collaboration between research and clinical teams.
- User-centric mobile app development. Focused on enhancing user experience to empower individuals in their journey to better sleep.