Personnel

Dr. Vinita Puri

Highest Degree PhD Psychology
Walden University (USA)
Position Assistant Professor
Faculty School of Health Sciences and Psychology
Department Department of Psychology
Email Vinita.Puri@cud.ac.ae
Location HUB-70
Name Dr. Vinita Puri
Position Assistant Professor
Email Vinita.Puri@cud.ac.ae
Location HUB-70
Highest Degree PhD Psychology
Walden University (USA)

Faculty School of Health Sciences and Psychology
Department Department of Psychology

Biography

I am an interdisciplinary mental health educator, researcher, and clinician with over 25 years of experience across academic, clinical, and community-based sectors. I am deeply committed to socially just, trauma-informed, and integrative approaches to psychological practice. Currently, I serve as an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the School of Health Sciences and Psychology at Canadian University Dubai.

At the heart of my professional journey is a profound passion for teaching, advising, and mentoring students. I view education as a collaborative, transformative process—and I am dedicated to creating inclusive, compassionate, and intellectually rigorous learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. Whether in the classroom, in supervision, or through research partnerships, I strive to support the personal and professional development of emerging scholars and practitioners, cultivating critical thinking, cultural humility, and lifelong learning.

My interdisciplinary background bridges the field of Psychology, Social Work, Criminology, and Ayurveda,  grounded in values of equity, holistic wellness and community engagement. I hold a PhD in Psychology, a Masters degree in Criminological Research, a Masters degree in Social Work, and a Masters in Ayurvedic Nutrition and Digestion. Throughout my career, I have served as a Registered Social Worker (RSW), Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM), Coach, and Consultant—working with diverse populations in Canada and across the world. I have developed educational workshops and trainings to support business leaders in managing personnel and developing strategic goals for building organizational capacity.

As a global mental health advocate and educator, I have had the privilege of mentoring students across borders and disciplines. My contributions have been recognized by organizations such as Psi Chi International Honour Society, Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Canadian Global Awards, where I was named one of the Top 20 Women Leaders in Canada—an honor that reflects my enduring commitment to education, service, and community leadership.

Areas of specialization

  • Trauma-informed and evidence-based practices
  • Community-based mental health and rehabilitation
  • Social Psychology and Criminology
  • Mindfulness-based interventions and holistic wellness
  • Diversity, equity, and culturally responsive pedagogy

Selected publications

Projects

Creative work

  • Shakti Film Festival-Vancouver, B.C. (Judge, 2024); MDC Globe International-New Delhi, India (Judge, 2023). Ms. Canada World Universal Elite 2021/2022