Prof Gini Harrison

Gini Harrison is a Professor of Psychology at The Open University, a Chartered Psychologist, and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. A founding member of the University’s Perinatal Research Group, she investigates women’s experiences of anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, examining how social factors, cognitive processes, and help-seeking behaviours shape wellbeing. Her work emphasises the need for accurate information and peer-centred support, and includes developing digital tools to improve access to evidence-based perinatal resources. More broadly, her research focuses on the measurement, manifestation and treatment of stress, anxiety and depression in groups experiencing elevated situational or occupational stress.

Katie Jones

Katie Jones is a Chartered Psychologist researching the emotional wellbeing of families, with a focus on the social and cognitive mechanisms underpinning anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Her work aims to identify risk factors and opportunities to support families during vulnerable periods, such as pregnancy, postpartum, and during serious illness. Alongside risk factor research, Katie is exploring the potential of eHealth tools to support these populations. Katie is also mum to three children and has spent almost 20 years working with families in various capacities, including community peer support and leading public and patient involvement in local perinatal health service improvements.

Gemma Ballard

Gemma’s research focuses on the experiences of new fathers within the perinatal period. Her work aims to produce a new screening tool that will identify those dads who are most at risk of experiencing mental distress during this time.

Dr Donna Moore

Donna Moore is a researcher at The Open University whose work focuses on perinatal anxiety and parental wellbeing. Her research explores how psychological and social factors influence the recognition of anxiety during pregnancy and the postnatal period, with particular attention to stigma, disclosure, and help-seeking. She is especially interested in improving awareness of perinatal anxiety and supporting the development of accessible, evidence-based resources that encourage early identification and engagement with support for families and healthcare professionals.