About Edel
Fueled by her fascination with the workings of the developing mind, Edel earned two master’s degrees (MA, EdM) from Columbia University after graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from that same institution. Following research at Columbia University's Arts Education Research Center in New York, which documented the impact of music education on inner-city children's academic performance and self-esteem, Edel attained her PhD in Education and Psychology at the University of Cambridge while focusing on the cognitive links between musical learning and mathematical achievement. While there, she joined the Centre for Neuroscience in Education lab and the INSTRUCT (Implementing New Student and Teaching Resources Using Cognitive Theory) research group.
Post-doctoral research includes work at the Comparative Cognition lab at the University of Cambridge, which investigated individual traits and social learning in the natural environment of wild jackdaws. Dr. Sander’s subsequent research returned to humans, and in cooperation with the National Institute of Mental Health in the Czech Republic, she has examined intergenerational posttraumatic stress, posttraumatic growth, wellbeing and national identity of Holocaust survivors across several studies. Additionally, research and analyses of personality functioning in relation to impairments in factors such as mood, anxiety and attitude toward minorities have recently been published. Earlier publications examined burnout syndrome and lifestyle in teachers as well as work integrity through the lens of multiple variables.
In parallel to her post-doctoral research, and before transitioning to her position as Research Lead for the School of Psychology at the University of New York in Prague, Edel served as the Dean of Psychology at the same university for nearly nine years. Overseeing the university counseling center and advising hundreds of students in the School of Psychology, which grew exponentially during this time were two duties. In addition, Dr. Sanders taught psychology courses such as General Psychology, Educational Psychology, Group Work Processes, Comparative Psychology, Music Psychology and Research Perspectives across the Life Span.
Mission
More recently, inspired by working with and seeing the need of so many people to heal their hearts and to find meaning in life, Dr. Sanders has expanded her study and practice of therapeutic models, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Holistic Wellness Therapy. She has incorporated interesting and valuable findings from these therapeutic methods into her extensive teaching and research as well.
The latter model recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit, and thus embraces the integration of Positive Psychology elements with Humanist, Creative, and Ecological Therapies toward fulfillment and wellness of the individual and beyond.
Vision
With warmth and understanding, Edel encourages connection and positive growth. Her vision is to inspire an uplifting perspective of creativity, hope and joy in order to foster a beautiful future for each individual.