Dr Lewis graduated with an Associate in Science Degree in Psychiatric Nursing from NIHERST in 2000. She migrated to the United Kingdom in 2002 to gain further experience in the field of mental health and returned to Trinidad in 2014.

She possesses a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Studies, a Master of Science in Leadership and Management in Public Services from the University of Hertfordshire, UK and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Administration from UTT. She is registered with the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK.

Over the past twenty-six years, Dr Lewis has worked in various clinical and management settings. Currently, she is the General Manager, Mental Health Services at the North West Regional Health Authority, where she leads, manages, and provides oversight of the development, delivery, and monitoring of mental health services. She is also involved in mental health advocacy and promotion, and is particularly interested in mental health research and policy development.

PhD Study: The Role of Mental Illness in Contributing to Homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago

The objective Dr Lewis’ Ph.D. explored the role of mental illness in the experience of homelessness from the perspectives of the mentally ill, their relatives, and professional informants. Purposive sampling was utilised to recruit inpatients of a psychiatric hospital, relatives of mentally ill patients, and social work and mental health professionals. An interpretivist epistemology influenced the choice of a case study research design. Data was collected via semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews and were analysed using thematic analysis. Results showed themes relating to a lack of support, stigmatisation, and discrimination.

In conclusion, mentally ill persons are at an increased risk for homelessness when combined with factors such as reduced family support, stigmatisation, discriminatory practices, and limited housing opportunities. Interagency collaboration, and greater support and education of all stakeholders are necessary.