Matthew Cairns is Director of Career Affairs and a Registered Psychologist with a background in nonprofit leadership, community mental health, and clinical practice. He holds a Master of Counselling degree from Athabasca University and began his career supporting youth and families in school, addiction treatment, and community settings. His clinical experience includes supporting individuals and families impacted by intergenerational trauma and intimate partner violence through the Hinton Friendship Centre’s Mamowichihitowin Program, as well as providing community mental health services with Recovery Alberta. Matthew also maintains a small private practice in Jasper, Alberta, where he lives.

Throughout his career, Matthew has worked at the intersection of clinical practice, leadership, and community development. These experiences, particularly his work as a rural psychologist, have shaped his understanding of the opportunities and challenges psychologists face, including professional isolation, increasing complexity, and the challenges of building sustainable careers. He is passionate about strengthening connections across Alberta’s psychology community and supporting psychologists at every stage of their professional journey. In his role at PAA, he works to expand professional development opportunities, strengthen member benefits, and develop practical resources that support psychologists in building meaningful and sustainable careers.