Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, and now residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Maddie Demos is a third-year honors student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing degrees in Psychology and Human Development & Family Science with a concentration in Family and Child Health. With a deep passion for mental health advocacy and trauma recovery, Maddie is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journeys to healing‚ always meeting them where they are at.

Her participation in research at UNC’s Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED) contributes to the world’s largest genetic studies on eating disorders, exploring the intricate intersections of genetics, environment, and mental health. In parallel, Maddie channels her dedication to trauma-informed care as a volunteer and hotline worker at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center. In this role, she provides compassionate support to survivors, offering a steady voice in moments of crisis while promoting resilience and healing.

Beyond her research and volunteer work, Maddie has used her 15 years of experience in a pre-professional dance company to foster confidence, discipline, and joy in aspiring performers. She has experience teaching ballet to under-resourced youth through Stairway for Ballet and currently leads as a dance instructor at Blank Canvas Dance Company, UNC’s largest student-run dance organization. As Technique Chair, Maddie creates inclusive, empowering spaces where movement and mental wellness intertwine.

Looking ahead, Maddie plans to become an adolescent clinical psychologist, specializing in trauma-informed care. She is passionate about working with young people, particularly those facing challenges related to body image, performance pressure, and identity development. With her background in the arts, she hopes to incorporate movement and creative expression into therapeutic practices, offering innovative pathways to healing and self-discovery.