She obtained her PhD in 2011 at the University of Amsterdam, under supervision of Prof. Maurits van der Molen and Prof. Eveline Crone. The main aim of her doctoral research was to gain insight in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the heightened emotional sensitivity to peer rejection during adolescence. She also worked as a post-doc at the University of Amsterdam on a project exploring the neurobiological correlates of attachment relationships. In 2015 she finished the postmaster education program for mental health care psychologist. During her clinical training she worked in diverse mental health care settings (both ambulant and clinical care).