About Me

I earned my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University in 2002 and worked at the National Center for Children and Families on numerous studies related to parenting, children, and families. After almost two decades as a parent educator and school consultant, I earned an MSW in Clinical Social Work at the University of Washington and completed internships at Wellspring Family Services and Cadence Child and Adolescent Therapy.

As a researcher, I have published numerous peer-reviewed articles on parenting, child development, poverty, early intervention, and public policy. As an educator, I believe in empowering parents with knowledge that enables them to understand each developmental stage of their child’s life and the challenges that often emerge at those times. As a therapist, I use evidence-based practice in my work with children and adolescents who may be experiencing anxiety, OCD, trouble with emotions or difficulties with friendships. I work with children, adolescents, parents, teachers, and schools individually, in groups, and as a featured speaker. Currently, most of my time is spent with children, adolescents, and their families in individual therapy.

In my non-work life, you'll find me outside with my husband and three children, chasing down our seven chickens, keeping up with our chocolate lab, cheering from the soccer sidelines, and enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Selected Publications

  • Brady-Smith, Brooks-Gunn, Tamis-LeMonda, Ispa, Fuligni, Chazan-Cohen, & Fine (2013). Mother-infant interactions in Early Head Start: A person-oriented within-ethnic group approach. Parenting: Science and Practice, 12, 27-43. 

  • Fuligni, Brady-Smith, Tamis-LeMonda, Bradley, Boyce, & Brooks-Gunn (2013). Patterns of supportive mothering with 1-, 2-, and 3-year olds by ethnicity in Early Head Start. Parenting Science and Practice, 13, 44-57.

  • Berlin, Ispa, Fine, Malone, Brooks-Gunn, Brady-Smith, Ayoub, & Bai (2009). Correlates and consequences of spanking and verbal punishment for low-income White, African American, and Mexican American toddlers. Child Development, 80, 1403-1420. 

  • Love, et al. (I am one of 14 authors) (2003). Child care quality matters: How conclusions may vary with context. Child Development, 74, 1021-1033.