Geisthardt, Cheryl
Associate Professor
Biography
My professional work focuses on promoting optimal development and well-being for all children and families. I am particularly interested in how adverse child experiences (ACEs) and chronic stress impact development as well as physical and mental health across the lifespan with the overall goal of designing and implementing evidence-based practices and policies for improving well-being for individuals, families, and society.
More about Cheryl Geisthardt
Publications & Presentations
Popp, T., Geisthardt, C., & Bumpas, E. (2020). Pediatric practitioners’ screening for adverse childhood experiences: Current practices and future directions. Social Work in Public Health, 35, 1-10. http://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2020.1711839
Jensen, E., Geisthardt, C., & Sarigiani, P. (2020). Working with children with autism spectrum disorder in a medical setting: Insights from child life specialists. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 50, 189-198. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04245-0
Herbert, D., Geisthardt, C., & Hoffman, H. (2019). Insights and recommendations from parents receiving a diagnosis of pediatric multiple sclerosis for their child. Journal of Child Neurology, 34, 464-471. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073819842420
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Human Development and Family Studies, 1998, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa;
Master of Science, Human Development and Family Studies,1994, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas;
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 1992, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Research Interests
Stress and coping in children and families
Long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physical and mental health
Social determinants of health
Impact of chronic and life-threatening conditions on children and families
Parent-child relationships
Building resilience
Membership in Professional Organizations
Society for Research on Child Development
National Council on Family Relations
Society for Research on Adolescence
Courses Taught
HDF 110 Oppression: Roots and Impact on Human Development
HDF 207 Introduction to Research Methods in
HDFS HDF 306 Adolescent Development
HDF 308 Theories of Child and Adolescent Development
HDF 510 Child Development Seminar: Promoting Resilience