Skip to main content

Geisthardt, Cheryl

Associate Professor

FACULTY

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

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 

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

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

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