Alison Gerlach

Alison Gerlach is an Associate Professor and Associate Director in the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria (UVic). Her work focuses on advancing equity in early years and childhood dis/ability sectors through policy, organizational, and practice changes that center structurally marginalized communities, families, and children. She employs critical, relational, and intersectional theoretical frameworks alongside community-engaged research methods.

• Education: MSc (San Jose State University), PhD (University of British Columbia)

Her research emphasizes culturally safe, trauma-informed approaches to address systemic inequities affecting dis/abled children and Indigenous families. Drawing on 25 years of occupational therapy experience, she investigates linkages between childhood adversity and structural barriers, advocating for inclusive systems变革. Key themes include:

• Intersectional disability studies
• Health equity in early childhood
• Indigenous partnership methodologies

Dr. Gerlach supervises graduate students exploring critical disability studies and early years sector equity. Her scholarship bridges academic research with grassroots community initiatives.