Birgit Monks

Birgit Monks is an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Early Childhood Education at Pacific Oaks College, School of Education, and serves as Program Chair for Child and Adolescent Development at Union Institute and University. She is based in Pasadena and teaches in both on-campus and online formats. Her academic and professional work centers on early childhood education, human development, and social justice.

Education:

• Ed.D., Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA (2011)
• M.A. in Human Development, Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, CA (2006)
• B.A. in Human Development, Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, CA (2004)

Dr. Monks specializes in early childhood education, cognitive and social development, multicultural training, trauma-informed practices, and adult learning. Her research explores how individuals increase personal and professional capacity through experiential and reflective learning. She is passionate about implicit bias, gender inequality, and diversity in education, and has conducted workshops at national conferences including NAEYC.

Her 2012 book, Increasing Capacity - A Grounded Theory Study, presents a qualitative model of how people identify and overcome personal or professional deficiencies to achieve ease and effectiveness in their work. The work integrates psychological, educational, and behavioral perspectives, highlighting anxiety reduction and self-efficacy as key outcomes.

Professional Memberships:

• Member, NAEYC
• Member, Every Child California
• Member, National Coalition of Campus Children's Centers (N4C)

Dr. Monks has served in leadership roles including Chair of the San Bernardino County Local Planning Council, Former Secretary of the California Association for the Association of Young Children, Former President Elect/Treasurer of AAEYC, Director Mentor in the California Mentor Program, and Instructor at Foothill Family Shelter, Upland, CA. She has also worked as a director of a state and federally funded preschool and toddler program, where she achieved and maintained NAEYC accreditation.

She teaches adult learners with a philosophy centered on active learning, knowledge sharing, and experiential engagement. Her expertise includes ethical and legal issues in education, non-profit leadership, and social justice advocacy.