Christine Emmons

Christine Emmons, Ph.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor (Affiliate Faculty) at the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) within Yale School of Medicine. She has been affiliated with YCSC for over 25 years, specializing in the School Development Program (SDP) led by Dr. James Comer. Her research focuses on social environments' impact on children’s development, particularly in areas of self-worth, empowerment, and systemic educational equity. Dr. Emmons holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut (1993), an M.L.S. from the University of Western Ontario (1984), and a B.A. in Library Science from the University of the West Indies (1979). Prior to Yale, she worked as an elementary teacher and librarian in Grenada. She has directed program evaluation for SDP, designing instruments to measure program implementation and outcomes across U.S. districts and internationally. Her work emphasizes collaboration, no-fault problem-solving, and consensus decision-making principles. Beyond academia, she is a published poet and enjoys cultural activities, co-parenting a niece, and violin music.

Education:

• Ph.D., Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut, 1993
• M.L.S., Library and Information Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1984
• B.A., Library Science, University of the West Indies, 1979

Research Interests: Dr. Emmons investigates how children’s social environments (home, school, community) influence their psychological development. Key areas include:

• School climate and its effects on student adjustment
• Systemic educational reform through family-school partnerships
• Health equity and social determinants of child well-being
• Autism education and collaborative programming

Her work bridges theory and practice, with global applications in program evaluation.

Professional Contributions: She has authored/co-authored peer-reviewed articles on SDP evaluation, school climate, and collaboration efficacy. Her 2022 community spotlight highlighted her poetry publication Outside My House: A Journey Through Nature During COVID Lockdown and her interdisciplinary approach to parenting and education.