Christine Spence

Dr. Christine Spence is an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education, serving as program faculty for Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) and coordinator for Early Childhood Special Education programs. She holds a Ph.D. in special education from University of Illinois, M.M. in music therapy from Florida State University, and dual B.S. in psychology/B.M. in music from University of Florida.

Her research focuses on three primary areas: personnel preparation emphasizing culturally responsive teaching; amplifying voices of families engaged with disability services; and investigating inter-system collaboration within early childhood frameworks. Current investigations examine infant-toddler disabilities, family-centered coaching practices, and early childhood system development.

Publications over the past five years demonstrate strong focus on family-centered intervention strategies, professional development models, and equity in service delivery. Recurring themes include ethical service provision, trauma-informed approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reducing disparities for vulnerable populations. Research consistently addresses implementation science within early childhood systems.

Dr. Spence mentors graduate researchers including Bentley, Stuyvenberg, Brown Ruiz, Jones, O’Grady, and Sulinski. As program coordinator, she oversees curriculum development and field experiences for early childhood special education students.