Ingrid Mari Anderson

Ingrid Mari Anderson, Ed.D., serves as Associate Professor of Practice at Portland State University with dual appointments in the College of Education and School of Social Work. She coordinates the Infant/Toddler Mental Health graduate certificate program and collaborates with Trauma Informed Oregon on interdisciplinary community partnerships.

Her educational background includes:

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Portland State University
• MS in Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools from Lesley University
• Women's Studies from San Diego State University

Anderson's research centers on early childhood wellbeing and educator emotional health, securing over $4 million in funding since 2015. She pioneers culturally sustaining models in rural Oregon early childhood education and develops trauma-informed practices through initiatives like the Caplan Foundation-funded Playing in Digital Spaces project. Her work bridges digital and physical learning environments while advancing sustainability in early childhood education.

Professional recognition includes:

• College of Education Researcher of the Year (2019)
• Foundation for Child Development Young Scholar (2022)

Anderson directs significant grant-funded initiatives supporting early childhood educators across the U.S., Singapore, and Peru. She serves on the Oregon Child Development Coalition board (seasonal/migrant Head Start) and Teaching Preschool Partners board, while contributing to the Oregon Child Care Research Partnership. Her leadership fosters professional development, advocacy, and family services through community-academic collaborations.

She maintains active involvement in early childhood networks including the Sustainability in Early Childhood Education consortium and Trauma Informed Oregon, driving systemic change through evidence-based practices and cross-sector partnerships.