معرفی
Janna C. Heyman serves as Professor and Henry C. Ravazzin Endowed Chair at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service, while also directing the Children & Families Institute. With extensive expertise in aging policy and foster care systems, she previously served as President of the State Society on Aging of New York and maintains active board membership. Her research bridges academic scholarship with direct policy implementation through numerous government and community partnerships.
Her educational credentials include:
- PhD from Fordham University
- MSW from Fordham University
- BSW from SUNY College at Brockport
Dr. Heyman's research focuses on critical gaps in aging services, foster care system interventions, and community-based needs assessments. She investigates systemic barriers faced by vulnerable populations through mixed-methods approaches, with particular emphasis on intergenerational connections and health equity. Her work consistently addresses the intersection of policy implementation and grassroots service delivery, employing community-engaged research frameworks to develop practical solutions for complex social problems.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals dominant themes in foster care intervention design (notably the BraveLife model), ageism and discrimination in healthcare settings, and innovative assessment tools for housing and health risks. Her scholarship demonstrates consistent attention to lifespan perspectives, connecting youth welfare with gerontological concerns through intergenerational frameworks. The research shows strong methodological diversity, combining quantitative evaluation with qualitative exploration of lived experiences.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Outstanding Externally Funded Award from Fordham University
- SSA Walter M. Beattie Jr. Leadership Award
- Fellowship in the New York Academy of Medicine
- Fellowship in the Gerontological Society of America
Dr. Heyman has secured over $3 million in external funding through 10 major grants, including the nationally recognized Westchester Building Futures initiative and the PIPELINE for Youth Health Project. Her collaborative work with the Westchester County Department of Social Services focuses on improving foster youth outcomes through intergenerational connection strategies. She has developed multiple evidence-based interventions now implemented across New York State child welfare systems.
As Director of the Children & Families Institute, she leads interdisciplinary teams conducting community needs assessments and program evaluations focused on vulnerable populations. The institute serves as a nexus for translating research into practice through partnerships with county agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare systems across the New York metropolitan area.
