Kathleen Baggett

Dr. Kathleen Baggett is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences at Georgia State University's School of Public Health and serves as Director of the Mark Chaffin Centers for Healthy Development. Her research focuses on intervention and implementation science at the intersections of maternal/infant mental health, disability, and social-emotional development for at-risk populations.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Developmental and Child Psychology, University of Kansas (2000)
• M.S. in Counseling Psychology, University of Kansas (1997)
• B.A. in Psychology, MidAmerica Nazarene University (1989)

Baggett's research examines how adverse childhood experiences, intimate partner violence, and socioeconomic factors impact maternal depression and child outcomes. She develops technology-delivered interventions (e.g., virtual coaching for maternal depression) and investigates parenting practices across diverse populations, with significant focus on autism spectrum disorder and child maltreatment prevention. Her work consistently addresses health disparities through culturally responsive frameworks.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a dominant focus on maternal mental health interventions (particularly mobile/virtual platforms), racial/cultural factors in parenting, and autism-related social communication. Over 60% of her 2022-2025 publications address technology-enhanced interventions for maternal depression or autism, while 30% examine racial/cultural dimensions of parenting practices.

During her tenure at the Juniper Gardens Children's Project, her team received the Council of Exceptional Children's Research Award for 35 years of special education research impact.

Baggett has secured major funding from NIH, CDC, HRSA, and the U.S. Department of Education for projects including national Head Start partnerships to reduce maternal depression and disability-serving agency collaborations. While specific advisees aren't listed, her role involves mentoring graduate students in public health and psychology.

As Director of the Mark Chaffin Centers for Healthy Development, she leads interdisciplinary teams implementing evidence-based programs with community partners including Head Start agencies and disability-serving organizations across the United States.