Kathleen M. Connors

Kathleen M. Connors is an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She serves as Executive Director of the Taghi Modarressi Center for Infant Study and Director of the Baltimore-Nest of Early Services Transformation and Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, with over 35 years of clinical experience in trauma-focused care for children and families.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Catholic University of America (1983)
• Master of Social Work, New York University (1985)

Ms. Connors' research centers on child traumatic stress, infant mental health, and implementation of evidence-based practices across diverse settings including hospitals, schools, and homes. She specializes in trauma treatment modalities and leads diagnostic assessment initiatives for infants and young children, with a strong emphasis on family-centered interventions and systemic change through collaborative learning models.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent focus on trauma-mental health intersections, particularly in youth populations, with evolving emphasis on implementation science and community-based solutions. Key themes include violence prevention, psychosis symptomology in traumatized youth, and family engagement strategies.

Notable recognition includes:

• Field Instructor of the Year Award, National Association of Social Workers-Maryland Chapter (2009)

She directs UMSOM's HealthySteps program, supervises clinical staff, and serves as co-investigator on the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. As a National Child Parent Psychotherapy Trainer, she leads Maryland's Infant Mental Health Certificate Program and Fussy Baby Maryland, while directing multiple Learning Collaboratives for service innovation.

Current affiliations include the Baltimore-Network of Early Services Transformation (NCTSN Category III Center) and ZERO TO THREE's Policy Learning Collaborative, reflecting her leadership in statewide infant mental health infrastructure development.