Kerri P Peters

Kerri P Peters, Ph.D., BCBA-D, serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida and Administrative Director of the UF Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (UF Health CAN). Her dual role bridges academic scholarship with clinical leadership in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Her educational trajectory includes:

• Post-doctoral Associate (2013-2019) at University of Florida
• Ph.D. in Psychology (2013) from University of Florida
• Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (2007) from University of North Texas
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Education (2004) from University of Florida

Dr. Peters' research centers on applied behavior analysis with critical emphases on autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and severe behavior consultation. Her clinical work focuses on program development, caregiver training, and multidisciplinary care models that translate evidence-based practices into real-world settings. She pioneers interventions addressing skill acquisition, challenging behaviors, and systemic barriers in service delivery.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes: workforce sustainability (40% of articles address therapist burnout and training), methodological refinements in behavioral interventions (35%), and innovative assessment approaches for autism (25%). Her work increasingly integrates implementation science to bridge research-practice gaps.

Key recognitions include:

• Henry C. & Audrey S. Schumacher Dissertation Award (2013)
• UF Department of Psychology Travel Award (2011-2012)
• Best Applied Poster Submission (2007)
• Student Presenter Grant (2007)

As Principal Investigator, she directs $1.2M+ in active grants addressing Florida's behavioral health crisis. Current projects include: (1) Addressing the Behavior Therapist Shortage (2024-2025, $450k) developing pipeline solutions, and (2) UF and Florida Autism Center Clinical Quality Contract (2025-2027, $780k) establishing standardized care metrics. Her grant portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on workforce development and service accessibility.

She leads UF Health CAN's multidisciplinary team of 32 clinicians and researchers, overseeing clinical operations while driving research initiatives that shape state-level autism service delivery standards.