Kristi K. Westphaln

Dr. Kristi K. Westphaln is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for the Pediatric Advanced Practice Nursing Program at UCLA School of Nursing. She holds a PhD in Nursing from the University of San Diego and completed a transdisciplinary postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her clinical expertise spans over 20 years in pediatric nursing, including roles at Rady Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Rainbow Center for Women and Children. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for children impacted by abuse/neglect, child welfare systems, and social determinants of health. Professional activities include editorial board membership with Child Abuse and Neglect and leadership roles with NAPNAP and the Nicole Parker Foundation for Children. Awards include the 2023 NAPNAP Los Angeles Chapter’s Outstanding Nurse Practitioner of the Year.

Education: BSN (2004, California State University Los Angeles), MSN (2008, UCLA SON), PhD Nursing (2018, University of San Diego), and MS Clinical Research (2021, Case Western Reserve University).

Research emphasizes child protection teams, children’s advocacy centers, and resilience mechanisms in vulnerable populations. Her work bridges clinical practice, policy advocacy, and community-based interventions to address systemic inequities affecting child health outcomes. Current clinical practice involves the Audrey Hepburn CARES team at CHLA.