Mary L. O'Connor Leppert

Mary L. O'Connor Leppert is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a neurodevelopmental pediatrician in the Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She serves as the Division Director of Developmental Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins and leads multiple educational initiatives including the Teaching Excellence in Neuro Development (TEND) program, Kennedy Krieger Project ECHO, and the Kennedy Krieger Instruction in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND) curriculum.

Dr. Leppert received her undergraduate biology degree from Catholic University of America and medical degrees (MB, BCh, BAO) from University College Cork in Ireland. After completing her pediatric residency at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, she joined Kennedy Krieger Institute in 1992 and has been active there since 1995 following her developmental pediatrics fellowship through Johns Hopkins.

Her research focuses on evaluating teaching strategies, early identification of developmental disorders, understanding causes of developmental disorders, and educating trainees on early identification methods. Recent publications reveal strong emphasis on tele-education models, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral health in early childhood, and innovative approaches to addressing healthcare provider shortages. Her work demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity with 38 research outputs spanning from 1998 to 2025.

Dr. Leppert maintains an active role in medical education through the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency Program, where she mentors residents and fellows. Her leadership in Project ECHO exemplifies her commitment to expanding specialized knowledge through telementoring, particularly evident in her recent work addressing Pediatric Long COVID care.

Her professional activities bridge clinical practice, research, and education, creating a comprehensive approach to advancing neurodevelopmental medicine. Current work addresses emerging healthcare challenges while maintaining focus on improving outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders through earlier intervention and innovative educational models.