Sandra Russ

Sandra Russ is a Distinguished University Professor and Louis D. Beaumont University Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University’s College of Arts and Sciences. She holds roles as a Conciliation Counselor in the Office of the Provost and specializes in child development, clinical psychology, and creativity research. Her work focuses on the role of pretend play in child development, psychotherapy, and adaptive functioning such as creativity, coping, and emotional understanding. She has developed assessment tools like the Affect in Play Scale and interventions to improve play skills in clinical populations.

Her research emphasizes the interplay between affect, creativity, and play, with studies on populations including children with Prader-Willi syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and cancer patients. She has advised graduate students like Olena Zyga and Alexis Lee, and her work is supported by endowed professorships. Key contributions include validating play assessment measures and exploring telehealth interventions for developmental disorders.

Her research trends highlight interdisciplinary applications of play in clinical and educational settings, with a focus on neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions. Awards include prestigious university professorships reflecting her academic and clinical impact. She remains active in mentoring and accepting new graduate students.