Walker Ladd

Dr. Walker Ladd is a Professor and Department Chair of Research at Saybrook University, specializing in maternal mental health and qualitative research. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and has authored influential works like Transformed by Postpartum Depression. Her research focuses on postpartum depression, stigma, and posttraumatic growth, with notable studies on maternal mental health during the pandemic and later-life postpartum experiences. A recipient of the Saybrook Faculty Excellence Award (2022-23), she also leads initiatives like the STAR specialization program and chairs Saybrook’s Maternal Mental Health Professional Learning Community. Her academic journey includes degrees from UCLA, Antioch University, Sofia University, and ongoing EdM studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Ladd’s career bridges clinical practice, academia, and advocacy. She advocates for DEI through Cornell University’s training and UIUC’s EdM program. Her media presence includes podcasts and documentaries, such as When the Bough Breaks. Personal interests include fostering open dialogue about maternal health challenges and resilience.