Cristina Medellin-Paz’s research examines the systems and structures that support the early childhood workforce through professional development, leadership opportunities, and stackable credentials. As a bilingual/bicultural developmental psychologist, she applies a critical lens in her research that uplifts and affirms communities of color. Her stance is informed by her own experiences growing up as a Mexican-American in California and New York. Her research interests center on lifting up the voices of the Latinx/e early childhood workforce, specifically the family childcare (FCC) community who are often a forgotten segment of the early childhood workforce.
Cristina’s previous experiences include research, teaching in higher education and career advising. Prior to joining the Straus Center, Cristina worked at the NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute as the Regional Early Childhood Coordinator for Long Island. In that role, she led the replication efforts of the Institute’s Career Development Center and Leadership Initiative, reaching more than 1,000 early childhood educators and leaders. As a researcher, she continues to collaborate with her colleagues from NYU exploring the impact of home visitation on Latinx/e immigrant children’s language and social-emotional development. In 2021, she received the Foundation for Child Development’s Promising Scholar award to further refine her study and to continue to develop her skills as an emerging scholar. She earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the Graduate Center, City University of New York and holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from Hunter College, City University of New York.
Qualifications
PhD, Graduate Center, City University of New York
