Mission
Pillars
Partners
Contact

Mission Statement

Empowerment through Community

Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service, justice, and care for the whole person, the Center for Child and Human Development is committed to advancing the dignity, well-being, and potential of every individual—especially children and families who are most vulnerable.

Through interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement, we strive to form compassionate leaders, promote equity, and create inclusive systems that foster human growth and empowerment across the lifespan.

(back to top of page)

Three Pillars of the CCHD

Community Outreach and Engagement

  • Collaborate with schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
  • Support underserved populations through targeted, community based, programs.
  • Promote inclusive practices for children with disabilities or those from marginalized communities.
  • Pilot innovative approaches to address developmental challenges and disparities.
  • Develop and test new models of care, education, and family support.

Campus-Based Community Support

  • Serve as a hub for collaboration among experts in psychology, education, public health, social work, medicine, and more.

  • Foster holistic approaches to supporting human development.
  • Train professionals (e.g., educators, social workers, psychologists, healthcare workers) to work effectively with children and families.
  • Offer workshops, certifications, and continuing education on topics such as:
    • Developmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD)
    • Trauma-informed care
    • Culturally responsive practices
  • Partner with community social services to provide resource linkage
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research on child development, education, health, and social-emotional well-being.
  • Evaluate early intervention programs, school readiness initiatives, and mental health services.
  • Study the impact of trauma, poverty, disability, and other risk factors on development.

Student Belonging & Support Space

  • Provide social skill-building workshops
  • Create opportunities for peer mentoring, support groups, or student-led initiatives.
  • Facilitate workshops to promote student wellness
  • Provide referrals to external services (housing, clinics, social services)
  • Develop programming with a focus on Student Empowerment

(back to top of page)

Community Partners

(back to top of page)

Contact the CCHD

Interested in finding out more about the Center for Child and Human Development at Saint Peter’s University?

Please reach out to:

Megan Callahan Sherman, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
Professor of Social Work, Caulfield School of Education
Director of the Center for Child and Human Development
MSW Program Director
msherman@saintpeters.edu

(back to top of page)