The Future of Child Health: Supporting Every Child in a Changing Landscape

"The Future of Child Health: Supporting Every Child in a Changing Landscape" symposium is co-hosted by Penn State's Child Health Research Center, Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, and Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Join us for a timely symposium exploring how children with developmental delays, disabilities, health care needs, and early adversity grow and learn. A panel of experts will share how early experiences, family support, and access to resources shape children’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Registration is free for all attendees. 

- Format: Virtual (Zoom) or In-Person (Lunch provided ~12:00 PM)

- When: April 8, 2026 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM EST (Talks begin at 12:30 PM)

- Where: Zoom or Boardroom at The Nittany Lion Inn

- Link to Register: https://redcap.link/CHRCSymposium

Guest Speakers

Dr. Susan Rivera, PhD, Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park

Dr. Kerri Staples, PhD, Assistant Professor, Texas Woman's University

Dr. Kristin Rispoli, PhD, Associate Professor, Michigan State University

Dr. Sarah Jaser, PhD, Professor, Vanderbilt University

Dr. Catherine Taylor, PhD, Professor, Boston College

Dr. Kierra Sattler, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Greensboro

Dr. Hannah Schreier, PhD, Associate Professor, Penn State University

Dr. Philip Fisher, PhD, Professor, Director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, Stanford University

Penn State Facilitators

Dr. Jennifer Savage Williams, PhD, Director of the Child Health Research Center

Dr. Diane Williams, PhD, Department Head of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Dr. Christian Connell, PhD, Director of the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network