Linda Perez, PhD

Linda M. Perez, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Child Development, Director of Child Life and Early Childhood Specialist Programs, Co-Director of Infant Mental Health Program, and Mary and Richard Holland Chair at Mills College, and a Licensed California Psychologist.   Motivated by a philosophy dedicated to the development and education of at-risk children, she has more than 20 years experience of working with medically fragile high-risk preterm infants, pre-natally drug exposed infants and those with mental health disorders. Principles of equity in opportunity and sensitivity to the diverse experiences and viewpoints of young children with special needs and their families are the cornerstone of her education and clinical practice.

Dr. Perez has presented extensive papers focusing on children, trauma and brain development:  "The Effects on Children who Witness Violence", "Early Brain Development and the Neurobiological Effect of Stress", "Diagnosing Trauma in Infancy", "Emotional Development and Intervention Strategies for High-Risk Infants", "The Influence of Caregiving on the Development of the Infant's Brain", and "The Effects of Trauma on the Developing Brain".  Her numerous grants and research projects include:  The Special Start Training Program (SSTP), the Department of Education, Mills College (2002-present); Special Start Training Program, the Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital (1998-2002); and Family Support Services, San Francisco State University Urban Community Services Program (1996-1997).

Dr. Perez has been the recipient of several awards, including:  The Mills College Sarlo Award, the Mary Elizabeth Griffin Children's Award, and a Certificate of Appreciation, Epiphany Nursery, Mt. St. Joseph/St. Elizabeth.  She is a member of the American Psychological Association, Child Life Council, California Association of Professors of Early Childhood Special Education, Council for Learning Disabilities, San Mateo County Prenatal to Three Initiative, Commissioner for the Board of Psychology, Department of Consumer Affairs, State of California, Advisory Board Member, The Link to Children, and Advisory Board Member, Fruitvale Adopt-A-School Evaluation Team.

Dr. Perez received a Doctorate degree from the University of California at Berkeley/California State University Special Education and Educational Psychology.