Meet Kathryn Lindholm-Leary Ph.D.

Kathryn Lindholm-Leary received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at UCLA, where she worked at the Spanish Speaking Mental Health Research Center and the Center for Language Education and Research. She is currently Professor Emerita of Child and Adolescent Development at San Jose State University, where she taught for 28 years. At San Jose State, Dr. Lindholm-Leary received a Teacher-Scholar award, was a finalist for the President’s Scholar award, and received a variety of other awards for her teaching, service, and research.

Her research interests focus on understanding the factors that influence student achievement, with a particular emphasis on culturally and linguistically diverse students in dual language programs. Dr. Lindholm-Leary has one of the most comprehensive longitudinal databases on students in dual language programs in the country.

Previous research in the 1980’s includes studies of: language development in young bilingual children (ages 2-5), how first-and third-generation Mexican American parents socialize their children through normal everyday conversation, acculturative stress among immigrant students, and ethnic differences in child abuse in Los Angeles County.

Now, her work involves a variety of ministry jobs, including leading a bible study, helping with youth groups at church, making meals for people, baking for UTurn and other groups, and praying for unsaved loved ones (praythemtoheaven.com).

In terms of some personal information, my husband Dave and I live in Grants Pass, Oregon (about 50 miles north of the California border). I have a son Diego, a stepdaughter Jessie, a son-in-law Dan, a grandson Liam, and a granddaughter Evie. We have a cat and 2 yellow labs.  I love to spend time with them all.  I also love to cook and bake.