Neda Senehi
Dr. Neda Senehi brings an ecological, strengths-based, and equity-focused lens to research and evaluation, grounded in deep methodological rigor and a commitment to practical application. She is skilled in applied prevention science, culturally responsive and community-engaged design, and advanced mixed-methods analysis.
Dr. Senehi specializes in early childhood development, mental and behavioral health, and early care and education systems. Her expertise includes the role of parenting and caregiving in buffering adversity, family and workforce well-being, and equitable access to services particularly for populations facing elevated stress. Methodologically, she draws on multi-level modeling, psychometric evaluation, implementation science, and community-based participatory approaches.
Dr. Senehi has contributed to federal, state, Tribal, and community research and evaluation efforts focused on early childhood systems, family supports, and behavioral health. She has held research roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, where she supported rigorous program and policy evaluations. Her state-level work includes evaluating Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and conducting community needs assessments for families affected by opioid use disorder. A long-time contributor to the Tribal Early Childhood Research Center, she supports the Native Culture and Language Community of Learning and serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Denver.
She brings a collaborative, contextually grounded, and culturally responsive approach to research and evaluation rooted in inclusive, interdisciplinary partnerships and guided by a commitment to equity, rigor, and community voice throughout all stages of the research process.
Education
She earned her PhD in human development and family studies from Michigan State University and her MA in clinical psychology from California State University, Northridge.
Also Notable
Dr. Senehi is a national leader in early childhood and child well-being initiatives, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles, including co-guest editing a special issue on equitable access to early care and education in Early Childhood Research Quarterly. She has held prestigious fellowships and leadership positions with the Network of Infant and Toddler Researchers, the Society for Research in Child Development, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
