About
Dr. Christine Kenney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning within the College of Education and Community Innovation specializing in early childhood education. She teaches courses focused on early childhood special education, family and community partnerships, social-emotional learning and development in early childhood, and the supervision and support of teacher candidates during their field internships.
Dr. Kenney earned her PhD from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in Language, Literacy, and Culture, with a specialization in Early Childhood Special Education. Her research examines the intersection of law enforcement and neurodiversity, with a particular focus on developing and delivering training that equips law enforcement officers to engage more effectively and responsively with individuals on the autism spectrum.
In addition to her research, Dr. Kenney is committed to fostering meaningful connections between law enforcement and neurodivergent communities. She develops and supports community events that bring these groups together to promote greater understanding, collaboration, and positive relationships. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Kenney worked as an early childhood special education teacher, an experience that continues to inform her teaching, research, and community engagement.
