Kate Riera
Assistant Professor
Dr. Kate Riera is an assistant professor specializing in human services in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) at the University of Delaware. She teaches courses related to partnering effectively with individuals, youth, and families to improve their well-being and family functioning. She has taught a wide breadth of classes in the HDFS department on counseling, mentoring, and relationships and enjoys exploring new instructional methods and technologies.
Dr. Riera is interested in providing high quality and engaging learning experiences and is passionate about teaching. She strives to equip students with the tools they need to become competent and knowledgeable contributors to the human services and family science fields. She aims to be a reflective practitioner who is committed to student success and equitable and accessible learning communities, including a focus on social justice and belonging.
Dr. Riera’s areas of expertise and research interest include family health and well-being, parenting and developmental transitions, and marginalized families such as Latinx and immigrant families and associated family processes. As a community engaged scholar she partners with multiple community agencies and organizations in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention, youth mentoring, and Latinx families and communities.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2011.
- M.S.Ed., Psychological Services, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 2002.
- B.A., Psychology and Spanish, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, 2001
Professional Experience
- Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, 2022–present.
- Instructor, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, 2011–2022.