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Name
Position Display
Education
- Ph.D. Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization), Michigan State University
- M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, Michigan State University
- B.S. Psychology, Michigan State University
Areas of Interest
- Parenting
- Evidence-based parenting interventions
- Community-based research
- Underserved families
Accepting Applications for Graduate Students for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Dr. Kendal Holtrop is an associate professor of human development and family studies. She obtained her PhD from Michigan State University in 2011, served on the faculty at Florida State University for six years, and then returned to MSU in 2017. Dr. Holtrop’s program of research focuses on parenting and parenting interventions, with the goal of addressing mental health disparities by expanding the reach of evidence-based parenting interventions among underserved populations. Her research activities include adapting and implementing evidence-based interventions in community settings as well as examining parenting practices and family processes to inform intervention work. Dr. Holtrop completed a Child Intervention, Prevention, and Services (CHIPS) training fellowship, funded by the national Institute for Mental Health, from 2015-2016. She is an Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (term ending 2017) and an Advisory Editor for Family Process. She is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.