Trenita Childers

Trenita Childers, Ph.D. has extensive work experience in the field of health services research and academia. Trenita has been working as a Senior Researcher at the American Institutes for Research since November 2021. Prior to this role, they served as a Health Services Researcher at the same organization from April 2018 to November 2021.

Before joining the American Institutes for Research, Dr. Childers worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sheps Center for Health Services Research from July 2017 to April 2018. In this position, they conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses on criminal justice and mental health, with a particular focus on Medicaid claims data and linked administrative data.

Dr. Childers' academic journey began at Duke University, where they worked as a PhD Candidate from August 2010 until completing their degree in 2017. Trenita'sdissertation research focused on evaluating the mental health impact of Dominican documentation policy, utilizing stakeholder interviews, focus groups, observations, and community-engaged research.

In addition to their academic and research roles, Dr. Childers has also engaged in various community development and educational initiatives. Trenita served as a Fulbright Scholar from June 2014 to May 2015 through the Fulbright Association, conducting research supported by the U.S. Department of State. Prior to this, they worked as a Youth, Family, and Community Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps from August 2008 to December 2009 in the Dominican Republic.

Earlier in their career, Dr. Childers taught 5th grade and coached cheerleading at the Charlotte Country Day School from July 2005 to July 2008. Trenita also worked as a Servant Leader for the Freedom Schools program during the summer of 2005, promoting literacy and conflict resolution among African-American children.

Trenita'sprofessional experience began as a Senior Admissions Fellow at the Davidson Admissions Office, and they also worked as a Student Assistant at Davidson College.

Trenita Childers, Ph.D. obtained their B.A. degree in Sociology with an Ethnic Studies Concentration from Davidson College between 2001 and 2005. In 2004, they spent a brief period at the University of Wollongong, where they studied Sociology. Later, they pursued a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in Social Determinants of Health, Policy and Inequality, Health Disparities, and Latin America, at Duke University from 2010 to 2017.