Christina McDonnell, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Christina McDonnell is a clinical psychologist and researcher dedicated to advancing person- and family-centered care for Autistic people and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Her work focuses on supportive diagnostic experiences, behavioral interventions, co-occurring mental health needs and parenting supports. As a former faculty member at Virginia Tech and the University of Wyoming, she developed a highly funded research program, mentored clinician-researchers and published nearly 60 peer-reviewed articles prior to joining Catalight. Her research on the intersection of autism and trauma has been recognized with awards from the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Autism Special Interest Group and the Council for Exceptional Children Bright Spot Project.

As a clinician, Dr. McDonnell has experience delivering evidence-based practices for Autistic individuals and their families across a variety of settings, including telehealth, academic medical centers, university clinics, community mental health centers, residential and inpatient programs and specialty behavioral health and medical clinics. Her work has included collaboration with University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) and ECHO networks. She also has significant experience in clinical education and supervision, as well as program design, development and evaluation.

In her role at Catalight, Dr. McDonnell supports programs for Catalight Academy and contributes to applied research initiatives. She is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based interventions that promote wellbeing and quality of life in partnership with Autistic people and their families.