Ann DiGirolamo

Ann DiGirolamo is a clinical pediatric psychologist with additional training in public health and maternal and child nutrition. She is currently a research professor in the School of Social Work (SSW) and director of the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health & Wellbeing at the Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) at Georgia State University (GSU). She also holds an adjunct faculty position at Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. At AYSPS, Dr. DiGirolamo is a member of the executive team at the Georgia Health Policy Center, serving as a director in the center, in addition to her faculty appointment in the SSW.

Dr. DiGirolamo’s main research interests are in the behavioral, psychosocial and community factors affecting parent and child health and well-being, specifically those factors critical to promoting optimal parental, child and adolescent mental health, including those related to quality of care and workforce development. She has experience in addressing the psychosocial challenges experienced by children and families faced with multiple stressors and adverse experiences. She has been PI and Co-Investigator on multiple projects addressing child nutrition, early childhood development, and mental health both domestically and internationally, with over 25 years of related experience. Her current work at GSU involves providing expertise in research, evaluation, workforce development and policy related to behavioral health across the lifespan, working with communities and within public health systems. Examples of her current projects include leading a grant that provides a school-based mental health internship program for SSW graduate students (Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant), conducting research to inform behavioral health policy within Georgia (Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission), and conducting research around the use of arts and social prescribing to address mental health challenges (Art Pharmacy).

Dr. DiGirolamo partners with multiple community, state and national organizations around mental health and wellbeing. She also serves on the boards of CDF Action in Clarkston, GA and the Global Growers Network in Georgia.