Melissa Kull

Melissa Kull has extensive experience conducting research and evaluation to yield actionable evidence on practices, programs, and policies that promote child, youth, and family stability and well-being.

Her research aims to improve the human services that address family and youth housing instability so that systems can effectively prevent experiences of homelessness and promote quick and sustained resolution of housing challenges. Dr. Kull’s training in developmental psychology, education, and public health, as well as experiences in city and state government, position her to conduct research on assessment and screening practices related to identifying individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness; evaluate programs focused on preventing youth and families from experiencing housing instability and promoting economic stability; and analyze policies designed to support youth and families facing adversity.

Previously, Dr. Kull was a senior researcher at Chapin Hall, where she led a portfolio of translational research projects related to youth and family homelessness and provided technical assistance to federal Runaway and Homeless Youth program grantees. She also worked as a research scientist at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where she helped design, implement, and evaluate early childhood mental health services, co-located mental health services in NYC’s Community Schools, and a network of school-based mental health consultants.