Kate Guastaferro
Kate Guastaferro
Scroll
Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Co-Director of the Center for the Advancement and Dissemination of Intervention Optimization
Director of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program
-
Professional overview
-
Kate Guastaferro, PhD is an intervention scientist by training, her work is devoted to the development, optimization, implementation and evaluation of effective, efficient, affordable and scalable interventions with high public health impact. She is an expert in the multiphase optimization (MOST) strategy and her expertise is in parent-focused, multicomponent behavioral interventions to prevent child maltreatment. Dr. Guastaferro co-led a statewide trial focused on the coordinated implementation of three evidence-base child sexual abuse prevention programs; included in this trial was the parent-focused child sexual abuse program that she developed, piloted and evaluated. Her current work is focused on the integration of intervention optimization into the prevention of child maltreatment.
Prior to joining NYU, Dr. Guastaferro was an assistant research professor in human development and family studies at the Pennsylvania State University, and an affiliate of its Prevention Research Center and Child Maltreatment Solutions Network. In 2020, she was awarded the Victoria S. Levin Award for Early Career Success in Young Children’s Mental Health Research from the Society for Research in Child Development. She has been published in Child Maltreatment, Translational Behavioral Medicine, and the American Journal of Public Health.
Dr. Guastaferro received her PhD and MPH from Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, and her BA in anthropology from Boston University. She also completed a year of postdoctoral training at the Pennsylvania State University.
-
Education
-
Postdoctoral Fellow, Prevention and Methodology Training Program (T32 DA017629), The Pennsylvania State UniversityPhD Public Health, Georgia State UniversityMPH Health Promotion, Georgia State UniversityBA Anthropology, Boston University
-
Honors and awards
-
Victoria S. Levin Award, Society for Research on Child Development (2020)NIH Loan Repayment Program Award: Toward the Optimization of Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment (201820192020)Public Health Achievement Award, Georgia State University (2016)Scarlet Key Honor Society, Boston University (2008)
-
Publications
Publications
Introduction to the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) for building more effective, efficient, economical, and scalable behavioral and biobehavioral interventions.
AbstractCollins, L., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Maltreatment of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Story of Mothers with IDD – Relationships and Social Networks.
AbstractGuastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention: A brief overview of curriculum development and pilot testing.
AbstractReader, J. M., Guastaferro, K., Shanley, J. R., & Noll, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Parents as Teachers + SafeCare at Home (PATSCH): Collaboration to meet the needs of families.
AbstractMiller, K., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Systematic braiding as an intervention strategy for families at high-risk: Results of a cluster randomized trial.
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Lai, B. S., Miller, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Abstract~Systematic braiding of 2 evidence-based parent training programs: Qualitative results from the pilot phase
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Miller, K., Shanley Chatham, J. R., Whitaker, D. J., McGilly, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
Family and Community HealthVolume
40Issue
1Page(s)
88-97AbstractAn effective approach in early intervention for children and families, including child maltreatment prevention, is home-based services. Although several evidence-based programs exist, they are often grouped or delivered together, despite having different foci and approaches. This article describes the development and pilot phases of a trial evaluating the systematic braiding of 2 evidence-based home-based models, SafeCare and Parents as Teachers. We describe the methodology for braiding model implementation and curriculum, specifically focusing on how structured qualitative feedback from pilot families and providers was used to create the braided curriculum and implementation. Systematic braiding of 2 models at the implementation and curriculum levels is a mechanism that has the potential to meet the more comprehensive needs of families at risk for maltreatment.A preliminary analysis of the relationship between hazards in the home and the potential for abuse with families at-risk
AbstractWalsh, J. H., Lutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., & Whitaker, D. J. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
International Journal on Child Health and Human DevelopmentVolume
9Issue
3Page(s)
355-365Abstract~A story of mothers with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Relationships and social networks
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Benka-Coker, M. L., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.). (J. L. K. G. & & M. L. Benka-Coker, Eds.).Publication year
2016Abstract~Coalition for Research on Engagement & Well-being: 3 Pilot Studies.
AbstractLutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., Noble, A., Damashek, A., Fettes, D., Haine-Schlagel, R., Kothari, C., Rau, A., Traube, D., Whitaker, D. J., Self-Brown, S. R., & Baggett, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Abstract~Maltreatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan
AbstractLutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., & Benka-Coker, M. L. (n.d.).Publication year
2016AbstractMaltreatment of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities presents research and evidence-based strategies to prevent and address the maltreatment of people with IDD across the lifespan.With a life-course perspective and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, this volume uses a public health framework of surveillance, screening, and intervention. The work also explores the policy implications of strategies to prevent and address the maltreatment of people with IDD. Chapters address: Childhood maltreatment Sexual abuse Bullying Social vulnerability Reproductive, sexual, and child-rearing rights Parenting with a disability Adult Maltreatment Older adult victimization Abusive head trauma Murder and execution Designed for students, clinicians, policymakers, and researchers, this resource provides an in-depth look at the knowledge base in addressing the maltreatment of vulnerable populations.Parent-infant interaction training with a Latino mother
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Morales, Y., Lutzker, J. R., Shanley, J. R., & Guastaferro, K. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
International Journal of Child Health and Human DevelopmentVolume
8Issue
2Page(s)
135-145AbstractChild maltreatment is a significant public health problem, with almost 25% of all reports occurring in Latino families. Child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) often co-occur, and the sequelae of IPV frequently appear in the victimized mother and her children. Home visitation programs such as SafeCare® are intervention strategies to reduce the risk of child maltreatment, but these programs are rarely adapted for Latino populations. The importance of cultural sensitivity in parenting programs has been highlighted as a means of producing successful outcomes when working with Latino families. The present study includes multiple methods: a single-case research design study evaluated the effects of the SafeCare Parent-Infant Interaction (PII) module when delivered in Spanish to a Latino mother with prior IPV experiences; self-reported quantitative measures assessed exposure to IPV and changes in mental health, parenting stress, and the risk of child maltreatment; and qualitative data provided suggestions for culturally adapting PII for Latino families. Data from this study suggest that PII improves parent-infant interactions when delivered in Spanish and can reduce the risk of child maltreatment. Additionally, self-reported measures confirmed that IPV, parent mental health distress, and the risk of child maltreatment co-occur and can be reduced with PII. This study suggests the importance of providing culturally adapted programs when working with Latino families.Practices targeting child neglect: The use of SafeCare® to enhance parenting skills to reduce neglect
AbstractRostad, W. L., Lutzker, J. R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.). (R. Gardner, Ed.).Publication year
2016Abstract~The Evaluation of Parents as Teachers (PAT) + SafeCare to Improve Outcomes for High-Risk Families.
AbstractLutzker, J. R., Miller, K., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Abstract~Training mothers recoving from substance abuse to identify and treat their children's illnesses
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Strong, L. E., Lutzker, J. R., Jabaley, J. J., Shanley, J. R., Self-Brown, S., & Guastaferro, K. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
International Journal on Child Health and Human DevelopmentVolume
7Issue
2Page(s)
156-166AbstractParents with a history of substance abuse are at high-risk for child maltreatment, including the neglect of their child’s health (medical neglect). Additionally, these parents are likely to have low health literacy levels, possibly further jeopardizing risk to their child’s health. This research examined the effectiveness of the SafeCare® Health Module for mothers in a residential recovery facility. Two mothers with children under age five were trained to 1) identify child health symptoms and illnesses and 2) to determine the most appropriate course of care. Using a multiple-baseline, single-case research design, mothers were evaluated in their ability to select the most appropriate care setting using decision-making behaviors in response to a prompted child health scenario. The mothers showed steady improvement in skill acquisition. Future research directions and intervention implementation implications are discussed.Using a technological augmentation to enhance parent-infant interactions with parents at risk
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Guastaferro, K. M., Lutzker, J. R., & Graham, M. L. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Child and Family Behavior TherapyVolume
38Issue
1Page(s)
15-31AbstractEffective parent training programs may need to be tailored for at-risk parents by using simple language, presenting concrete concepts, and simple technologies. We present four single-case research-design studies examining if the use of digital frames enhances parent-infant interactions with a diverse range of mothers with varied levels of risk for maltreatment. Based on self-modeling, the frames contain photographs of mother-infant dyads in posed interactions representing desired criterion behaviors from the parent-infant interaction (PII) module of SafeCare®. Results indicate that the use of inexpensive digital frames appears to enhance already good outcomes of the SafeCare PII module.An exploratory study of grandparents raising grandchildren and the criminal justice system: A research note
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Guastaferro, W. P., Guastaferro, K. M., & Stuart, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Journal title
Journal of Crime and JusticeVolume
38Issue
1Page(s)
137-161AbstractThere are nearly one million grandparents living with their grandchildren without either parent present in the household according to the 2010 US Census. Furthermore, approximately 10% of these grandparents are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren due to a parent's incarceration. Yet, our understanding of grandparents raising grandchildren in relation to the criminal justice system is limited. The present research is an exploratory qualitative study of five grandparents raising grandchildren in these circumstances. Each grandparent was interviewed individually and all participated in a focus group. We first sought to shed light on the context in which the grandparent gained caregiving responsibilities. The findings indicate that the arrest of the parent was not the initiating event. We then examined the networks and services accessed when attempting to meet the multiple health, behavioral health, and financial needs of their grandchildren. Findings indicate that both formal and informal networks were utilized. There were several missed opportunities for intervention and coordinated service delivery by the social services and criminal justice systems. Research and policy implications are also discussed.Collaborative Home Visiting: Working Together to Create a Braided Curriculum.
AbstractMiller, K., Guastaferro, K., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Abstract~Use of mobile phones to help prevent child maltreatment
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Jackson, M. C., Self-Brown, S., Jabaley, J., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Abstract~A qualitative discussion of technology enhanced service delivery: Parent and provider considerations.
AbstractGuastaferro, K., Graham, M. L., & Lutzker, J. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~Braiding two evidenced-based models: Parents as Teachers and SafeCare®
AbstractLutzker, J. R., Miller, K., Guastaferro, K., & Walsh, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~Evidence-Based Programs and Child Maltreatment: How can we get the “most juice for the squeeze”?
AbstractLutzker, J. R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~Improving family functioning of adult drug court clients.
AbstractWhitaker, D. J., Guastaferro, W. P., Klotz, A., Roby, S. J., Guastaferro, K., & Holleran, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~Improving outcomes for adult drug court clients and their children.
AbstractGuastaferro, W. P., Guastaferro, K., Roby, S. J., Holleran, D., & Whitaker, D. J. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~Meeting the needs of families at high-risk for child maltreatment: The braiding of two evidence-based curricula.
AbstractLutzker, J. R., Guastaferro, K., Whitaker, D. J., & Graham, M. L. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~Meeting the Needs of High Risk Families: A systematic approach to braiding of two evidence-based parenting programs to best meet the needs of high-risk parents and highlight interim results of a current randomized controlled trial.
AbstractLutzker, J. R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Abstract~