Professor Dr. Esther Calzada

Biography

Esther Calzada is an Associate Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on parenting, early childhood development, and the dynamics of ethnic minority families, particularly Latino families. She emphasizes the importance of addressing racial and ethnic disparities in academic achievement, behavior problems, and socio-emotional issues among children. Calzada obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of Latino children's experiences, parenting practices, academic success, mental health, immigration, and acculturation. Her program of research aims to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in these areas, highlighting the need for culturally responsive approaches to social work interventions.

Research Interests