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Renewal at the Yale Child Study Center

April 11, 2024

Drawing inspiration from spring’s magical rebirth, the latest Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) “On Leadership” blog post focuses on moments of professional renewal and rejuvenation. YCSC faculty and staff were asked to share a moment in their careers that brought tremendous energy and vitality, and the following submissions shine a light on the revitalization and joy through work that these members of the department have experienced.


A moment of renewal, post COVID, was our first in person RULER conference at Yale in March. We had 500+ educators from across the world come together to discuss the power of emotional intelligence to transform lives. The energy was palpable. The conversations enlightening. Gave me hope for a better tomorrow for our children.

Marc Brackett, PhD, YCSC Professor and Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Having spent the last 22 years associated with the YCSC, the vast majority of my career has been quite closely entwined with the department. There have been a number of twists, turns, and forks in the road since I was first hired as a Research Associate in 2002, and when I paused to think about 'a moment that brought tremendous energy and vitality' on this path, the first thing that came to mind was when I joined the Minding the Baby (MTB) team as a Project Director in 2010. I knew I was joining a phenomenal group of people doing impactful work, and I spent just over a decade doing just that, with colleagues who became family. I remain incredibly grateful for that opportunity and those relationships.

Crista Marchesseault, MAT, MA, YCSC Director of Communications

I have been rejuvenated by my current executive coaching work in the YNHH resident wellness program with Paul Desan and others. We provide executive functioning coaching to the many interns, residents and fellows who are struggling with organizing, prioritizing and completing their many responsibilities. I feel grateful that I can be helpful to so many wonderful individuals who will then help so many more of their patients over the years ahead. I recently presented grand rounds on ADHD to the Harvard network of hospitals and am glad to be part of trying to make a difference for others struggling with this condition. Next stop is how to incorporate AI assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of AI with Tom Fernandez and others.

Larry Vitulano, PhD, YCSC Professor of Child Psychology

The "On Leadership" blog was launched in 2022 to address the importance of connection, collaboration, and embodying a service leadership mindset in professional and personal contexts. YCSC Assistant Professor Daryn H. David, PhD directs the column and serves as associate director for leadership development in the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) Offices of Academic and Professional Development and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.