Prof. Saralyn Ruff

Saralyn Ruff

Associate Professor

Full-Time Faculty
Kalmanovitz Hall G43
Socials

Biography

Professor Ruff received a Master in Education, a Master in Couples and Family Therapy, and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies. She worked in Solano County at a nonprofit clinic as a Program Supervisor and Lead Clinician, at A Home Within as Program Director, and in private practice -- all focused on the treatment of adolescents and maltreated youth.

Saralyn’s research agenda is largely rooted in her clinical experiences, focused on mental health interventions for maltreated youth. She is the Director of the Foster Care Research Group (FCRG), a lab examining best practices supporting the wellbeing of current and former foster youth. She teaches courses on general psychology, abnormal psychology, child maltreatment, psychology practicum, and advanced research methods.

Research Areas

  • Mental health interventions
  • Child maltreatment
  • Sibling relationship quality

Appointments

  • Director, Foster Care Research Group
  • Director of Research, A Home Within
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Adjunct Faculty Mentor, University of San Francisco Psychology Department

Education

  • Purdue University, PhD Human Development, 2012
  • University of Oregon, MEd, Couple and Family Therapy, 2006
  • University of Oregon, MEd, 2003

Selected Publications