Mary Kate Berardi

Prior to joining the faculty in the AESE department, Dr. Berardi worked for 13 years as a formal and non-formal educator, gaining invaluable experiences that she brings to her role as the Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator. Her research interests include empathy and mindfulness education, curriculum design and instruction, non-formal education program development, education program evaluation, and youth leadership development. Dr. Berardi has fostered relationships for her work in empathy education, including collaborations with the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  

In her current role as the Community and Economic Development (CEDEV) Program Coordinator, she supports students in their individual journeys to earn degrees that will help them improve their communities. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and many pets, especially enjoying time in nature.