Elena Padrón, Ph.D., is a Latinx Associate Professor of Psychology at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Her research focuses on the developmental psychopathology of attachment, particularly disorganized attachment, and the intergenerational transmission of attachment and trauma.

She is a clinical and developmental psychologist with specializations in early childhood and developmental psychopathology research. She has clinical experience with children and families, and populations exposed to trauma. Her research centers on the intersection of early childhood mental health, parent-child attachment relationships, and trauma, specifically in minoritized populations.

Her clinical experience is in the area of early childhood mental health and dyadic and family therapy with multicultural populations, especially with Latinx families and children. She has completed academic and clinical work with Latino and international populations in both her native Venezuela and in the United States. 

Kayt (she/her) is in her 4th year at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her favorite pastimes are making art, practicing her sourdough-baking skills, and hanging out with her pet pigeon, Smorgasbord. Attachment theory is what primarily drew Kayt to this lab; she is interested in learning more about the evolutionary mechanisms behind the formation of different attachment styles and how trauma interrupts healthy attachment. 

Working to support new and future students joining the lab, Kayt enjoys taking on roles that help her fellow lab members succeed. She also works to support current members and keeps the lab's website up to date with Keith.