Interventions with Trauma-Exposed Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Identifying targets for intervention and developing and implementing tailored interventions for at-risk pregnant and postpartum women who have been exposed to high rates of trauma
Clinical Psychologist · Researcher · Mentor
Chaela Nutor, PhD
I utilize a risk and resilience framework to study pregnancy and the postpartum as critical periods that shape child development. The goal of my research is to develop and implement targeted interventions for at-risk pregnant individuals and their children to reduce health disparities.
Atlanta, GeorgiaClinical psychologist
About
How can we promote better mental health outcomes for both mothers and children?
As a clinical scientist, I use a multimethod, community-engaged approach to investigate pregnancy and the postpartum as critical periods in which maternal mental health, maternal behavior, and environmental context intersect to shape child development.
Path
2025 to present
Postdoctoral FellowEmory University School of Medicine
2020 to 2025
PhD in Psychology, Clinical ScienceEmory University
2018 to 2020
Post-baccalaureate Research FellowYale Child Study Center
2014 to 2018
BA in PsychologyUniversity of Pennsylvania
Research
Research at a glance
Maternal Mental Health and Child Development
Understanding the relationship between maternal depression, maternal posttraumatic stress, and child neurodevelopment.
Substance Use During Pregnancy and Child Development
How exposure to substances, like cannabis, in utero might influence child neurodevelopment.
Prenatal Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Metabolites Correlate with Newborn Resting-State Functional Connectivity
Developmental Psychobiology
Recognition
2026
Underrepresented Scholar Award, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
2025
Early Career Researcher Editorial Fellowship, Developmental Psychobiology
2025
Eleanor Main Graduate Mentor Award, Laney Graduate School
2025
Three Minute Thesis Finalist, Laney Graduate School
2023
Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
2022
Honorable Mention, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Coming up
Sep 24, 2026
Beyond the Checklist: Centering Black Mothers' Voices in Perinatal PTSD ScreeningInternational Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, San Antonio
Sep 30, 2026
Two for One: Intergenerational Impacts of Maternal Mental Health Interventions for Child DevelopmentClinical Psychology Colloquium, University of Louisville
Teaching
Teaching and Mentoring
I believe the ability to influence and inspire young minds is a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. I have taught numerous courses, including "Introduction to Psychology," "Psychology and Family Relationships," and "What Does It Mean To Be Human?"
It was one of my favorite classes at Emory by far and the only class I have actually looked forward to attending.
Her passion for mentoring, dedication to student growth, and ability to provide constructive yet compassionate feedback make her an outstanding mentor.
