Associate Professor
Department of Psychological Sciences

Though Stacy Ryan-Pettes always knew she wanted to work to improve the lives and condition of youth navigating the juvenile justice system, it was during her research training that she discovered a passion for implementation science and health equity. A licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD in clinical psychology from Emory University and postdoctoral training at the Center for Addiction Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Ryan-Pettes is committed to bridging the gap between evidence-based treatments and real-world practice—particularly for justice-involved youth and their families.

What are your specific teaching and/or research areas and interests?

My research centers on advancing evidence-based interventions for adolescent substance use, especially within real-world settings like juvenile probation and community settings that often serve as entry points to the justice system. I specialize in Contingency Management and Multisystemic Therapy.
A consistent thread throughout my work is health equity—specifically, understanding the biopsychosocial factors that shape externalizing behaviors and treatment outcomes for minoritized youth. I’m excited about the direction my research is taking. I’m moving to a focus on integrating innovative methodologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to examine psychotherapy processes and treatment mechanisms.

At Case Western Reserve, I’ll be teaching courses in developmental psychopathology and child clinical interventions, with plans to develop new undergraduate offerings in my specialty area. Across all my teaching, I emphasize learning objectives that foster cultural humility, deepen understanding of social justice, and promote evidence-based practice.

What do you look forward to at Case Western Reserve University?

I’m thrilled to contribute to the Sara and Curt Moll Institute for Mental Health and Well-Being, engage with the Schubert Center for Child Studies as a faculty associate, and return to engaging in research-centered mentorship of doctoral students. The collaborative research environment at CWRU is exceptional, and I’m especially excited about our proximity to the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and existing partnerships with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Probation Department. These connections offer rich opportunities for clinical collaboration and access to diverse populations.

I’m excited to develop community-based initiatives around substance use prevention and mental health, and to establish a research program grounded in the institution’s commitment to both scientific rigor and meaningful, real-world impact.

Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, interests that you would like to share?

I’m moving to Cleveland with my husband and our three children (ages 18, 10, and 8). As an African American family, we’re excited to find a community where we can thrive both personally and professionally. We’re looking forward to exploring Cleveland’s museums, cultural institutions, and discovering all the cozy neighborhood coffee shops and restaurants.

Personally, I’m working toward being more present for my family while building a sustainable and impactful research program. I also hope to connect with the local community through prevention initiatives and give back through meaningful partnerships.

What’s one piece of advice you have for students?

College and graduate school aren’t just about mastering technical skills—they’re about developing critical thinking, resilience, and a collaborative spirit that will carry you through your career. Take risks. Be transparent in your professional relationships.