Professor Liechty received her PhD in Family Studies from the University of Maryland in College Park, an MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, and a BA in Social Work from Goshen College. She has worked for over 14 years as a licensed Social Worker in hospitals, clinics, and health promotion programs with families and adolescents, adults with developmental disabilities, and persons with physical disabilities and chronic illness. She also maintained a private practice and consulting business for 10 years prior to joining the faculty at UIUC in 2007. She holds a joint appointment with the School of Social Work and College of Medicine. Professor Liechty’s research and practice interests are in exploring the psychosocial dimensions of health, wellness, chronic conditions and disability, and processes of growth and healing leading to greater quality of life. Of particular interest is how family processes influence health beliefs and behaviors in young children through young adulthood; and the interplay between individual, family, culture, and social determinants of health. A second area of interest is in healthcare professional education to enhance cultural competency, family systems awareness, interdisciplinary team care, and integrated behavioral and primary care.

BA, Social Work, Goshen College, 1986

MSW, University of Maryland-Baltimore, 1990

PhD, Social Work, University of Maryland - College Park, 2007