Dr. Bethell is a Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Her research, education and service work focuses on building and translating the science of healthy development and the advancement of a new integrated Science of Thriving to promote early and lifelong health of children, youth, families and communities.  With roots in community health partnerships, systems change, financing reform, social epidemiology and whole child/family integrated health care, she is the founding director (1996) of the national Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI).

She is the founding director of the National Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health and the Cycle of Engagement Well Visit Planner approach to preventive and developmental services for children and families. She shaped a widely endorsed national agenda to address childhood trauma and promote healing.

Christina has been featured on National Public Radio, provided testimony to the US Congress, has published dozens of peer reviewed studies focused on informing policy, practice and culture change and has contributed to national efforts that promote relational health as the cornerstone of well-being for children, families and communities.