Catherine Monk

Catherine Monk

Founding Director Center for the Transition to Parenthood
Catherine Monk

Catherine Monk, PhD, is the Diana Vagelos Professor of Women's Mental Health and Chief, Division of Women's Mental Health, in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Monk directs Women's Mental Health @Ob/Gyn, an integrated clinical service within Ob/Gyn. She and collaborators recently launched the research-to-practice Center for the Transition to Parenthood http://vagelos.columbia.edu/transitiontoparenthood to enhance the perinatal ecosystem for 2Gen impact. Dr. Monk's DOHaD and mental health research have been continuously funded by the National Institute of Health since 2000 as well as by numerous foundations including the Bezos Family Foundation, the Robin Hood Foundation, and the March of Dimes.

Day One - Thursday, December 3, 2026

2:00 PM Leveraging Developmental Neuroscience to Provide Improved Maternal Care

  • Learn how maternal stress alters gene functioning in the placenta, influencing fetal exposure to cortisol and shaping early fetal brain development.
  • Practical actions to support mothers and expand access to mental health care from the ground up
     

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Catherine.

Download The Latest Agenda