Kristine Cortez

Dr. Kristine Cortez holds formal training in Applied Behavior Analysis and Educational Leadership and brings over twenty years of professional and teaching experience in behavioral health, clinical supervision, and higher education. Her professional work has focused on supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental needs through ethical, evidence-based, and trauma-informed practices.
Dr. Cortez currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Walden University, where she supports graduate students through instruction, feedback, and academic mentoring in behavior analysis–related coursework. In this role, she emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and applied practice while promoting ethical decision-making and professional competence.
Her professional background includes progressive clinical and leadership roles, such as clinical supervisor and regional clinical director. She has overseen multidisciplinary teams, supported practitioner development, and contributed to program design across home, school, and clinic-based service models. Dr. Cortez has also taught master’s-level students in an Applied Behavior Analysis program for three years, supporting the academic and professional preparation of emerging practitioners. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, which informs her work in organizational systems, leadership development, and practitioner training.

Education

BA, National University

MA, National University

EdD, University of Southern California