Her research focuses the effects of early childhood interventions and policies on the development of children, particularly for those from impoverished backgrounds. A former teacher, her work is characterized by deep, long-term partnerships with on-the-ground service providers and by uniting perspectives from child developmental psychology and public policy. She has attracted funding for her work from federal agencies and from local and national foundations. Christina holds an Ed.D. in quantitative policy analysis in education and Masters of Education from Harvard, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.