Kristi Cheyney-Collante, Ph.D

Director of Early Childhood & Literacy and Research Scientist

352.273.4103 • cheyneyk@coe.ufl.edu

Kristi Cheyney-Collante, Ph.D., serves as Research Scientist and Director of Early Childhood & Literacy at the UF Lastinger Center. In this role, Dr. Cheyney-Collante leads the Lastinger Center’s early learning and literacy strategy, advancing research-based practices and scalable innovations that support educators, children and families across Florida and beyond.

Prior to joining the Lastinger Center, Dr. Cheyney-Collante served as a Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Special Education, School Psychology and Early Childhood Studies (SESPECS) at UF, where she has led numerous initiatives in teacher preparation, literacy research and family engagement. Her work as Assistant Director at the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) and as Co-PI on multiple federally funded grants has positioned her as a national leader in early literacy and special education.