Catherine Wade

Dr. Catherine Wade is the Principal Research Specialist and Portfolio Lead for Discovery at the Parenting Research Centre, bringing over two decades of experience in social policy research and program evaluation. With a PhD in Psychology and postgraduate qualifications in educational and developmental psychology, Catherine has led and contributed to numerous high-impact initiatives across Australia aimed at improving outcomes for families and children facing vulnerability, disability, and disadvantage.**

Her research portfolio includes evaluations of intensive family support programs across Queensland and South Australia, the Parenting Today in Victoria population-level survey, the HIPPY Age 3 program, and the Focus on New Fathers pilot for perinatal mental health. Catherine has also overseen the evaluation of the LINKS Trauma Healing Service in NSW. Her expertise spans both quantitative and qualitative research methods, longitudinal data analysis, and continuous practice improvement (CPI).

Before joining the Parenting Research Centre, Catherine worked clinically in child and adolescent mental health and specialist children’s services, shaping her lifelong commitment to evidence-based support for families. Her work continues to inform and influence policy and practice across sectors supporting Australia’s most vulnerable children.