Jo Anne S Pandey

Dr. Jo Anne Shwayder Pandey is an Educational Psychologist with more than 19 years of University teaching experience in Child Development, Psychology, and Research Methods and more than 10 years of experience on research and development projects in Nepal focusing on mitigating challenges in education with a focus on mental health in rural Nepal such as the 2015 earthquake and distance learning during COVID. In December 2025 to January 2026 she will be conducting research as a Fulbright Specialist on the effectiveness of the Kathmandu Municipality City School system’s Book Free Friday initiative. Dr. Pandey combines research, teaching, and community-based interventions to promote child well-being and education in culturally relevant ways. She is heavily involved in the Nepalese-American community in across California most recently serving as the President of the Global Nepali Professional Network, a 501-c3 non-profit organization.

Ph.D. Psychological Studies in Education 2003, University of California, Los Angeles
M. ED Educational Psychology 1997, University of Hawaii, Manoa
B.A. Psychology and Anthropology 1993, Pitzer College

Children's mental health following significant natural disasters

Cognitive and motivational aspects of reading and writing

use of writing in therapeutic contexts

Professional Development for Teachers in Rural Nepal

Evaluation of Alternative Education Programs in Nepal