Kelly A Pilato, PhD

Assistant Professor

Kelly Pilato

905 688 5550 x5169

kpilato@brocku.ca

My research is focused on evidence-based policy development and implementation as a framework for enhancing health at a population level. I believe that effective policy is made when it is co-constructed with its users being included in the decision-making of its creation and implementation. I am especially interested in the intersection of evidence-based policy implementation with real-world impacts that support health and wellness across the lifespan, within the context of people’s lives and social determinants of health. Primarily a qualitative researcher, I have experience in both qualitative and mixed methods research methods, scoping, systematic, and rapid reviews.

Much of my research has been focused on supporting student success and pedagogy in higher education. Central to this research, I am particularly interested in evaluating the implementation of system-wide, mental health policies and initiatives aimed at improving student health and wellness.

As a teacher, I bring concern for student success. I enjoy teaching and I care about students learning and success. I believe in reciprocity, learner-centered pedagogy that is experiential and engaged, uses active learning strategies, and is reflective.

Research Interests

  • Population health research
  • Social determinants
  • Policy Implementation for enhanced health
  • Qualitative methodology
  • Student mental health and well-being
  • Quality improvement in public health systems
  • Teaching culture and leadership in higher education

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

  • Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch Board Director / Chair of Service Outcomes / Quality Committee

Publications

Pennisi, S., Lathrop, A., & Pilato, K. A. (2023). How can practitioner action research support the design, implementation, and evaluation of on-campus mental health and addiction services? Educational Action Research, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2023.2229402

Pilato, K. A., Law, M. P., Moore, S. A., Hay, J. A., & Narushima, M. (2023). Policy Implementation in Higher Education: The Dynamics of a Fall Break. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, (201), 63-74. https://doi.org/10.7202/1095483ar

Pilato, K. A., Law, M. P., Hay, J. A., Narushima, M., & Moore, S. A. (2022). Stress testing the university fall break policy: understanding the impact on student mental health. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 52(1), 70-82. https://doi.org/10.47678/cjhe.v52i1.189453

Pilato, K. A., & Michaelson, V. A. (2022). Spirituality in the Health Curricula in Canada: A Review. Health Education Journal, 81(2), 211-225. https://doi.org/10.1177/00178969211072277

Law, M., Berry, A., Clarke, N. Hay, G., Muhl, C., Pilato, K. A., Hunter, D., & Larson, A. (2021). Using the QI Maturity Tool – Modified Ontario Version to assess the state of QI maturity in Ontario’s public health units. Arch Public Health 79, 181 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-021-00703-3

Michaelson, V., Pilato, K. A., & Davison, C. M. (2021). Family as a health promotion setting: A scoping review of conceptual models of the health-promoting family. PLoS One, 16(4), e0249707. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249707

Pilato, K. A., Law, M. P., Narushima, M., Moore, S. A., & Hay, J. A. (2021). The creation of a mental health policy in higher education. Educational Policy, 36(7), 1821- 1849. https://doi.org/10.1177/08959048211015613

Teaching

  • Introduction to Health Sciences
  • Global Health
  • Mental Health and Addictions