Gretchen does research focused on non-parental caregivers of children and other vulnerable family members, and their impact on well-being and other outcomes.  She comes to this work based on a 25 year career in social services work and social work with vulnerable individuals and families.  Dr. Perry has an M.S.W. which is complemented by her Ph.D. in cultural anthropology.  This has allowed her to work across disciplines, using a culturally comparative approach, as well as doing clinical and other applied social work.