Jessica Beer

As a developmental scientist with a background in neurocognitive research and sociocultural theory, Jessica brings a lifespan perspective to her work.

As co-founder of The Urban Chalkboard Play Cafe in Indiana, her applied work focuses on the cognitive, social, and mental health benefits of children’s play.

Work Experience

• Research scientist. Conducted research in neurocognitive development and family environments of babies and children who use cochlear implants. Indiana University School of Medicine.
• Co-Founder, The Urban Chalkboard Play Cafe and Learning Studios. Carmel, Indiana.
• Lecturer in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences. Purdue University.
• Instructor of Psychology and Director of the Play Lab. Butler University
• Board Member of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation. Carmel, Indiana.

First- and Second-Author Publications

• Peters, K. A., Beer, J., & Pisoni, D. B. (2021). Theory of mind acquisition in children who are deaf: The importance of early identification and communication access. Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, 6(2), 101-113.
• Holt, R. F., Beer, J., Kronenberger, W. G., Pisoni, D. B., LaLonde, K., & Mulinaro, L. (2019). Family environment in children with hearing aids and cochlear implants: Associations with spoken language, psychosocial functioning, and cognitive development. Ear and Hearing, 41(4), 762-774.
• Kronenberger, W. G., Beer, J., Castellanos, I., Pisoni, D. B., & Miyamoto, R. (2014). Neurocognitive risk in children with cochlear implants. JAMA Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 140(7) 608-615.
• Beer, J., Kronenberger, W. G., Castellanos, I., Colson, B. G., Henning, S. C., & Pisoni, D. (2014). Executive functioning skills in preschool-age children with cochlear implants. Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research, 57(4), 1521-1534.
• Beer, J., Peters, K., & Pisoni, D. (2014). Language development in deaf children with cochlear implants. In P. Brooks & V. Kempe (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Language Development: Sage.
• Beer, J., Holt, R. F., & Harris, M. (2013). Cochlear implantation in children with additional diagnoses: Current trends and outcomes. Otorinolaringologia, 63, 1-16.
• Holt, R. F., Beer, J., Kronenberger, W., & Pisoni, D. B. (2013). Developmental effects of family environment on outcomes in pediatric cochlear implant recipients. Otology and Neurotology, 34, 388-395.
• Holt, R. F., Beer, J., Kronenberger, W., Pisoni, D. B., & Lalonde, K. (2012). Contribution of family environment to pediatric cochlear implant users’ speech and language outcomes: Some preliminary findings. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 55(3), 848-864.
• Houston, D. M., Beer, J., Bergeson, T. R., Chin, S. B., Pisoni, D. B., & Miyamoto, R. T. (2012). The ear is connected to the brain: some new directions in the study of children with cochlear implants at Indiana University. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, (23), 446-463.
• Beer, J., Harris, M. S., Kronenberger, W. G., Holt, R. F., & Pisoni, D. B. (2012). Auditory skills, language development, and adaptive behavior of children with cochlear implants and additional disabilities. International Journal of Audiology, 51(6), 491-498.
• Beer, J., Kronenberger, W. G., & Pisoni, D. B. (2011). Executive function in everyday life: Implications for young cochlear implant users. Cochlear Implants International Supplement, 12, S89-S91.
• Beer, J., Pisoni, D. B., Kronenberger, W. G., & Geers, A. E. (2010). New research findings: Executive functions of adolescents who use cochlear implants. ASHA Leader, December 21.
• Beer, J., Pisoni, D. B. & Kronenberger, W. (2009). Executive function in deaf children with cochlear implants: The role of organizational-integrative processes. Volta Voices, May/June, 18-21.
• Geddie, L., Beer, J., Fradin, S. & Wuensch, K. (2001). The relationship between interview characteristics and accuracy of recall in young children: Do individual differences matter? Child Maltreatment, 6(1), 59-68.
• Beer, J. 2014-2015. Monthly columnist for Indy’s Child Magazine.

Education & Degrees

• 2007-2012: NIH Post-doctoral Fellow in Speech, Hearing, and Sensory Communication at Indiana University School of Medicine.
• 2007: PhD in Developmental Psychology from City University of New York Graduate Center.
• 1994 -1996: MA in Psychology from East Carolina University.
• 1989 – 1994: BA in Psychology from Indiana University.

A Personal Message From Jessica

Do you ever think about how empowering and humbling it is that we have the power to change our own nervous system (and that of others) from pregnancy/birth to death/dying?

– Jessica Beer

Why Should You Trust What Jessica Writes?

Jessica will always over-research each topic she writes about to ensure she delivers practical, actionable content with a profound respect for human biology and social experiences.