Laura Dimler, PhD

Dr. Laura Dimler is a developmental psychologist and the Interim Director of the B.A. in Applied Psychology program at PLNU. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of California, Riverside, and both her M.A. and B.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University.

Her research and teaching focus on how parenting, resilience, and family relationships shape mental health across development. With more than a decade of experience in mental health research and program development, she designs courses that connect psychological science with real-world application for adult learners.

Beyond academia, Dr. Dimler writes Development Decoded, a public scholarship newsletter translating developmental psychology into practical insights for parents, educators, and caregivers. A military spouse and mother of three, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work supporting families and students through life’s transitions. When she isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys California’s sunshine with her family and rescue dog, reading multiple books at once, perfecting her pizza dough recipe, and engaging in spirited Scrabble matches with her husband.