SEATTLE, Wash. — July 14, 2026 — The medical and academic communities are mourning the unexpected passing of Dr. Kendra Liljenquist, 38, a respected pediatric researcher, educator, and advocate whose work was dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. Her death has left colleagues, students, families, and friends grieving while reflecting on her remarkable legacy of compassion, scientific discovery, and commitment to children and families.
Dr. Liljenquist served as an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and as a principal investigator at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Her work at the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development focused on understanding how social, economic, and environmental factors influence childhood development. She championed healthcare approaches that were accessible, culturally responsive, and centered on the needs of families, emphasizing early identification of developmental challenges and connecting children with resources that support growth and well-being.
Among her notable contributions was her involvement in the development and validation of the Participation and Environment Measure – Children and Youth (PEM-CY), a tool designed to better understand how environmental factors affect participation and daily experiences for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Colleagues remember her as a researcher who approached science with empathy and purpose, always believing that healthcare should not only treat but also create environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Born and raised in Maple Valley, Washington, Dr. Liljenquist graduated from Tahoma High School before attending the University of San Francisco, where she earned degrees in Exercise Sport Science and Neuroscience. She also competed as an NCAA Division I soccer player and was actively involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She later earned her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from Boston University in 2016, focusing her research on autism, childhood functional performance, and social participation. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, she completed a fellowship in Patient-Centered Measurement at the University of Washington Medical Center and earned her Master of Public Health, further strengthening her expertise in population health and healthcare equity.
The news of her passing has brought deep sorrow to colleagues, students, healthcare professionals, and families who benefited from her work. Many have expressed gratitude for her dedication to advancing pediatric care and for the compassion she brought to both her research and personal interactions.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Kendra Liljenquist will be remembered as someone who truly believed in making a difference. Her life’s work reflected a deep commitment to helping children reach their full potential and ensuring that families had the support needed to navigate complex healthcare challenges.
Rest in peace, Dr. Kendra Liljenquist. Your legacy of science, compassion, and advocacy will continue to inspire generations. 🕊️
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