Dr. Kendra Liljenquist Obituary, Seattle Children’s Researcher Remembered for Advancing Pediatric Health Equity and Supporting Children With Disabilities

The medical and academic communities are mourning the unexpected passing of Dr. Kendra Liljenquist, a respected pediatric researcher, educator, and advocate whose work was dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. Dr. Liljenquist died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, scientific discovery, and commitment to children and families.

Dr. Liljenquist was widely recognized for her contributions to pediatric health equity and her efforts to address the challenges faced by children and families experiencing barriers to care. She 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, where she combined research, education, and community partnerships to create meaningful improvements in pediatric healthcare.

As part of the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Dr. Liljenquist dedicated her career to understanding how social, economic, and environmental factors influence childhood development. Her research focused on creating healthcare approaches that were more accessible, culturally responsive, and centered around the needs of children and their families.

Her work emphasized the importance of early identification of developmental challenges and connecting children with resources that could support their growth and well-being. Through community-based screening and intervention strategies, she sought to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds had greater opportunities to receive timely support and care.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Liljenquist contributed to significant research efforts in childhood development, rehabilitation sciences, and health equity. 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 remembered Dr. Liljenquist as a researcher who approached science with empathy and purpose. Her work reflected a belief that healthcare should not only focus on treatment but also on creating environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. She built partnerships with families, communities, and fellow researchers to help transform research findings into practical solutions.

Dr. Liljenquist’s journey in education and research began in Maple Valley, Washington, where she was born and raised. She graduated from Tahoma High School before attending the University of San Francisco, where she earned degrees in Exercise Sport Science and Neuroscience. During her undergraduate years, she also competed as an NCAA Division I soccer player for the Dons and was involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. through the Eta Sigma Chapter.

Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Liljenquist continued her academic journey by earning a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from Boston University in 2016. While completing her doctoral work, she conducted research through the Kids in Context Research Lab, where she explored topics including autism, childhood functional performance, and social participation.

She later returned to the Pacific Northwest for a fellowship in Patient-Centered Measurement at the University of Washington Medical Center, where she continued her commitment to improving healthcare experiences for patients and families. During this time, she also completed her Master of Public Health degree, further strengthening her expertise in population health and healthcare equity.

The news of Dr. Liljenquist’s passing has brought deep sorrow to colleagues, students, researchers, 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 relationships.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Liljenquist will be remembered as someone who believed in making a difference. Her work reflected a lifelong commitment to helping children reach their full potential and ensuring that families had the support needed to navigate complex healthcare challenges.

Although her life was tragically cut short, Dr. Kendra Liljenquist’s impact will continue through the research she contributed to, the students and colleagues she inspired, and the countless children and families whose lives were improved because of her dedication.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, academic community, and all those who were touched by her remarkable commitment to science, education, and service.