Dr. Jessica Valenzuela is an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology, the coordinator for Clinical Health Psychology in the College’s clinical doctoral programs, and the Director of Pediatric Psychology Services in the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital Comprehensive Pediatric Diabetes Center and Multidisciplinary Pediatric Obesity Clinic. She is also mom to two energetic preschoolers.
Dr. Valenzuela’s research focuses on improving outcomes for underserved youth diagnosed with chronic illness including type 1 diabetes, obesity/type 2 diabetes, sickle cell disease and HIV. Specifically, her interests include examining racial/ethnic pediatric health disparities, challenges in transitioning to adult care, family participation in care and shared decision-making, and community-based participatory models of research. Dr. Valenzuela’s community partnerships focus on consultation to develop and expand community health promotion programs, increase the cultural competency of providers, and improve the quality of care to children and families. Her training interests include mentoring doctoral level trainees in clinical psychology to become proficient in working directly with children and families, to conduct research focused on the outcomes of youth at risk for significant health concerns, and to develop specialized skills for working closely with allied disciplines for the benefit of children and families. |