Dr. Jessica Valenzuela is a faculty member 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.

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.