Christie Petrenko, PhD, is broadly trained in clinical psychology, with specific interests and expertise in FASD, child maltreatment, neuropsychology, and preventive interventions. Her current research emphasizes the development and evaluation of novel interventions to improve access and outcomes for children and adults with FASD, and she has contributed numerous journal publications and book chapters. She currently serves as the President of the FASD Study Group associated with the Research Society on Alcoholism and is a Field Editor of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Dr. Petrenko is a faculty member at Mt. Hope Family Center (MHFC), University of Rochester, where she has established and nurtured strong relationships with University and community partners in Upstate NY to support her research and increase access to services and supports for families. She has given numerous talks and presentations on FASD to diverse audiences (e.g., families, media outlets, mental health and social service agencies, university, and medical settings), and, since 2011, has contracted with the World Health Organization and Pan-American Health Organization to provide training in FASD diagnosis to professionals in selected member countries around the world.
Given the limited resources in the state of New York, she initiated an FASD Diagnostic and Evaluation Clinic, FASD Intervention Service, and Family Night Support Program in partnership with medical providers at Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) at the University of Rochester Medical Center to meet the needs of children with FASD and their families. Through these clinical services, Dr. Petrenko provides training to undergraduate and graduate students in psychology and related fields. She and her colleagues are also piloting ECHO FASD, which uses tele mentoring to train primary care providers across the region in FASD diagnosis and care management.
Committees and Roles
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BOD Current