Project/Program/Clinic Contacts:
Mentoring with Oversight for Developing Independence with Foster Youth (MODIFY)
West Virginia Assistive Technology System
Accountable Healthy Communities
Regional Transition Navigator Program
Appalachian Rural Health Integration Model
Vita/Bio:
Lesley Cottrell, PhD, is Director of the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED) and Professor of Pediatrics at West Virginia University. A developmental psychologist, her research spans disability and health, child and adolescent health, rural health disparities, family health, substance use and neonatal abstinence syndrome, healthcare access, and transitions across the lifespan. Her work emphasizes community-engaged and interdisciplinary approaches that translate research into programs, policy, and practice.
Dr. Cottrell’s teaching and training focus on preparing healthcare professionals, students, and community providers to deliver accessible, person-centered services to individuals with disabilities. She has developed disability-focused curricula, simulations, inclusive postsecondary education opportunities, and interdisciplinary training experiences.
Within the AUCD network, Dr. Cottrell contributes to national efforts to strengthen the UCEDD network, advance disability research and training, and promote meaningful engagement of people with disabilities and families.
Service:
Faculty governance, university leadership, academic service, institutional governance, research ethics, human subjects protection, Institutional Review Board leadership, disability advocacy, disability policy, systems change, public policy, developmental disabilities, independent living, community inclusion, autism services, early intervention, emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, public health, rural health, health equity, community engagement, stakeholder engagement, family engagement, consumer engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, interagency collaboration, state advisory councils, national disability networks, AUCD, UCEDD network leadership, strategic planning, professional associations, scientific peer review, grant review, journal editorial service, faculty mentorship, student mentorship, research mentorship, workforce development, healthcare provider training, disability education, community-based services, program development, statewide partnerships, academic-community partnerships, knowledge translation, policy-to-practice translation
