Jennifer A. Kelleher, PhD

I am a pediatric psychology fellow dedicated to supporting the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of medical conditions, including cardiac and gastrointestinal concerns, during their hospital stays. My approach to care is individualized, and I strive to integrate each child’s and family’s unique needs into their care plans. I want my patients and their families to feel truly heard, and I focus on teaching coping skills and finding practical solutions to make things like taking medicine or building healthy habits a little easier.

My passion for this work began when I volunteered as a camp counselor at a camp for kids with health conditions. That experience showed me the importance of nurturing not just physical health, but also the mental and social well-being of youth facing medical challenges. Since then, I've been committed to using evidence-based mental health treatments to improve the quality of life for children with chronic or serious health conditions.

In addition to my clinical work, I am interested in how research and clinical care can support and improve each other. I’ve partnered with research colleagues on projects that look for ways to improve treatment adherence and health behaviors in youth with medical conditions. Overall, my research focuses on improving the health of young people, always with the goal of helping them thrive.

Outside of work, I love swimming, hiking, spending time with friends and family, and exploring Cincinnati’s local coffee shops.