Mary E Keenan-Pfeiffer, PhD

I work with interdisciplinary teams in the Nutrition and Wellness Center at Cincinnati Children’s, providing psychosocial care to youth living in larger bodies and those with conditions like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. In my outpatient therapy practice, I support patients and families with health behavior change, diabetes management (type 1 and type 2), coping with chronic illnesses, and overcoming adherence concerns such as difficulties swallowing pills or fear of injections and medical procedures. I also help youth manage body image concerns that can interfere with their health and wellbeing.

My approach to care is rooted in meeting patients and families where they are. I aim to understand each family’s unique needs and work collaboratively to create interventions that improve health and wellbeing. I strive to provide care that is sensitive to the needs of patients and families, especially those related to marginalized identities. My goal is for therapy to be a safe space for all youth and families. I also help families clarify what health means to them and how our work together can help them live a healthy life.

My inspiration to become a provider began when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age six. My mother often told me she needed someone to talk to, someone who could help us navigate my diagnosis and support us with diabetes management. There just wasn’t anyone providing that kind of care in inner-city Philadelphia where I grew up. Each day, I strive to be the provider my family needed when I was younger. Having lived in a larger body all my life, I am passionate about helping patients of all body types and sizes embrace their bodies and learn to define health in many ways — not just by the number on the scale.

My research focuses on psychosocial factors that impact the management of health conditions, including type 1 diabetes and conditions associated with increased weight. I am committed to including voices that have been historically underrepresented in research.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my twin daughters and my husband, exploring fun places around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. I enjoy playing board games, crafting new meals and healthy eating hacks for busy moms, and staying connected with family and friends across the country.