Biography
Professor Bethany Felinton received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marshall University, where she developed a foundational understanding of human behavior and mental processes. She further advanced her education by earning an MSW from West Virginia University, equipping her with essential skills for clinical practice and community service. She will complete her doctorate in social work from the University of Kentucky in 2026. Her research has focused on the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Appalachian children who have faced high levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
With over twenty-four years of dedicated social work experience, Professor Felinton has worked in child welfare, family preservation, school social work, mental health services, and medical social work. Her medical social work background spans various critical environments, including hospitals, home health care, and hospice settings, where she has provided compassionate support and advocacy for patients and their families navigating complex health challenges. Professor Felinton intends to continue her research on rural healthcare after completing her doctorate, focusing particularly on the social determinants of health and the lack of resources for marginalized populations in Appalachian communities.