Faculty

Valerie C. Martinez, clinical associate professor at UCF’s College of Nursing, is a board-certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and pediatric mental health specialist with almost two decades of experience in pediatric healthcare including pediatric primary care, school-based health, neonatal care, and care of medically complex children. Her scholarly work, which has been presented nationally and internationally, bridges pediatric clinical practice and nurse practitioner education with a primary focus on pediatric mental health and autism care. A dedicated nurse educator, Martinez currently teaches graduate courses in UCF’s DNP program and has guided both graduate and undergraduate students in developing and disseminating impactful scholarly projects that address real-world clinical and community needs. She is also actively engaged in professional service and advocacy, holding leadership roles in pediatric nursing organizations and contributing to initiatives that support child health.

Education

• PhD, University of Central Florida
• DNP, Medical University of South Carolina
• MSN, Medical University of South Carolina
• BSN, University of New Mexico
• Non-degree Pediatric Mental Health Online Fellowship, Ohio State University

Selected Awards & Honors

• Distinguished Fellow, National Academies of Practice, 2026
• Award of Excellence: Editorial & Advocacy Writing, APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, 2026
• Presidential Commendation Award, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, 2024
• Distinguished Service Award, Florida Nurse Practitioner Network, 2024

Selected Professional Activities

• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
• Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses
• Sigma, Theta Epsilon Chapter