Dr. Valerie Martinez is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Advanced Practice DNP Program Director at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing. As a Certified Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC), Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS), and dedicated nurse educator, she is committed to improving pediatric and family health outcomes. Her program of research is focused on improving the quality of care and health outcomes of children with autism and their families. She has experience providing evidence-based, high-quality care in a variety of clinical settings, including pediatric pulmonology, general primary care pediatrics, and school-based health. Her scholarship bridges clinical practice and educational innovation, with work disseminated nationally and internationally, reflecting her commitment to generating evidence that informs care across professions. Dr. Martinez also has a strong record of service to the nursing profession. She currently serves as the Past President of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and is active in multiple nursing and interprofessional organizations. In addition, she serves on several national committees through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and NAPNAP. She was recently inducted as a fellow in the National Academies of Practice, which recognizes her contributions to advancing nursing practice, scholarship, and interprofessional collaboration to improve health outcomes. She received her BSN from the University of New Mexico, her DNP from the Medical University of South Carolina, and her PhD from the University of Central Florida.