Julie Anne McElrath, PhD

Julie McElrath Maldonado, PhD, has been a staff psychologist with the Division of Pediatric Psychology of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital since 2015. Dr. Maldonado received her Bachelor’s Degree from Furman University and her Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship with the Division of Pediatric Psychology at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Her training included extensive diagnostic assessment and caregiver support and enrichment. Her research interests have included caregiver stress and developmental disability, educator needs for supporting students with chronic health care conditions, pre-driving skills in young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and social functioning in young adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.

During her time at Furman, Dr. Maldonado developed a passion for working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Clinical experience during her course of graduate-level study included assessment and advocacy with youth with developmental disabilities and chronic health conditions; cognitive, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational assessment with pediatrics patients with epilepsy, brain tumors, and sickle cell disease; and cognitive-behavioral therapy with adults. During her internship, she was a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (LEND) long-term trainee and assisted in developing an enrichment program for caregivers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Current clinical activities include conducting autism spectrum disorder, developmental, and learning assessments with children. In her spare time, Dr. Maldonado enjoys exercising and running with friends, cooking, and spending time with her family.