Graduate Schools
- MS, New York University (2007)
- PhD, University of Denver (2013)
- BS, Colorado State University (2005)
Internship
- University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Child Psychology Program (2013)
Fellowships
- University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Child Psychology Program, Pediatric Hematology / Oncology (2014)
Languages
EnglishDepartment
Psychiatry-Child-CHCProfessional Titles
- Associate Professor
Research Interests
My research centers on supporting positive psychological and functional outcomes for children, adolescents, and families recovering from acute injury. I am particularly interested in adjustment, trauma response, and resilience factors in pediatric burn and trauma populations, as well as the role of psychosocial factors in recovery. My work builds on a foundation in pediatric rehabilitation research, including prior studies of psychosocial functioning and adjustment in spina bifida, and aims to advance integrated, interdisciplinary models of care.Publications
- Petranovich CL, Koerber S, Sarmiento C, Graber S, Dichiaro M, Wilson P, Miele A, Peterson RL, Simpson T, Connery AK, Kirkwood MW, Apkon S. Emotional well-being in transition-age adults with pediatric-onset disabilities: A cross-sectional study. Rehabil Psychol. 2025 Jan 13. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39804397
- Simpson TS, Bold E, Peterson RL, Lantagne A, Wilson P, Petranovich C. Self-management in Youth and Young Adults With Spina Bifida: Associations With Caregiver Expectation and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2025 Nov-Dec 01;46(6):e605-e610. PubMed PMID: 40729732
- Scott SR, Peterson RL, North SJ, Merrick JS, Petranovich CL, Wilson PE, Lantagne A, Simpson TS. Having more resilience factors only gets you so far in the context of neighborhood disadvantage: understanding differential predictors of internalizing symptoms and body mass index in youth with spina bifida. J Pediatr Psychol. 2025 Mar 1;50(3):256-265. PubMed PMID: 39657001
- Petranovich CL, Person-Jones K, Koerber S, Lantagne A, Graber S, Sarmiento CA, Peterson RL, Simpson T, Wilson P, Miele A, Apkon S, Dichiaro M, Connery AK, Kirkwood MW. Health Care, Educational, and Vocational Transitions in Young Adults With Pediatric-Onset Disabilities: Associations With Social Determinants of Health. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2025 May;106(5):674-681. PubMed PMID: 39710332
- Petranovich CL, Koerber S, Sarmiento C, Graber S, Dichiaro M, Wilson P, Miele A, Peterson RL, Simpson T, Connery AK, Kirkwood MW, Apkon S. Emotional well-being in transition-age adults with pediatric-onset disabilities: A cross-sectional study. Rehabil Psychol. 2025 Jan 13. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39804397
- Petranovich CL, Drenth E, Sarmiento C, Lantagne A, Graber S, Simpson T, Connery AK, Miele A, Wilson P, Dichiaro M, Apkon S, Kirkwood MW, Peterson RL. Healthcare Self-Management, Executive Functioning, and Social Determinants of Health in Young Adults with Pediatric-Onset Disabilities: a Pilot Study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2025 Nov 24;40(8):1492-1500. PubMed PMID: 40497433
- Petranovich CL, Person-Jones K, Koerber S, Lantagne A, Graber S, Sarmiento CA, Peterson RL, Simpson T, Wilson P, Miele A, Apkon S, Dichiaro M, Connery AK, Kirkwood MW. Health Care, Educational, and Vocational Transitions in Young Adults With Pediatric-Onset Disabilities: Associations With Social Determinants of Health. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39710332
- Scott SR, Peterson RL, North SJ, Merrick JS, Petranovich CL, Wilson PE, Lantagne A, Simpson TS. Having more resilience factors only gets you so far in the context of neighborhood disadvantage: understanding differential predictors of internalizing symptoms and body mass index in youth with spina bifida. J Pediatr Psychol. 2024 Dec 5. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39657001
- Simpson T, Scott S, Ketzer J, Matkins K, Schneider L, De La Torre L, Bischoff A, Melkonian V, Judd-Glossy L. Predictors of medical adherence following a bowel management program for youth and young adults with Spina Bifida. Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Jul 15;40(1):188. PubMed PMID: 39008134
- Rosenthal SL, Simpson TS, Kirkwood M, Peterson RL. Quality of Life in Youth Soccer Players After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Athl Train. 2024 Feb 1;59(2):130-136. PubMed PMID: 37459368
- Simpson TS, Leopold DR, Wilson PE, Peterson RL. Cognitive disengagement syndrome in pediatric spina bifida. Child Neuropsychol. 2024 Feb;30(1):87-104. PubMed PMID: 36803439
- Simpson T, Scott S, Ketzer J, Matkins K, Schneider L, De La Torre L, Bischoff A, Melkonian V, Judd-Glossy L. Predictors of medical adherence following a bowel management program for youth and young adults with Spina Bifida. Pediatric Surgery International. 2024 Jul 15;40(1):188. doi: 10.1007/s00383-024-05768-z. PMID: 39008134.
- Simpson TS, Leopold DR, Wilson PE, Peterson RL. Cognitive disengagement syndrome in pediatric spina bifida. Child Neuropsychology. 2023 Feb;30(1):87-104. PubMed PMID: 36803439
- Rosenthal SL, Simpson TS, Kirkwood MW, Peterson RL. Quality of Life of Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth Soccer Players Title Page. J Athl Train. 2023 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37459368
- Simpson TS, Grande LA, Kenny JJ, Wilson PE, Peterson RL. Child, Parent, and Family Adjustment for Patients Followed in a Multidisciplinary Spina Bifida Clinic. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2022 Summer;28(3):41-58. PubMed PMID: 36017123
- Simpson TS, Peterson RL, Patrick KE, Forster JE, McNally KA. Concussion Symptom Treatment and Education Program: A Feasibility Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2020 Jul 22. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32769833
- Simpson, T.S., Kenny, J.J., Wilson, P.E., Clayton, G.H., & Peterson, R.L. (2019). Parent Stress for Patients Followed in a Multidisciplinary Spinal Defects Clinic. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 8(4), 326-337.
- Simpson, T.S., Peterson, R.L, Mason, D.S., Connery, A.K., Baker, D.A., & Kirkwood, M.W. (2017). Quality of Life for Youth with Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms Following Mild TBI. Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, 5(3), 248-257.
- Cook, M. N., Crisostomo, P. S., Simpson, T., Williams, J., & Wamboldt, M. (2014). Effectiveness of an Intensive Outpatient Psychiatric Program for Youth with Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Initial Findings. Community Mental Health Journal, 50, 164-171.
Practice Locations
Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus13123 East 16th Ave
Aurora, CO 80045
720-777-1234
Hospital Affiliation
- University of Colorado Hospital
- Children's Hospital Colorado
Specialty Information
Specialties- Psychology
- Injuries and Wounds
- Mental Health and Behavior
- Mental Health and Behavior - Trauma / PTSD
- Skin, Hair and Nails - Burns
- Skin, Hair and Nails
Clinical Interests
My clinical interests center on the psychological care of children and adolescents recovering from acute injury, particularly within burn and trauma settings. I work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to support patients and families in managing adjustment, trauma responses, and the challenges of recovery. My approach is grounded in family-centered, developmentally informed care and is shaped by over a decade of experience in pediatric rehabilitation.
Care Philosophy
My care philosophy is grounded in trauma-informed, family-centered practice. I recognize that acute injuries can be both physically and psychologically overwhelming for children and their families. I prioritize creating a sense of safety, trust, and collaboration while supporting patients through adjustment, coping, and recovery. I am committed to integrating psychological care into medical treatment and to working closely with interdisciplinary teams to support the whole child and family.
My clinical interests center on the psychological care of children and adolescents recovering from acute injury, particularly within burn and trauma settings. I work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to support patients and families in managing adjustment, trauma responses, and the challenges of recovery. My approach is grounded in family-centered, developmentally informed care and is shaped by over a decade of experience in pediatric rehabilitation.
Care Philosophy
My care philosophy is grounded in trauma-informed, family-centered practice. I recognize that acute injuries can be both physically and psychologically overwhelming for children and their families. I prioritize creating a sense of safety, trust, and collaboration while supporting patients through adjustment, coping, and recovery. I am committed to integrating psychological care into medical treatment and to working closely with interdisciplinary teams to support the whole child and family.
Public Speaking
Yes
Yes