Bethany Felinton

Bethany Felinton is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work department at Marshall University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Marshall University and an MSW from West Virginia University, with her doctorate in Social Work expected in 2026 from the University of Kentucky.

• Rural healthcare systems
• Social determinants of health in marginalized populations
• Child welfare and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Clinical practice in mental and medical social work

Her research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Appalachian children facing ACEs, and she plans to expand this work to address resource gaps and systemic inequities in rural health. With over 24 years in child welfare, school social work, and medical social work environments, she brings extensive practical expertise to her academic role.