Melissa S Xanthopoulos

Melissa S. Xanthopoulos is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and a psychologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She serves as Co-Leader of the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Quality Improvement Initiative and Director of the CPAP Adherence Program at CHOP. Her work focuses on implementation science, adherence to medical interventions, and behavioral strategies for sleep disorders, obesity, and developmental disabilities.

• BS in Kinesiology, Minor in Psychology - Pennsylvania State University, 1998
• MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology - East Stroudsburg University, 1999
• MS in Clinical Psychology (Health Psychology) - Drexel University, 2003
• PhD in Clinical Psychology - Drexel University, 2006

Her research explores the intersection of psychosocial and physiological factors affecting health outcomes, particularly in children with chronic conditions like Down syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. She develops behavioral interventions for CPAP adherence, lifestyle modifications, and digital health solutions.

Recent publications address CPAP quality improvement, physical activity barriers in youth with developmental disabilities, and behavioral strategies for sleep apnea and obesity. Her work spans sleep medicine, pediatrics, and health psychology.

• Active affiliations with CHOP’s Sleep Center, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Division, and Healthy Weight Program
• Interdisciplinary collaborations in immunology, cardiology, and neurodevelopmental research