Aspire Living & Learning proudly welcomes Dr. Courtney Cotter as the first Senior Director of Children’s Mental Health Services, signaling a significant move toward strengthening the agency’s commitment to the comprehensive well-being of children through specialized behavioral health services. The introduction of these services aims to provide even more tailored support for the diverse needs of the children and families Aspire serves.
“In welcoming Dr. Cotter, we are not just adding a new member to our team; we are initiating a transformative era for children’s behavioral and mental health services at Aspire. Dr. Cotter’s expertise and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the positive evolution of our programs,” says Elizabeth Sellinger, Chief of Children’s Services.
As Senior Director, Dr. Cotter will play a pivotal, collaborative role within the children’s services leadership team. Her primary focus will be on building, developing, and leading a skilled team to establish innovative behavioral and mental health services at Aspire, including the development of a state-of-the-art clinic.
Dr. Cotter is a licensed psychologist and a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly two decades of experience. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Western Michigan University and completed her predoctoral internship at the Child Development Center of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, she underwent a postdoctoral fellowship at the Munroe Meyer Institute in Omaha, Nebraska.
During her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Cotter participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (LEND) program, gaining diverse experience in providing therapy and assessment services to children with mental health concerns in primary care settings. Her rotations also included assessing infants at risk for developmental delay following extended stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Dr. Cotter’s educational background further includes a BS in Elementary Education from Keene State College in New Hampshire.
“My passion lies in creating innovative and impactful mental health programs, and I am excited to lead a dedicated team in building a brighter future for the children and families Aspire serves,” expressed Dr. Cotter. “My vision is to foster a compassionate and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.”
