Ariel A. Williamson, Ph.D., DBSM (she/her)
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Biography
I am a licensed pediatric psychologist specializing in sleep health. I am passionate about helping children, teens, and their families get the rest they need. I use proven, research-based strategies to address sleep challenges like trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia) and irregular sleep schedules (circadian rhythm disorders).
I also support families in managing medical sleep conditions such as sleep apnea (which causes breathing problems during sleep) and narcolepsy (a condition that leads to excessive daytime sleepiness). For children who need breathing support at night, I help them adjust to using devices like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines comfortably and stress-free.
At OHSU's Sleep Disorders Clinic, I care for children and families, train other professionals, and help develop programs to improve pediatric sleep treatment. I also teach and conduct research at the University of Oregon's Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health, where I focus on creating sleep programs that are accessible and effective for all families.
I also serve as a Sleep Expert for the Pediatric Sleep Council, where parents can find free, research-backed advice on sleep for babies and toddlers.
Education and training
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Degrees
- Ph.D., 2016, University of Delaware
- M.A., 2014, Northwestern University
- B.A., 2010, University of California at Santa Barbara
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Residency
- Integrated Behavioral Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2015-2016
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Fellowship
- T32 in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, Sleep Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia & Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, 2016-2018
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Certifications
- Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine
Memberships and associations:
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- American Heart Association
- Sleep Research Society
- Society for Pediatric Psychology