Petrenchik's research area is in child and adolescent mental health, particularly trauma and resilience. She is a contributing author on the first occupational therapy text concerning mental health promotion and prevention approaches for children and youth. She is currently involved in workforce development in resilience and recovery-oriented practices, as well as health professions graduate student training in trauma informed care. She serves as an invited expert on the national community of practice in childhood trauma.
Petrenchik teaches courses on the following topics:
- Evidence Based Practice
- Measurement & Assessment
- Trauma-Informed Practice in OT
- Case-Based Seminars in OT
