Her works include “Raising Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders” and “Nonverbal Learning Disorder: Understanding and Coping with NLD and Asperger’s.”
CHICOPEE, MA, January 16, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OT, FAOTA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Whitney, a distinguished figure in the field of occupational therapy, has made significant contributions through her extensive career and academic pursuits. As the retired chair at Quinnipiac University, she has been instrumental in shaping the future of occupational therapy education. She served in multiple leadership roles for local, state and national levels for the American Occupational Therapy Association, with the most recent role as chair of the Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section at the American Occupational Therapy Association, from 2020 – 2023. Additionally, she has been a writer, editor and content expert in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders since 1997, showcasing her dedication to research and knowledge dissemination.
Prior to her tenure at Quinnipiac University, Dr. Whitney served as an associate professor and Director of Faculty Scholarship and Development in the Department of Human Performance at West Virginia University from 2017 to 2022. During this time, she established the first research lab in the department, won multiple grants, and mentored research assistants from across the university. Her earlier roles include founding chair of the occupational therapy department at Clarkson University from 2014 to 2016 and assistant professor/chair at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia for the preceding two years.
She began her professional work as the owner and clinical director of The Lighthouse Project in Santa Clara California where she pioneered social skill programs for students with neurodevelopmental disorders throughout Northern California. Dr. Whitney is the first occupational therapist to serve in the role of Research Coordinator IV at Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins (from 2009 to 2012), where she coordinated research and provided training and outreach services for the largest Randomized Controlled Trial in School Based Social Skills Intervention.
Dr. Whitney’s academic journey is marked by several notable achievements that have significantly contributed to her professional success. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in International Health Science from Trident University International in 2011 and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Samuel Merritt University in 2007. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through many certifications, such as narrative medicine from Columbia University and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia from Colorado State University.
Dr. Whitney’s literary contributions are equally impressive, with publications that address critical issues in sensory processing and nonverbal learning disorders. Her works include “Raising Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders” and “Nonverbal Learning Disorder: Understanding and Coping with NLD and Asperger’s.” These publications serve as valuable resources for parents, teachers and therapists seeking guidance on managing these conditions. Furthermore, as a Narrative Medicine Practitioner, she utilizes her expertise in stress reduction through journal writing to connect the physical and spiritual aspects of people’s lives, including her own.
Outside her work responsibilities, Dr. Whitney is involved in civic work and community service. Among her affiliations, she served as president of the West Virginia Occupational Therapy Association and a board member of various state and national associations. Her involvement with Camp Gizmo as a clinical expert since 2016 further highlights her dedication to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes two children.
Dr. Whitney credits her achievements to her mother, a dedicated teacher and single parent who taught her the value of giving back to the community. Reflecting on her upbringing, she also recognizes the significant role that the supportive neighborhood played in shaping her character and aspirations, nurturing her through the challenges of childhood. Looking ahead, she remains committed to her writing endeavors, aspiring to continue publishing works that inspire and educate others in the field of occupational therapy and, more generally, living a life of integrity as in wholeness.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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