Mirtha Montejo Whaley, Ph.D., OTR/L
As Associate Professor and Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Whaley is part of the founding faculty for the Entry Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program in Tampa. Dr. Whaley brings to NSU extensive experience in psychiatric occupational therapy in inpatient, outpatient, and day treatment programs; geriatric rehabilitation; and occupational therapy services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Additionally, Dr. Whaley’s graduate education in public health provides her with a unique perspective of occupational therapy practice, and she infuses this knowledge and experience in her courses.
Dr. Whaley was instrumental in the addition of occupational therapy services at the USF Health Johnny Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, and through years of pro-bono consultation helped develop a state of the art functional assessment unit. She continues this relationship through volunteer work with her students during fall prevention and other events.
Through her community service, she has developed relationships with local mental health centers to improve the provision of services to clients with severe and persistent mental illness. Dr. Whaley also serves as Chair of the Mental Health Special Interest Section of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association.