Associate Professor
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.
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About Mirtha Whaley
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.
| Present | Assistant Professor, Nova Southeastern University ‐ College of Health Care Sciences | |
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Disciplines
Research Interests
mental health, disability and participation of the ageing, individuals who have dementia, dementia, individuals with mental illness, mental illness, aging in place, cognitive impairment in geriatric practice, therapists’ attitudes and knowledge of factors affecting cognition in adults and older clients, occupational disruptions, and wellbeing of caregivers
Professional Service and Affiliations
| Member, CHCS Curriculum Committee, NSU | Member, Committee on Student Progress, DPT Program, Tampa | Chair, Committee on Student Progress, OTD Program, Tampa | Chair, Curriculum Committee, OTD Program, Tampa | Member, Executive Council Alpha Eta Honor Society, NSU | Chair, Mental Health Special Interest Section, Florida Occupational Therapy |
Honors and Awards
- Elected Faculty Mem ber, Alpha Eta Honor Society ( 2014 )
- USF College of Public Health 2005 Lee Leavengood Senior Programs Endowed Scholarship Allen Cognitive Network (2010)
- Service Award: Project Return Florida, Inc., (1987)
| 2007 | Ph.D., Public Health, Concentrations in Social and Behavioral Health and Community and Family Health Education, University of South Florida | |
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| 1993 | M.S., Public Health, Community and Family Health Education, University of South Florida | |
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| 1968 | B.S., Occupational Therapy, University of Florida | |
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Contact Information
(813) 574-5348
Email: