Dr. Danita Applewhite (aka “Professor or Doc Apple”) is recognized as one of the leading experts in the fields of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Independent Living and Education. She is a Disability Advocate, Host of the ASK Dr. Applewhite Talk Show, Army Veteran, Speaker, Author, Retired Psychology Professor and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Dr. Applewhite is an alumni of Chapman University and the University of Arizona (Magna Cum Laude and Chi Sigma Iota); she completed doctoral coursework at Capella and finished her PhD in Psychology at Concordia College and University. For over 40 years, she remains dedicated to improving school and work performance for fellow Veterans, Nontraditional Adult Learners/Students and Employees with disabilities (e.g.: mental, learning, non-visible disabilities). Dr. Applewhite is appointed by the Governor to serve on the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council and the Arizona State Rehabilitation Council. She also serves on the Veterans Medical Leadership Council, the Women’s Army Corp Veterans Association, and is a Lifetime Member of Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America. She founded the White Apple Institute (formerly White Apple Training and Education Center) as a private practice in 1983 and it became a Veteran operated non-profit 501 c (3) in 2013. Her purpose continues to focus on CONNECTING or reconnecting Students; EDUCATING them on self-advocacy for accommodations at school and in the workplace; and SUPPORTING them with Mentorships and Sponsorships to ensure emotional and financial stability to reach their goals for workforce success. The unique methods implemented by White Apple Institute has helped thousands of Veterans and Non-Veterans prevent dropout and burnout from school, work and a quality life. Her mission is supported by a wonderful team of differently-abled Veterans and Non-Veterans who volunteer their time, skills, and passion to help others. She is also the Host of the “ASK Dr. Applewhite Talk Show. The show provides information and inspirational stories on a variety of subjects related to the cultural, psychological and social impact of disability, and the impact of financial, emotional challenges on school and work performance. Many recognized educators, employers, health care professionals, celebrities and motivational speakers join her show to share valuable information for recruiting, retaining and recognizing "underserved", nontraditional students and employees with disability (i.e.: learning, mental and nonvisible). All talk shows are produced and promoted by members of the Differently-Abled Network (DAN). The DAN is the community outreach program of WAI. It is composed of educators, employers, members of faith-based oranizations, and concerned neighbors who partner with her to identify, restore hope and provide resources to Unserved and Underserved Adults, Students, and Veterans with Disability in their community. She places great emphasis on recognizing those striving to help themselves succeed as contributing and productive citizens. She takes her mission and messages into the street and onto the Internet to encourage the vision statement of White Apple Institute. Dr. Applewhite is a frequent Speaker and Consultant at “Disability and Veteran-Friendly” educational institutions and companies. She is most effective with her clientele because of her own recovery from cancer and a near fatal car accident, resulting in her being wheelchair-bound and adapting to chronic pain. This journey has inspired her to help others change the perception of “disabled to differently-abled” and to recognize that everyone, regardless of the severity of our disabilities, is capable of being a “student and teacher”! She has written "White Apple Wisdom, the Ask Dr. Applewhite Self-Rehabilitation Program" (pending publication) as a compilation of counseling and self-help techniques she has implemented in her speeches and talk shows. A significant portion of her time, for over forty years is spent supporting local and international efforts (i.e.: Disabled Rights International, World Health Organization) to encourage community outreach and workforce development projects for underserved persons with disability in disadvantaged communities around the world. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, including six grandsons, and sitting in her Serenity Garden at home in Mesa, Arizona. She also remains in love with Jimmy, her deceased significant other she credits with motivating her through her own self-rehabilitation. Doc Apple also enjoys jazz, swimming, and playing chess, Scrabble and poker games.
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