About the Founder of White Apple Institute
Danita Applewhite PhD CRC (Ret.) founded the White Apple Institute (formerly White Apple Training and Education Center in California) as a private practice in 1983 and it became a Veteran operated non-profit 501 c (3) in 2013. Dr. Applewhite is a frequent Speaker and Consultant at "Disability and Veteran-Friendly" companies and educational institutions. Dr. Danita Applewhite (aka "Professor or Dr. Apple") is recognized as one of the leading experts in the fields of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Independent Living and Higher Education. She is a Disability Advocate, Host of the ASK Dr. Applewhite Program featuring the DIFferently-Abled Network(DAN) and Place Your BETS on our Women VETS programs of White Apple Institute. An 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 work and higher education performance for fellow Veterans, Nontraditional Adult Learners/Students and Employees with visible, as well as non-visible disabilities (e.g. mental, learning, cancer, Deaf/Blind Impaired, etc.). She taught psychology, teacher education and personal development at Maricopa Community College District-GateWay/Mesa campuses. Dr. Applewhite has been appointed by the Governor to serve on the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council and the Arizona State Rehabilitation Council. She also serves with the Women's Army Corp Veterans Association, Military Women Across the Nation, and is a Lifetime Member of Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America and is Emeritus of Veterans Medical Leadership Council.
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 and numerous comorbidities. She does not define herself by the labels of Permanently and Catastrophically Disabled and feels confident about speaking from both sides of the desk as patient and professional. 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" at some level.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and time 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.
“The Board of Directors and Community Business Partners We are restructuring and nominating new members.”
The Leadership Team of White Apple Institute
The unique methods implemented by White Apple Institute have helped thousands of Veterans and Non-Veterans prevent dropout and burnout from school, work and a quality life. The mission is supported by a wonderful leadership team of differently-abled Veterans and Non-Veterans who volunteer their time, skills, and passion to help others.
Members of the DIFferently-Abled Network hold monthly meetings featured on the Ask Dr. Applewhite Program to provide information and inspirational stories on a variety of subjects related to the cultural, psychological and social impact of disability justice. Many recognized educators, employers, health care professionals, celebrities and motivational speakers join them to share valuable information for recruiting, retaining and recognizing those "underserved" yet striving to help themselves.
Steve West
An Army Veteran dedicated to helping fellow women and men Veterans find their way out of homelessness. During his own period of being homeless Steve developed a small ministry and distributes resources and spiritual messages at bus stops. He joined White Apple Institute to assist at StandDown, a program sponsored by the Arizona Housing Coalition.
Ruth Alexander
An Army Veteran dedicated to helping fellow women and men Veterans find their way out of homelessness. During her own period of being homeless Ruth developed a small ministry and distributes resources and spiritual messages at bus stops. She joined White Apple Institute to assist at StandDown, a program sponsored by the Arizona Housing Coalition.
Doug Reynolds
Professional Advisory Committee
Serves on the Professional Advisory Committee. He is an Air Force Veteran experienced in Radio Broadcasting and a retired Photographer. Mr. Reynolds is very dedicated to bringing Veterans information and current news. He advises on development and promotion of the DIFferently-Abled Network(c) meetings online.
Dr. Jane Garcia
Secretary of the Board
Dr. "Jane" serves as Secretary of the board. She is a woman veteran with an extensive background in veteran transition to civilian life. Her passion is with underserved women veterans. Dr. Garcia served in the US Army for ten years. After leaving the Army, she continued serving her community as a science and dual enrollment teacher. Dr. Garcia currently teaches various psychology classes at the college level.
Rev. Julianne Lewis "Rev J"
Sponsor / Community-Business Partner
Serves as a Sponsor and Community-Business Partner of White Apple Institute, as a Speaker and Consultant for interfaith outreach efforts. She is an Ordained Minister of an inclusive Metaphysical UNITY Church in Mesa. Rev. Julianne is the first Sponsor of a Faith-based organization to welcome White Apple Institute community outreach program, the Differently-Abled Network (DAN) meetings.
Kim Owens, BA
Vice President / Treasurer
Ms. Owens serves as Vice President and Treasurer of the board. She is the previous Owner and Operator of several residential facilities in the State of California for persons with addictions and mental disabilities. Ms. Owens possesses an extensive background in social services, group home operations, and administration of residential facilities for dual-diagnosed. She is a graduate of Ohio State University.
Angelica Morales
Angelica started as a student Intern for White Apple Institute while she was in high school. She is now a student at Arizona State University (ASU). She has extensive experience working with the Autistic population and is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
Chaplain Lori Elward
Rochester, MN
Chaplain Lori is a lifelong creative who brings music, humor, storytelling, and the arts to connect and uplift others. A singer, actor, writer, and educator, she holds a B.A. in Education from Arizona State University. Ordained as an Interfaith Chaplain in 2004, she has been involved with the Differently-Abled Network (DAN) since its inception and continues as a content creator and co-producer of the monthly podcast.
Tom Baker, BA
Vice-Chair, Professional Advisory Committee
Tom is Vice-Chair of the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC). He communicates with employers, Disability Resource Centers at colleges and other higher education schools to identify underserved students, employees, and veterans with visible and non-visible disability. Tom learned how to advocate for his own education after a major car accident and consequent paralysis, and competed in Paralympic swimming, winning two Bronze Medals.
Donna Mitchell, CPA
Details to come.
Morgan Gawlak
Morgan is a student of Arizona State University majoring in Entrepreneurial Marketing. She works, attends classes and is the co-producer for the Differently-Abled Network (DAN) meetings and manages the social media.
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Check out this great video
We are not defined by our Visible/Non-Visible Disability! Join Our Mission to Connect You To Education & Workforce Resources!
Veteran with Masters Degree, Two Combat Tours Discusses Overcoming Hopelessness, Addiction, and Homelessness.
ASK DR. APPLEwhite HOW?
Become a Member of the Differently-Abled Network (DAN)
Students, Teachers, Employees, Employers, Health & Social Workers, Counselors-Independent Living and Vocational Rehabilitation learning and sharing together.
"You don't look like you have a disability"
Woman Veteran, Lucy Wong, is one of our DIFferently-Abled Artists. Listen to employer and Seed Sponsor, Jay Ralston, Owner East Valley Ride in AZ and other compassionate DAN Members help her overcome fear of rejection due to a Hidden Disability.
Online Appointments, Referrals, Consultation at No Charge
Advocacy & Mentoring
Mentees must maintain membership in the Differently-Abled Network (DAN), assisting with the production and promotion of White Apple Institute talk shows and programs by sharing stories, information, and opportunities.