Let us connect you to resources, educate you, and Mentor you

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM OF WHITEAPPLE INSTITUTE

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 Higher Education. She is a Disability Advocate, Host of the DIFferently-Abled Network featuring the ASK Dr. Applewhite Educational Program; 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 school and work 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.)). 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 Emeritus of Veterans Medical Leadership Council.

About the Founder 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 and numerous comorbidities. 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”!

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.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

We are restructuring and nominating new members. Please submit letter of interest with resume to info@whiteappleinstitute.org

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM OF WHITEAPPLE INSTITUTE

Dr. Applewhite 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 Adults to Community Partners for resources; EDUCATING them on self-advocacy for accommodations in the workplace and classroom; and SUPPORTING them with Mentorships to ensure emotional and financial stability to reach their goals for workforce and life success. 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. 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 developed the DIFferently-Abled Network meetings. to provide 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 programs to share valuable information for recruiting, retaining and recognizing "underserved", nontraditional students and employees with disabilities. 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.

Discover the Power of White Apple Institute

Steve West

Rev. Julianne Lewis Rev "J"

Doug Reynolds

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.

Doug Reynolds

Rev. Julianne Lewis Rev "J"

Doug Reynolds

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.

Rev. Julianne Lewis Rev "J"

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. the Interfaith Community Spiritual Center. She shares the ministry with her husband Rev. Manny Aroz and a host of well-trained chaplains. Rev. Julianne is the first Sponsor of a Faith-based organization to welcome White Apple Institute's community outreach program, the Differently-Abled Network (DAN) meetings. She understands the needs of Persons with Disability, especially veterans who are socially isolated and encourages other FBO's (Faith-based Organizations).

Kim Owens-Hamilton, BA

Rev. Julianne Lewis Rev "J"

Ms. Owens serves as Vice President 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 and has extensive skills in working with disadvantaged families.

Dr. Jane Garcia

Kim Owens-Hamilton, BA

Dr. Jane Garcia

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 (3.5 years in the reserve and 6.5 years

on active duty). Her job was as a nuclear, biological and chemical specialist. After

leaving the Army, she continued serving her community as a science and dual

enrollment teacher at different grades from 6 – 12th grades. Dr. Garcia currently teaches

various psychology classes at the college level. She is a researcher whose areas of interest include veteran

studies, immigration, parenting, personal control and cognition.

Tom Baker, BA

Kim Owens-Hamilton, BA

Dr. Jane Garcia

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 completed his Associates Degree in Business at Mesa Community College and graduated from ASU with a Bachelor in Science degree in Psychology. Tom learned how to advocate to obtain his education after a major car accident and consequent paralysis. He played competitive wheelchair basketball for over ten years and was selected as an All-Star. He also competed in Paralympic swimming and won two Bronze Medals. Tom encourages Adult Learners with physical and mental disabilities to overcome their fear and embarrassment when asking for accommodations. He inspires them to get involved with Disabled Student Resources on their college campus and learn how to advocate for accommodations.

Help Our Cause

Your support, and contributions of volunteer time will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions for our fellow veterans. Your generous donation will fund our mission.

Video

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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.