Kirstin Whitely
Associate Professor of Therapeutic Recreation

Dr. Kirstin Whitely is an Associate Professor in the Therapeutic Recreation Program in the Health, Recreation and Kinesiology Department at Longwood University. She also the Coordinator of the Therapeutic Activities Minor.

Dr. Whitely has been a practicing Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), or recreational therapist (RT), for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Leisure Studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation as well as a Doctor of Health Administration.

Prior to joining Longwood University, Dr. Whitely worked primarily in mental/behavioral health inpatient settings specializing in serving active-duty military/veterans and adolescents with substance use disorders and trauma. Her primary areas of interest in practice and research include improving mental health through leisure, developing and improving TR curriculum, mentoring student research, and incorporating healthcare administrative practices in RT.

Dr. Whitely enjoys spending her leisure time with family, friends and dogs, traveling, experiencing new things, reading, and exercise.