Whitney J. Detar, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an educator, consultant, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral level with expertise in inclusive education, autism, human motivation, and mental health. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education, Disabilities, and Developmental Risk from the University of California Santa Barbara and has an extensive background in psychological science, education, and applied behavior analysis. Her primary applied research interests focus on supporting dating and intimate relationships, college and employment success for Autistic adolescents and adults.

Dr. Detar has 10+ years of experience teaching in university Psychology, Counseling, and Education departments, including courses in Psychological Assessment, Psychopathology, Clinical Psychology, Human Motivation, Developmental Psychology, and Parenting, as well as Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children, Introduction to Autism, Introduction to Special Education, Social Psychology, and Research Methods. This interdisciplinary teaching experience informs her holistic approach, allowing her to connect research, theory, and practical strategies across developmental, educational, and organizational contexts. She has held academic leadership roles of Chair, Associate Chair/Program Director, and Director of Faculty Support.

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Detar provides behavior analytic services and supervision, dissertation and academic coaching for graduate students, and consulting for parents, educators, schools, and behavioral/autism organizations. She holds a BCBA-D, Pivotal Response Treatment Certification, Gottman Level 1 and Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator Certificates. Dr. Detar brings experience leading the development, implementation, and growth of autism and educational services across clinical, residential, and community-based settings. In various roles, she has assessed service offerings, identified opportunities for innovation, and supported teams in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. She has contributed to strategic planning, program expansion, technology integration, and operational alignment, ensuring that services are sustainable, effective, and responsive to the needs of individuals, families, and organizations. Known for translating research into practice, Dr. Detar fosters professional development, promotes ethical and therapeutic standards, and engages stakeholders to advance system-level improvements in autism and educational services.

Dr. Detar’s professional interests include inclusive motivation science and mental health, autism services, mentoring students, instructional design and faculty support. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practice, equity, and a commitment to creating environments in which all learners can thrive.

She is passionate about bridging research and practice and supporting people in doing challenging work with clarity, confidence, and purpose.