Author, Speaker, Inventor
Make-It-Happen Woman.
A Philly Girl Born & Raised
Renaya Furtick Wheelan, PhD, a native Philadelphian, is a motivator, coach, teacher, counselor, trainer, and organizational development consultant with expertise as a group psychologist and trauma responsive practitioner. In all her work, she uses a holistic approach in an effort to empower her clients. She has actively advocated for, empowered, and educated youth, women, and young adults for over thirty years, particularly with programs that work with people transitioning as a consequence of life-changing events.
In addition to conducting workshops in correctional facilities, she has designed, implemented, and delivered diversity and inclusion training, created curriculum and programs for government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit entities.
She also spent time working as a therapist, motivating, and cultivating young adults in a dual-diagnoses (substance abuse and mental health challenges) psychiatric facility. Dr. Furtick Wheelan served for three years as a project coordinator with an intergenerational program; creating a diverse multi-generational mentoring environment.
PhD, DEI and BIPOC Trauma
A Temple University alumna, Dr. Furtick Wheelan holds a PhD in Education Psychology with a concentration in Adult Group and Organizational Development, a MEd in Psychoeducational Processes, and a BS in Therapeutic Recreation.
All of Dr. Furtick Wheelan’s years of work and education from undergrad to graduate studies prepared her for her future endeavors. Because of her past and present experiences, she is now a trauma responsive specialist, an inspirational speaker, a coach and a group and organizational development psychologist. Her work in diversity and inclusion is centered around working with black and brown same sex loving youth and women who are impacted by the criminal justice system. As she puts it, “she is in the human restoration and transformation business.” and doesn’t believe there are any “throw-away-people.”
Certifications
Certified Trauma Competent Professional Exp. Jan 2017 Institute for Family Professionals
- Applying Trauma Principles
- Deepening Trauma Awareness
- Enhancing Trauma Awareness
Certified Women’s Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) Administrator, Conducted by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. A Gender Responsive Assessment tool created for women to identify strengths, needs, and risk for reoffending.
Certified Mental Health First Aid USA (MHFA) Instructor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
Awards
- Extraordinary Citizen – NAACP Philadelphia Branch
- Volunteer of the Year Award from The City of Philadelphia
- Volunteer Award from United States Department of Labor Women’s Bureau
- Outstanding Leadership Award
- The Best of Philly Award
“I take a holistic, goal-oriented approach that is rich in strategies to help the client (and myself) stay in the ‘here and now’ and work toward greater integration and implementation of change.”
~ Dr. Renaya