I believe in the importance of identifying unique strengths and weaknesses to determine customized treatment plans that promote success while addressing possible challenges. My goal is to help my patients and their families understand how their brains work, ultimately maximizing their full potential.
About Ashley M. Whitaker, PhD
Ashley Whitaker, PhD, ABPP-CN, serves as division chief of neuropsychology at Phoenix Children's. She has clinical expertise in the neuropsychological evaluation of patients with pediatric cancer, inborn errors of metabolism, leukodystrophies/white matter disorders, pediatric epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Dr. Whitaker earned her master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant International University in Alhambra, California. She also completed an internship in pediatric neuropsychology at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)/University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Prior to joining Phoenix Children's, Dr. Whitaker served as director of the HOPE Neuropsychology Service at Children's Hospital Los Angeles/Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Whitaker is board certified by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology in clinical neuropsychology with subspecialty board certification in pediatric neuropsychology. She is also a member of the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN), and the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN), among others.
Dr. Whitaker's research has been focused on oncologic conditions, pediatric epilepsy, rare metabolic disorders and the impact of socioeconomic factors on cognition in pediatric populations. She is also devoted to development, implementation and assessment of targeted neuropsychological approaches to improve neuropsychological care.
In addition to her research, she has published numerous peer-reviewed papers, written chapters for academic texts and is a frequent presenter at national conferences. She was also the winner of the Baron Pediatric Subspecialist Award by AACN in 2021.
Medical School / Education
Alliant International University, Alhambra, CA
Internship
(Pediatric Neuropsychology) Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, AZ
Fellowship
(Pediatric Neuropsychology) Children's Hospital of Philadelphia / University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Clinical Neuropsychology, Subspecialty-Pediatric Neuropsychology
American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
Baron Pediatric Subspecialist Award, American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN)
Professional Affiliations
Member, International Neuropsychological Society (INS)
Member, American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN)
Member, American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology (AAPdN)
Chiang JA, Feghali PT, Whitaker AM+. Processing speed in patients with pediatric cancer: Psychosocial considerations. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 1-8. doi:10.1080/21622965.2024.2403767, 2024. +Senior author
Whitaker AM, Wood ZBdeg, Hawthorne Kdeg, Mendoza L. Assessing learning and memory among patients with pediatric brain tumor (PBT): A comparison of measures. Child Neuropsychology, 30(4), 2023. degTrainee
Chiang JAdeg, Feghali PTdeg, Saavedra Adeg, Whitaker AM+. Effects of sleep disturbance on neuropsychological functioning in patients with pediatric brain tumor. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2022. degTrainee +Senior author
Whitaker AM, Kayser K. Neuropsychological surveillance model for survivors of pediatric cancer: A descriptive report of methodology and feasibility. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 2021. PMID#33941039
O'Neil SH**, Whitaker AM**, Kayser K, Nelson MB, Finlay JL, Dhall G, Sands S. Neuropsychological outcomes on Head Start III: a prospective, multi-institutional clinical trial for young children diagnosed with malignant brain tumors. Neuro-Oncology Practice. Volume 7(3):329-337, 2020. doi:10.1093/nop/npz071. Epub 2020 Feb 3. PMID: 32537181; PMCID: PMC7274184. (Editor's Choice) **Equal contribution (Co-First Authorship)
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