UNIONDALE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2026 / Marquis Who's Who honors Kathleen O. O'Brien, PhD, for her leadership in children's emotional health and advocacy. As the chief executive officer of Walden Wise, Dr. O'Brien is recognized for her enduring commitment to advancing children's mental well-being and strengthening support systems for families and caregivers. With more than four decades of experience in behavioral health leadership, she continues to guide initiatives that translate brain science into accessible, practical resources for everyday life.

About Kathleen O. O'Brien

Dr. O'Brien has served as chief executive officer of Walden Wise since 2019. In this role, she leads a nonprofit platform that helps adults understand and support children's emotional health. Walden Wise provides free, research-based resources designed for parents, educators, grandparents and community members. The organization focuses on brain development, emotional connection and everyday practices that nurture healthy minds and resilient spirits. She directs the expansion of online content, oversees the development of a monthly newsletter and supports outreach through conferences, medical events and community presentations. Her work emphasizes the importance of connection in a time when increased screen use and reduced face-to-face interaction have contributed to isolation among children and adolescents.

Central to Dr. O'Brien's leadership is collaboration with leading neuroscientists across the United States. She works closely with experts to ensure Walden Wise resources reflect current research on brain health and emotional development. By translating complex science into clear guidance, she helps nonprofessionals recognize early signs of emotional distress and understand how daily interactions shape well-being. Her approach highlights the role of healthy relationships, play and presence in reducing risk factors linked to mental health challenges. Through Walden Wise, she encourages families and caregivers to stay engaged and use technology thoughtfully rather than allowing it to replace meaningful interaction.

Before launching Walden Wise, Dr. O'Brien served as chief executive officer of Walden Sierra Behavioral Health for more than 40 years, from 1975 to 2019. She founded the Maryland-based nonprofit and grew it into the state's only comprehensive behavioral health organization offering all levels of care under one system. Her leadership established trauma-informed services that integrated mental health, physical health and substance use treatment. She secured more than 40 grants to support inpatient, residential and outpatient programs and to expand access for families in underserved communities. Throughout her career, she also contributed to national crisis response efforts and advocated for compassionate, evidence-based care.

Dr. O'Brien's academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, summa cum laude, a master's degree in psychology from the University of Maryland and a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology from La Salle University. Her education and professional experience shaped her lifelong focus on brain health, prevention and early intervention.

Making a Notable Impact

Dr. O'Brien's contributions have earned widespread recognition. She received the National Sunshine Peace Award from The Sunshine Lady Foundation, the Social Impact Award from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and the Doing More with Less Award from the Maryland Comptroller's Office. Marquis Who's Who also presented her with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her lasting impact on the mental health field.

In her personal life, Dr. O'Brien values family, travel and time on the water. She enjoys being among people of all ages and draws inspiration from observing both shared experiences and cultural differences. Looking ahead, she remains focused on expanding Walden Wise, increasing public awareness of children's emotional needs and ensuring families everywhere have access to trusted, science-based support.

About Marquis Who's Who^®:

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SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who