LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Walden Wise is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen O. O’Brien, PhD, has been named to Marquis Who’s Who, a national honor recognizing her decades of leadership in advancing emotional health and well-being for children and families. In addition, Dr. O’Brien was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal’s Eastern Edition (August 14, 2025), a distinction Marquis Who’s Who reserves for select honorees whose careers exemplify exceptional achievement and lasting impact.
Dr. O’Brien’s selection reflects more than forty years of pioneering work. As the founding CEO of Walden Sierra Behavioral Health, she helped create Maryland’s only comprehensive, publicly funded program offering integrated services for individuals and families affected by substance use, trauma, and domestic violence. Her leadership in that role shaped direct care services and influenced policy to improve lives across the state.
In her current role as CEO of Walden Wise, Dr. O’Brien has shifted her focus directly to the emotional health of children. Walden Wise helps parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals create emotionally healthy childhoods through accessible, science-informed tools and resources. The organization centers its work around nurturing authentic relationships, honoring each child’s unique identity, and promoting brain-based, compassionate care.
“Children are our greatest natural resource,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Walden Wise is about equipping adults with the knowledge and tools to help every child feel seen, heard, and valued—because when we care for children’s emotional well-being, we shape a healthier future for everyone.”
One of Walden Wise’s signature offerings is Empathy Matters, a free, four-part email mini-course designed to help adults strengthen empathy in daily interactions with children. The series provides simple, actionable steps grounded in science and is available for anyone looking to build deeper emotional connections.
Dr. O’Brien’s contributions to social impact and emotional health have been recognized through multiple awards, including the National Sunshine Peace Award, the Social Impact Award from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the State of Maryland Comptroller’s Doing More with Less Award. Her recent feature in The Wall Street Journal, secured through her Marquis Who’s Who distinction, further underscores her standing as one of the nation’s most notable leaders in emotional health and child well-being.
To learn more about Walden Wise or to sign up for Empathy Matters, visit waldenwise.org
About Walden Wise
Walden Wise is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults create emotionally healthy environments for children through free educational resources, practical tools, and advocacy rooted in science. Learn more at waldenwise.org.
About Marquis Who’s Who®
Since 1899, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of accomplished individuals across every major field. Learn more at www.marquiswhoswho.com.