Napa, CA/Press/– Donna J. Andrews Ph.D., Director of Therapy Research at the Andrews/Reiter Epilepsy Research Program was recognized and distinguished as a Top Professional of North America 2026 – 2027 by The Who’s Who Directories.
“Spread the knowledge – serve with love.” – Dr. Donna J. Andrews
For over four decades, Dr. Donna J. Andrews, Ph.D., and Dr. Joel M. Reiter have been at the forefront of revolutionizing epilepsy treatment through their groundbreaking Andrews/Reiter treatment method. Their journey began in the early 1980s, when Dr. Reiter, a neurologist with a practice in Santa Rosa, California, became intrigued by the potential of behavioral techniques to help patients gain better control over their seizures. While teaching neurophysiology at the Biofeedback Institute in Berkeley, he met Dr. Donna Andrews, who had developed innovative techniques to manage her own epilepsy. This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of a partnership that would transform the lives of thousands of individuals living with epilepsy.
The Birth of a Pioneering Program
In 1980, Dr. Andrews and Dr. Reiter formulated a treatment program that combined their expertise and personal experiences. They conducted a pilot trial with 44 participants, yielding remarkable results that validated their approach. Inspired by this success, they established the Andrews/Reiter Epilepsy Research Program in 1982 as a non-profit organization in California. The program’s mission was threefold: to research behavioral methods for improving seizure control and quality of life, to provide treatment for individuals struggling with uncontrolled seizures or diminished quality of life, and to educate professionals and families on the Andrews/Reiter approach.
Over the past 35 years, the Andrews/Reiter Epilepsy Research Program has successfully implemented all aspects of its mission, offering hope and tangible results to patients worldwide. The program’s evidence-based methods and strategies have become a cornerstone of epilepsy care, empowering individuals to take control of their seizures and lead fuller lives.
Today, Dr. Donna Andrews is transitioning her professional role from a psychologist to a rehabilitationist. This shift directly benefits patients by providing them with more affordable access to comprehensive care that helps to meet their treatment needs.
Dr. Donna Andrews: A Visionary Leader in Epilepsy Treatment
Dr. Donna Andrews has been a driving force behind the Andrews/Reiter approach, helping over 2,600 patients achieve better seizure control and improve their quality of life. As the Director of Therapy Research at the Andrews/Reiter Epilepsy Research Program, Dr. Andrews has traveled the globe, sharing her expertise and presenting the A/R approach at major conferences in locations such as Alaska, Australia, Germany, Canada, Prague, Scotland, Israel, Massachusetts, and New York.
Dr. Andrews’ academic credentials are equally impressive. She earned her M.R.A. (Master of Rehabilitation) and M.S. in Neurosciences from the University of San Francisco and completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the San Francisco Professional School of Psychology. She is an active member of the Epilepsy Society, the Ortho Psychiatric Association, and the California Psychology Association.
Dr. Andrews’ personal journey with epilepsy has been a source of inspiration for her work. At the age of 18, she contracted viral encephalitis, which led to complex partial seizures. Through her unique insight and determination, she achieved complete seizure control—a transformative experience that she has used to guide her work with patients. Alongside Dr. Reiter, she co-authored the book Taking Control of Your Seizures: Workbook, published by Oxford Press, which serves as a practical guide for individuals seeking to manage their epilepsy. The publication was selected in April 2026 for translation and is set to be distributed internationally in the future.
A Legacy of Research and Innovation
Dr. Joel M. Reiter, co-founder of the Andrews/Reiter Epilepsy Research Program, retired from his role on August 1, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and dedication. Dr. Rosa Michaelis has since taken on the role of Medical Director, bringing her own expertise and passion to the program. Dr. Michaelis has conducted both retrospective and qualitative studies on the Andrews/Reiter method and has chaired the Psychology Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy for the past five years. Under her leadership, the task force conducted a Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on psychological treatments for epilepsy, demonstrating significant improvements in quality of life for intervention groups compared to control groups. These findings have informed evidence-based recommendations that continue to shape the field of epilepsy care.
Transforming Lives Through Behavioral Epilepsy Treatment
The Andrews/Reiter treatment method stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and compassion in healthcare. By combining behavioral techniques with evidence-based strategies, Dr. Andrews and Dr. Reiter have provided a lifeline to individuals living with epilepsy, enabling them to regain control over their lives. Their work has not only advanced the understanding of epilepsy but has also inspired a global community of professionals, patients, and families to embrace a more holistic approach to seizure management.
As the Andrews/Reiter Epilepsy Research Program continues its mission under the leadership of Dr. Rosa Michaelis, the legacy of Dr. Donna Andrews and Dr. Joel Reiter remains a beacon of hope for those seeking a better quality of life. Their dedication to research, treatment, and education ensures that the Andrews/Reiter approach will continue to make a profound impact for generations to come.
The Who’s Who Directories, a New York based biographical publication company, distinguishes and profiles leading professionals who demonstrate recognizable success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of individual accomplishments and achievement within the North American community.
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