Dr. Ruth Ochroch (1919-2015) is fondly remembered by the Board of MPA. She was a strong woman and still is remembered as a role model by many. She was elected President of the New York State Psychological Association twice (in the 1980’s and 2006); she was also involved in the founding of the Division of Women’s Issues. In 1992, she realized the unique needs of Manhattan psychologists and spearheaded the establishment of the Manhattan Psychological Association. She and others nurtured MPA during its early years. We were most fortunate that she resided and worked in Manhattan. Given her visionary nature, she may have foreseen that we would one day thrive addressing “all things psychological in Manhattan.”

Dr. Ochroch served for many years on the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Professional Psychology, the Association for the Advancement of Psychology, and the New York Society for Clinical Psychologists. She was also a consultant to the State Education Department’s Office of Professional Discipline. Her interest in and support of ethical principles and values was a constant through all of her years of service. She maintained a private practice in New York from the 1950s until she retired to California. Dr. Ochroch was awarded a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology as well as Psychoanalysis from ABPP. She was a Professor of Clinical Psychology at New York University (where she taught and served on dissertation committees for 35 years). Her students and those whom she mentored include many who have served the Profession proudly. While there is much more to say, what is most important is that her career contributions and her loving impact on her family, colleagues, students and patients will long be remembered. Thank you, Ruth. Rest in peace.

Richard H. Wexler, PhD (1944-2014) was 2009 President of the New York State Psychological Association and a friend and mentor to many.  He served as our MPA Treasurer up until 2013, only resigning due to illness.

He strongly believed that the future of psychology depends on developing the current and next generation of professionals. A visionary, he encouraged the evolution of psychological studies and research to increase the relevance of professional psychology by creating job opportunities for psychologists in different practice areas.   In addressing emerging 21st century issues, he also remained loyal to scientific roots. His wife Dr. Suzanne Roff-Wexler continues their mutual vision and work together through Psychology21C.

Examples of Richard H. Wexler’s forward thinking include:

APA Monitor: A second life for practice?  and The New York Academy of Sciences Revolutionary Virtual Reality Tools Changing Psychology, Consulting, Behavioral Science and Medicine

Dr. Richard Wexler was an entrepreneurial licensed psychologist, certified personnel consultant, executive coach, trainer, dynamic speaker, author. He was  also a charismatic leader in industrial, organizational and personnel psychology.  Dr. Wexler managed departments and personnel on both corporate and field levels before founding Personnel Systems Inc. (PSI) in 1984.  PSI provided talent management, business development, social and organizational network assessment and development. He earned four graduate degrees including an MPH in Psychology (specializing in assessments, tests, and measurements) and an MA in Psychology, both from Columbia University. He earned his second MA in Psychology from the New School for Social Research and a PhD in Psychology from Columbia University.

He was much loved by his family, friends, colleagues, and clients.  He believed in love and remained positive throughout his long battle with cancer, serving as a heroic role model to those around him.  Rest in peace.