Bette Bonder earned degrees at Washington University, St Louis University, and Northwestern University. Her clinical experience in occupational therapy has included settings providing care for mental health and geriatric rehabilitation. Dr. Bonder currently serves as Dean of the College of Sciences at Cleveland State University. Prior to her current role, she served various administrative roles in the college and as a faculty member at several other universities.

Dr. Bonder is a recognized widely as a distinguished academic leader. She has authored numerous refereed and invited papers, books, and instructional materials, and has been a frequent presenter at professional meetings. Dr. Bonder has provided leadership in numerous professional organizations including the American Occupational Therapy Association, where she was named a Fellow in 1988. Dr. Bonder is a past editor of the journal OTJR, Occupation, Participation and Health. She resides with her husband, Dr. Patrick Bray, in Cleveland, Ohio.