About Us

Maryland School Psychologists Association

Maryland School Psychologists Association

MSPA welcomes new members to our growing organization, as we strive to be representative of school psychologists throughout the state of Maryland.

Founded

The Maryland School Psychologists’ Association was founded in the 1960-1961 school year.

Our Mission

MSPA promotes and advocates for best practices in school psychology to improve learning, behavior, and mental health for all students, families, and schools.

Our Vision

All students will thrive in school, at home, and throughout their lives.

Our Purpose

  • To promote the interests of school psychology as a science and profession aligned with the school’s purpose of helping children learn.
  • To sponsor and promote studies and continued professional development activities in the field of school psychology;
  • To stimulate identification and communication of topics of mutual interest among psychologists working in the schools and to support such efforts made by local groups of school psychologists.
  • To encourage and support legislation pursuant to the above purposes.

Our Core Values

Advocacy

MSPA engages in actions that seek to positively influence outcomes directly affecting the lives of the school psychologists, students, families, schools, and communities we serve.

2024 Bills of Interest

Collaborative Relationships

MSPA partners with allied organizations, agencies, and others to develop and achieve shared goals.

Diversity

MSPA understands and honors individual, cultural, and other contextual differences in our own interactions and as they shape students’ development.

Equitability

MSPA empowers school psychologists to work towards creating equitable and positive school climates for all individuals in the schoolhouse, including those marginalized and disenfranchised.

Excellence

MSPA strives to achieve the highest standards in our profession.

Integrity

MSPA is committed to honest, ethical practice, and treating others with dignity and respect.

Responsible Stewardship

MSPA promotes sustainability by engaging in careful use of fiscal and human resources within the organization.

Meet Our 2023-24 Elected Officers

Erika Wood

Erika Wood

President

Tina Wachter

President-Elect

Sam Ritts

Sam Ritts

Secretary

Katie Phipps

Treasurer

Mara Egorin

Mara Egorin

Parliamentarian

Executive Board

The MSPA Executive Board is comprised of a group of dedicated MSPA members who work together with membership to conduct the business of the organization.

 

 The Executive Board is comprised of:

  • Elected officers
  • Committee chairpersons
  • Representatives from local area school psychology associations
  • Representatives from school psychology graduate programs, and
  • Liaisons to related groups and associations (NASP, MSDE, MPA)

 The MSPA Executive Board meets monthly to conduct business. Any MSPA member in good standing is invited and encouraged to attend. If you have any questions regarding upcoming board meetings – the agenda or how meetings are run – please contact any committee chairperson or officer.

School Psychologist of the Year

Each year, MSPA recognizes the efforts of a local practitioner who embodies the qualities of an outstanding school psychologist and whose practices align with the NASP Practice Model. 

Candidates for this award are field-based practitioners who provide a full range of psychological services, utilize data-based decision making, possess strong leadership qualities, embrace diversity, and support students’ academic, social, physical, and emotional wellbeing. 

MSPA recognizes the unique set of skills school psychologists possess and the critical work our members do throughout the state of Maryland.

The School Psychologist of the Year Award is one way MSPA thanks and recognizes an outstanding school psychologist and also helps to increase public awareness of the profession.

Our annual award winners are honored at MSPA’s spring conference and at Maryland’s Teacher of the Year Gala. In addition, state winners are nominated for NASP’s School Psychologist of the Year Award.

Audrey Potter

2020 Maryland School Psychologist of the Year 

MSPA is proud to recognize Audrey Potter as our current School Psychologist of the Year! Mrs. Potter is employed by Montgomery County Public Schools, where she supports several buildings, each with diverse student populations. In addition to providing a full range of psychological services to the students in her buildings, Mrs. Potter is a leader among her school-based teams and district, frequently introducing new problem-solving initiatives and providing professional development. 

She has spent significant time and effort supporting and counseling students, families, and staff impacted by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in her area. On the state level, Mrs. Potter is an active member of the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association, currently acting as the Advocacy Liaison as part of MSPA’s Legislative Committee. During her tenure as Legislative chairperson, Mrs. Potter was instrumental in securing a lobbyist for the organization, which has greatly improved their presence and voice in Annapolis. Mrs. Potter’s advocacy efforts have also included testifying for bills impacting school psychologists and/or students in Maryland, regularly collaborating with elected officials to promote school psychologists and our mission, and drafting and editing bills related to school psychologist ratios, trauma-informed practices, and reading instruction. 

Mrs. Potter’s passion for advocacy is evident as these efforts all take place outside her typical workday. Her work has and will continue to promote betterment of the education system in Maryland. Mrs. Potter is truly deserving of this award and we are happy to recognize her as the 2020 School Psychologist of the Year!

Jeanne McCormack

2019 Maryland School Psychologist of the Year 

Mrs. McCormack is a school psychologist for Montgomery County Public Schools. She is a graduate of Washington College and Tufts University, where she graduated in 2010. Mrs. McCormack is an excellent leader within the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA), fulfilling numerous roles such as Co-President and Social Committee Chair. During her tenure as Co-President, Mrs. McCormack worked to fortify and create crucial committees within the organization and helped pioneer a Mental Health Fair for students, families, and school leaders. The fair, which showcases supports school psychologists offer to students, has now become an annual event. 

One of Mrs. McCormack’s distinguishing features as an outstanding school psychologist lies within her advocacy work. She served on the Joint Collaboration Committee for Psychological Services and regularly testified in front of the local Board of Education and County Council regarding topics such as staffing ratios and mental health supports. Within her buildings, Mrs. McCormack is a well-trusted leader amongst various teams and spearheads initiatives related to socio-emotional learning, mental health, and suicide prevention. Eager to share her knowledge with others, she has hosted parent workshops and staff trainings outside of her duty day. 

Since her recognition as MSPA’s 2019 School Psychologist of the Year, Mrs. McCormack has become involved with the Public Affairs Committee and helped to lead the organization’s 2019 School Psychology Awareness Week efforts. Mrs. McCormack is a creative, energetic, and knowledgeable school psychologist and MSPA is pleased to honor her as the 2019 School Psychologist of the Year!

About The Committees

MSPA Committees are responsible for the important work of the Association. Committees cover a range of interests and are essential to the functioning of the MSPA. Joining a committee is a great way to enhance your involvement with, and leadership in, MSPA.

Diversity

April Turner (Chair) 

diversity@mspaonline.org

 

Legislative

Strategic Goals:

As public employees, laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly affect every aspect of the work we do. As a result, the MSPA Legislative Committee engages in legislative advocacy on behalf of our profession and the students, schools, families, and communities we serve. Through our efforts, we promote the values of the school psychology profession and address the school psychologist shortage to ensure the availability of high-quality psychological services to all Maryland students.”  

Purpose:

We engage in multiple legislative advocacy activities throughout the year. In November, we work with the Public Affairs Committee to get the Governor’s Mansion lit orange, and we coordinate with NASP for Advocacy Action Day during National School Psychology Week. In January, we hold MSPA’s annual Legislative Breakfast in Annapolis, which provides members with opportunities to meet legislators. In February, we help members set up meetings with their representatives during MSPA’s annual Virtual Lobby Night. In addition to those events, we work with our lobbyists to introduce bills, provide testimony, and meet legislators. We also monitor newly introduced bills to identify legislation that might impact our profession or our students.”  

 

When we meet:

We meet in August to plan the year and set up future meeting dates and times. For the 2023-2024 year, we meet on the first Tuesday of each month during September, October, November, December, and May, and we meet on the first and second Tuesday of each month during January, February, March and April when the General Assembly is in session. All meetings occur at 7:00 pm.”

 

How the committee meets:

Zoom links to our meetings appear on the Events Calendar located on the MSPA website. Also, look out for advocacy alerts and E-blasts sent to members with news and information about Legislative Committee activities and events.  We hope that you decide to take the time to attend our meetings and learn more about our work. If you would like any additional information or have any questions, you can email the address listed in the contact information below.

 

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

Legislative bill monitoring, written and in-person testimony to General Assembly standing committees, grassroots advocacy coordination, annual events (Legislative Breakfast, Lobby Night).

 

Chairperson (s):

Brad Leposa

legislative@mspaonline.org

Membership

Strategic Goals:

MSPA is an active, viable association that supports the advancement of school psychology in the state of Maryland.

Purpose:

The Membership Committee works to engage MSPA members by supporting the member enrollment and renewal process, as well as respond to member concerns and direct them to relevant committees as needed. We also think big about how to grow MSPA membership by collaborating with other committees to be responsive to the needs of our members.

When we meet:

Monthly

How the committee meets:

In-Person

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

The Membership Committee plans engagement activities for each board meeting, puts together surveys to send to the membership about member needs, gathers and stores member demographic data, responds to and troubleshoots member difficulties with the joining and renewal process, collaborates with Information Management to maintain the membership database, and is an active participate in MSPA Executive Board meetings. MSPA members interested in joining the Membership Committee are encouraged to bring their unique skills and experiences to the table to support and expand the committee’s work.

Chairpersons:

Sam Ritts 

membership@mspaonline.org

Koichi Yoshikawa (Co-Chair / Engagement) dr.koichi.yoshikawa@gmail.com

Newsletter

Strategic Goals:

School psychologists are valued as integral members of schools to support the social-emotional and academic growth of Maryland’s students., There is a sufficient and well-trained school psychology workforce equipped to meet the needs of Maryland schools and students., MSPA provides high-quality professional development that is responsive to changes in the profession and the changing needs of Maryland schools, students, and families.

 

Purpose:

We publish between three and four issues of the MSPA Protocol each year.  Each issue is comprised of articles related to school psychology and written by MSPA board members as well as various stakeholders from around Maryland. Our goal is to help create a platform for school psychologists in Maryland to connect and learn from one another.

 

When we meet:

Monthly

 

How the committee meets:

Virtually (via Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.)

 

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

Recruit authors,  connect with local graduate programs, edit articles, design newsletter layout, revise newsletter, write articles, and connect with publishers who want to advertise

 

Chairpersons:

Julie Grossman (Chair) 

protocol@mspaonline.org

Historian

Strategic Goals:

MSPA is an active, viable association that supports the advancement of school psychology in the state of Maryland.

Purpose:

We preserve the records of the organization.  We continue to organize early information into chronological order.

When we meet:

Monthly

How the committee meets:

As needed

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

sometimes articles are generated and refined through e-mails

Chairperson

Michael Nuth 

fsesmnuth@hotmail.com

Information Management

Strategic Goals:

There is a sufficient and well-trained school psychology workforce equipped to meet the needs of Maryland schools and students., MSPA is an active, viable association that supports the advancement of school psychology in the state of Maryland.

 

Purpose:

Information Management handles all technology-related needs of MSPA.  We are responsible for designing and updating our MSPA website, as well as managing contact and membership databases.  We work to provide timely, relevant communication with MSPA members and contacts via monthly newsletters, and event or topic-related e-blasts.  In addition, we support other committee and Executive Board needs through activities such as developing and hosting the annual officers election, managing committee use of the Zoom meeting platform, managing scheduling and invites for Executive Board meetings, and assisting Newsletter, Program, and Membership committees with database and/or registration needs.

 

When we meet:

Monthly

 

How the committee meets:

Virtually (via Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.)

 

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

Members of Information Management can participate in a variety of ways, including: formatting and scheduling monthly e-blasts, hosting employment and/or research opportunities, researching and gathering content for the website, contributing to social media communication, and other important “behind-the-scenes” tasks that support the operation of MSPA.  Currently, IM members have a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and functionality development of the new MSPA website.

 

Chairpersons:

Catherine Krumrine

webmaster@mspaonline.org

Elizabeth (Liz) Niemiec

webmaster@mspaonline.org

Professional Development

Strategic Goals:

There is a sufficient and well-trained school psychology workforce equipped to meet the needs of Maryland schools and students.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Professional Development Committee is to encourage ongoing professional growth and development among Maryland school psychologists.  This is primarily done through the committee’s administration of the MSPA Professional Training Grants program.      

When we meet:

Initial planning meeting in July, followed by virtual meetings in February through March to review grant applications

How the committee meets:

Virtually (via Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.)

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

The primary activity for this committee is the administration of the MSPA Professional Training Grants program.  This involves announcing and advertising the training grants on the MSPA website and via electronic reminders.  Once applications are received (final applications are due in February), the committee organizes and reviews the applications and recommends recipients to the Executive Board for final approval.  Grants may be awarded to local school systems, university departments of school psychology, and local school psychology associations.  

Participating on this committee provides members the ability to be actively engaged in promoting the professional growth and development of school psychologists in Maryland.

Chairperson:

Matt Lawser 

matt.lawser@pgcps.org

Program

Strategic Goals:

School psychologists are valued as integral members of schools to support the social-emotional and academic growth of Maryland’s students. There is a sufficient and well-trained school psychology workforce equipped to meet the needs of Maryland schools and students. MSPA provides high-quality professional development that is responsive to changes in the profession and the changing needs of Maryland schools, students, and families. MSPA is an active, viable association that supports the advancement of school psychology in the state of Maryland.

 

Purpose:

Providing quality professional development that meets the needs of Maryland school psychologists.

 

When we meet:

Evening of the second Tuesday of every month.

 

How the committee meets:

Virtually (via Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.)

 

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

planning conferences (securing speakers, venues, printing, registration management), maintaining NASP approved provider status, exploring non-traditional PD options

 

Chairpersons

Tina Wachter (Chair)

program@mspaonline.org

Gavriella Snitzer (Co-Chair / CPD Coordinator)

CPD@mspaonline.org

Jeb Fleagle (Co-Chair) 

jeb.fleagle@fcps.org

Mara Egorin

Public Affairs

Strategic Goals:

The goal of the Public Affairs Committee is to promote the field of school psychology and MSPA through outreach, education, and collaboration within and outside of the field of school psychology.

 

Purpose:

The MSPA Legislative Committee represents your interests, and the interests of our field, to our state government in Annapolis.  We meet bi-weekly during the General Assembly session (January-April) and monthly throughout the rest of the year.  Our legislative platform is created every year and includes priorities related to students, families, schools, and MSPA members.  We believe that advocating for ourselves as professionals is the best way to advocate for our students.

 

When we meet:

Monthly

 

How the committee meets:

Virtually (via Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.)

 

What sort of activities does the committee engage in?

On behalf of MSPA, the Public Affairs committee sponsors and/or attends numerous events, such as conferences and awareness walks, hosted by other local organizations in order to build relationships and provide information about the field of school psychology. The committee plans and organizes efforts related to School Psychology Awareness week and MSPA’s Awards Program, among other efforts. The committee often meets jointly with the Legislative committee.

 

Chairpersons

Jeanne McCormack (Chair)

publicaffairs@mspaonline.org

D’Andrea Jacobs (Assistance to Locals)

ATL@mspaonline.org

Liaisons And Delegates

MSDE Liaison: TBD 

MPA/MSPA Liaison: 

Mindy Milstein

mindymilstein@gmail.com

 

NASP Delegate: 

April Turner 

april.d.turner1@gmail.com

 

SPAM Scholarship: 

Erika Wood

ewood@bcps.org

Local School Psychology Organization Representatives

Baltimore City (BCASP) 

Tiara Bland 

tmbland@bcps.k12.md.us

Rosslyn Kooser 

rkooser@bcps.k12.md.us

 

Baltimore County (BCSPA)

Dr. Joshua Foy

jfoy@bcps.org

 

Eastern Shore (ESSPA) 

Jo Prince 

jogprince@yahoo.com

 

Howard County (HCSPA) 

Mary Nalepa

Mary_Nalepa@hcpss.org

 

Montgomery County (MCSPA)

 Harman Kaur

Harman_Kaur@mcpsmd.org

 

Prince George’s County (PGCSPA) 

Emily Snyder 

Emily.Snyder@pgcps.org

 

Anne Arundel County (SPAAAC) 

Sam Ritts

sritts@aacps.org

 

Southern Maryland (SMSPA)

Sue Reedy 

ReedyS@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Nicolle Steed 

nsteed@ccboe.com

Shepard Stephenson

swstephenson@smcps.org

 

Western Maryland (WMSPA)

 Jennifer Luhrs 

Jennifer.Luhrs@fcps.org

University Representatives

Bowie State University

Kimberly Daniel 

kdaniel@bowiestate.edu

Galluadet University

Sherry Eyer 

sherry.eyer@gallaudet.edu

Fallon Birke 

fallon.birke@gallaudet.edu

Howard University 

Celeste Malone celeste.malone@howard.edu

Breanna Willis breanna.willis@bison.howard.edu

Towson University 

Candice Aston 

caston@towson.edu

University Of Delaware 

TBD 

University Of Maryland College Park

Hedwig Teglasi 

hteglasi@umd.edu

Diksha Bali 

bali.diksha@gmail.com

Get In Touch