School Psychologist of the Year
MSPA Awards
Maryland School Psychologists Association
The search for the 2026 Maryland School Psychologists’ Association’s School Psychologist of the Year, Outstanding Advocate, and Outstanding Educator in underway! Application materials are due to publicaffairs@mspaonline.org by Friday February 27, 2026.
Scroll down to see our 2025 Awards!
Dr. Christa Kulp
2025 Maryland School Psychologist of the Year
MSPA is proud to recognize Dr. Christa Kulp as the 2025 School Psychologist of the Year! Dr. Kulp is a kind, caring, devoted school psychologist currently in Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ (AACPS’) Virtual Academy, serving secondary students with IEPs. She embodies a capable, professional leader who has strong interpersonal skills and upholds professional ethics. Dr. Kulp is a well-liked colleague among school psychologists and building staff. She is always available to provide support and consultation, collaborate, and listen to personal and professional difficulties. Christa is known for her upbeat attitude, which she uses to approach staff and students.
In 2013, Dr. Kulp graduated from Duquesne University with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology. She practiced and held licensure in Pennsylvania and Washington, DC, before starting her journey in Maryland public schools and AACPS in 2006. Before this 2025 nomination, she was twice nominated by AACPS school psychologists for School Psychologist of the Year (SPOTY; 2016 and 2023). This is due to her glowing personality, accomplishments, and student and professional advocacy.
In addition to providing a full range of psychological services, Dr. Kulp has been a member of the AACPS Psychological Advisory Committee, the Middle School PLC (comprised of school psychologists and school social workers), the High School PLC, and the LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee to the district. She has served on the following workgroups: Trauma Response, Suicide Prevention, Specific Learning Disability, Emotional Disability, and Autism. She helped create and facilitate the Buddies Club for eight years, similar to a Best Buddies Club; she has presented Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) to AACPS behavioral support staff. She also served an entire year as the Chair of the Membership Committee for MSPA.
To quote one early career school psychologist in the district, “Christa helped in my decision-making to work as a school psychologist for AACPS. She is professional, an advocate for children, and gives 100% to her job. She helped structure the Virtual Academy and is the first and only psychologist in that role. She leads the Positive Psychology PLC and is involved in other county initiatives. She is collaborative and always willing to consult with and support colleagues. She would be an excellent School Psychologist of the Year for the county.”
Delegate Bernice Mireku-North
2025 Outstanding Advocate
Congratulations to the 2025 MSPA Outstanding Advocate Award Winner Delegate Bernice Mireku-North. As a member of the Joint Committee on Federal Relations, Delegate Mireku-North learned about building our health care workforce, by participating in several Interstate Compacts to increase our number of practitioners with a streamline process to bring those from other states into Maryland’s workforce. However, Maryland has yet to participate in the School Psychologist Compact. In 2025, she introduced legislation to include Maryland into the School Psychologist Compact. We thank Delegate Mireku-North for her advocacy on behalf of school psychologists in Maryland and are thrilled to award her with the 2025 Outstanding Advocate award.
Mr. Troy Barnes
2025 Outstanding Educator
Congratulations to the 2025 MSPA Outstanding Educator Award Winner, Troy Barnes.
Mr. Troy Barnes, principal of Frederick County Public Schools, truly embodies what it means to champion mental health and psychological services in our schools as this year’s recipient of the MSPA Outstanding Educator Award. FCPS has successfully strived to increase psychological services in the county by providing a dedicated psychologist to eleven elementary schools, including all Title 1 elementary schools, with the goal of implementing a full continuum of psychological services. Mr. Barnes has fully supported this initiative from attending regular meetings with the school psychologist and student services leadership to ensuring the implementation and quality of services to exploring the use of school funding for a school psychologist intern.
Mr. Barnes understands the importance of addressing students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being alongside academic achievement. He has implemented various evidence-based practices, including creating safe spaces for sensory or emotional regulation, school-wide SEL screenings, and restorative practices. His leadership approach emphasizes relationship-building, and he is visible throughout the building, creating opportunities for meaningful connections with students and staff.
Under his leadership, the school has invested in a research-based school-wide positive behavioral management program, with fidelity checks and walk-throughs that utilize the expertise of behavior intervention and special education teams. Mr. Barnes has also provided mentoring opportunities for students, encouraged visits from local therapy dogs, and recognized student diversity through assemblies and special events.
Mr. Barnes began his career as an elementary school math teacher. He earned his Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Administration and Supervision from McDaniel College, and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University. He eventually moved into the roles of instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal during his time in Charles County. In 2016, he moved to be closer to extended family and took on a new experience in Frederick County Public School as principal of Monocacy Elementary School, a title one school in the city of Frederick, where he continued to lead for 9 years. During this time, he received county, state, and national recognition for his leadership as he was selected as the National Association of Elementary School Principal’s National Distinguished Principal in 2020.
Mr. Barnes’ commitment to supporting the whole child has led to significant achievements, including improved student outcomes, empowered teachers, and stronger partnerships with families. His leadership demonstrates that when schools prioritize mental health and well-being, everyone benefits. As the MSPA Outstanding Educator Award recipient, Mr. Barnes is a shining example of educational leadership that prioritizes the social, emotional, and academic needs of students.
The Outstanding Advocate Award recognizes individuals or groups who relentlessly advocate for education, children, and youth at the local, state, or national level and help create meaningful change in policies that govern the provision of education and mental health services. Nominees’ efforts should align with the MSPA mission and NASP mission/goals. Nominees can include individuals or groups outside of the profession, as well as those affiliated with the field of school psychology.
The School Psychologist of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding practitioner in the field of school psychology. The award is presented annually to a practicing school psychologist who provides a full range of psychological services, collaborates with home, school, and community stake-holders, supports student development and diversity, acts as a leader at the local, state, or national level, and performs their job in an exemplary manner. Nominees must be practicing Maryland certified school psychologists who spend the majority of their time providing direct services to students, teachers, and parents in school settings.
The eligibility criteria for each award along with nomination forms and materials can be found below. Nominations must be made by a current MSPA member and are to be submitted via email in order to be accepted. Award winners will be recognized in Spring 2026. In addition, winners may be considered for NASP award nominations on behalf of MSPA.
If you have any questions about any of the awards, please contact Jeanne McCormack at publicaffairs@mspaonline.org.