Montana School Psychologists work tirelessly, and often anonymously, to better the lives of children and youth. Every day, in settings as diverse as a preschool setting, a tiny K-12 rural school, or a large urban high school, school psychologists can be found discovering what turns a student on to learning, building a better behavior plan, contributing helpful ideas to an RtI team, guiding colleagues through data-based decision making, and more.
Every year, MASP acknowledges one individual, nominated by peers or colleagues, who stands out as a shining example of the best of the profession. This person is publicly acclaimed as the School Psychologist of the Year.

• Jessica Carranza – 2017-2018 School Psychologist of the Year

This year’s recipient of the Montana Association of School Psychologist (MASP) School Psychologist of the Year was Jessica Carranza.  As always it is clear Montana has some amazing School Psychologists. The nomination packet for Jessica showed she is one of those amazing school psychologists. She is a full time school psychologist employed by Great Falls Public Schools. Jessica is involved in her schools in every part of the way; working with teachers, assessing students, running groups, working with outside agencies, RTI/MTSS, and brainstorming with her school teams. She builds relationships with those that she works with, adults and students. She has a can-do attitude. She is supportive to those around her. Jessica has outstanding qualities which is why she was chosen to be the 2017 MASP School Psychologist of the Year.

• Marit Waldum – 2016-2017 School Psychologist of the Year

Marit Waldum of Missoula County Public School District was named 2017’s School Psychologist of the Year at the MASP 2016 Fall Conference in Helena, MT.  Marit has supervised numerous School Psychology students.  In providing guidance and structured learning, Marit allows her students to teach and collaborate with her.  She is an expert in preschool and autism evaluations.  She is a multifacted school psychologist who serves students preschool through elementary ages.  Marit is always friendly, optimistic, and open.  Her peaceful, level-headed, kind, warm, and engaging spirit allows her to continually contribute to conversations in a productive, meaningful manner.  Marit is well respected by her peers and continues to make a positive, lifetime impact on many, many people.

• Shawna Rader Kelly  — 2015-2016 School Psychologist of the Year

Shawna Rader Kelly of Bozeman School District was named 2015’s School Psychologist of the Year at the MASP 2015 Fall Conference in Bozeman, MT.  Shawna has been an active force not only in her district, but at the state and national levels as well.  Shawna is a PREPaRE Trainer and the leader of MASP’s Crisis Response Committee.  She actively works with Montana’s Office of Public Instruction to advocate for school psychology and serves as the chair of the MASP Credentialing Review Board.  Shawna is also an incredibly active member in NASP serving as Montana’s NASP delegate as well as a regional leader.  Shawna’s expansive breadth of expertise, her impressive skill set, and her tireless dedication make her a standout school psychologist.

• Julie Parker — 2014-2015 School Psychologist of the Year

Julie Parker of Big Sky High School in Missoula was named 2014’s School Psychologist of the Year at the MASP 2014 Fall Conference in Helena, MT.  Among many professional roles and duties, Parker received this award due to over 15 years of outstanding service.  Over those years, she has served on the MASP executive council, supervised University of Montana School Psychology graduate students, and participated in union work for her rural cooperative.  She was further honored for her years of service on the Flathead Indian Reservation and in other rural Montana schools.  Julie is a wonderful asset to our state and profession!

• Ron Weaver — 2013-2014 School Psychologist of the Year
• Jackie Johnson-Wirth — 2012-2013 School Psychologist of the Year
• Robin Bissell — 2011-2012 School Psychologist of the Year
• Marshall Prindle — 2010-2011 School Psychologist of the Year
• Ann Verploegen — 2009-2010 School Psychologist of the Year
• Thom Felton — 2008-2009 School Psychologist of the Year
• Joanne Bartsch — 2007-2008 School Psychologist of the Year
• Ginny Jamruska-Milner — 2006-2007 School Psychologist of the Year
• J. Ray Haffey — 2005-2006 School Psychologist of the Year
• Victoria Withrow — 2004-2005 School Psychologist of the Year
• Greg Thurlow — 2003-2004 School Psychologist of the Year
• Doug Fry — 2002-2003 School Psychologist of the Year
• Carla Heintz — 2001-2002 School Psychologist of the Year
• Dwight Von Schriltz — 2000-2001 School Psychologist of the Year
• Richard Wright — 1999-2000 School Psychologist of the Year
• Pat Grassl — 1998-1999 School Psychologist of the Year
• Mark Taylor — 1997-1998 School Psychologist of the Year
• Nancy Padon — 1996-1997 School Psychologist of the Year
• Kathleen Nerison — 1995-1996 School Psychologist of the Year
• Alan Hilden — 1994-1995 School Psychologist of the Year
• Doug Cochran-Roberts — 1993-1994 School Psychologist of the Year
• Charlie Brown — 1992-1993 School Psychologist of the Year
• Evie Lamont — 1991-1992 School Psychologist of the Year
• Bob Runkel — 1990-1991 School Psychologist of the Year
• Lois Nicol — 1989-1990 School Psychologist of the Year

You can nominate a deserving colleague for MASP School Psychologist of the Year for 2016-17. Candidates must be practicing school psychologists who spend the majority of their time providing direct services to students, teachers, and parents.

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Top | MASP Executive Council | Membership Information | School Psychologist of the Year | Advocacy Resources | School Psychology Ethics | Crisis Prevention & Resources | Review of Licensing

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Advocacy Resources

Montana State Legislature

• Montana State Legislative Site
• Current and Pending Bills

Many people wonder how they might get engaged in contacting legislators… and what is the best way to do that.

Legislative services — the legislature’s administrative cadre — provides two excellent avenues to contact legislators: email and the legislative switchboard.

To email a legislator, go here — . This online message form permits anyone to email any legislator or an entire legislative committee and the legislator or committee members receive a hard copy of the message.

Some folks want to contact all 150 legislators in one fell swoop. While this is possible, experience shows that it is better to concentrate on one or two legislators and invite your colleagues, friends, and neighbors to concentrate on one or two other legislators.  Then make your message short, personal and friendly.

A long-time ago proven way to contact legislators is to call the legislative switchboard and leave a message that will be delivered to the legislator. You can leave messages for up to five legislators and one committee at a time right here — (406) 444–4800

NASP’s Advocacy Action Center

Direct link to the NASP Advocacy Action Center

At the NASP Advocacy Action Center the following resources can also be accessed.

• Support Safe School Environments for all Students
• Promote Evidence Based Assessment and Accountability Systems
• Promote Balanced Approaches to School Safety
• Support Availability of Comprehensive School Psychological Services in ESEA
• Preserve Education Funding
• Find your elected officials
• Subscribe to the NASP Mailing List

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Top | MASP Executive Council | Membership Information  | School Psychologist of the Year | Advocacy Resources | School Psychology Ethics | Crisis Prevention & Resources | Review of Licensing

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School Psychology Ethics

Susan Renning is the chair of the MASP Ethics Committee.
Susan has practiced as a school psychologist for many years.
When an ethical concern is brought to her attention she will bring it to the attention of the Executive Counsel so as to best help with the situation.
Please contact Susan at: srenning@bresnan.net
MASP recommends:

Professional Ethics for School Psychologists, 2nd Edition

Leigh Armistead
Barbara Bole Williams
Susan Jacob

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Top | MASP Executive Council | Membership Information | School Psychologist of the Year | Advocacy Resources | School Psychology Ethics | Crisis Prevention & Resources | Review of Licensing

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Crisis Prevention

MASP Crisis Response Liaisons are Shawna Rader Kelly and Andy Mogan.

The MASP Crisis Response Liaisons may be contacted to assist school districts with school crisis or to provide PREPaRE training to assist school and district crisis teams.

Shawna is a certified PREPaRE trainer for both Workshops 1 and 2.  Andy is a certified PREPaRE trainer for Workshop 1.  Further information about the PREPaRE: School Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training Curriculum can be found on the NASP website (http://www.nasponline.org/prepare/index.aspx)

Other school safety and crisis resources are available at http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/index.aspx

Tips for helping parents talk to a child after a family member’s suicide attempt

Talking at Student Down from Violence

Responsible Media Surrounding Crisis

Missoula County Public Schools Livebinder Resource Regarding Death of a Student or Staff

NASP Podcast on Social Media and Crisis Events