This episode is packed with heart, honesty, and the real work happening behind the scenes to grow our field. I sat down with three incredible leaders who are reshaping how we recruit, support, and retain school psychologists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Their energy is contagious, and their commitment to creating a more welcoming profession shines through in every story they share.

Kristin (president), Anna (past president), and Marissa (president elect) make up the presidential trio of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP). Together, they represent school psychologists across Washington through local, state, and federal advocacy, research, and guidance.

These three young leaders work full time in different districts while holding multiple leadership roles across organizations. They are a true dream team, excited about the future of school psychology.

WSASP’s core purpose is to empower school psychologists as school based mental health professionals and change agents who support students, school communities, and colleagues through collaboration and evidence based practices that lead to educational success.

We get into everything from barriers in graduate programs to the power of mentorship, community, and paid internships. You will hear practical ideas you can bring into your own school, along with a few hopeful reminders that change is already underway.

If you care about building a field where everyone feels they belong, this one matters.

Highlights:

(01:45) The internship barrier and the push for state funded stipends

(03:32) What is actually working in recruiting diverse candidates

(06:48) How the role of the school psychologist is expanding beyond testing

(08:55) Post covid mental health needs and new intervention opportunities

(12:40) Balancing evaluation demands with relationship centered practice

(17:45) Signs of hope for representation and accessible graduate pathways

Washington State Association of School Psychologists: https://www.wsasp.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wsasp

LinkedIn: Washington State Association of School Psychologists

Instagram for Major, facility dog: @majortherapylab

Dogs for Better Lives: https://dogsforbetterlives.org/

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all listeners are required to follow federal and state law, as well as their school district guidelines and policies.

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