OSPA Videos
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{youtube}TSVLe_DM29w{/youtube} In 1991, the OSPA Executive Board established the School Psychologist of the Year Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize one school psychologist each year who provides outstanding service delivery within the practitioner realm. It is required that at least seventy-five percent of a candidate's time be spent providing school psychological services to students, teachers, and parents, typically in a school setting. Nominees must be OSPA members and are nominated by a regional association. The recipient of the Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award then becomes Ohio's nominee for the National School Psychologist of the Year Award, presented by NASP at its Annual Convention. The Ohio School Psychologists Association Executive Board is honored to present the Fall 2020 School Psychologist of the Year, Amy Such. Amy graduated with her Psychology Specialist Degree from Cleveland State University. After a short time at the Fairfield County ESC, Amy found her home at Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where she has worked since 2000. Along with her usual caseload, Amy serves as a union delegate and on the TDES mentoring committee, supervises practicum and intern students, and works as a new psychologist mentor. Most recently, Amy has become a strong advocate for staff and student wellness at Joseph Gallagher School. She worked to create a fitness club for staff; brought yoga, mindfulness and coping skills supports into her building by collaborating with Zenworks, a Cleveland nonprofit; participates in LifeActs community walks for suicide prevention; and worked with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to organize a mobile food truck so her students would have access to fresh, healthy foods. She is also a part time instructor at Cleveland State University, teaching the Home-School Collaboration and Support class, skills in which she is uniquely qualified.
{youtube}FkcBd5riqNE{/youtube} The purpose of this award is to acknowledge the accomplishments of school psychologists in the first five years of their career. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to the practice and promotion of school psychology, research, and advocacy. Membership in local, state, and national organizations, presentation of research at professional conferences, and participation in volunteer and advocacy events are considered. The Ohio School Psychologists Association Executive Board is honored to present the Fall 2020 Early Career Award to Emma Stowers. Emma completed her Educational Specialist degree at the University of Kentucky, completing her internship and first employment in Brookville Local Schools, outside of Dayton. During those first few years, as the sole psychologist for her district, Emma managed her Preschool-grade 12 caseload, helped develop MTSS processes, was a member of the district leadership team, participated in the district’s Whole Child Advisory Council, and worked as the Varsity Swim team head coach. Those leadership skills, relationships, and experiences were tested when Emma supported her students and staff through two crises. In May 2019, Brookville was devastated by tornado, with the school building and many area homes severely damaged. A few months later, in August 2019, students and staff were impacted by the shooting in the Oregon District of Dayton. Emma was able to provide social emotional crisis response, keeping track of students and staff needing resources, risk assessments, and intervention. Emma has since moved to Fairborn City Schools, and is managing starting in a new district in the midst of a pandemic.
{youtube}kYA0-zzB-Ho{/youtube} Remarks from Melissa Bestgen, Awards Committee Co-Chair: Good afternoon, and welcome to the 2019 Ohio School Psychologists Association Fall Awards Banquet. Today we are recognizing two colleagues for their hard work and dedication to the field of school psychology. First, our Early Career Award. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge the accomplishments of school psychologists in the first five years of their career. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to the practice and promotion of school psychology, research, and advocacy. Membership in local, state, and national organizations, presentation of research at professional conferences, and participation in volunteer and advocacy events are considered. The Fall 2019 Early Career Award recipient is: Laura Kuebel Laura’s skill and drive have been apparent since graduate school, where she served as president of the School Psychologists of the University of Dayton, guiding the graduate student organization towards NASP recognition for Outstanding Advocacy Activities and School Psychology Awareness Week. During her graduate studies, she completed her thesis on the efficacy of social skills training on preschool prosocial behavior and emotional recognition, a topic very relevant to our daily practice. At this time, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer, but did not let this stunning diagnosis keep her from her passion. After graduation,she has since made her mark in the Montgomery County Educational Service Center, completing comprehensive evaluations, providing professional development, engaging in family consultation, training practicum students, and working in the Huber Heights community to serve her students. She works with the Huber Heights Early Readiness Coalition, comprised of community partners, such as Help Me Grow, YMCA, local libraries, and preschools, to help provide resources and education to promote academic and social emotional kindergarten readiness skills.Laura has made a significant impact in her school and community in such a short time, and the OSPA Executive board is honored to recognize Laura as the Fall 2019 Early Career Award recipient. Remarks from Laura Kuebel Good afternoon everyone! I would first like to thank OSPA for not only this award, but for also hosting this conference. As many of you know, there is a shortage of school psychologists, so, for lack of a better term, it’s really cool to see so many schoolpsychs in one room together. I want to thank some very special people in this room. I want to thank my colleagues at both Montgomery County ESC and Huber Heights City Schools for their support and encouragement these last few years. I want to thank my family who are here today. Thank you for encouraging me to chase my dreams and for helping me achieve them when I thought it was impossible. I’d like to thank my graduate assistant, Jordyn, who is here today. Jordyn, thank you for your hard work this year. You have been a lifesaver! Finally, I want to thank three very special women in my life, Dr. Susan Davies, Dr. Elana Bernstein, and Katie Weber, my professors at the University of Dayton. Not only have these women afforded me so many opportunities since graduating, but they have become dear friends of mine. Each of these women have had such an influence on my life. From helping me complete my thesis, to providing me with feedback in the form of track changes on my assignments, to the support and flexibility they granted me during my first round of chemotherapy treatment, these women are some of the best in the business. Susan, Elana, Katie: thank you, thank you, thank you for teaching me, encouraging me, challenging me, and building into my life, both in the classroom and outside the classroom. It is because of your dedication to excellence that I am standing here today. If you would have told me four years ago that I would one day be standing on this stage, accepting this award, I would have told you you were crazy. See, I can vividly remember sitting in the back on this room four years ago watching another school psychologist receive this award. I can remember thinking “gosh, how do you win that award? How is it possible to make an impact in the field of school psychology in five years? What does it take?” To be honest, I don’t know and I don’t have the answer. I am so humbled by the kind words spoken in my introduction, but if you listened closely, you’ll notice I haven’t published numerous articles, or have a test kit named after me, or even have a ground breaking intervention that I’ve developed. See, I think the reason I’m standing on this stage is because of a principle I learned during my internship four years ago: little moments lead to big change. My internship supervisor really emulated this. She taught me that every moment is an opportunity to set something in motion, to really make a difference. I’ve learned over the course of four years that showing up and leaning into the little moments is what makes a difference. Being a cancer patient, moments become so important and really have so much more meaning. Modern medicine has allowed me so many more moments in my life, moments I didn’t think I had five years ago when I found out I was sick. I’ve learned to value each and every moment, whether it’s being recognized for your hard work, or starting another round of chemo, each moment serves a purpose, so take the time to remember each one. I really believe Taylor Swift was onto something when she wrote the lyrics “In this moment, now, capture it, remember it”. You see, me standing on this stage today didn’t just happen overnight. There wasn’t an isolated event that allowed me to be the recipient of this award. Thousands of small opportunities are what have led to this moment in time. Leaning into these opportunities and being present in those times are what have made today possible. Being present and leaning into each and every moment is what makes big changes and differences in our lives, our country, the education system, and the world possible. We have to show up, because our students needs us to, our colleagues need us to, our families need us to. Not only do we need to show up for others, but we need to show up each and every day for ourselves. I like to think the world would be a little different if we all showed up and leaned into each and every moment that we are presented with- let me reiterate, little moments lead to great things. This conference is a moment in time, I hope you lean into it and that the many other moments you experience today, tomorrow, and the days after.
{youtube}UizcY5qnImw{/youtube} Remarks from Rob Kubick, Awards Committee Co-Chair: In 1991, the OSPA Executive Board established the Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize one school psychologist each year who provides outstanding service delivery within the practitioner realm. It is required that at least seventy-five percent of a candidate's time be spent providing school psychological services to students, teachers, and parents, typically in a school setting. Nominees must be OSPA members and are nominated by a regional association. The recipient of the Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award then becomes Ohio's nominee for the National School Psychologist of the Year Award, presented by NASP at its Annual Convention. We had two nominees this year, and we’d like to take a moment to congratulate our runner-up, Mr. Sagar Patel. Mr. Patel is a school psychologist for the Shaker Heights City Schools and was nominated by the Cleveland Association of School Psychologists (CASP). Sagar, could you please stand and be recognized by your friends and peers? Congratulations to you on your nomination, Sagar, and thank you for all that you do in our shared profession. After careful consideration of the nominees, this year’s recipient of the 2019 OSPA Ohio School Psychologist of the Year is Mr. Charles L. Archer. Charles, or as we know him, “Chuck,” received his Bachelor’s in psychology and his Master’s in education and school psychology from The University of Akron. He spent his first ten years as a practitioner working in school districts in Canton and then Ashtabula. Since 1990, he has worked for the Zanesville City Schools. In addition to the typical role of a school psychologist, Chuck also works for Zanesville in a research capacity in which he compiles, analyzes and shares data across the leadership of his school district, up to and including the superintendent. His efforts inform best practices and resource allocation in his district, with an eye toward larger societal trends in education. Nearly 25 years ago, Chuck was recognized by the OSPA Executive Board with the F. Peter Gross Best Practices Award for his work with grief counseling and crisis intervention. Chuck served as OSPA President from 2005-06—legend has it that he distinguished himself by surviving three separate impeachment inquiries. When asked to reveal the secrets of his successful term, Chuck cited his ability to communicate a vision and purpose, his ability to rally others to a common cause, and his ability to isolate and destroy every last one of his opponents. Chuck received some regional accolades in 2014 when he was recognized with the Outstanding Educator Award from State Support Team, Region 12. Just two years later, Chuck achieved some national renown when the National Association of School Psychologists recognized him with the Government and Professional Relations Committee Certificate of Appreciation for his legislative advocacy here in Ohio. And just two years after that, Mr. Archer was elected as the Ohio Delegate to NASP after running a scorched earth campaign with a platform to, as he put it, “Make NASP Great Again.” For the last two years, for those of us back here in Ohio, Chuck has been our man in Washington. He is already making his voice heard and our Executive Board is grateful that he is our representative. Part of the reason for our gratitude is the method in which he solicits input from people with diverse points of view, works to build consensus, and takes positions that are rooted on common ground. Chuck, you are fair and balanced. For the past 15 years or so, Chuck has served as our OSPA Legislative Committee Chair. Consider the political climate in which Chuck has served. We live in a time when discussion about public policy has become so divisive that so many folks can be dismissive, or even contemptuous, of others over simple differences of opinion. Sadly, this even happens with school psychologists Chuck is the antithesis of such pettiness and embitterment. Many of us have witnessed first-hand how Chuck can represent the consensus opinion of our Association and also do justice to those who offer minority or contrary opinions. His nominator, Linda Seekatz, detailed Chuck’s exceptional career, which now dates back nearly 40 long and wretched years. Linda noted the widespread influence that Chuck has had on a generation of practitioners who were “ground floor” subscribers to the OSPA listserv. As the Legislative Committee Chair, Chuck has used technology to provide us with legal updates, policy briefings and opportunities for advocacy. As Linda put it, Chuck “has an undeniable way of bringing humor and perspective to current issues we face in our profession.” In addition, she praised Chuck’s integrity and courage, by noting that Chuck is “always willing to speak his mind, especially when doing what is right for a child.” In his other nomination letters, former OSPA President and current President of the Ohio Psychological Association, Dr. Erich Merkle, shared that while Chuck humorously uses the honorific title of ‘Emperor’ in his electronic communications from NASP, his actual deportment in this work is rather different. Erich noted that Chuck employs a tremendous sense of humor in sharing his singular perspective and intellectual insight. Finally, Erich shared, “there are few in our profession who passionately and masterfully weave these attributes together towards the successful execution of our Association’s shared work.” Also included in the nomination letters, OSPA Executive Director, Mrs. Ann Brennan, shared that Chuck has been one of her most trusted advisors saying, “I have relied on his expertise in shaping OSPA’s response to state and federal legislation, as well as policy directed by state agencies.” Specific examples included participation in legislative hearings, compiling relevant data and talking points to debrief policy makers, and coordinating testimony from experts in the field. Ann concluded, “Chuck is often the voice of reason when complex issues are raised. He balances differing points of view with kindness, humor and wisdom. From my vantage point, I cannot imagine a worthier candidate for this prestigious award. Chuck has become the compassionate heart of OSPA—not only communicating the important issues to our members, but also connecting the dots on how these issues impact our students.” It is with all of this in mind that the Executive Board of the Ohio School Psychologists Association is pleased to recognize Mr. Charles L. Archer as the 2019 Ohio School Psychologist of the Year. Congratulations, Chuck! Remarks from Chuck Archer I’m Chuck Archer. LATE Career professional. My motto is a riff on Survivor – I may not be able to outwit or outplay, but I can outlast. Alex Thomas once told me that when you receive an award of some kind or special recognition, two thoughts immediately run through your head: one – I’m not worthy; and two – oh crap, now everyone will know me for the fraud that I really am. And he was right. I’ve seen previous recipients of this award and I’ve done nothing remarkable like they have. I haven’t developed a cure for Dyslexia or started a group counseling program for children exposed to persistent trauma. So I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out how I got myself into this predicament and I started thinking all the back to when I first became interested in our field. I was a sophomore in a high school English class at Akron’s East High when I first was introduced to Psychology. High school English teachers are a different breed, aren’t they? I mean they are all passionate about something like poetry, literature, drama, or anything artsy. Mr. Shuman was passionate about why people do the things they do, or Psychology. So I thought that would be a good thing to study in college. But I didn’t hear about School Psychology until I was in my senior year as an undergraduate student, looking around for a graduate program to enter when I heard about our field. And lo and behold, my college, The University of Akron, had a School Psychology program. So I began a love affair with our profession that has lasted through this day; and by extension, everyone who practices it, studies it, teaches it, or administrates in it. And what’s not to love? We get to work with children, some of the most awesome creatures on this planet. And all sorts of children. Granted, many of whom aren’t having the best of school experiences, but we also work with Talented and Gifted students – the whole gamut. When I WAS an Early Career Professional, working in the Canton City Schools, I thought I was doing my best by finding all these handicapped learners and hooking them up with an IEP. But after a few years, by now I’m in the Ashtabula Area City Schools, I started noticing that the promise of Special Education was not being realized by these students. We were removing them from their same aged peers and shuffling them off to a different classroom with a difference curricula. And they weren’t graduating high school at the same rate as their peers, nor choosing post-secondary education programs at the same rate, nor entering the job market. And if they did get a job, they earned on average $4 an hour less than those who never had an IEP. So I adjusted my thinking and thought I was doing my best work by keeping children out of Special Education; doing everything I could by way of accommodations, modifications, and even interventions to not have to label this child has a handicapped learner and provide an IEP. This went on for some years but then we start hearing catch-phrases like ‘Working smarter, not harder’ and “Doing more with less’ which are just code words for decreases in funding and resources which hurts our most needy children more than others. So we have to access special education programming for any services for these children. By now I’m in the Zanesville City Schools and I evolved my thinking once more to believe that I’m doing my best work by keeping the adults in a child’s life from making poor decisions about this child; be those adults parents, teachers, or administrators. But then comes the importance of Social Justice issues and this idea of implicit bias really hits home for me. Who am I to say what is a poor decision about a child, especially when I’m speaking about their parents, who have known them all their lives, or a teacher who sees them everyday. I ‘swoop in and then out’ working with a child for a relatively short amount of time. Kind of ‘judgy’, don’t you think? So my philosophy of the role and function of a School Psychologist evolves once more into what it is today. My best work is in trying to protect (or project) a happy school experience for children, especially those who are struggling. Now I don’t have the resources or ability to make that happen for every child I work with, but I can at least make sure that for a little while, I can be a non-judgmental adult who speaks honestly to them and makes collecting data and information as fun as possible. So that when I see them again at their school in the hallway or in their classroom, they smile and ask me when I’m going to work with them again. So there you have it. I’ve got nothing to explain why I’m OSPA’s School Psychologist of the Year. But I am extremely grateful and humbled by this recognition. I’d like to thank my family for all their love and support over the years; my work family for their encouragement and enabling me to do what I love doing; my ‘peeps’ from East Central Ohio for nominating me; the OSPA Awards Committee for choosing me; and OSPA itself for holding these conferences twice per year and maintaining our listserv. Because it is by networking and socializing here that we get questions answered, can celebrate successes, and commiserate over frustrations. And that’s critically important. I’d like to leave you with a quote from one of my favorite movies. A science fiction movie – my favorite genre. Based upon the writings of my favorite sci-fi author, Isaac Asimov. It’s called I Robot, and it has been out for several years. It stars Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan. Early on in the movie, these stars are chasing one particular and rather unique robot. They chase it to a warehouse full of robots all looking exactly alike. There is way more than 24 robots in four equal rows of six, if you know what I mean. There must be over a thousand robots all looking alike and lined up in rows. They ask, “Where is this special robot we are looking for? Who among you is it?” And all those robots reply in unison, “One of us.” And that’s what makes me proudest. I get to be one of us. Thanks.
{youtube}MoXhNrSyPQg{/youtube} Remarks from Melissa Bestgen, Awards Committee Co-Chair: Good afternoon and welcome to the 2018 Spring Awards Banquet! I am Melissa Bestgen, co-chair of the Awards Committee. We are happy today to present two awards to two very deserving school psychologists. First, our School Psychologist of the Year Award, presented to – Dr. Lynn Ciccantelli! Dr. Lynn Ciccantelli has served as a school psychologist in Nordonia Hills City Schools since 1998. Dr. Ciccantelli is known for working her caseload with a level of skill and compassion that has marked her as a leader in the district. She connects with her students beyond assessment, though, working with 3rd/4th grade girls to develop social and life skills and build self-esteem, as well as providing material and emotional supports to the low income students in her buildings. Dr. Ciccantelli also serves as the district’s Down Syndrome specialist and as a member of the district’s crisis management committee and safety committee. She provides consultation and professional development opportunities to her fellow school psychologists and educators on social emotional and academic supports for students to ensure all student receive the supports they need. In addition to serving the families of Nordonia Hills, Dr. Ciccantelli also works as a professor at the University of Akron and a professor and practicum/intern supervisor with John Carroll University. She is also heavily involved with professional associations, acting as the KAASP representative to OSPA, the OSPA membership co-chair, and has presented research on the collaboration with staff on social emotional needs and the academic needs of homeless students at NASP. The OSPA Executive Board is honored to present Dr. Ciccantelli with the 2018 School Psychologist of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding service delivery. Remarks from Dr. Lynn Ciccantelli Thank you. I am pleased, honored, and humbled to be the recipient of the School Psychologist of the Year award. Words cannot convey my sincere appreciation and gratitude. When one receives an award, it becomes a golden opportunity to reflect and give thanks to those individuals who have been instrumental in making us who we are today. I’d like to begin by expressing thanks to the Awards Committee and all of the members of OSPA for the honor you have bestowed me. Thank you to the OSPA Executive Board, a group of warm welcoming, and highly talented individuals who work diligently to get our voice heard and who lead us to be one of the most highly respected organizations across the nation. I am very proud to be a part of this group and it is with great pride that I say that I am a school psychologist. It certainly is one of the finest professions. In this field we have the opportunity to impact the lives of children of all ages. What could be nobler? I’d also like to thank my local organization, the Kent/Akron Association of School Psychologists, specifically Jenna Hete and Stephanie Jozwakowski for nominating me, and together with Keith Mesmer, Carrie Hutchinson, and Bradley Paramore for writing letters on my behalf. I will always remember your kind words which touched me deeply. Like you, they will always hold a special place with me. Supervising practicum students and interns has been one of the highlights of my career, especially when I get to see them quickly take on leadership roles in our organization, currently like Bradley and Jenna. Shortly after I was notified I had been nominated, I called my son Dan, and told him of about the award. Dan, being the sports enthusiast that he is, said, “Wow mom! That’s great. It’s almost like winning the Heisman.” I thought, “You know, it kind of is.” Some particulars I recently learned about the Heisman is that it is not just awarded solely based on one’s own abilities, although that is an important aspect. It recognizes the excellent standing of the team. In other words, being on a winning team makes a player come out higher in the rankings. The team helps the player look better. Also, many Heisman winners tend to have a story. Sometimes that story goes along with that person’s accomplishments, and includes an understanding that adversity can actually make us stronger, and that challenges can make us better than we ever thought possible. So, here is a piece of my story… Success means nothing without a strong team. I am fortunate to be part of some great teams! As teams go, my family are like the “Starters”. They are the ones I need and rely on for the important things in life. Therefore, I must begin by thanking my family. You are my heart, my greatest treasure, my most precious gift. God has blessed me enormously with a family like you. Joining me today is my husband, Pat, and my sons, Dan and Brian. Pat, you are my best friend. You have encouraged me and listened to me, and my long stories that usually go on forever. You probably deserve a reward of your own! You have walked beside me on this wonderful, and sometimes rocky journey, and I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else. We have been a strong team, and together raised three wonderful children. My daughter, Jenn who could not be here today, is a teacher in South Carolina. She is an amazing woman, and an incredible mother. Watching her with her daughter, my granddaughter, is one of life’s most precious moments. My son, Dan, a graduate of The Ohio State University, is probably one of the biggest, most devoted Ohio sports fans—yes, including being a fan of the Cleveland Browns. You are a person of true character-kindness, compassion, honesty and integrity. You work hard and put your heart and soul into everything you do. You care deeply about people and hold them close to your vest. You make me very proud. And my son Brian. You have created in me a deeper level of empathy, patience and understanding than I ever thought possible. Because of you I am a better person and a better school psychologist. Watching you forge ahead every day, despite your challenges, has made me a cheerleader for children who struggle and their parents. Through you, I have learned to appreciate the joy and beauty in the little things, and the many unexpected things. I am told that in the end, we find the little things really were the big things in life. I’d also extend my gratitude to my parents who worked hard to provide for me, allowing me many opportunities. Joel Osteen said “You need to associate with people that inspire you, people that challenge you to rise higher, people that make you better.” The other team is my “Defense” or the people with whom I work: Keith Mesmer, Gina Worsdall, Emma Sacha, Lauren Miller, Carrie Hutchinson, and the staff and teachers with the Nordonia Hills City Schools, or endearingly referred to as “the land of rainbows and unicorns” coined by my former practicum student, and now colleague, Jenna Hete. Each of you make even the toughest days more tolerable just by being there, and for that I feel very fortunate. I’d like to thank just a few more people who have believed in me, supported and encouraged me, and gave me opportunities to grow in a field that I love. My “Offense” of Jeanne Jenkins, School Psychology Program Coordinator at John Carroll University, and one of the hardest working women I know, “I don’t think you ever sleep”; Sue Chute, and Karen Muffley former Nordonia administrators; and, my friend Jo Ventura who has been an angel to our family and to whom I am forever indebted. You see, in the end, we all have Heisman moments, those unforgettable moments where we finish strong, and where we are all winners because of the tapestries of our lives. As I conclude, I’d will share a brief story about one of my favorite elementary school students who I will call Max. Last month, Max, stopped by my room, like he does several times every day. I got my daily hug and as he was on his way out the door, he remembered it was my birthday. He turned around and said, “Mrs. C., Happy Birthday!” I said, “How nice of you to remember.” And just then, he asked the dreaded question, “How old are you?” “Oh boy, I thought, that one I am not answering!” So I said, “Old!” Fortunately, he let that one go. Then he proceeded, “What do you want for your birthday?” Knowing this student is infamous for bringing in items from his home for the staff-- things like jewelry and other valuables, I was very careful in my response. So, I replied, “You know, I just want my kids to call me today.” He gave me a funny look, of “Really?” and proceeded to say, “Well, how about a blanket?” “Oh no,” I thought, as I imagined him bringing in the biggest blanket he could find at home. I said, “You are so sweet, but really, I have everything I need.” And to that he said, “Well then, I will just wish for you to be taller.” So while I am not actually taller, in stature that is, his wish has been granted. Today, I am truly walking a little taller. Thank you, and have a blessed day.
{youtube}Y55BF_rv48c{/youtube} The Awards Committee granted the 2018 OSPA Early Career Award to Dr. Anna "Quinn" Denzer-Emerson after her tragic death. Dr. Rob Kubick explained why she was so deserving of this honor. The following is a transcript of the OSPA Fall Conference Early Career Award presentation on Nov. 8, 2018. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Rob Kubick, co-chair of the OSPA Awards Committee, and I’m here to present the 2018 OSPA Early Career Award. This award recognizes a school psychology professional who wastes no time in making a mark. This year, OSPA is pleased to recognize Dr. Anna “Quinn” Denzer-Emerson with the OSPA Early Career Award. Quinn graduated from the School Psychology Program at Kent State University and completed her school psychology internship in the Akron Public Schools. It was my great honor to be one of Quinn’s primary supervisors during her internship in Akron. From the beginning, Quinn made it clear to the staff in Akron that she would not be pursuing full-time employment in or around the Akron area. Instead, she wanted to learn all that she could in what she called “the big city” and then take her knowledge and experience to a school district closer to her hometown of Mount Vernon. As she neared the conclusion of her internship, Quinn began looking for school psychologist positions in that area. She soon landed an interview in the Cardington-Lincoln Schools in neighboring Morrow County. Within minutes of Quinn leaving the interview, her prospective supervisor called my cell phone. Overwhelmed to have a chance to add a candidate with such outstanding qualifications, skills, and demeanor, this man asked me, “Please, please, tell me… Is she for real?” When I asked him how long he had interviewed her, he told me it had been about 45 minutes. I told him, “Then I regret to inform you that you’ve only scratched the surface of how wonderful she is.” Quinn got that job and served with distinction in Cardington, but home continued to beckon. She returned to Knox County when she took a school psychologist position for the Fredericktown Local Schools. Still, from the outset of her professional career, Quinn had consistently identified working as a school psychologist in her Knox County hometown of Mount Vernon as her “dream job.” So it was with great pride that, just earlier this year, Quinn announced to family, friends and colleagues that she had been hired as the school psychologist for Mount Vernon City Schools for the 2018-19 school year. Quinn was a regular attendee at OSPA conferences. She was also a regular attendee and presenter at the annual conference and convention of the National Association of School Psychologists. Quinn was a prolific researcher with a wide variety of work that supported research-to-practice initiatives in multiple contexts. Quinn served as a Graduate Research Assistant for The Research Center for Educational Technology at Kent State University. She also served as Co-Editor, Reviewer, and Manager of The Research Center for Educational Technology Journal. Her doctoral dissertation, titled “A Modified Psychoeducationally-based Teacher Training Program to Address Bullying among Students with Disabilities,” was successfully defended earlier this year (with her graduation and degree conferral occurring shortly afterward). In addition, Quinn co-authored a peer-reviewed study for the journal Advances in Mental Health Promotion. Her study, titled “Utility of a self-monitoring technique in reducing off-task behavior,” was also a featured article in The Ohio School Psychologist. Quinn had recently been appointed to the Board of New Directions, a local agency in Mount Vernon with a stated mission of providing resources for the safety, healing and freedom of individuals who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault and offering preventive education to create an informed and supportive community. Quinn was a “take charge” individual who preferred to run her life rather than to allow her life to run her. From a young age, it was clear to those who knew her best that Quinn preferred to live life in the driver’s seat. Balanced with her outsized leadership capacity, Quinn was unfailingly kind, thoughtful, generous, and supportive to innumerable professional colleagues, community partners, neighbors, friends and family. It’s not unusual for special leaders to shine and to cast a glow about them. It is rare, though, for those leaders to tirelessly devote themselves to finding ways that help others shine, too. It is rarer still for such leadership qualities to emanate from someone at the outset of her professional career. In a remarkably short amount of time, Quinn established a reputation for being a highly capable practitioner, a prolific researcher, champion for the students she served, and a trusted advisor, colleague and dear friend to so many of us. A rising star. A rising star taken way too soon. Quinn suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away on July 18 leaving her family, our profession and our world with a tremendous void. Quinn and her husband, Drew, were expecting their first child, a baby girl, Blair Abigale Emerson, who passed away with Quinn at their family home in Gambier, Ohio. I respectfully ask that you join me now in a moment of silence and reflection for our colleague and friend, Quinn. We have with us today some very honored guests: Quinn’s husband, Drew, Quinn’s parents, John and Debra Denzer, and Quinn’s sister, Caroline Denzer. To each of you, we say that we are profoundly grateful and honored to have you here with us today to recognize the extraordinary person whom you shared with us for these past many years. Thank you, thank you, for sharing your Quinn with all of us. We are also pleased to welcome two of Quinn’s professors from Kent State University, Dr. Richard Cowan (her dissertation director) and Dr. Karla Anhalt (a member of her dissertation committee). Also here are Dr. Bradd Falkenberg and Mrs. Nichole Wirtzberger, who were Quinn’s primary supervisors in the Akron Public Schools. Also joining us is Mr. John Biltz, the Coordinator of the Child Study Department in the Akron Public Schools. Like countless others, some of us travelled to Mount Vernon on a picture perfect night this past summer to gather and to celebrate the life of our departed colleague and friend. Quinn’s loved ones shared several heartfelt memories and glowing tributes. Among these was a remembrance offered by her father, John. He noted that he and Quinn shared a love for Tom Petty music, and he recalled a day when he traveled up from Mount Vernon to Kent to take Quinn to a Tom Petty concert. As it turned out, the concert had to be canceled. But John told us that the two of them made the very best of the situation. They got some food, poured some drinks, and stayed up half the night listening to Tom Petty music. Song after song, they talked into the wee hours and simply enjoyed each other’s company. A vivid and beautiful recollection, John shared it in a way that brought each of us there, seeing it in our mind’s eye, and enjoying that moment in time with them. Quinn’s passing is an incalculable loss for Ohio school psychology, for the educational community in Mount Vernon and Knox County, and for countless present and future Ohio school children. Quinn’s singular contributions to our shared profession were lasting and deep but, sadly, they had only just begun. Our solace is found in the fact that her contributions continue to bloom in her absence, most notably in her research on enhancing bullying prevention and intervention programs through comprehensive teacher training. Plans are being made to share much of this research with our entire membership. Today, we close with some words offered to us by a fellow who was no school psychologist but, like Quinn, found his own solace in encouraging others as they were learning to fly and running down their dreams. That man, of course, was Tom Petty. And just like Quinn, he never backed down. Among the lyrics in his extensive catalogue, Mr. Petty offered the following: You and I will meet again When we’re least expecting it Somewhere in some far off place I will recognize your face I won’t say goodbye my friend For you and I will meet again It is with all of this in mind that the Executive Board of the Ohio School Psychologists Association is very proud to posthumously recognize Dr. Anna Quinn Denzer-Emerson with the OSPA Early Career Award. Thank you.
