Dear OSPA Members,

Reflecting on our time at the National Association of School Psychologists National Leadership Summit in Chicago, I am filled with immense pride for our profession and, specifically, for the impact Ohio is making on the national stage. Ohio was well represented by President-Elect Melissa Flanigan, CEO Rachel Chilton, Ohio NASP Delegate Bradley Paramore, and myself. This year’s summit was not just a meeting of minds, but a strategic launching pad for the future of school psychology.

Looking Back at NASP 2026

The summit was structured around high-impact, interactive sessions designed to move the needle on our most pressing challenges. A major highlight was the session Advancing National Strategic Priorities Together. This session immersed us in best practices for strategic planning, providing our team with the tools to ensure OSPA’s mission remains aligned with the evolving needs of Ohio’s students.

We also looked toward the horizon in the Forward Thinking session, exploring the changing landscape of professional associations. It is clear that for OSPA to thrive, we must continue to be agile, inclusive, and technologically forward-thinking.

In the Like-Sized Strategy Sessions, Ohio stood tall among our peers. Collaborating with leaders from states like Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, we compared notes on membership engagement and advocacy. Overall, Ohio remains a powerhouse. While many states are just beginning to navigate the complexities of practitioner shortages, Ohio is often looked to as a model for robust state-level advocacy and university-practitioner partnerships.

What We Are Bringing Back: The Compact Quest

One of the most vital takeaways from the summit came during the Legislate and Celebrate! session, which focused on the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists. This initiative is a game-changer for our profession, and Ohio is already making significant strides.

Currently, the school psychologist interstate compact legislation (SB 276) has officially had its sponsor testimony in the House. This is a major milestone! When the legislature returns from their campaign break, we anticipate a second hearing, this is the critical moment when OSPA will testify in support.

The ICSP will allow for:

• Licensure Portability: Streamlining the process for qualified psychologists to practice across state lines.
• Support for Military Families: Removing barriers for spouses of service members who relocate to Ohio.
• Increased Access: Helping to fill service gaps in high-need areas across our state by expanding the pool of available practitioners.
• We are ready to bring the "Compact Quest" to the finish line and ensure Ohio remains a leader in professional advocacy!

Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Antoinette Halsell Miranda

The highlight of NASP was undoubtedly the recognition of Ohio’s very own Dr. Antoinette Halsell Miranda. NASP honored Dr. Miranda for her more than four decades of unwavering service!

As a faculty member and department chair at The Ohio State University, Dr. Miranda has not only shaped the minds of countless school psychologists but has redefined the role of the school psychologist as a social justice advocate. Seeing her receive this national recognition, honoring her leadership, scholarship, and mentorship, was a moment of profound inspiration for the entire Ohio delegation. She truly embodies what it means to lead with equity and heart. Dr. Kisha Radliff shared the perfect quote to describe Dr. Miranda’s career, "She has lived a career that illustrates what it means to truly embody the role of school psychologist as advocate."

Of course, leadership is also about building community. We were thrilled to host more than 40 practitioners, graduate students, and professors for an OSPA social night at NASP.

Between bites of some of Chicago’s best street tacos and vibrant conversation, we bridged the gap between seasoned veterans and the next generation of school psychologists. These moments of unwinding are where some of our best ideas are born.

Coming back to Ohio, we carry with us more than just strategies and policy updates; we carry the collective energy of a profession that is growing stronger and more connected every day. Whether it is advocating for SB 276 at the Statehouse, implementing culturally responsive practices inspired by Dr. Miranda, or simply supporting one another in our daily work, the road ahead is bright!

Yours in Learning,

--Alanna