 | UTAH ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS |
UASP 2023-24 Awards
Lifetime Achievement
Dr. Leah Voorhies
Dr. Leah Voorhies has worked tirelessly by supervising students, growing a community of school psychology mentors and supervisors, while prioritizing high quality educational services for Utah’s students. She is described as a kind soul and visionary leader who has dutifully served and advocated with her can-do attitude and unique approach to problem solving. She is and has been a visionary leader who is well-liked and respected. We are honored to present Dr. Voorhies with the Lifetime Achievement award!
School Psychologist of the Year
McKell Nelson
McKell is an individual who is involved and passionate. She puts her entire heart and soul into her work and goes above and beyond in every capacity. She never gives up and is dedicated to the well-being of students. We are proud to present her with the School Psychologist of the Year award!
School Psychology Student of the Year
Savanna Leigh Parady
Savanna is a leader and hard worker who is not afraid to try new things and is always looking for opportunities to grow. She jumps right into work and always goes above and beyond. We are excited to present Savanna with the School Psychology Student of the Year award!
Outstanding Service to Children and Families
First Lady Abby Cox
The Outstanding Service to Children and Families award is to identify and recognize an individual who is an outstanding advocate for children and their families. First Lady Abby Cox has demonstrated this through her initiatives including Educator Wellness, Utah's’ Foster Families and Children, Special Olympics Unified Sports and “Show Up,” and she uses her platform to convene, contribute to, and champion projects related to emotional self-reliance, service, foster care and sporting opportunities for children who live with intellectual disabilities. She graduated with a degree is Special Education and dual emphasis in Early Childhood and Severe Disabilities.
Distinguished Service to UASP
Naomi Varuso
Distinguished Service Award is to identify and recognize a member of UASP who has given exceptional service to UASP and the profession of School Psychologist. Ever since Naomi has joined the UASP board she has jumped in and offered to help on various committees and various tasks. During board meetings and other communications Naomi is always willing to share her insights and opinions on important issues. She is a valued member of the UASP executive board and we are excited to have her as our President next year!
Please consider nominating a fellow UASP member today!
Review the nomination criteria for each award on their respective applications below.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT The purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to identify and recognize an outstanding school psychologist who has had state level impact on the field of school psychology and who has dedicated his or her professional life to the development and betterment of school psychology. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST OF THE YEAR The purpose of the School Psychologist of the Year Award is to identify and recognize an outstanding school psychologist and to promote public awareness of the profession. | BARBARA BENNETT EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY The purpose of the Barbara Bennett Excellence in Diversity Award is to identify and recognize an outstanding school psychologist who has provided leadership and advocacy for the treatment of diverse populations with respect within the field of school psychology. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR The purpose of the School Psychology Student of the Year Award is to identify and recognize an outstanding school psychology student and to promote public awareness of the profession. |
Two additional awards are presented annually by the UASP Board:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICEOUTSTANDING SERVICE TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES