Awards
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, consulting with a school assistance team, promoting data-based decision making, and SO much more.
MASP has two awards to honor school psychologists in our state
School Psychologist of the Year
Do you know a worthy candidate for MASP School Psychologist of the Year? 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. Candidates must be practicing school psychologists who spend the majority of their time providing direct services to students, teachers, and parents. Nominate a deserving colleague for MASP School Psychologist of the Year by filling our online nomination form.
MASP Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes the life-long efforts of school psychologists who have dedicated their careers to the profession and practice of school psychology as well as advocating for the well-being of children. Have someone in mind deserving of this award? Nominate them by contacting our Recruitment Committee Chair at recruitment@masponline.us
MASP Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Joelene Goodover
2019
MASP honored Joelene Goodover, a woman whose name is synonymous with service with our 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Joelene had a full, nearly 40-year educational career where she shared her love for the school psychology profession working in Simms, Great Falls, and with the North Central Learning Cooperative. She also had a degree in counseling and would seamlessly incorporate those skills into her daily interactions, touching many lives for the better. She was an integral member of the Crisis Response team with the Great Falls school district and as the department leader for the school psychology department.
Her service with MASP started in the late 1980s with her planning Fall Conferences, serving as Region II regional director, later serving as President and NASP delegate, and being an integral member of the Credentialing Professional Standards Committee. This MASP position gave her first contact with interested school psychologists wanting to come to the state as well as our graduate students entering the profession. Joelene’s welcoming and inviting style was perfect for introducing the newly hired psychs to our state and to our Association. And many of us serving in leadership roles became involved due to Joelene’s genuine way of inviting and including others to join MASP and to become involved. She was quick to point out a person’s strengths and was available to help when needed.
While serving as NASP Delegate, Joelene found a passion for working with the Children’s Fund and the groups’ annual auction event. She was very proud of the work of the Children’s Fund including the playgrounds built for underprivileged schools, providing books to schools, and going to schools to read books or hold assemblies in the cities where NASP conventions were held. Her work with this group spanned a decade and that group has named their disaster relief fund in her name.
Joelene loved the color purple, planning get-togethers, baking, going to Broadway shows, and traveling. She also enjoyed sharing her passions with others. As the MASP organization, we are deeply thankful for the impact Joelene had on our group and the state. She is very deserving of this award. Although she lost her battle to cancer in February 2019, being able to honor her at Fall Conference, an event dear to her heart, brings her legacy full circle. Thank you to Joelene’s son Andy who came to accept this award for the Goodover family.
School Psychologist of the Year
Kim Story
The School Psychologist of the Year award is given in recognition of outstanding performance in the delivery of school psychological services. These areas include, but are not limited to, assessment, counseling, consultation, prevention, crisis intervention, collaboration, diversity sensitivity, supervision, research, program planning and/or evaluation, etc. Based on her six nominators’ reports, this year’s recipient performed her job in an exemplary manner and have earned the respect of students, parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, and/or community members. This year’s winner is Kim Story, School Psychologist, Lowell Elementary School, Missoula, Montana.
Dr. Jacque Sherman
The recipient for the MASP 2023 School Psychologist of the Year Award, Dr. Jacque Sherman, has been working for the Central Montana Learning Resource Center Cooperative. MASP presented the award virtually at the Fall Conference held in Helena, MT in September 2023. Dr. Sherman was nominated by the Special Education Director, Chelsey Rogers. Dr. Sherman is described by her nominator and co-workers as passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, and an inspiration to all.
Juliana Robinson
The recipient for the MASP 2019 School Psychologist of the Year Award, Juliana Robinson has been serving Montana schools through the Park County Special Education Cooperative for 12 years and one who is passionate about the field of school psychology. Beginning this school year, she has transitioned to working for the Belgrade Public School District. Those nominating Juliana all agreed that she is one who understands how to develop strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, administrators and support staff in a professional manner. She is one who works tirelessly and has accomplished developing an ADOS team for her schools and specialized programs in pre-school and alternate education settings in addition to completing the regular duties of a school psychologist. Also, Juliana has provided many training opportunities for staff and supervision of interns. Juliana has been active with MASP since graduate school doing an incredible amount of work for MT psychs, serving on MASP committees, holding the office of President and currently chairing the Membership Involvement committee. MASP extends congratulations on being named the 2019 School Psychologist of the year.
Kirstie Hartwell
The Montana Association of School Psychologists (MASP) is proud to announce Kirstie Hartwell as the 2024 Montana School Psychologist of the Year. Hartwell, a dedicated school psychologist at Hellgate Elementary School District in Missoula, was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field and her unwavering commitment to student success. Hartwell’s nomination was supported by her colleagues and peers, who praised her leadership, insight, communication skills, and empathy. As a mentor to countless aspiring school psychologists, Hartwell has played a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession. Throughout her career, Hartwell has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students and their families. Her ability to provide comprehensive support, both academically and emotionally, has made her an invaluable asset to the Hellgate Elementary community.
Nicole Bottsford-Miller
The recipient for the MASP 2020 School Psychologist of the Year Award, Nicole Bottsford-Miller has been working for the Billings Public School District, where she has continued to build strong leadership and a positive climate among the staff she works with. Her various nominators endorsed Nicole’s trustworthiness, respectfulness, collaboration with all stakeholders, and vast knowledge of school psychology practices. She has demonstrated leadership in the Billings Public Schools (BPS) School Psychology department, contributions to the BPS Special Education department, exemplar services to schools she serves, MASP involvement, and strong support she provides to students. Nicole is the BPS school psychology department chairs, supervises school psychology interns, and currently serves 2 elementary schools (i.e., Alkali Creek Elementary School and Bench Elementary School). She is well known and respected for her kindness, professionalism, and knowledge across BPS. Other nominators noted that Nicole leads decision-making by helping others arise to conclusions that put students first and that the BPS department functions more cohesively and has a stronger department climate because of her guidance. Her colleagues regard Nicole as well versed, confident, professional, calming, and comforting. MASP extends congratulations to Nicole Bottsford-Miller on being named the 2020 School Psychologist of the year.
Monica Martin
Monica Martin was the 2018 School Psychologist of the year. She is a school psychologist with the Missoula Area Education Cooperative and has been serving in Montana’s school system for 12 years. Letters of recommendation were written by the Seeley Lake Superintendent, a teacher, the Special Education Director, and a secretary. The superintendent wrote: “I have been a superintendent for 12 years and president of a SPED cooperative for 10 years and I have never seen someone as deserving of this award as Monica.” The secretary stated:” she has taken time to help me with infinite Campus and she has donated snacks to my office snack box for students that may need them”
Jessica Carranza
2017-2018
This year’s recipient of the Montana Association of School Psychologists (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 of those around her. Jessica has outstanding qualities which is why she was chosen to be the 2017 MASP School Psychologist of the Year.
Shawna Rader Kelly
2015-2016
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.
Marit Waldum
2016-2017
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 multifaceted school psychologist who serves students from 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.
Julie Parker
2014-2015
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!
Additional SPOY award recipients:
Ron Weaver — 2013-2014
Jackie Johnson-Wirth — 2012-2013
Robin Bissell — 2011-2012
Marshall Prindle — 2010-2011
Ann Verploegen — 2009-2010
Thom Felton — 2008-2009
Joanne Bartsch — 2007-2008
Ginny Jamruska-Milner — 2006-2007
J. Ray Haffey — 2005-2006
Victoria Withrow — 2004-2005
Greg Thurlow — 2003-2004
Doug Fry — 2002-2003
Carla Heintz — 2001-2002
Dwight Von Schriltz — 2000-2001
Richard Wright — 1999-2000
Pat Grassl — 1998-1999
Mark Taylor — 1997-1998
Nancy Padon — 1996-1997
Kathleen Nerison — 1995-1996
Alan Hilden — 1994-1995
Doug Cochran-Roberts — 1993-1994
Charlie Brown — 1992-1993
Evie Lamont — 1991-1992
Bob Runkel — 1990-1991
Lois Nicol — 1989-1990