Commitees

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Advocacy Committees  /  Organizational Support Committees  /  Professional Development Committees  /  Professional Guidance Committees  /  Ad-Hoc Committees

Advocacy Committees & Task Forces

WSPA advocacy committees and task forces are dedicated to advancing psychology-related legislation, promoting social justice, and driving systemic change to improve mental health care access and equity in Washington State. Members may join any of these committees or task forces to help drive change through advocacy and collaboration. By engaging with these groups, you can help influence public policy, support underserved communities, and make a meaningful impact in the field of psychology.

Good Trouble Committee

The Good Trouble Committee, established in 2020, addresses oppression and power imbalances within the profession and practice of psychology. Its work focuses on fostering inclusion, equity, and advocacy to create a more just and equitable world.

• Chair: Julia Mackaronis, Ph.D. (rotating position)
• Meeting Frequency: 3-4 times annually, with ad hoc, asynchronous projects
• Key Responsibilities: Establish annual goals aligned with WSPA’s strategic plan, develop and implement diversity-focused initiatives, provide recommendations to the Board of Trustees, and engage in legislative advocacy to combat discrimination and inequality.
• Goals: Expand access and pathways for marginalized members, provide educational opportunities on diversity and equity, and foster dialogue to challenge bias and privilege within the profession.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The committee supports WSPA’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion by creating opportunities for underrepresented psychologists and advocating for accessible, equitable psychological services in Washington State.

Grassroots Advocacy

The Committee provides two psychologists for all legislative districts except for six (no psychologists living within those districts) to lobby while providing UP-PAC donations. Talking points for the lobbying are created by the DPA and the WSPA lobbyist.

• Chair: Deborah Corey, PhD
• Meeting Frequency: Varies
• Key Responsibilities: Identify willing psychologists to serve as advocates; Obtain talking points for the lobbying from the DPA (who consults with the lobbyist); Make sure the talking points are distributed and understood; Provide UP-PAC checks for the meetings (amounts of donations are determined by the DPA and lobbyist, and ratified by a unanimous vote by UP-PAC).
• Goals: Re-invigorate this committee. Encourage leadership to raise more money from our membership and other WA psychologists so that more donations and greater access to lobbying can occur.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The Grassroots Advocacy Committee is a significant piece of WSPA’s legislative advocacy strategy.

Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC)

The Legislative Advocacy Committee works in collaboration with the DPA, Lobbyist, UP-PAC, Grassroots Advocates, and the WSPA Board of Trustees to monitor and influence Washington State legislation affecting: the practice of psychology, consumers of psychological services, or social policies where there is relevant psychological research. It’s also the LAC’s goal to educate, inform, and alert members on legislation which has potential effects on psychological training, practice, or research endeavors.

• Chair: VACANT
• Meeting Frequency: Varies
• Key Responsibilities: The Legislative Advocacy Committee represents the voice of membership in collaboration with the DPA, Lobbyist, UP-PAC, Grassroots Advocates, and the WSPA Board of Trustees to monitor and influence Washington State legislation affecting the practice of psychology, consumers of psychological services, or social policies where there is relevant psychological research. It’s also the LAC’s goal to educate, inform, and alert members on legislation which has potential effects on psychological training, practice, or research endeavors.
• Goals: Align to the WSPA Legislative priorities approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: This committee aligns to all areas of WSPA’s mission.

Prescriptive Authority Legislative Task Force (RxP)

The RxP Legislative Taskforce supports WSPA’s mission by advocating for legislation that allows appropriately trained psychologists in Washington to prescribe psychotropic medications, expanding opportunities for psychologists and improving access to care.

• Chair: David Shearer, Ph.D., MSCP; Vice Chair: Jaime Wilson, Ph.D., MSCP
• Meeting Frequency: As needed, with increased activity before legislative sessions
• Key Responsibilities: Fundraise, write grants, meet with legislators and lobbyists, develop educational materials, and testify during legislative hearings.
• Goals: Secure passage of a bill granting prescriptive authority to trained psychologists in Washington.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The taskforce prioritizes expanding access to psychotropic medication for underserved communities and incorporates diverse stakeholder perspectives in its advocacy work.

Organizational Support Committees

These committees are the backbone of WSPA’s operations, driving member engagement, enhancing internal and external communications, and building strategic partnerships to support our programs and initiatives. If you’re passionate about fostering community, boosting member satisfaction, or securing valuable sponsorships, consider joining one of these groups.

Members can get involved to shape the future of WSPA through outreach, sponsorships, and community building.

Communications

The Communications committee focuses on communicating with WSPA members and the public about the Association and its resources and activities.

• Chair: Jay Patel, Ph.D.
• Meeting Frequency: Ad-hoc
• Key Responsibilities: Develop, update and monitor the Association’s communications policies, social networking accounts, and electronic discussion groups, as well as recommending new ways for the Association to communicate with its members and other interested parties through alternative media. The committee is also responsible for regularly updating and marketing information about the Association’s activities, Board Meetings, outreach, news updates on the Association and its officers, and other updates on current regional, national and world events impacting psychology, as well as monitoring and moderating the WSPA Listserv, all in coordination with WSPA Staff, Board and Committee chairs.
• Goals: Contribute to WSPA new Web Site and Circle platform development and launch.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The Communications Committee supports the WSPA overall mission by increasing awareness of Association resources and activities.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee focuses on attracting and supporting WSPA members by building community, advocating for member needs, and developing valuable member resources.

• Chair: Andrea Neal, Ph.D.
• Meeting Frequency: Monthly via Zoom
• Key Responsibilities: Perform outreach to new members, create and maintain member resources, and host member events both virtually and in-person.
• Goals: Develop WSPA’s new Circle community, deliver content for the WSPA website’s “Member Resources” section, and host quarterly events for members.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The Membership Committee supports psychologists and students in their professional lives by developing supportive community spaces and valuable member benefits. In addition, the committee emphasizes inclusivity and cultural humility while leveraging diversity as a strength to enhance WSPA’s community and support its mission.

Partnerships & Sponsorships

This committee focuses on building and managing relationships with external partners and sponsors to enhance WSPA’s programs, events, and member benefits.

• Chair: Angela Agelopoulos, Psy.D.
• Meeting Frequency: Monthly
• Key Responsibilities: The committee develops and implements structured partnership and sponsorship programs, creating opportunities that align with WSPA’s values and advance organizational growth.
• Goals: Launch the new Partnerships & Sponsorships Committee, Explore potential partnership models and sponsorship strategies, Develop a sponsor prospectus for the 2025 Fall Convention, Implement new initiatives to expand partner and sponsor engagement
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The Partnerships & Sponsorships Committee supports WSPA’s mission by strengthening external collaborations that enhance member services and increase access to professional resources.

Professional Development Committees

Our professional development committees are designed to support the growth and success of WSPA members at every career stage. From continuing education to mentorship and student engagement, these committees provide valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with fellow psychologists.

Members can get involved to contribute to WSPA’s educational offerings and member development initiatives.

Continuing Education (CE) Committee

The WSPA Continuing Education (CE) committee is responsible for the WSPA-sponsored continuing education program and managing WSPA’s obligations as an APA-approved CE Sponsor. The Committee monitors member needs and professional trends, develops training priorities, schedules training events, coordinates with and advises speakers for internal CE events and third-party organizers of external events in the CE application process, reviews submissions and makes determinations of CE awards based on APA criteria. The committee operates the continuing education programs at the highest quality and revenue rate possible, returning value to WSPA and its members.

• Chair: Megan Gaschk, PhD
• Meeting Frequency: Quarterly via Zoom
• Key Responsibilities: Review CE applications and post-tests, organize the annual call for CE proposals, and support convention planning and cross-committee collaboration for CEs.
• Goals: Approve up to six spring CEs, engage other committees to provide at least one CE annually, and increase representation of diverse and marginalized voices in CEs.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The committee ensures equitable access to education, prioritizing cultural competence and diversity in psychology training.

Fall Convention Committee

The Fall Convention Committee is coordinating all aspects of WSPA’s Fall Convention.This includes the identification of a venue, invitation and selection of speakers, planning and developing of the convention program’s speakers, workshops, poster sessions and networking activities, creating possibilities to connect, securing partnerships and sponsorships, advertise the convention, and coordinate volunteer efforts and on-site support. implementing the convention speakers and CE sessions, and workshops, poster presentations, partnership and sponsorships

• Co-Chairs: Elizabeth Scriven, Ph.D., Chuck Benincasa, PsyD
• Meeting Frequency: Weekly (during convention planning season April – October annually)
• Key Responsibilities: Fall Convention
• Goals: Provide high-level professional development opportunities through continuing education, networking and access to professional communities and resources.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: To advance the profession.

Early Career Psychologists (ECP) Committee

The ECP Committee provides tools, support, and guidance to psychologists early in their careers, helping them navigate the transition into the profession and build professional identity and competence.

• Chair: Miglany Gomila, Ph.D.
• Meeting Frequency: Monthly via Zoom
• Key Responsibilities: Advocate for ECP needs, develop programs for growth, and create opportunities to further the profession.
• Goals: Expand Speaker Series reach and attendance, support leadership transitions, and grow the committee.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The committee fosters inclusivity and diversity in psychology by supporting BIPOC and neurodivergent professionals through the licensure process and addressing state-level needs.

Graduate Student Committee

The Graduate Student Committee supports psychology students by fostering professional growth, offering mentorship opportunities, and increasing involvement within WSPA. It aims to connect graduate students with resources and provide a space for collaboration and innovation.

• Co-Chairs: Cara Guthrie, and Conny Kirchhoff, Ph.D.
• Meeting Frequency: Monthly via Zoom
• Key Responsibilities: Recruit and engage student members, develop mentorship programs, organize the student poster symposium at Fall Convention, advocate for graduate student needs and represent Graduate Students in WSPA Leadership (the Committee Graduate Student Representative is a voting member of the WSPA BoT).
• Goals: Establish a mentorship program, promote involvement in WSPA among graduate students, and provide meaningful services to attract and retain graduate student members, e.g. information regarding state licensing regulations and application procedures. 
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The committee aligns with WSPA’ s mission by supporting the next generation of psychologists and promoting inclusion, professional development, and collaboration within the field.

Professional Guidance Committees

These committees provide expert legal, ethical, and professional advice to WSPA members, helping to navigate complex challenges in clinical practice, policy, and professional conduct. Members work together to guide the organization through legal briefs, ethics consultations, and policy recommendations.

Members who are passionate about providing professional support or addressing legal and ethical challenges may get involved.

Ethics Committee

As a vital member benefit, the Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA) offers access to confidential ethics consultations provided by its Ethics Committee. The Committee will provide members with expert guidance to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in alignment with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and Washington state considerations. These consultations assist members in examining their professional responsibilities through the lens of the principles and standards of the APA Ethics Code of Conduct. Through these consultations, WSPA reinforces its commitment to ethical excellence and supports its members in upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.

• Chair: Jeffrey Schloemer, Ph.D.
• Meeting Frequency: Monthly via Zoom
• Key Responsibilities: Provide ethics consultations, maintain meeting minutes, deliver quarterly updates to WSPA leadership, and publish quarterly “Ethics Tidbits.”
• Goals: Expand ethics education through “Tidbits,” recruit new members to address retirements, and stay informed on upcoming APA Ethics Code revisions to share with the WSPA community.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: The committee fosters equity by recognizing the diverse nuances of culture and society, supporting ethical practice that serves Washington’s diverse population.

JD/PhD

The JD/PhD Committee is comprised of WSPA members who hold dual degrees in law and psychology and offer their expertise to WSPA leadership and members, draft amici briefs on behalf of WSPA about Washington Supreme Court cases that could affect policies or legal standards that could detrimentally affect the practice of psychology.,

• Co-Chairs: Stephen Feldman, JD, PhD & Andy Benjamin, JD, PhD, ABPP
• Meeting Frequency: As needed
• Key Responsibilities: Answer WSPA leadership and member questions about legal issues and drafting amici briefs on behalf of WSPA about Washington  Supreme Court cases that could affect policies espoused by WSPA or legal standards that could detrimentally affect the practice of psychology. The DPA serves as an ex-officio member of the JD/PhD committee and recommends to the committee possible amici cases. The committee and the DPA then must seek approval of the WSPA Board of Trustees WSPA before filing final briefs before the Court.
• Goals: Recruit other JD/PhD psychologists to join the committee.
• Connection to WSPA Mission: Provide a legal consult service to WSPA leadership and members; advocate on behalf of psychology before the WA Supreme Court.

Ad-Hoc Committees & Task Forces

WSPA occasionally forms ad hoc committees and task forces to address time-limited needs or specific areas of focus. These groups offer opportunities for members to contribute their expertise in meaningful, targeted ways. If you’re interested in joining or proposing a task force, please contact us at wspa@wspapsych.org.

Disaster Relief Network

The WSPA Disaster Relief Network (DRN) is part of the APA’s national disaster response program. The DRN is composed of licensed psychologists who are trained to provide volunteer psychological support to individuals and communities affected by disasters and public health emergencies in Washington State. DRN members may respond in collaboration with local, state, and national agencies, offering services such as psychological first aid, debriefings, and consultation.

• • Chair: Debbie Shapiro, Ph.D.
  • Email: debbieshapiro@mac.com

IRB Committee

Coming Soon!