Washington Psychologist Awards



Washington State Psychologist Awards

Each year the Washington State Psychological Association recognizes individuals and organizations who have contributed meaningfully to the purpose of WSPA, which is to support, promote and advance the science, education and practice of psychology in the public interest. 

The WSPA Board of Trustees solicits nominations from its members for the awards, evaluates and votes on these nominations, and then presents the awards to the winners at a ceremony during the annual WSPA Fall convention.

Distinguished Scholar: Given in recognition of significant contributions to psychological research or academic scholarship which advances access to the field of psychology. This award is open to both members and non-members.

Rising star: Given to a pre licensed individual who has demonstrated commitment to public service and shows outstanding aptitude as a Psychologist in training. This award is open to both members and non-members.

Sustained Service Award: Given in recognition to individuals whose many years of practice have been of significant benefit to communities they served. This award is open to members only.

Collective change award: Given to a group of people or an organization that demonstrates significant care for the advancement of psychological health for marginalized communities. This award is open to both members and non-members.

Public steward award: Honors an individual that has contributed to the psychological health and wellness of their community. This award is available to non-members only.

G. Andrew H. Benjamin award: Dr. Benjamin, a Seattle-based JD/PhD provider, has given years of continuous service and has invested countless hours to the professional development of individual members, modeled humility and clearly espouses the values of a lifelong learner. This award recognizes a member whom, like Dr. Benjamin, has been generous with time, creativity, and service towards the development and the sustaining success of WSPA. This award is open to all members, as well as any person on the board or staff, and interns. 



2023 Awardees:

Distinguished Scholar Award

Lynette Bikos, Ph.D., ABPP

Rising Star Award

Tilda Cvrkel, Ph.D

Distinguished Service Award

Stephen Feldman, JD, Ph.D

Sustained Service Award

Samantha Slaughter, Psy.D

Collective Challenge Award

Associates in Behavioral Health, PLLC

Public Steward Award

Shamyka Sutton, Ph. D

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award

Laura Asbell, Ph.D


2022 Awardees:

Distinguished Psychologist Award

Alexandra Murphy, Ph.D

Distinguished Service Award

Stephen Feldman, JD, Ph.D

Social Issues Award

Anita Khandelwal

Sustained Service Award

David Shearer, Ph.D., MSCP

Legislative Service Award

Rep. Kelly Chambers 25LD

Presidential Service Award

Christen Carson, Ph.D., ABPP

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award

Wren Hudgins, Ph.D.


2021 Awardees:

Distinguished Psychologist Award

Janet Look, Ed.D.

Sustained Service Award

Sonia Venkatraman, Ph.D.

Distinguished Service Award

Steven Curtis, Ph.D.

Social Issues Award

Eileen Twohy, Ph.D.

Public Citizen Award

Molly Cevasco, Ph.D., BCBA

Legislative Service Award

Rep. Marcus Riccelli, WA 3rd LD

Presidential Service Award

Julia Mackaronis, Ph.D.

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award

Carol Moore, Ph.D.


2020 Awardees:

Distinguished Psychologist Award

Tona McGuire, Ph.D. and Kira Mauseth, Ph.D.

Distinguished Service Award

Debbie Shapiro, Psy.D.

Social Issues Award

Trevor Covington, M.S., C.E.M.

Legislative Service Award

Sen. Randi Becker, WA 2nd LD

Presidential Service Award

Julia Mackaronis, Ph.D.

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award

Sharon Young, Psy.D.


2019 Awardees:

Distinguished Psychologist Award

Jude Bergkamp, Psy.D.

Sustained Service Award

Molly Reid, Ph.D., ABPP

Social Issues Award

Jeff Baird, Ph.D.

Public Citizen Award

Bobby Kizer, Ph.D.

Legislative Service Award

Recipient: Rep. Nicole Macri, WA 43rd LD

Presidential Service Award

Dominika Breedlove, Psy.D.

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award

Sonia Venkatraman, Ph.D.



2018 Awardees:

Distinguished Psychologist Award

Heather Carmichael Olson, Ph.D.

Distinguished Serice Award

Nancy Goldov, Psy.D.

Outstanding Service Award

Lucy Homas, Ed.D.

Legislative Service Award

Representative Ruth Kagi, (D) 32nd L.D.

Public Citizen Award

WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and WSU Athletic Department

Presidential Service Award

Sonia Venkatraman, PH.D.


2017 Awardees:

Distinguished Psychologist Award
Kate Comtois, Ph.D., MPH

Distinguished Service Award
Russell Hanford, Ph.D.

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award
Stephen Feldman J.D., Ph.D.

Sustained Service Award
Samantha Slaughter, Psy.D.

Social Issues Award
Molly Carney, Ph.D.

Public Citizen Award
Teri Koski, President of NAMI Spokane

Legislative Service Award
State Representative Eileen Cody, (D) 34th L.D.

Presidential Service Award
Sonia Venkatraman, Ph.D.


Pictures of the 2017 awards ceremony are on the WSPA Flickr page.

Past Recipients 1997 - 2016