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.