KAPS Regional, Best Practice, Jenny Ewald, and School Psychologist of the Year Awards

KAPS Awards

Each year, KAPS presents awards to honor individuals or groups who have engaged in advocacy efforts aligned with KAPS’ vision, mission, and advocacy priorities from across the state.

Each region nominates Kentucky School Psychologists who are reviewed and selected for the regional awards. From the regional awards, the KAPS School Psychologist of the Year is selected. As part of this prestigious award, an anonymous donor has provided a generous donation of $500 to go toward any professional development of the winner’s choice.

The KAPS School Psychologist of the Year will also be recommended to be considered for the National Association of School Psychologists awards.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

2024 KAPS Award Winners

Congratulations to all of the 2024 KAPS Regional Award Winners & the Jennie S. Ewald Scholarship Winnter!

Fayette County-Dr. Kelly Gorbett (Fayette County)

CKEC-Brittany Gray (Jessamine County)

KVEC/KEDC-Jennifer Rose (Lawrence County) & 2024 KAPS School Psychologist of the Year!

WKEC-Angie Garrard (Webster County)

SESC-Dr. Andrea Strait (EKU)

GRREC-Savannah Harley (Hardin County)

OVEC-Dr. Heather Shelton (Owen County)

NKCES-Cindy Jones (Campbell County)

GLEC-Molly Smith (Jefferson County)

Jennie S. Ewald Scholarship Winner-Nia Jaco (Murray State University)

2020 KAPS Award Winners

KAPS 2020 School Psych of the Year Michelle Antle (1)

KAPS 2020 Jenny Ewald Scholarship Winner

2019 KAPS Regional Winners

GLEC - Terri Kendall

Terri Kendall is in her 25th year as a school psychologist. She moved around quite a bit in her childhood and young adulthood (Chicago (IL), Terre Haute (IN), Danbury (CT) and Richmond (KY) until settling in Louisville to raise her children. She has two daughters, ages 25 and 15. Her oldest married in October and is pregnant with Terri’s first grandchild (due this summer). Terri is also an aerial performer and instructor which keeps her busy at night and on weekends. She is with Turners Circus and owns her own performing company called Xalt. Her first book, Be Your Best Self, is a holistic plan for emotional wellness. It is for use as a self-help workbook or in a counseling relationship. Terri enjoys giving presentations about mindfulness and self-care or any topics that help youth or adults.

NKCES - Ashley Smith

My name is Ashley Smith and I graduated from East Central High School (IN) in 2002, then earned my B.S. in Psychology from Baldwin Wallace College (Berea, OH) and my M.S. and Ed.S from the University of Kentucky. I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist in my 11th year of practice and 3rd year at Covington Independent Public Schools after spending time working at Kenton County Schools as well as Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Special Education Cooperative in Indiana. I will be joining Boone County Schools in the fall of 2019. During my tenure I have conducted assessment and consultation services for preschool through high school age students. I am a part of the CIPS district PBIS team and lead the PBIS Foundations team at my elementary as well as the Student Support Team, RtI Team, and compile, manage, analyze, and report all behavioral and discipline data related to our current agreement with the United States Department of Justice. I have been married to my husband and high school sweetheart, Brady (Exceptional Students Teacher), for 6 years. We reside in Independence with our 4 children (Zachary-13, Mason-12, Finley-9, and Aven-5) and 1-year-old Great Dane named Haskins. In my free time I coach Five Seasons Swim Team in Northern Kentucky and enjoy fishing, music, and Ohio State Football.

WKEC - Jamie Risch

Jamie Risch, school psychologist with Webster County Schools, is in her 19th year of serving Kentucky students and families. Jamie attended University of Southern Indiana, where she earned a B.S., Ed in elementary and middle grades education & Murray State University, where she earned a M.A., Ed in guidance counseling, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in school psychology. Prior to becoming a school psychologist, Jamie served as an elementary and middle school teacher, as well as high school guidance counselor.

As Webster County’s school psychologist, Jamie completes Pre-K through high school evaluations, works closely with the district behavior units, and collaborates with school staff, and families in developing plans that offer educational, social emotional supports, and services necessary for student success. She also assists with district crisis response and threat assessments. Additionally, Jamie serves on the WKEC Regional Social Emotional Task Group and was a crisis responder during recovery efforts at Marshall County High School in 2018.

Jamie and her husband, Greg, live in Henderson, KY. They share five children and one grandchild. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and two puppies, Lincoln and Lily, as well as reading, and traveling.

GRREC - April Bowersox McClaran

My name is April Bowersox and I am the School Psychologist for the Caverna Independent School District. My office is located at Caverna Elementary School, where I spend much of my time; however, I serve the entire district. I was hired by Caverna in 2006 as their first and only School Psychologist and I consider it my second home. My role is one that involves wearing many different fun, interesting, and challenging hats as many of my fellow “Lone Rangers” may understand best. My goal is to help the students of Caverna succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I work with teachers, parents, students, and community stakeholders to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school. I am particularly interested in rural school psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and trauma informed practices. Additionally, I serve as the head coach for the Caverna Colonel Run Club of Caverna Elementary School and Membership Chair for the Kentucky Association for Psychology in the Schools. I graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1999. I completed my Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology at Western Kentucky University in 2003. I continued my graduate work at WKU and graduated with my Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree and Rank I in 2006. I grew up in cities across the US, but have made my home in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the past 20 years. There I live with my husband, Shawn, and pug, Otis. I enjoy running, reading, photography, and spending time the people I love. Much of my time is spent having adventures with my nephews and bonus children who light up my life.

OVEC - Sean Reeder

Sean Reeder is a Certified School Psychologist currently working for Henry County Public Schools serving their entire district from preschool through high school. He attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky where he completed both his B.A. in Psychology and his Ed.S. in School Psychology. Mr. Reeder began his career working at WKU as an academic advisor for academically underprepared incoming freshmen before joining the team in Henry County. This is Mr. Reeder’s 6th year serving as Henry County’s school psychologist. In addition to his regular duties, he has served as the district’s RTI/MTSS coordinator, served as a member of the Governor’s Scholar Program selection committee for the district, and teaches a dual-credit, early bird Introduction to Psychology class through Midway University. His professional interests include behavior interventions, diversity, and social/emotional learning. Mr. Reeder has been married to his spouse, Tanya, who is a kindergarten teacher, for more than 10 years. They reside in Shelbyville, Kentucky with their 2-year-old son, London Ash, and their 2 pets, a cat named Pearl and a dog named Jam. Outside of work, Sean enjoys tabletop board games, rock climbing, and has found a recent interest in CrossFit.

BIG EAST / KVEC - Jessica Sturgill

Jessica Sturgill is a school psychologist in Pike County, with nine years of experience in the field. Along with testing and report writing, she has broadened her role to include updating school safety policies and procedures, and she is a member of Link Crew which is a mentoring program for the incoming freshman class. Aside from her career, Jessica is a mother of two young children, a member of her local church, and a listener to audiobooks.

SE / SC - Roy Mays

I got a bachelor’s degree in psychology from EKU and then a master’s degree in General psychology, but I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. I then looked into EKU’s school psychology program, and I decided I’d try that. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been the school psychologist in Jackson County since 1998. I mainly do assessments, and I’m OK with that because I like doing assessments. I try to sneak in other things too, like collaboration and interventions when I can. I also do a couple things that are probably kind of unique to school psychologists, and those kinds of things help keep me refreshed. Every year, I train and update staff on confidentiality. Another example, I also help with county-wide spelling bee. I’ve been a member of KAPS since my grad school days. I just finished my second term as treasurer for KAPS and am currently the first-ever Past Treasurer in the history of KAPS. I was also recently asked to help launch a chapter of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) in Jackson County; appropriately enough, I was elected treasurer for our small affiliate. In my freetime, I like Star Wars stuff and Marvel and DC superhero stuff. My most unique talent is that I can name the number one pop song with good accuracy for any given week of the 1980’s.

SKEC - Stephanie Boggs

I grew up in Corbin, Kentucky and earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University. I was a December graduate, so while awaiting to begin the school psychology program at EKU the following fall, I worked at Migrant Even Start/Kentucky River Foothills Head Start to assist mothers who were trying to obtain their GED and their preschool- age children with school readiness skills. As part of the EKU school psychology program, I completed practicums at a small community school that served K-12 and a private setting that also served K-12. For my internship year, I was hired to work with Fayette County Public Schools with my main school being a high school. Upon completion of my internship year, I earned my Specialist degree in School Psychology and eighteen years later continue to be part of Fayette County Public Schools and at the very same high school I did my internship. Early in my career in addition to serving my high school, I served an elementary and middle school program. More recently, in the past approximately seven years, along with my high school, I’ve served numerous alternative programs for both middle and high school age. I’m a mother of two sons. My oldest son graduated EKU Spring of 2019 with a Bachelor in Business Administration and my youngest son will be attending high school this fall. Serving as a school psychologist has allowed me to use my skills to accomplish many goals like improving academic achievement; promoting positive behavior and mental health; supporting diverse learners; and creating a safe, positive school climate.

2019 KAPS Best Practices Award Winners

Jessica Birdwhitsell

A Lexington native, I live here with my spouse John, our two-year-old daughter Zoe, and our goldendoodle Boogie. I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at Denison University where I played NCAA collegiate soccer all four years. I returned to Lexington for graduate school at the University of Kentucky where I completed my doctorate in school psychology as well as earned a certificate in developmental disabilities. While in graduate school I also coached girl’s high school soccer for four years. I have had the pleasure of working as a school psychologist in Fayette County Public Schools for the past six years. Prior to being employed in Fayette County as a school psychologist, I completed a year-long practicum placement in Anderson County, two years of advanced practicum in Fayette County, and a year-long internship in Fayette County to complete my doctorate. During my second year of graduate school, I founded the LYSA TOPSoccer League in central Kentucky for athletes ages four and older with disabilities. I continue to serve as the director for the league, which recently completed its 10th year (20th season). Each season TOPSoccer serves approximately 60 athletes with the assistance of 75 volunteers. During the 2015-2016 academic year, I served as an adjunct professor for the University of Kentucky School Psychology graduate program teaching Cognitive Assessment and Psychoeducational Interventions to first year graduate students.

Stephanie Boggs

Darcy Burt

Darcy is in her 10th year as a school psychologist. She graduated with an Bachelor in Psychology from the University of Louisville and her Ed.S. in School Psychology at Western Kentucky University. She completed her internship in Madison County Schools, worked for 5 years in Hardin County Schools, and has worked for JCPS for 4 years. Darcy lives in Louisville with her husband of 7 years, Jarod, and her kids, Lincoln (age 3) and Hazel (age 2).

Kristin DeMichele

I have been practicing school psychology for the past 18 years. I completed my internship and 2nd year serving students and families in Meade County Public Schools. Then, in 2002, I joined the crew of school psychologists in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). I currently serve a population of 2800 students. I serve one high school, one middle school, two elementary schools in the Southern part of Jefferson County. I also volunteer on the Early Childhood team and have participated in arena assessments for early childhood students for the past 14 years. I received my Associate of Arts degree from Somerset Community College in 1996; my Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University in 1998; and graduated with my Specialist in Psychology degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001. I served as Region Representative for KAPS from 2007-2009. I earned the KAPS Best Practice Award in Counseling in 2007. I have been married to my husband Mickey, since 2000, and we have two athletic little girls, Hallie (10) and Emma (7) who keep us hopping with dance, gymnastics, track, Cross Country, and year round swimming with Lakeside. We have 5 pets: a Siamese cat (Mia); 3 Glow-Fish (Blueberry, Peaches, & Banana); and 1 Serpae Tetra fish (CeeCee). We also have an adopted therapy dog, Ari, who lives with his teacher mommy but spends time with his school psychologist mommy typically on Fridays. My hobbies include traveling, swimming, cycling, reading, cooking, and being actively involved in my girls’ school and sport activities. Best self-care strategies include: sleep, watching movies from the 80’s, deep tissue aromatherapy massages, yoga, and eating sushi & chocolate fondue for dessert guilt-free!

Martina Grider

I am a lifelong resident of Louisville, Kentucky. I received my undergraduate, graduate, and school psychology degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. I began with Jefferson County on my internship in 2011 and have been fortunate enough to continue working there since then. I am getting married in December to my wonderful fiancé, Darren Roberts. We are currently remodeling our first home together. I love spending time with my family and friends, especially all of my nieces and nephews. I also enjoy taking my dog, Rossi, out on walks and to the park. In my spare time, I love cooking, baking, reading, and catching up on my favorite shows.

Kelsi Gosnell-Grisby

Kelsi completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology at the University of Louisville. After teetering between clinical psychology, social work, and teaching, Kelsi was introduced to the field of school psychology. This career was the perfect blend of psychology and education. After completing the school psychology Ed.S program at the University of Kentucky, Kelsi began her career in Jessamine County Schools. After two and a half years of irreplaceable mentorship and experience, Kelsi relocated home to Louisville and began working for Jefferson County Public Schools. While working for Jefferson County Kelsi has had the opportunity to work with students of various ages and demographics, including students at a special high school who have experienced significant trauma. Kelsi is a lead crisis responder for the district and serves on the KAPS school mental health committee.

Paige Hall

Paige Hale, Ed.D, NCSP has worked as a school psychologist for the past 12 years and is currently employed by the Clark County Schools. Paige is graduate of Transylvania University where she majored in psychology and Spanish and earned her Ed.S from the University of Kentucky. In 2015, she earned her Ed.D in Educational Leadership with a concentration educational technology from Morehead State University. Paige has worked in Nelson County, Lincoln County, and two years at the Model Laboratory School at EKU. Paige’s areas of professional interest include educational technology, crisis intervention, play therapy, academic writing, and mentoring. Paige has served as an internship supervisor as well as supervised EKU mental health counseling students and school psychology graduate assistants. Paige served in a leadership role in APA Division 46 (Society for Media Psychology & Technology) from 2013-2015, and she was the 2016-2017 President of the Technology Integrated Learning division of Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT). Paige has participated in conference planning, has presented at many conferences, including KAPS, and has published peer-reviewed papers on topics ranging from educational technology, leadership, and exceptional learners. She served as a KAPS crisis responder in Estill (2017) and Marshall (2018) Counties. Paige completed a graduate certificate in Play Therapy from EKU, and she is currently working toward her School-Based Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT) credential.

Lorie A. Hall

Lorie A. Hall, Ed.S., NCSP, is a school psychologist with over twenty years of experience in the field. She credits her dedication to this profession from the grit and work ethic derived from her Eastern Kentucky roots, as well as a strong passion for helping children. Having graduated from Western Kentucky University, Lorie has provided school psychology services in three different regions of the state. Currently, she serves the students in Clark County Public Schools, and works in elementary and junior high settings. Lorie’s professional interests include school mental health services, threat assessment and school safety, trauma-informed care, and interventions for students in poverty. Regarding self-care, Lorie is an avid movie watcher, loves reading sci-fi/fantasy, and attempts to garden in her backyard. She currently resides with her wonderful husband, Andy, and brilliant young son, Elliot, in Richmond, Kentucky; this family suffers from a serious addiction to collecting seashells from warm beaches, lounging around on cruise ships, and standing in lines at the “people” trap otherwise known as Disneyworld.

Mallory Hart

Mallory is a school psychologist for Butler County School District, a wife and mom of two amazing children, and recent cancer survivor! She became interested in school psychology while working at an in-patient behavioral health facility for youth during college. She decided it best to meet the behavioral health needs of youth by going where children spend the largest chunk of their time, in the school setting. Her professional interests include advocacy for the profession and for our student populations. Through KAPS, she is able to lobby for our student needs and our professional needs to ensure laws are in line with our professional framework by volunteering on the Government and Professional Relations Committee. In her district, she serves as the District Health Coordinator and RTI coordinator in addition to her school psychologist role. In her spare time, Mallory enjoys playing softball, watching her children grow up into fantastic people, reading, and traveling.

Diane Herrick

Diane has been a school psychologist in Jefferson County since 1997. She has served KAPS as treasurer and president and chaired the conference committee from 2008-2017. Her professional interests include advocacy, suicide prevention, SLD identification, supporting LGBTQ populations, crisis response, and positive psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, music, spending time with family and friends, indulging her fur kids, planning trips and traveling, and taking naps.

Terri Kendall

Kristen Kyriacou

Dr. Kristen Kyriacou earned her BS in psychology from the University of Wyoming before pursuing her Psy.D in School Psychology at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University. After earning her doctorate in 1991, she spent one year on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean, where she provided school psychological services to an international school. In this role she served the children of diplomats from many countries and cultures. While in Cyprus, she also taught at Empire State College, which is a satellite of the State University of New York. After returning to the US she worked in the Milwaukee Public Schools for 7 years. She has worked for JCPS for 21 years, and currently supports 2 elementary schools and one middle school. Her professional interests include developing social skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, executive functioning, crisis response, and legislative advocacy. Kristen and her husband Stephanos have been married for 27 years. They have one son, Nick, who recently graduated from college and is currently pursuing his Ph.D in physics at the University of Michigan. She enjoys hiking and kayaking with her dog, traveling with her family, reading, and playing the piano.

Amy McClain

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Amy practiced her skills in various settings. She provided direct services to adults with developmental disabilities, performed evaluations for adult/adolescent drug court, and conducted intake assessments at a psychiatric hospital. As luck would have it, she discovered the field of school psychology while flipping through a course catalogue for the University of Kentucky. Upon completion of her coursework in 2002 she relocated to Louisville and began a career with Jefferson County Public Schools. Fortunately, Amy’s had the pleasure of working with a host of remarkable colleagues, both within the Exceptional Child Education Department and at various schools. When she’s not administering IQ tests, or racing down the interstate late for a meeting, Amy enjoys camping, napping, traveling and eating Graeters ice-cream.

Rashawna Mullaney

My name is Rashawna Mullaney and I have been a school psychologist for 22 years. I completed my school psychology graduate work at Eastern Kentucky University. My internship was with OVEC serving Henry County, Westpoint Independent, Grant County, and Anchorage Schools. In 1999, I joined Jefferson County Public schools where I developed a passion for diversity, ADHD and Autism assessment. As a “boots on the ground psychologist,” I completed assessments for the Early Childhood team and Private School team. I facilitated training on the referral and reevaluation process. I am currently in the role as the Lead Psychologist with JCPS where my passion is broadening school psychological services within the district according to the NASP practice model. Outside of work, my husband, Dan and I are parents to two teenagers. For family time, we enjoy Destin, FL, going to concerts, and hanging out with our two furry canine friends.

Melissa Pascua

Melissa Pascua is a school psychologist who has worked for Jefferson County Public Schools for 22 years. She is active in trainings for evaluation procedures and the Exceptional Child Education department’s Communication and Infrastructure PLC. Outside of work, she is involved with engaged couple ministry and music ministry at her church. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter, and they have a son who is in college at University of Cincinnati.

Bhaavana Reddy

I am currently a school psychologist with the Glasgow Independent School District in Glasgow, KY. This year is my ninth year as a school psychologist. I previously worked and completed my internship in Indianapolis, Indiana. With the Glasgow School District, I am the only full time school psychologist and responsible for one elementary school, one middle school, the town high school, an alternative school, and I also assist with early childhood assessments. My school district is a rural Title 1 school district with roughly 2300 students.