2015 Nebraska School Psychologist Association (NSPA) Fall Conference

The conference was held October 22nd and 23rd in Omaha.

Approximately 30 Lincoln Public Schools Psychologists had the opportunity to attend the Nebraska School Psychology Association Fall Conference in Omaha. The psychologists spent the morning on Thursday learning more about their roles as mental health practitioners within schools. Dr. Sharon Stephan, Co-Director of the Center for School Mental Health, emphasized the need for mental health supports for students and that of those students who receive services, 75% of them receive support within the school setting. Psychologists gained knowledge about how to support student’s mental health needs through a three-tiered system focusing on prevention through universal screening, early intervention, and data driven decision-making.

Lincoln Public Schools Psychologists also attended a session lead by Karen Haase, a local attorney whose focus is the representation of school districts and other related organizations. Psychologists learned about numerous legal issues as they relate to Special Education placement and services. Throughout her presentation, Mrs. Haase stressed the role and expertise knowledge of the school psychologist in the development and implementation of function-based behavior intervention plans to enhance student outcomes (both behavioral and academic) in the classroom.

The current state president for NSPA is the Lincoln Public Schools Supervisor of Psychologists, Jill Timmons. The current state president elect for NSPA is Molly Kuhl, a psychologist at Arnold and team leader of the psychologists. Other NSPA executive board from Lincoln Public Schools members are: Shannon Hall-Schmeckpeper, PBIS Coach, Amber Biegler, psychologist at Schoo and East and Heather Post, psychologist at Maxey and ECSE.

November 9th starts School Psychology Awareness Week. Watch for more information in the near future!

Submitted by Polly Hess and Amber Biegler

Updated November 3, 2015