At the May AGM, the MASP 2023 Award of Excellence was presented to Robert George for outstanding contribution in the practice of Psychology in the school setting.

Innovation, persistence, inspiration, and leadership only begin to reflect Robert George’s career, which has focused on reducing barriers and improving outcomes for students, school communities, and clinicians in ways which extend beyond divisional boundaries.

Beginning in 2018, Rob’s collaborative Assistive Technology (AT) project, evaluating the impact of Microsoft Learning Tools on well-being and learning, led to the implementation of a divisional framework outlining the use of AT for student support. This led to several local, national, and international articles and speaking engagements, and inspired a national campaign by Microsoft Canada for universal and accessible supports for students with learning challenges.

More recently, his passion for early prevention, assessment, and intervention of literacy skills evolved into a collaborative multidisciplinary project utilizing early screening measures and school-based background questionnaires, to identify at-risk students and guide explicit instructional supports in all tiers. This work, which has markedly improved student literacy outcomes, has shifted division-wide practices, fostered collaborations with multiple researchers, an ongoing partnership with the Multilingualism and Literacy Lab at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), as well as publications, conference presentations, and ongoing advocacy with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and Dyslexia Canada.

As a sessional Assistant Professor (Université de Saint-Boniface), practicum field supervisor (University of Manitoba School Psychology program), and Career Mentor for undergraduate students, Rob demonstrates his commitment to mentorship. He also serves on local Boards, previously Centre de Santé and currently for the Aulneau Renewal Centre as well as a clinical representative for the Louis Riel Teacher's Association. Due to an identified need in the community, Robert has provided French language psychoeducational assessments and more recently, therapy under private practice supervision. Rob’s dedication to inclusion, equity, advocacy and collaboration is exemplary.

For more details on Rob, check out the award announcement, or check out Rob's website.

Dawn Hanson, President of MASP, presented the MASP Award of Excellence plaque to Keith Moen. Given current circumstances, such as COVID-19 restrictions, no in-person MASP AGM, and Keith working-from-home, it was a very different kind of “award ceremony” this year – a socially distanced hand-off of the beautiful silver and black plaque on Keith’s front lawn. Keith noted that "It would have been so nice to have had a chance to celebrate this in person with my colleagues and friends. So, in lieu, I have written up a speech to express my thoughts. I hope it will offer you a few smiles or laughs, a couple of gasps, and perhaps some thoughts to chew on for our profession as School Psychologists" (Keith wishes for his speech to be only available to MASP members who have logged in. He'd also like to know your thoughts if you wish to comment). "Thank you MASP, for this honour,” says Keith."

Dr. Jen Theule, School Psychology Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba, shared the following words about Dr. Walker at the award event.

MASP Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution and innovation resulting in a qualitative change in the lives of children and adolescents is being awarded to Dr. John Walker who I have had the pleasure to work with over my time at U of M. Barry Mallin nominated John for this award, but unfortunately couldn’t be here today, and so asked me to share some of my thoughts about John as well as some of Barry’s.

Personally, John is one of the kindest, most giving people I know. He and I had a meeting just last week, and on top of the this wonderful research project he was sharing with me, he brought 8 boxes of books! 8! Who does that? John.

Those of you who know him will know that John is the archetypal Scientist-Practitioner. He isn’t just a researcher who does some clinical work; or a clinical who does some research: he is strong in both. His clinical expertise in the treatment of anxiety disorders is highly respected by his colleagues and he is famous for taking any case no matter how difficult. He has also been a relentless researcher since graduate school and all of his clinical work is strongly informed by science. He is a highly productive writer of papers and books and he has secured some very large grants to conduct research, particularly in the area of Knowledge Translation.

John is obsessed with getting the benefits of psychological science to as many people as possible. His work is the core of the self-help programming used by the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba, which he handed over to them for free. He was the catalyst for bringing the Triple P Parenting Program to Manitoba that is now supported by the provincial government. Lately, he has been investing heavily in developing online clinical and self-help programming, especially targeting children and youth.

He has been such a friend to school psychology and to the children of this province both as a clinician and as a researcher. He really does exemplify excellence in services to children and youth.

Dawn completed her graduate training in psychology at the University of Manitoba and has worked as a school psychologist for the Child Guidance Clinic (CGC) since 1984 providing services to the Transcona Springfield Unit, Winnipeg South Unit, and Winnipeg North Unit. As a practitioner, mentor and supervisor, Dawn has promoted innovation and broadening the scope of school-based psychological services as well as the development of competence in core practices such as assessment, diagnosis and interventions/treatment. In her role as a school psychologist, Dawn has developed and presented numerous workshops, participated in program development, facilitated parent education and support sessions. In addition, she has chaired several divisional committees including the CGC Ethics Committee, the Transcona Springfield School Division CGC Review Committee, and, perhaps most notably, the CGC Psychology Department Professional Development Committee which she chaired for 12 years.

Dawn has had an active role in shaping the profession of school psychology in Manitoba and advocating for an inclusive College of Psychology. Dawn is an active member of the Manitoba Association of School Psychologists (MASP) and has served as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Co-Chair of the Issues Committee. In her years of advocacy for a new College of Psychologists, Dawn has developed an extensive knowledge about government structures and processes and continues to offer analytical and insightful contributions in developing MASP’s legislative positions and strategies. She has effectively represented MASP at numerous meetings with government Ministers and Health / Education Department officials and has effectively represented MASP during formal negotiations with PAM in 1999 and 2010/2011. Dawn’s high level of commitment and dedication to the practice of psychology in the school setting has extended to the national level as a current board member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) as a member of the CPA Membership Committee, and most recently as a member of the CPA Audit Committee and incoming Chair of Sections 31 (Psychology specialty areas within CPA).

Our sincerest congratulations go to Dawn Hanson for her outstanding contribution in the practice of psychology in the school setting.

Dr. Barry Mallin was awarded prior to our website posts.

On May 29, 2009, Al Kircher was presented with the award during the MASP Annual General Meeting.

Al Kircher has provided many outstanding contributions to the practice of school psychology in addition to producing a lasting impact in the lives of many children, adolescents, educators, clinicians, and future psychologists. Al is well-known and highly regarded by practitioners, trainers, and students alike. He has promoted innovative service models as well as the implementation of various evidence-based programs (e.g., Families and Schools Together) in both rural and urban settings. His service orientation and commitment to children and youth are evident in his interactions and his work. His contributions have benefited many Manitoba students, families, and practitioners.

Over the years, Al has served in many roles including clinician, supervisor, cooperating psychologist, and mentor. He demonstrates his dedication to the profession by mentoring school psychology practicum students, developing and promoting evidence-based services, conducting presentations focused on aboriginal issues and strength-based approaches, and spending his personal time on his ‘hobby’ of educating others about anxiety and depression as well as the intricacies of the brain. Al is an exceptional clinician who exemplifies both the scientist-practitioner and service orientations. 

Eric Alper was awarded prior to our website posts.

Dr. Neil Butchard was awarded prior to our website posts.

Dr. Riva Bartell was awarded prior to our website posts.