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 Psychologist Award: Given in recognition of significant contributions to the field of psychology. This award recognizes outstanding professional contributions to knowledge, to applied psychology in professional practice, or in the public interest, while a resident of Washington State.

Distinguished Service Award: Given in recognition of outstanding work in support of WSPAs mission through some outstanding contribution.

G. Andrew H. Benjamin Award: Given in recognition of an individual members outstanding and tireless contributions to the Washington State Psychological Association.

Sustained Service Award: Given in recognition of life-long service to WSPA and the field of psychology. This award recognizes a psychologist who has given sustained service to the association in a manner that has significantly benefited the organization and or facilitated its development.

Social Issues Award: Given in recognition of outstanding work to advance the mental health of the community and to apply psychology in the public interest.

Public Citizen Award: Honors a public citizen or an organization that has contributed to the psychological health of their community.

Legislative Service Award: Honors a Washington State elected official who has contributed to the psychological health of their community.

Presidential Service Award: Given to the out-going President of the Board, in recognition of the service rendered.


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