Get to know some of division volunteer leaders

“I joined APA and Division 15 in 1999 as a graduate student. I wanted to learn more about the field and to network with other graduate students with similar research interests.”

“It’s easier than you think to get involved! Division 20 is especially welcoming of new volunteers and leaders. I know it may seem intimidating to reach out or to volunteer yourself for professional service, and I would encourage anyone who has an interest in getting more involved at a national level to reach out to the Division 20 leadership.”

“The greatest benefit has been forming long-term relationships with colleagues who share similar values. As a mental health counselor, adjunct professor, and now consultant, I’ve found that this work can often feel isolating. Connecting with members of Division 46 is wonderful, and I look forward to seeing them each year at the convention.”

“The most exciting project for our division is the establishment of a specialty board under the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) for prescribing psychology. We were just notified in December 2024 that ABPP has approved the full proposal, and the next step for the committee will be the implementation phase of the process.”

“Take full advantage of all that the division offers! This ranges from partaking in industry-based discussions on our Listserv, several of our Special Interest Groups, including AI, small businesses, and business development, and our in-house CE courses, volunteering with one of our domains, and a monthly town hall meeting with our president.”

“In Division 29, I am leading efforts to help psychotherapy researchers and practitioners address structural issues and social determinants of health, even within individual therapy. In Division 17, I am contributing to similar efforts with others, primarily to bring a critical perspective to the work of counseling psychologists.”

“When Dr. Lisa Miller encouraged me to run for president-elect of the Society for the Psychology of Religion & Spirituality (Division 36), I jumped at the opportunity. For historical reasons that no longer apply, our field eschews the topic of spirituality, and psychological science has lagged, despite the fact that it’s an important facet of human diversity and identity (even among psychologists).”

“What I value most about being a clinical psychologist is the deep connection I get to form with people as they navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives. I love being able to combine my passion for science with my desire to help others, using evidence-based approaches to make a meaningful difference.”

“I’ve gained good colleagues, a stronger and wider view of the issues facing psychology and SPTAs throughout the country, and an up-to-date knowledge of the changes that psychology is going through now.”

“I joined Division 25 in 2016 when I was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe Meyer Institute in the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. My fellowship supervisor, Nicole Rodriguez, PhD, suggested becoming a member for collaboration opportunities within behavior analysis and across psychology. I became more involved as Division 25’s program chair (2020–2023) and currently as the membership chair to continue efforts of connection and collaboration.”

“The division’s bylaws require that two candidates run for the position of president-elect. Although the nomination committee already had one candidate lined up—and a very good one at that—I was asked to fill out the ballot as stipulated. To my surprise, I won the election, albeit by a very narrow vote (my former opponent, in fact, is now president-elect).”

“I have been a member of Division 7 of APA from the start of my career. I also joined APS when the split occurred between the two organizations. Why? Because I believe that we need advocates for our work, given that we have so much to offer the general public who funds our research. I also do not consider the divide between experimental and clinical practice to be a healthy one. Everyone wants to do evidence-based work, and it is important to support that for all our peers.”

“You don’t have to be a counseling psychologist to be a member of our SCP community. A number of our members are psychologists whose training is in other specialties, but who share a commitment to our SCP values.”

“This year, I was elected president-elect of the Society for Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. This role is particularly meaningful as I follow my mentor, Robbins, the current president-elect. It feels like a full-circle moment in my professional journey.”

“I am passionate about abolition feminism, liberation psychology, and other emancipatory frameworks and practices rooted in anti-imperialism, racial justice, gender justice, and disability justice. My hope is that Division 44 will center more conversations on the intersection of abolition, feminism, and liberation.”

“It is both rewarding and inspiring to serve with all members of APA Division 27. I have the opportunity to address ailing societal problems collectively with members of the Division as well as APA and other organizations to modify colonial practices such as Anti-Blackness programming.”

“In 2012, I was asked to be the membership chair. It was my first experience in a leadership role within APA, and I truly enjoyed it. Volunteering deepened my sense of belonging to APA and strengthened my professional identity as a psychologist.”

“Being on the Board of Division 42 has provided an opportunity to understand the workings of a large division and have input into the decisions the board makes for the future of the division. This is a critical time for private practitioners, especially with the inclusion of master’s level therapists joining APA.”

“As secretary for Division 10, I correspond and work closely with our members and officers. It has been a huge opportunity to expand my network and to learn from those who are more established. I feel lucky to have access to such an incredible group of researchers and practitioners within Division 10 to garner inspiration.”

“New members: To get the most out of the Society, become involved in a council, committee, interest group, or task force. Becoming engaged with even one group substantially increases the benefits of being a member. New leaders: Do not be afraid to speak up, even if your opinion is in the minority. The Society will be strengthened with continued growth in diversity of ideas and opinions.”