Mary Fernandes, PhD, is presented with this APA Presidential Citation for her extraordinary leadership efforts and advocacy on behalf of graduate psychology students, professional psychology, and improving the mental health of veterans and marginalized populations. Her commitment to advocacy and service will have an enduring impact on the next generation of doctoral students and the field of psychology.
Fernandes is a licensed clinical psychologist currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center, where she also completed her internship.
Fernandes is a member of Division 40 (Society for Clinical Neuropsychology), and Division 12 (Society for Clinical Psychology). She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at Georgia State University. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and animal science from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Fernandes began her leadership in psychology while a graduate student at Georgia State University. As part of the Georgia Psychological Association for Graduate Students, she served as a campus representative, chaired the advocacy workgroup, and was a liaison to the board of directors. As part of her service, she encouraged student involvement in advocacy and leadership efforts, advocated for graduate student needs at the local and state levels, and facilitated events that promote professional development, collaboration, and inclusivity.
While in graduate school she also served as a public policy and advocacy research intern for Mental Health America Georgia and an intern for the APA Advocacy Office. In these positions, she influenced both state and federal policy decisions, including the adoption of PSYPACT in Georgia, Medicare reimbursement for psychologists, student debt relief, telehealth expansion, and health equity as well as working to involve others in psychology grassroots advocacy efforts.
Her service to APA is also commendable. As the 2022 chair of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students, she provided a diplomatic and passionate student voice on the APA Board of Directors, Council of Representatives, and Council Leadership Team.
She continues to advocate for psychologists as part of the Advocacy Special Interest Group for the Association of VA Psychology Leaders. AVAPAL is charged with advocating for VA psychologists, the mental health needs of Veterans, and continued advancement of the VA system.
For her remarkable years of service to our association, our discipline and profession, veterans, and marginalized communities, it’s my honor to present her with this Presidential Citation.