My Advocacy Philosophy

Start with a love of psychology and the people who make it possible. Add a commitment to helping groups find their own voice, set their own agenda, and gather the resources they need to succeed. Mix in the wonderful ideas psychologists generate, then strengthen them with organization, coalition-building, clear asks, and steady follow-through. The result is advocacy that turns shared values into focused action and helps good ideas become real change.

Secured a two-year limit on civil liability for psychologists previously only enjoyed by physicians.

Member of Division 31’s Diversity Leadership Task Force which supports the Diversity leadership Program that provides leadership training opportunities for women from minoritized groups.

Member of Division 42’s Advocacy Team

Voted in support of APA’s maternal mental health resolution on racially minoritized women

APA’s Council of Representatives struggle with information overload. Key figure in the development of a digital dashboard to improve information management —- likely first such improvement in a decade.

Helped make Missouri the 6th state to pass PSYPACT.

Helped stopped early adoption of the EPPP2 in Missouri over concerns of racial unfairness.

Alerted psychologists across the state recently on threats to reproductive rights.

Wrote and helped pass a bill that provided protection for audio-only telehealth in Missouri for over one million rural residents and members of marginalized groups

Secured Medicaid reimbursement for psychology interns

Past member of APA’s Advocacy Coordinating Committee that recommends APA’s advocacy priorities to APA’s Board of Directors

Was able to have the importance of income inequality recognized by APA’s Advocacy Coordinating Committee

Central figure in advocating for the first increase in operational and legislative grant support from APA to the state psychological associations in 17 years.

Advocacy talks for Divisions 13, 31, Oklahoma Psychological Association, Missouri Psychological Association, APA’s Advocacy Office, and at APA’s annual convention.

Successfully advocated for Missouri Medicaid to adopt behavioral health network adequacy rules comparable to those used for primary care, helping strengthen access standards for behavioral health services.

Facilitator for the CPPP’s national listening session on the needs of practicing psychologists

Invited APA talk on how to advocate for social justice issues in hostile environments

Successfully encouraged reimbursement parity for psychologist under Medicaid with psychiatrists

Invited talk with Dr. Arthur Evans on how to strengthen the SPTAs

Past member of APA’s Strategic Plan Update Committee. Introduced the new plan to both the Board of Directors and the Council of Representatives

Organized over 40+ SPTAs to meet to discuss their successes in promoting their social justice agendas

A foundational advocacy talk on passing legislation was included in APA’s Advocacy Office’s webpage on LBGTQ+ advocacy for the states.

Past liaison to the Board of Professional Practice

Developed a Council business item to likely be heard in August to protect the voices of marginalized groups and to enhance their psychological safety.

Helped pass a bill to shorten the length of time it takes students to become licensed by giving them credit for a portion of their pre-internship supervised experience.