2022 SPP AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Society of Pediatric Psychology, please join us in congratulating our 2022 Distinguished Award Winners:

 

Wright Ross Salk Award for Distinguished Service

In recognition of the early founders of pediatric psychology, this award honors outstanding service contributions to the Society of Pediatric Psychology or to the field of pediatric psychology generally.

This year, the Wright Ross Salk Award for Distinguished Service goes to Jennifer Pendley, PhD.


SPP Award for Distinguished Contributions to Diversity

This award honors a pediatric psychologist who professionally promotes understanding and respect for diversity in research, policy or practice within the field of pediatric psychology.

This year, the SPP Award for Distinguished Contributions to Diversity goes to  Marilyn Sampilo, PhD.


Carolyn S. Schroeder Award for Outstanding Clinical Practice

This award recognizes excellence, innovation and leadership in the clinical practice of pediatric psychology.

This year, the Carolyn S. Schroeder Award for Outstanding Clinical Practice goes to Laura Mee, PhD.


Dennis Drotar Distinguished Research Award

This award recognizes excellence and significant contributions in establishing the scientific base of pediatric psychology.

This year, the Dennis Drotar Distinguished Research Award goes to Maru Barrera, PhD.


Donald K. Routh Early Career Award

This award recognizes significant contributions to the field of pediatric psychology in research, clinical training, and/or service during the early career.

This year, the Donald K. Routh Early Career Award goes to Diane Chen, PhD.


Michael C. Roberts Award for Outstanding Mentorship

This award honors a pediatric psychology faculty member who mentors students in an exemplary way, providing professional advice and guidance through various phases of training including early-career development.

This year, the Michael C. Roberts Award for Outstanding Mentorship goes to Melissa Alderfer, PhD.

From Melissa Alderfer, PhD

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of my mentees over the years and specifically those who nominated me for the Michael C. Roberts Award for Outstanding Mentorship. I am truly honored to be recognized by these outstanding trainees, nearly all of whom have already “graduated” into close colleagues. Thank you, Kristin Long, PhD for organizing the effort and Meghan Marsac, PhD and Aimee Hildenbrand, PhD for writing letters and integrating comments from Rachel Annunziato, PhD, Diana Shellmer, PhD, Corinna Schultz, MD, Sarah Wawrzynski, RN, PhD and Whitney Kvistad, RN. I have been very good at picking mentees with fantastic potential!  I was disappointed to be unable to be at the conference this year to receive the award but I was sent a video of the ceremony by my own exceptional and long-term mentor, Anne E. Kazak, Ph.D.  She, Deborah Wiebe, PhD and many others have been excellent role models to me and helped me to develop skills in mentoring others and I thank them, too. Indeed, mentoring is an important and very rewarding part of my career and I hope to continue to contribute to the professional development of many future stars in our field. Thank you so much for the award!

Melissa Alderfer, Ph.D.
Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware