NHASP History

The first organizational meeting of the NH Association of School Psychologists (NHASP) was held in November 1981 and attended by 20 visionary state leaders. Since our humble beginning in the granite state, NHASP has continued to grow and thrive. Members of our association have taken part in or led numerous initiatives in NH, nationally, and internationally for the field of school psychology and the students we serve. NHASP leaders have also been the president or other elected officers of the International School Psychology Association (ISPA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), as well as national award winners. 

Every year, the leadership of NHASP engages in a variety of activities in NH and nationally. NHASP leaders plan and manage multiple professional development events for school psychologists and other educators in NH. This often includes at least two full-day events as well as multiple smaller events throughout the year. Leaders have worked on both legislative and policy initiatives in NH, including standards for the training, credentialing/licensure, and practice of school psychologists; supports for children of our active duty and military veteran families; education of children and youth transitioning out of psychiatric hospitalizations; implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) strategies; supports for new school psychology practitioners; and professional learning communities for school psychologists. NHASP leaders have also worked collaboratively with leaders of other organizations in NH to achieve shared goals for the benefit of children and families in our great state. 

The leadership of NHASP continues to drive our association forward. Regular revisions to our strategic plan guide our association towards new goals.  Through publication of guidance papers and position statements, obtaining proclamations for national school psychology week each November, collaborating with the NASP-approved school psychology training program at Plymouth State University, maintaining a scholarship for graduate students, and more, we have worked to position NHASP as a critical professional association in NH focused on supporting the students and families served by our members.