Texas Association of School Psychologists Recognizes Outstanding Baylor Staff Member and Student

Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia

Media contact: Tonya Lewis, (254) 710-4656

WACO, Texas (Oct. 5, 2015) – The Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) has recognized Baylor University staff member Kristen Mainor and graduate student Allen Mom for their outstanding performance in the practice and study of school psychology.

Mainor, Ed.S., L.S.S.P., BCBA, director of the behavioral and educational services division of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, received the title of Outstanding School Psychologist – Specialist Level.

“I am very honored to be this year’s recipient for Outstanding School Psychologist,” Mainor said. “It was such a delightful surprise to be recognized by my peers for my contributions to the field. I also felt great appreciation for the education and mentorship I have received from the educational psychology faculty here at Baylor University. I would not have received such an honor without the wonderful support and guidance they have given me, so this is also a tribute to them.”

Mainor is working toward a Ph.D. in educational psychology with a specialization in school psychology while working full time at Baylor’s Center for Developmental Disabilities, where she trains graduate students who are preparing for fields in school psychology and behavior analysis. She has authored national and state presentations on the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders and works with Baylor’s Office of Access and Learning Accommodations to address academic and social issues in college students with Asperger’s Syndrome.

“I chose to study school psychology because I wanted to be in a field that involved working with children in an educational setting while providing the necessary academic, social, behavioral and mental health supports for them to be successful,” Mainor said. “It is important to advocate for the needs of children, build on their strengths, and provide them with the mechanisms to overcome any weaknesses. It brings me great joy to help kids and see them rise up over their struggles.”

Mom, a graduate student who received his B.A. in psychology from Baylor University in 2013, received the title of Outstanding Graduate Student – Specialist Level.

“At first, I was completely stunned,” Mom said. “I didn’t think I would be selected for this award, and I felt so honored that I would be chosen from a group of intelligent and competent school psychology students from across the state. There are so many professionals in the organization that I look up to and respect, so I am humbled and so grateful that they considered and selected me.”

Mom is serving his internship year at Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District in Albany, Oregon. He will graduate from Baylor’s school psychology program in May 2016. He intends to pursue certification as a National Certified School Psychologist and as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

“I am incredibly grateful for the Baylor University school psychology program,” Mom said. “I would personally like to thank each and every one of my professors and supervisors in my program and in my field experiences. They all have worked so hard and dedicated incredible amounts of time and resources to get me where I am today. In addition, they demonstrated so much grace, patience, understanding and professionalism as they each had a personal impact on my training, preparation and education as a school psychologist.”

Each year, TASP selects professionals and students from across the state, recognizing them for their hard work and dedication toward the advancement of the field of school psychology. Award winners are nominated by their colleagues.

For more information about Baylor’s department of educational psychology, click here.

by Ashton Brown, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

The Baylor School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and consists of four departments: Curriculum and Instruction (preparation for classroom teachers and specialists); Educational Administration (post-graduate preparation for school leadership); Educational Psychology (undergraduate and graduate programs for those who are interested in learning, development, measurement, and exceptionalities); and Health, Human Performance and Recreation (preparing for sport- and health-related careers, athletic training and careers in recreational professions, including churches).The School of Education enrolls more than 1,000 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students, employs 70 faculty, and is one of the few school s in the State of Texas that offers a yearlong teaching internship.