Aaron and Matty Canter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Psychology

The Aaron and Matty Canter award is the highest award given by the Arizona Psychological Association. It is given to recipients who have demonstrated leadership and dedication in psychology. For more than 60 years, Aaron and Matty Canter embodied the best of our profession. The Distinguished Contribution to Professional Psychology award honors those who follow in their spirit of compassion and service. The award is given to those who have shown commitment to AzPA and the broader psychological community throughout their careers. 

2021 Award Recipient

Olga Carranza, Ph.D. 

Special Award for the Creation of S.A.P.A.

This Special Award is given to Dr. Ken Marsh for his role in founding the Southern Arizona Psychological Association in 1972. He was one of the many leaders who created a psychological association for Tucson and other communities in southern Arizona. SAPA has played a key role in developing regional and state leaders. SAPA has contributed to the psychological, educational, and cultural community in southern Arizona.

2021 Award Recipient

Kenneth Marsh, Ph.D.

Distinguished Service to Psychology

Distinguished service as a psychologist is reflected in leadership and support of the psychological community. The Distinguished Service to Psychology award honors those who have served AzPA and other psychological organizations. Recipients may have defended the profession from efforts to restrict the practice of psychology in Arizona. The Distinguished Service to Psychology award is given to our leaders who have dedicated themselves to unselfish service for our profession.

2021 Award Recipient

MaryAnne Belton, Psy.D.

Distinguished Contribution to the Professional Practice of Psychology

Those who apply psychology in professional practice are experts in assessing and diagnosing problems, preventing and alleviating suffering, and expanding health and resilience. The Distinguished Contribution to the Professional Practice of Psychology award recognizes those who dedicated their efforts to the prevention, assessment, or treatment of mental health problems. Recipients may have developed a clinical strategy, promoted a theoretical orientation or modality, or brought a psychological intervention to an underserved population. 

2021 Award Recipient

Marisa Menchola, Ph.D., ABPP-CN

Distinguished Contribution to Diversity

We live and work in communities that reflect a myriad of identity diversity, including those of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious identity, and disability status.  The professional psychology community reflects these varying identities, and as psychologists we are also obligated to competently serve the diversity in our society. The Distinguished Contribution to Diversity award is given to persons who advocate for diversity in all forms. It recognizes the value of identities that enrich the population of our state.

2021 Award Recipient

Leonardo Caraballo, Psy.D., ABPP

Distinguished Contribution to Advocacy

The Advocacy award honors those who have used their expertise to assist the psychological community and broader society by building coalitions to achieve social goals. They may work with psychological organizations, community organizations, judicial or legislative bodies, or the public to advance worthwhile causes.

2021 Award Recipient

Mayday Levine-Mata, Psy.D.

Hal Arkowitz Award for Outstanding Mentor

Mentors play a unique and critical role in supporting the development of future generations in our profession. The Hal Arkowitz Award for Outstanding Mentor honors those who readily share what they know with students, early career psychologists, and established colleagues. Through their work, they help others integrate their personal and professional roles.

Presented by the Arizona Psychological Foundation.

2021 Award Recipient

Laura Wingers, Psy.D.

Outstanding Early Career Psychologist

This award honors psychologists who are in the first ten years of their careers. It recognizes those new psychologists who are already making significant contributions in the areas of professional leadership, service, and research. Recipients of this award are the future of psychology in our state.

Presented by the Arizona Psychological Foundation.

2021 Award Recipient

Sara Frye, Ph.D.
 

Outstanding Postdoctoral Resident

This award recognizes postdoctoral residents in Arizona who have demonstrated exceptional potential for leadership roles within psychology.

Presented by the Arizona Psychological Foundation.

2021 Award Recipient

Jenny Holzapfel, Ph.D.

Outstanding Psychology Faculty

This award is chosen by the AzPA Graduate Student membership. It recognizes the many and varied roles that psychology faculty perform in the education and mentoring of their students. It honors those faculty members who have inspired students and colleagues, contributed to the advancement of psychological science, and created an atmosphere of joyful learning.

2021 Award Recipient

John McClure, Ph.D.