Dr. Christa Kulp, who has served students across Anne Arundel County Public Schools for 20 years, has been named School Psychologist of the Year by the Maryland School Psychologists Association (MSPA).
The award is given annually to a certified school psychologist who works directly with students and supports the development of their cognitive and academic skills, embraces student diversity in development and learning, and provides a full range of prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health services.
“I’m deeply humbled and honored to be named MSPA’s School Psychologist of the Year. I’m incredibly thankful to my family and friends for their constant support, and I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated educators,” said Dr. Kulp, who began her career as an AACPS intern and currently services students in grades 3 through 12 at the Virtual Academy. “School psychology is my calling, and I hope to continue pursuing this passion with a renewed commitment to the students and families I serve.”
Dr. Kulp has been a key part of the evolution of the Virtual Academy, which opened in the 2021-2022 school year. She has facilitated the Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM) process for students, enhanced procedures around Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Plans, and provided extensive staff and family collaboration.
In addition to her work at the Virtual Academy, Dr. Kulp is involved in several initiatives that have served the district as a whole, such as delivering targeted training for educators at the 2024 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Summer Institute. As a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor and member of the county-wide crisis response team, she also supports youth mental health on a broad scale. She is also a lead trainer for the Maryland Center for School Safety’s School Resource Officer Training Academy.
“Dr. Kulp excels in many facets of school psychology, and goes above and beyond to support students, families and her school,” said Dr. Kellie Anderson, AACPS’ Coordinator of Psychoilogical Services. “We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team and thrilled to see her receive such a prestigious award.”
As the state winner, Dr. Kulp is now eligible for the national School Psychologist of the Year award.
MSPA was founded in 1960 and promotes and advocates for best practices in school psychology to improve learning, behavior, and mental health for all students, families, and schools.