Episode 13: Communicating Impact: Building the Voice of School Psychology

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Katherine Cowan, former Director of Communications for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), for an engaging conversation about advocacy, communication, and building the voice of school psychology. Together with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, the discussion explores how school psychologists can effectively communicate their impact and advocate for meaningful systems change.Kathy reflects on her 25 year career with NASP and shares key lessons on the importance of collaboration, strategic communication, and using data to support advocacy efforts. She discusses how the field has evolved over time, including efforts to expand understanding of school psychologists as mental health professionals and the ongoing work to address workforce shortages. Listeners will gain practical strategies for translating their daily work into clear, compelling messages that resonate with educators, administrators, and policymakers.Dr. Amador shares how Boston Public Schools has applied these communication and advocacy principles to strengthen the role of school psychologists across the district. From developing infographics and annual reports to training staff on elevator pitches and consistent messaging, she highlights how intentional communication can elevate both individual practice and system-level impact.Together, they emphasize that advocacy is not separate from the role of a school psychologist, but a natural extension of the work already being done to support students. This episode offers actionable insights for school psychologists at all levels who want to build confidence in their voice, strengthen their professional identity, and expand their impact within schools and beyond.