This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting the efforts and forwarding the goals of our association. This year’s “Special Friend of ISPA” award was presented at both the Awards Luncheon and the All-Association Party, with the special assistance of Piano Fondue. Melissa is a school psychologist, licensed special education teacher, licensed professional counselor, and former district coordinator of social/emotional/behavioral services. She previously worked for the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado and is currently employed as a lecturer for Winthrop University in South Carolina. Melissa also provides consultation and training to school districts across the country. She is a co-author of the NASP PREPaRE Crisis Prevention and Intervention Curriculum and has authored three recently-released books. Melissa has long been very supportive of ISPA and is a popular Fall Conference and Convention presenter. Melissa has provided very helpful and valuable consultation to ISPA leadership on a diverse range of topics, including crisis planning and intervention and RTI.