Wilde Lake High School Psychologist Receives Award

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Wilde Lake High School psychologist Dr. Chandra McKnight-Dean has been named Howard County School Psychologist of the Year by the Howard County School Psychologists Association.

The annual award is given to a school psychologist with at least five years of experience who works directly with students to provide a full range of psychological services and who excels in each area of the National Association of School Psychologists Practice Model.

McKnight-Dean was nominated by administrators, counselors and fellow school psychologists at WLHS. Nominations were reviewed by the HCSPA Recognition Committee, which subsequently voted McKnight-Dean the winner of this year’s award.

“Chandra embodies the qualities of an outstanding school psychologist who goes above and beyond to serve the students, staff and families of HCPSS,” says HCSPA president and Centennial Lane Elementary school psychologist Mary Nalepa.

“Dr. McKnight-Dean brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and skill to her role … She is the consummate partner with students, families, Wilde Lake staff and HCPSS personnel, and her efforts have been literally life-saving in many situations,” added WLHS Principal Marcy Leonard. “Chandra approaches her work with a level of compassion and professionalism that has earned the trust and respect of students, parents and her colleagues throughout Howard County. In every interaction with Chandra, you know you are seen and heard.”