The Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP) is pleased to announce its highest award and would like to congratulate Sharon Dusney, the first recipient of our MASP Lifetime Achievement Award.  The MASP Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding school psychologist who has had an impact on the field in Michigan and has dedicated his/her professional life to the development and improvement of school psychology. The announcement was made during our May 11th Board meeting and recognized Sharon for 31 years of service to MASP and her commitment to our profession. 

Sharon currently serves as the Director of Special Education for the Garden City Public Schools. Derek Fisher, GCPS Superintendent of Schools, in his letter of support, wrote: "I can think of no better nominee to recognize with the MASP Lifetime Achievement Award than Sharon Dusney. Sharon's professional career and commitment to serving students and families, exemplifies and honors the professional standards of the Michigan Association of School Psychologist (MASP)."

Sharon began her career as a school psychologist with the Romulus Public Schools after graduating from Eastern Michigan University in 1992 with a Specialist Degree in Arts and Sciences.  She went on to serve as a school psychologist and later as Supervisor of Special Services with the Van Buren Public Schools from 1994 to 2005.  In 2005, Sharon took on the role of Director of Special Education with the Garden City Public Schools where she has served since that time.

Sharon has been an important presence within MASP for many years, having served as President (1996-97), Treasurer (1998-99), Secretary (2009-10), and Region 10 Director, at various times, for 22 years.  Sharon has also held leadership roles with the Michigan and Wayne Country Associations for Special Education Administrators, serving as President (2007-08), Treasurer (2006-07), and Secretary (2005-06).

One of Sharon’s many strengths and passions as a MASP leader has been her commitment to our graduate students and in strengthening the future of our profession.   This commitment was demonstrated in Sharon’s  presentations for graduate students at annual MASP Conferences which focused on job applications, interviews, and preparing for a career in school psychology.  As a special education director, Sharon was able to share candid information from an administrative perspective for those embarking on their careers.  Sharon’s impact on early career professionals and our field has been significant for decades. A current MASP leader shared this reflection:    “I first came to know Sharon as a MASP student representative during my first semester of graduate training.  As a freshly minted student, Sharon initially struck me as a seasoned, passionate, and incredibly principled professional who, even 17 years later, this impression has not wavered. 

Other MASP colleagues shared these thoughts about Sharon:

• I’ve learned a lot from her as a leader, and am inspired by her passion and commitment to the profession through her leadership on the MASP board.  I am grateful to have known and learned from for over half of her tremendous tenure on her 31 years of service to the MASP board and field of school psychology overall.  

• Sharon Dusney is truly a pioneer and leader in our field, and she encompasses exceptional, well-rounded leadership skills:   excellent communication, strong interpersonal relationships, passion, and dependability.

• Sharon encapsulates and is a prime model for our practice domains of initiative and dependability, communication, and ethical responsibility.  She is such an incredible asset to our field and will be terribly missed.  One thing I know for certain is that just as Sharon has impacted me and countless others, her legacy will continue to have a ripple effect through our profession and association.  

Please join us in congratulating Sharon on this well-deserved recognition.