College of William and Mary
04/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/10/2026 09:02
William & Mary School Psychology students at Advocacy Day
William & Mary School Psychology students at Advocacy Day
Each year, representatives of the Virginia Academy of School Psychologist visit the capital to encourage state representatives to support legislation benefiting school psychologists and their students.
By Staff
Published April 10, 2026
William & Mary School of Education at the capital. Pictured from left Visiting Instructor in School Psychology Rachel Sleeth with students Trevor Ramer M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27, Olivia Braye M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27 and Kelli Claiborne M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27. (Courtesy photo)
In February, three William & Mary School Psychology students and one faculty member participated in the annual Advocacy Day organized by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP). Each year, VASP representatives and members from across the Commonwealth visit the capital to encourage state representatives to support legislation benefiting school psychologists and their students.
W&M School Psychology students Olivia Braye M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27, Kelli Claiborne M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27 and Trevor Ramer M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27, joined Visiting Instructor in School Psychology Rachel Sleeth to participate in the 2026 event.
VASP organizers focused on supporting two bills: Senate Bill 61, which aims to establish a Nationally Certified School Psychologist Program, and House Bill 255, the School Psychologist Interstate Compact for Virginia. W&M students followed along as both were voted on in various committees and subcommittees, with the goal of eventually becoming laws.
"Participating in the process of a bill traveling through various committees and votes was exhilarating," said Claiborne. "Think 'Schoolhouse Rock- I'm Just A Bill'!"
Senate Bill 61 would provide a grant for Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) to encourage school psychologists to practice and remain in Virginia. Additionally, the bill would provide financial support to school psychologists who maintain their national certification via professional development, which incurs varying out-of-pocket expenses for practitioners. House Bill 255 would help school psychologists from various partnering states to easily transfer their licenses in order to practice in Virginia.
The group's day began at the Virginia General Assembly, where they attended a meeting of the Education Subcommittee. At the end of the committee meeting, delegates asked everyone with VASP to stand and be recognized for attending in support of HB255.
"The meeting was extremely fast-paced. Within the span of 30 minutes, the committee voted on more than 15 bills!" said Claiborne. "This process made me realize how monumental it is to show up and speak with our representatives, showcasing that our voices do matter and sometimes putting a face to a bill can make all the difference."
After the subcommittee meeting, the group met with Del. Mark Downey, D-York County, whose top priorities are health and education. They discussed why they believe the proposed bills would help encourage more school psychologists to establish themselves in Virginia. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of 500 students for every one school psychologist; however, Virginia averages anywhere between 1,001 to 1,500 students being served by one school psychologist. Noting Virginia's current deficit, the group highlighted the need for students to have access to more school psychologists in their schools.
"As a pediatrician, Dr. Downey was extremely receptive to this information. He confirmed that he has seen an increase in youth experiencing mental health complications and emphasized the importance of our work," said Claiborne.
At the Senate Financial Committee meeting, the VASP lobbyist introduced the W&M group to Virginia State Senator Tammy Mulchi, R-Mecklenburg County, the sponsor for SB61. Sen. Mulchi was the first Senator to stand before the committee to put forward a bill. Though the committee members agreed with Senator Mulchi about the importance of investing in the mental health of Virginia's youth, they ultimately chose to delay the voting until next year, meaning SB61 would not be eligible for a vote on the Senate Floor.
The W&M group and VASP Lobbyist meet with Sen. Mulchi (second from left).
The W&M group and VASP Lobbyist meet with Sen. Mulchi (second from left).
After the committee's decision, the group met with Sen. Mulchi outside the meeting room. She outlined the necessary next steps for trying to get the bill passed next year and assured them that this setback would not stop her from continuing to support VASP.
The group closed their Advocacy Day in the visitors' gallery of the Virginia State Capitol building, where they watched various groups being recognized by different senators.
"Then it was our turn," said Claiborne. "We stood at our seats as Sen. Mulchi read the purpose of SB61, introduced us and explained why she believes what we are doing is so necessary in our current time. After being acknowledged by the entire Senate, Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi also spoke to us. She said she too believes in the work we do and appreciates the many hours we dedicate to serving the youth of Virginia."
While the senate bill was placed on hold until next year, HB255 has now been passed by both the House and the Senate and is waiting to be signed into law.
Claiborne said she has been inspired to continue her advocacy work: "After this initial experience, I plan to go again next year and look forward to watching democracy in action once again."
Tags: Education
W&M School Psychology students Olivia Braye M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27, Kelli Claiborne M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27 and Trevor Ramer M.Ed.'25, Ed.S '27, joined Visiting Instructor in School Psychology Rachel Sleeth to participate in the 2026 event.
VASP organizers focused on supporting two bills: Senate Bill 61, which aims to establish a Nationally Certified School Psychologist Program, and House Bill 255, the School Psychologist Interstate Compact for Virginia. W&M students followed along as both were voted on in various committees and subcommittees, with the goal of eventually becoming laws.
"Participating in the process of a bill traveling through various committees and votes was exhilarating," said Claiborne. "Think 'Schoolhouse Rock- I'm Just A Bill'!"
Senate Bill 61 would provide a grant for Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) to encourage school psychologists to practice and remain in Virginia. Additionally, the bill would provide financial support to school psychologists who maintain their national certification via professional development, which incurs varying out-of-pocket expenses for practitioners. House Bill 255 would help school psychologists from various partnering states to easily transfer their licenses in order to practice in Virginia.
The group's day began at the Virginia General Assembly, where they attended a meeting of the Education Subcommittee. At the end of the committee meeting, delegates asked everyone with VASP to stand and be recognized for attending in support of HB255.
"The meeting was extremely fast-paced. Within the span of 30 minutes, the committee voted on more than 15 bills!" said Claiborne. "This process made me realize how monumental it is to show up and speak with our representatives, showcasing that our voices do matter and sometimes putting a face to a bill can make all the difference."
After the subcommittee meeting, the group met with Del. Mark Downey, D-York County, whose top priorities are health and education. They discussed why they believe the proposed bills would help encourage more school psychologists to establish themselves in Virginia. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of 500 students for every one school psychologist; however, Virginia averages anywhere between 1,001 to 1,500 students being served by one school psychologist. Noting Virginia's current deficit, the group highlighted the need for students to have access to more school psychologists in their schools.
"As a pediatrician, Dr. Downey was extremely receptive to this information. He confirmed that he has seen an increase in youth experiencing mental health complications and emphasized the importance of our work," said Claiborne.
At the Senate Financial Committee meeting, the VASP lobbyist introduced the W&M group to Virginia State Senator Tammy Mulchi, R-Mecklenburg County, the sponsor for SB61. Sen. Mulchi was the first Senator to stand before the committee to put forward a bill. Though the committee members agreed with Senator Mulchi about the importance of investing in the mental health of Virginia's youth, they ultimately chose to delay the voting until next year, meaning SB61 would not be eligible for a vote on the Senate Floor.
The W&M group and VASP Lobbyist meet with Sen. Mulchi (second from left).
The W&M group and VASP Lobbyist meet with Sen. Mulchi (second from left).
After the committee's decision, the group met with Sen. Mulchi outside the meeting room. She outlined the necessary next steps for trying to get the bill passed next year and assured them that this setback would not stop her from continuing to support VASP.
The group closed their Advocacy Day in the visitors' gallery of the Virginia State Capitol building, where they watched various groups being recognized by different senators.
"Then it was our turn," said Claiborne. "We stood at our seats as Sen. Mulchi read the purpose of SB61, introduced us and explained why she believes what we are doing is so necessary in our current time. After being acknowledged by the entire Senate, Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi also spoke to us. She said she too believes in the work we do and appreciates the many hours we dedicate to serving the youth of Virginia."
While the senate bill was placed on hold until next year, HB255 has now been passed by both the House and the Senate and is waiting to be signed into law.
Claiborne said she has been inspired to continue her advocacy work: "After this initial experience, I plan to go again next year and look forward to watching democracy in action once again."
Staff , Communications Specialist
College of William and Mary published this content on April 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 10, 2026 at 15:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]