Dr. James Deni, a professor in the Department of Psychology, has been elected president elect of the North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA). Deni, who was previously elected president in 1988, has been a member of NCSPA since 1975.

Deni assumed the president-elect position Jan. 1. He will become NCSPA president Jan. 1, 2017. This will be the fourth time Deni has held this office in his 40-plus years at Appalachian. He will continue to co-chair the NCSPA Professional Practices committee with an emphasis on practice issues in the field of school psychology. Deni’s training and research focuses on school psychology training and children’s issues, such as: learning disabilities (SLD), multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS), school-based mental health, and treatment integrity

“I am honored to be president elect of NCSPA, which I believe is the pulse and lifeline representing over 500 school psychologists working in NC Public School and Charter schools. School Psychologists provide comprehensive learning supports for children and teachers every day in addition to meeting their social and emotional needs,” Deni said. “We advocate for children and families every single day.”

NCSPA represents over 500 school psychologists working in the public schools of North Carolina. The association delivers comprehensive psychological services to children in collaboration with parents, teachers and other school personnel. The NCSPA Executive Board is made up of 13 elected board members and committee chairs.