Dawn completed her graduate training in psychology at the University of Manitoba and has worked as a school psychologist for the Child Guidance Clinic (CGC) since 1984 providing services to the Transcona Springfield Unit, Winnipeg South Unit, and Winnipeg North Unit. As a practitioner, mentor and supervisor, Dawn has promoted innovation and broadening the scope of school-based psychological services as well as the development of competence in core practices such as assessment, diagnosis and interventions/treatment. In her role as a school psychologist, Dawn has developed and presented numerous workshops, participated in program development, facilitated parent education and support sessions. In addition, she has chaired several divisional committees including the CGC Ethics Committee, the Transcona Springfield School Division CGC Review Committee, and, perhaps most notably, the CGC Psychology Department Professional Development Committee which she chaired for 12 years.
Dawn has had an active role in shaping the profession of school psychology in Manitoba and advocating for an inclusive College of Psychology. Dawn is an active member of the Manitoba Association of School Psychologists (MASP) and has served as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Co-Chair of the Issues Committee. In her years of advocacy for a new College of Psychologists, Dawn has developed an extensive knowledge about government structures and processes and continues to offer analytical and insightful contributions in developing MASP’s legislative positions and strategies. She has effectively represented MASP at numerous meetings with government Ministers and Health / Education Department officials and has effectively represented MASP during formal negotiations with PAM in 1999 and 2010/2011. Dawn’s high level of commitment and dedication to the practice of psychology in the school setting has extended to the national level as a current board member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) as a member of the CPA Membership Committee, and most recently as a member of the CPA Audit Committee and incoming Chair of Sections 31 (Psychology specialty areas within CPA).
Our sincerest congratulations go to Dawn Hanson for her outstanding contribution in the practice of psychology in the school setting.