BOYD PRESENTED NASP GPR "SPECIAL FRIEND OF CHILDREN AWARD"

The NASP GPR "Special Friend of Children Award" is given to individuals or groups outside the profession who have supported political action and advocacy on behalf of children to improve education and mental health services for children, youth and their families. These award recipients have worked to make systemic changes in policies that govern the provision of education and mental health services. A total of five GPR "Special Friends" are presented during the NASP annual convention.

Oklahoma's Laura W. Boyd, Ph.D., House of Representatives- District #44, has been awarded this very great honor. Joyce Lowrey, NASP Delegate and Steve Crane, OSPA Public Relations Chair, presented the award at the OSPA fall conference. Due to a full schedule, Ms. Boyd was unable to attend the conference.

Andy Glenn, OSPA Government and Professional Relations Chair, received the award in her absence. Andy highlighted Dr. Boyd's outstanding work and many achievements on behalf of the children of Oklahoma. She has been actively involved as a child advocate professionally as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 22 years. During her professional career, she has received over 22 awards for public service. She has published several articles and books in the field of crisis intervention, trauma, marriage and family therapy. Lectures have been presented by Dr. Boyd on the topic of marriage and family therapy in Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States. Dr. Boyd served as a representative in the Oklahoma Legislature from 1992-98 when she resigned to campaign as the Democratic candidate for governor of the state of Oklahoma.

Her list of legislative accomplishments include the landmark legislation known as the "Ryan Luke" bill to protect abused children. She was instrumental, along with Speaker Loyd Benson, in passing the Juvenile Justice Reform Act to help combat juvenile crime. Dr. Boyd has been a front-line advocate in calling for early childhood education. She is a strong proponent of public education and an unabashed critic of the voucher system. Her voting record is child friendly and family focused. NASP and OSPA are proud of Dr. Laura Boyd's dedication toward making a difference in the lives of others by her stellar record of public service.

Submitted by Andrew Glenn and Mary Ellen Jones

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