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Whittier Union school psychologist Stephanie Murray, an advocate for student well-being and suicide prevention for more than 30 years, has been recognized by the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) with its Nadine Lambert Outstanding School Psychologist Award, given to psychologists for their dedication and innovative practices. Murray received her award at the 2025 CASP convention on Oct. 29.
Murray began her Whittier Union career at California High School, where she worked to develop suicide prevention protocols, provide ongoing teacher training, and establish a centralized method of risk assessment and information sharing. The protocols were adopted Districtwide even before the passing of Assembly Bill 2246 in 2016, which requires all California school districts to have suicide prevention policies and protocols in place.
Murray also serves as co-chair of the Los Angeles County Child and Adolescent Suicide Review Team, is a member of the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network, is a suicide prevention consultant for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and is a member of CASP’s Mental Wellness Committee.
“This is a huge honor. There are so many psychologists who are doing such important work who rarely get recognized, so this is special,” Murray said. “It’s wonderful to work at Whittier Union, which understands the importance of providing support for student wellbeing and mental health.”
Murray said she was compelled to enter the psychology field when, as a high school student, she felt adults were not seriously addressing student wellness concerns while determining on their own whether a student had true social-emotional issues. The shortsighted approach guided Murray’s career arc as a psychologist.
“Students need to be heard, especially when they are in distress. There should never be any judging,” Murray said. “That is why I wanted to work at a school and not in private practice. Every student, no matter their economic status, deserves to have someone they can talk to and trust.”
Murray’s work has also stood out among her peers at Whittier Union, who marvel at her unparalleled dedication and profound impact on the community. Cal High science department chairperson Alex McKenzie, who recommended Murray for the CASP award, has seen firsthand Murray’s impact at the school site and beyond.
“Stephanie is a champion for our students, and her efforts are seen across the District,” McKenzie said. “Her work with the LA County Child and Adolescent Suicide Review Team and Coroner’s Suicide Guidelines Task Force is also particularly impressive. It’s challenging work, reviewing suicides with other professionals. Stephanie is well deserving of this recognition.”
As a school psychologist and suicide prevention advocate, Murray understands that there is always more work to be done, more data assessments to be evaluated, and more people to train. But she does feel the practices implemented at Whittier Union have made a positive impact, with school site student wellness surveys showing a rise in students feeling connected, identifying at least one adult on campus they can talk to and trust.
“Stephanie Murray has dedicated her life to making school life safe and nurturing for our students,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “She is so deserving of this honor. We can’t thank her enough for all that she has done to bring suicide prevention awareness and well-being protocols to Whittier Union, but her influence goes well beyond policy. Stephanie is truly someone who cares and her guidance in mental health matters makes us all better teachers and administrators.”
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