Advocacy • Community • Leadership
ArPA Newsletter
Stay informed about advocacy efforts, professional development, leadership updates, and community engagement from the Arkansas Psychological Association.
President’s Message
Strengthening Psychology Through Service and Connection
Dear ArPA Members,
I want to extend my thanks to every member of the
Arkansas Psychological Association (ArPA). Our volunteers and
members are focused on promoting psychological science throughout the state and advocating for the profession of psychology. ArPA does this work at several levels:
- Through local and state advocacy with the Government Relations Committee and our lobbyists
- Through peer consultation with the Ethics Committee
- Through continuing education offerings (Spring conference, Fall conference, and free Lunch & Learn throughout the year) with the Professional Development Committee
- Through professional collaboration on our listserv
- Through recruitment of professional and student members with our Membership Committee and Student Representative
I want to share a special thank you to Margaret and Art and the work they’ve done to open our doors a little wider to our colleagues who practice as licensed psychological examiners. I am excited about the future of psychology in Arkansas.
Our Fall Conference is coming up this October, and I hope you’ll make plans to join us. It’s one of the best opportunities we have each year to learn together and connect with colleagues. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or have never made it before, I’d love to see you there. Watch for additional details in the coming weeks.
If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved with ArPA, now is the time. If you are interested in serving on a committee or exploring leadership opportunities, please fill out our online interest form.
Thank you for being part of this community!
Mara Whiteside, PhD
President, Arkansas Psychological Association
President’s Message
A year of connection, healing, and growth
Dear ArPA Members,
As I reflect on this past year, I’m filled with gratitude for the remarkable people I’ve come to know through this role.When I began as president-elect, I didn’t personally know many of those involved in ArPA leadership. Now, I’m honored to work alongside individuals who generously give their time and talents to strengthen psychology and grow our association’s membership and vitality.
Building Bridges, Strengthening Community
This year taught me that Arkansas psychologists are a diverse group—and there’s tremendous strength in that diversity. One of my proudest initiatives was addressing the rising rates of suicide in our state at our Fall Conference.We invited Arkansas speakers who could share both personal and professional perspectives on this growing crisis, particularly among youth of color. Dr. Sommers-Flanagan, an internationally recognized expert, taught us about strengths-based suicide assessment—a vital skill for every mental health professional.
Equally important was our work to heal decades-old conflicts with master’s-level psychology professionals. Despite ArPA offering full membership to master’s-level practitioners, we had few members from this group due to longstanding tensions between organizations.With Art Gillaspy serving as mediator, we began taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation. As a therapist, I know that when you address old hurts, both parties can heal and move forward. I’m grateful that incoming President Mara Whiteside has asked me to continue this bridge-building work.
Looking Forward with Hope
Under Mara’s leadership, ArPA has already established two valuable membership benefits: the Lunch and Learn series (offering CE credit) and Peer Consultation opportunities.The Membership Committee, led by Rebekah Evans, has grown our numbers significantly. However, our accomplishments truly reflect the dedication of every Board member and especially our Executive Director, Dr. Khiela Holmes, whose continuity, steady guidance, and generous spirit have been invaluable.
What leading ArPA has revealed to me is the power of teamwork. Progress comes not from individual effort but from collaborative commitment. I experienced what it feels like to be part of a team—and it’s a wonderful feeling when it works well.
As I transition out of this role, my hope for ArPA is continued growth in membership and increased engagement from newer members.We lost so much social connection during the pandemic, and I’m encouraged by our movement beyond that isolation. I’m excited to see ArPA attract diverse mental health providers and academics—the more variety, the stronger we become.With leaders like Dr.Tisha Deen, whose government relations work has gained national recognition, we’re well-positioned for continued success.
Thank you for your trust in me. I’m grateful to have shared this experience with all of you.
With appreciation,
Margaret Rutherford, Ph.D.
Outgoing President, Arkansas Psychological Association
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