Hereford High School Psychologist Wins Maryland School Psychologist Of The Year

TOWSON - Hereford Highschool’s school Psychologist has been named Maryland School Psychologist of the Year by the Maryland School Psychologists Association.

Tina Wachter, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, joined BCPS in 2018 after 16 years in a neighboring school district. Through her advisory positions with Hereford High’s Active Minds chapter and Student Council, Wachter has helped plan spirit week and homecoming activities, field trips to county and state-level events, and a schoolwide wellness fair.

“Ms. Wachter is being honored with the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year Award due to her exemplary performance in her school, across the system, and across the state in supporting students, educators, and families,” Aaron Wheeler, coordinator of the BCPS Office of Psychological Services said. “Ms. Wachter’s many contributions include sponsorship of the Active Minds chapter, Student Council, Wellness Fair, and supporting the professional development of school psychologists both within BCPS and across the state.”

Wachter has been an innovator in psychiatric care at schools in Baltimore County. She has been co-chair of the BCPS Office of Psychological Services Professional Learning Committee since 2019, supporting the supervisor and coordinator of Psychological Services in planning professional learning and new employee orientation. She has also chaired the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association Program Committee since 2021, designing and managing at least three annual professional conference events.

In 2020-2021, Watcher helped students cope with the added stress of the pandemic by developing the BCPS Virtual Calming Rooms, a space for students, families, and staff to find tools and strategies for managing emotions and feelings.

Wachter earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study in school psychology from Towson University. She has been nationally certified since 2002. In 2017, she earned an additional master’s degree in leadership from the University of Maryland Global Campus.