2026 Division of Pediatric Psychology Awards of Excellence

The Division of Pediatric Psychology is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Pediatric Psychology Awards of Excellence!

Pediatric Psychology Award for Outstanding Innovations in Clinical Practice
Jennifer Butcher, PhD

The Pediatric Psychology Award for Outstanding Innovations in Clinical Practice recognizes a pediatric psychologist whose work has optimized care delivery and improved outcomes for patients and families.

Jennifer Butcher, PhD, was recognized for her leadership in advancing mental health care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, both at Michigan Medicine and internationally. Her work includes pioneering clinical training efforts in Turkey and Egypt, as well as leading the development of a pre-clinic mental health screening process at Michigan Medicine. This process includes an Epic alert system for patients with at-risk scores and was presented at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference.

One nominator wrote, “Her continued representation of psychology and mental health care for people with CF makes her an outstanding candidate for an award for excellence. Her innovative ideas and practice expertise make her an asset to our team and our patient population. She is greatly appreciated here at U-M, at CF Centers across the U.S., and in Turkey and Egypt.”

Champions of Pediatric Psychology Award
Kristina Brookshire-Gay, PhD, and Cara Olofsson, RD

The Champions of Pediatric Psychology Award is presented to an individual or group who advocates for and promotes the full integration of pediatric psychology and mental health into comprehensive health care for patients and families.

Kristina Brookshire-Gay, PhD, and Cara Olofsson, RD, were honored for their work advancing a more integrated approach to diabetes care. Their efforts have helped the team better understand and address the intersection of mental health and disordered eating, while strengthening patient-centered, trauma-informed care.

Through provider education and collaborative clinical work, Brookshire-Gay and Olofsson have made a meaningful impact on both clinical practice and patient well-being.

As one nominator shared, “Both Kristina and Cara are incredible when they meet with patients and provide exceptional care that is empathetic, trauma informed, and ‘entire person’ focused rather than just their diabetes. Our patients are lucky to have them as providers, and our team is lucky to have them as colleagues since they make all of us better at our jobs.”

Pediatric Psychology Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring
Richard Birnbaum, PhD

The Pediatric Psychology Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring honors psychologists who demonstrate exemplary mentorship of graduate students, interns, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. The award recognizes individuals who provide outstanding support, encouragement, education, professional development, and career guidance to junior colleagues.

Richard Birnbaum, PhD, was recognized for his thoughtful, developmental approach to mentorship. His nominators described him as an exceptional mentor who helps trainees build skills with confidence while recognizing and encouraging their unique strengths.

One trainee shared that Birnbaum “made me feel so capable” and “always made time” for support, reflecting his deep commitment to training and his lasting impact on trainee growth.

Outstanding Pediatric Psychology Trainee Award
Joi Sessum, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow

The Outstanding Pediatric Psychology Trainee Award recognizes a trainee who demonstrates excellence in patient care, scholarly activity, and/or commitment to community beyond the expectations of their training level.

Joi Sessum, PhD, was honored for her outstanding commitment to patient care, learning, and collaboration. As a postdoctoral fellow, Sessum has managed highly complex clinical cases with skill beyond her training level and has led important quality improvement work focused on access to care.

Her colleagues describe her as a thoughtful and enthusiastic collaborator who “makes everyone around her better,” reflecting her strong impact on both patients and the broader care team.

Sessum will join the Division of Pediatric Psychology faculty in June 2026.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Pediatric Psychology Awards of Excellence recipients!

2026 Awards Committee
Emily M. Fredericks, PhD
Sunnye Mayes, PhD
Lo Wruble, PhD