Patricia Lopez of Lee County schools is Florida's School Psychologist of the Year. She supports students at Edgewood Academy and two Caloosa schools.

A Lee County school psychologist has been named the best in Florida. Patricia Lopez won School Psychologist of the Year from the Florida Association of School Psychologists, the state’s professional group for the field.

Lopez is a bilingual school psychologist with The School District of Lee County. The district announced the award Nov. 4.

Who she works with

This school year Lopez supports students at three Lee County campuses, the district said:

  • Edgewood Academy, the arts and sciences magnet elementary on Edgewood Avenue in Fort Myers
  • Caloosa Elementary School
  • Caloosa Middle School

The award recognizes 22 years in school psychology. Nine of those were with New York City Public Schools and 13 have been with students and families in Lee County, according to the district.

Beyond her caseload, Lopez is a Psych Lead for the district. She is also finishing the requirements to become an APPLES mentor for new educators, the district said.

What she said

“This award is incredibly special, and I accept it with immense gratitude for the colleagues who have inspired me, the families who have trusted me, and the students who remind me every day why this work matters,” Lopez said in the district’s announcement.

She said the job is “so much more” than assessments, evaluations and eligibility decisions. “At its core, it is about advocacy,” she said.

Fernando Vazquez, the district’s assistant director for Exceptional Student Education, called her “an invaluable pillar of support” for the school psychology department. He said her guidance had kept the department stable and compliant.

What it means for you

Lopez supports students at Edgewood Academy and the two Caloosa schools this year. Parents at those schools who have questions about an evaluation or support for their child can start with the school’s front office or the child’s teacher.

The School Board of Lee County will recognize Lopez at a future meeting, the district said. It has not named the date.