Awards & Recognition

The Margaret Riggs Distinguished Contribution Award is given to a NH psychologist who has demonstrated extraordinary skills in teaching, research, or service. To submit a nomination, click here.

The Distinguished Contribution Award is given to a NH layperson or group of people who made outstanding contributions on behalf of the psychological welfare of people. To submit a nomination, click here.

This award is meant to celebrate the life and distinguished career of an inspiring NH Psychologist who passed away, Dr. Teresa Bolick. The Teresa Bolick Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor Dr. Bolick whose life and work established a lofty benchmark for career achievements in psychology.



Dr. Bolick was a nationally recognized expert in autism spectrum disorders. She evaluated and treated many children with autism and was a powerful source of information, support, treatment, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families. She was a pioneer in the field of autism as the diagnosis of the condition became much more prevalent in the 1990s and 2000s. She consulted to many organizations and schools and other professionals, providing valuable knowledge and experience to people who initially had relatively little understanding of, or experience with, people with autism. Through her work, people with autism were better able to access the education and treatment they needed and many individuals and their families were able to live fuller and more independent lives. Her work consisted of multiple publications on autism, service on important councils and commissions on autism, an adjunct faculty position, multiple formal consultative relationships, and most importantly, ongoing clinical work.

The impact of Dr. Bolick’s life and work continues to be felt far and wide. She was a much loved and deeply respected colleague who literally changed the world for many individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. With the creation of this award NHPA intends to honor and celebrate Dr. Bolick by identifying and awarding psychologists in New Hampshire who have made a clear and lasting impact on students, patients and other consumers, colleagues, or other professionals through their work in the field of psychology over the course of their career. To submit a nomination, click here.