2025 Award Recipients & Honorees

Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Neuropsychology Award

NAN’s most prestigious award is given to a senior scholar who has made significant scientific, intellectual, and training-related contributions to the field of neuropsychology. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Reisa Sperling, MD

Dr. Reisa Sperling is a neurologist (and a neuropsychologist "wannabe") focused on the detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at the earliest possible stage, even before clinical impairment is apparent. Dr. Sperling is a Professor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment (CART) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.  She co-led the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (A4) Study, the first prevention trial is late onset preclinical (pre-symptomatic) AD, and LEARN Study, and currently co-leads the AHEAD 3-45 Study prevention trials. Dr. Sperling has published over 400 peer-reviewed research articles and was elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2021.

Distinguished Service Award

This award is designed to recognize NAN’s most dedicated leaders who have a longstanding career of exemplary and distinguished service to NAN. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Jonathan Woodhouse, Psy.D., ABPP-CN

Dr. Jonathan Woodhouse is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing neuropsychology through leadership, advocacy, and innovation. As Co-Chair of NAN’s Professional Affairs and Information Committee (2019-2024), he helped launch two major initiatives: NANectome, a national volunteer network addressing state-level practice issues, and NANobytes, a library of concise educational videos. He also served as Chair of the Inter-Organizational Practice Committee, guiding coordinated efforts around tele-neuropsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic, test security threats, and the committee’s first expansion in years to include a diversity seat. His national service also includes contributions to NAN’s Pharma Task Force, Geriatric Summit, and Day on the Hill advocacy initiative.

In Connecticut, Dr. Woodhouse founded the Neuropsychology Division of the Connecticut Psychological Association and served on the board of the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut. He currently serves as Medical Director of Neuropsychology at the Hospital for Special Care and has worked across academic medical centers, nonprofit rehabilitation settings, and private practice.

Tresa Roebuck Spencer Award for Excellence in Advocacy

Awarded to an individual who has exhibited dedication and excellence in advocacy for neuropsychology as a science and practice. The recipient of this award has engaged with decision-makers and other stakeholders outside of neuropsychology to promote brain science and inspire change, beneficially raising the public awareness of the practice of neuropsychology. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Jennifer M. Morgan, PsyD

Jennifer M. Morgan, PsyD practices in Richmond, Virginia in an outpatient setting. She has been a member of NAN’s PAIC since 2005. Also, she serves on a number of APA’s advisory groups. Dr. Morgan has been active in her state association since the late 1990’s and currently serves as the Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Committee, Chair of the Healthcare Benefits Committee, Member of the Diversity Committee, and Member of the Awards Committee. Her life has been enriched by each of these roles, not only by involvement in important work products, but also by the friendships that have been forged over the years.

Award for Excellence in Advocacy

The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) is honored to recognize the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM) at Cleveland Clinic as a 2025 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Advocacy.



Founded by Maria Shriver in 2010 and recently merged with Cleveland Clinic, the organization is driven by a powerful mission: to understand why women are more likely to be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, is disproportionately affects women, both as patients and caregivers, and to empower women and their families with the information and tools needed to help prevent it. Now part of the Cleveland Clinic, the WAM at 
Cleveland Clinic stands as the leading organization dedicated to advancing women’s brain health.

Through cutting-edge scientific research, public education, strategic funding, and unwavering advocacy, WAM at Cleveland Clinic is transforming the landscape of Alzheimer’s awareness, prevention, and care—fighting every day for a future where women’s cognitive health is better understood, prioritized, and protected.

The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) is proud to announce that Natalie Morales has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Advocacy Award. This distinguished honor is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions in advancing brain health awareness and public advocacy.

Natalie Morales, a renowned journalist and advocate, is being recognized for her outstanding commitment to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and for championing meaningful support for caregivers. Through her voice and platform, she has amplified the stories of families impacted by Alzheimer’s, bringing critical attention to the challenges they face and helping to shape a more compassionate and informed dialogue around brain health.

Ralph M. Reitan Award for Clinical Excellence

This award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the clinical practice of neuropsychology. The recipients of this award have significantly influenced the methods, settings, and/or persons involved in clinical practice, resulting in noteworthy benefit to the profession and its clients; and/or demonstrated significant leadership as a teacher, clinician, and/or theorist in public and/or professional arenas of clinical neuropsychology; and/or had a notable effect on clinical practice or training in the field of clinical neuropsychology. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | John DeLuca, PhD, ABPP

John DeLuca, PhD, is the Senior Vice President for Research and Training at Kessler Foundation, a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the Department of Neurology at Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School. He is board certified in Rehabilitation Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. DeLuca is internationally known for his research on disorders of memory and information processing in a variety of clinical populations including: multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Dr. DeLuca has published over 425 articles and book chapters in these areas, has edited 7 books in neuropsychology, neuroimaging and rehabilitation, and is a co-Chief Editor for the “Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology.” He has received over 65 million dollars in grant support for his research. Dr. DeLuca's most recent research ventures include the cerebral mapping of human cognitive processes using functional neuroimaging, as well as the development of research-based techniques to improve cognitive impairment.

Early Career Award

This award is given to someone who has made substantial scholarly contributions to the field of neuropsychology within 10 years of receiving their doctoral degree. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Andrew M. Kiselica, PhD, ABPP-CN

Dr. Kiselica is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and Associate Professor in the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Georgia. He has a continuous record of funding from the NIH and the Alzheimer’s Association since 2019 for research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), resulting in over 70 publications. His research interests include expanding ADRD screening in rural communities, improving assessment of cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, and studying the link between technology use and ADRD risk. Dr. Kiselica also provides clinical services, education, and outreach to older adults through the Cognitive Aging Research and Education (CARE) Center at the University of Georgia.

Early Career Service Award

This award is designed for someone who is within 10 years of receiving their doctoral degree and who has made substantial early career service contributions to NAN. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Dede U. O'Shea, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Dede O’Shea is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with Beth Israel Lahey Health and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School. Her clinical and research interests include neuropsychological assessment and intervention, with emphasis on attention, executive functions, and emotion in brain-based disorders. Dr. O’Shea is also involved in service and leadership with local, regional, and national organizations advancing neuropsychology education and professional development. She has authored publications on her clinical research as well as on education and leadership topics. She began service with NAN while completing her doctorate degree at Penn State, and has worked on multiple committees to create resources and support programs for members and the public. She first served as a student member of the Social Media Committee and also volunteered at the annual conference. As a professional NAN member, she served on the Program Committee and was the 2022 Chair of the Poster and Abstracts Review Committee. Following an interest to deepen her involvement in leadership, she participated in the Leadership Ambassador Development (LEAD) program and then served on the LEAD Task Force, and she was also a member of the Brain Health Task Force.

Nelson Butters Award

This award is given for the best research paper published in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology over the preceding year. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Diny Thomson

Diny Thomson is a final-year PhD candidate (Clinical Neuropsychology) within the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University, supervised by Professor Yen Ying Lim and Dr Emily Rosenich. Her research uses a range of fluid and imaging biomarkers to examine the influence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on Alzheimer’s disease progression. Alongside her PhD, Diny has completed clinical training in neuropsychology and is excited to begin a career that integrates her passions for clinical practice, research and education.

Outstanding Dissertation Award

This award is given to recognize an excellent neuropsychology-related dissertation or dissertation project. The winner is invited to present his/her study at a poster session during the Annual Conference and submit the study for publication to Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

2025 Recipient | Kaitlin Elizabeth Riegler, PhD

Dr. Riegler received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology from the Pennsylvania State University. She completed her doctoral internship in the neuropsychology track at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. She is finishing her neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton Neuropsychology and the Sports Concussion Center of New Jersey in August 2025. After completion of her fellowship, Dr. Riegler will be joining RWJ Barnabas Health Medical Group as a neuropsychologist in the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center. Her research focuses on modifiable factors that are related to outcomes in several neuropsychological populations. These modifiable factors include depression, fatigue, and sleep difficulties in Multiple Sclerosis as well as athletes with sport-related concussion.

Tony Wong Diversity Award

The Tony Wong Diversity Awards are granted in recognition of the applicant’s efforts to promote public education, advocacy, and research in brain health in culturally diverse and minority communities, with one award for early-career recipients and an award also recognizing outstanding mentorship in relationship to diversity. LEARN MORE ABOUT PAST RECIPIENTS

Tony Wong Diversity Award – Mentor

2025 Recipient | Matthew Calamia, PhD

Dr. Matthew Calamia is Associate Dean of the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School and Professor of Psychology at Louisiana State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and completed his internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Calamia has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications on neuropsychological assessment, aging, psychometrics, and topics related to mentorship, diversity, and doctoral training, with a significant portion of this work being conducted in collaboration with his graduate student trainees. Since 2015, he has served as the primary mentor for 15 graduate students. He was a founding executive board member of the Queer Neuropsychological Society and currently serves on the Executive Board of KnowNeuropsychology. He is President of the Association for Doctoral Education in Clinical Neuropsychology and serves as Associate Editor for both the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology and Neuropsychology.

Tony Wong Diversity Award - Early Career

2025 Recipient | Hjalmar Zambrana Bonaparte, Psy.D.

Dr. Hjalmar Zambrana-Bonaparte is a bilingual clinical neuropsychologist at Cambridge Health Alliance and an Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He earned his doctorate from Albizu University in Puerto Rico and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology with a focus on cross-cultural assessment.

He provides neuropsychological services to a diverse patient population, conducting evaluations in both Spanish and English and working with interpreters for other languages, including Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Arabic.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Zambrana-Bonaparte supervises fellows, teaches multicultural neuropsychology in academic programs and international forums, and mentors Hispanic and other minority students pursuing careers in neuropsychology. He serves on diversity committees and engages in community outreach to promote brain health in underserved populations.

He also practices forensic neuropsychology and provides expert opinions in civil and criminal cases. He has published in both English and Spanish on cultural considerations in neuropsychological assessment and case conceptualization. His current work focuses on literacy in Latin American immigrants and normative data for teleneuropsychological testing in Spanish-speaking adults.

Dr. Zambrana-Bonaparte is Editor-in-Chief of Revista Iberoamericana de Neuropsicología (Iberoamerican Journal of Neuropsychology), a bilingual journal dedicated to elevating diverse voices across Ibero-America.

Student Poster Award

This monetary award is given at the Annual Conference for the most meritorious posters. READ MORE

Student Poster Award – Diversity

This award is granted at the Annual Conference for the best student poster that reflects diversity-related topics or issues. READ MORE