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Congratulations to our AET Award Recipients for 2026
Nan Freund Distinguished Service Award
The Nan Freund Distinguished Service Award was established in 2020 to recognize and honor members who have contributed exemplary service, exceptional time commitment, and dedication to educational therapy and AET. The award is named in honor of AET’s eleventh president, Nan Freund, for her more than 30 years of service, unwavering commitment, and steadfast loyalty to the Association of Educational Therapists.
Mary Marthe, MSEd, BCET®, FAET
Mary always wanted to work with students with special needs. She began her career as a student teacher in a UCLA-engineered classroom project for special education and went on to become a special education teacher, using her Spanish skills while working in low-income school districts. She eventually joined the South Pasadena School District, where she devoted twenty-five years to serving students and families. In addition, Mary maintained a private practice in her home, in private schools, and occasionally in students’ homes.
Mary discovered AET through volunteering at Kaiser Permanente. She soon became an AET volunteer, serving as Co-Leader of the San Gabriel Study Group with Kaye Ragland for more than four years and assisting with Southern California workshops. Mary may have the record for attending board meetings as a member-observer, leadership retreats, area workshops, and our annual conference
Mary Marthe joined the Supervision Subcommittee in 2008, becoming Chair in 2010. She retired in 2026 after nearly two decades of dedicated service. Mary has been the face of the Subcommittee and has worked with hundreds of ETs as they achieved ET/P status. Known to all as the consummate ET, Mary always made sure that each Associate was paired with a supervisor who would be a good match. Mary always took time to clarify what was needed and to ensure the process was positive. She worked closely with both the supervisor and the supervisee. She put in countless hours documenting each step of the process. Please join us in celebrating Mary Marthe, the 2026 recipient of the Nan Freund Distinguished Service Award.
Dorothy Ungerleider Founder’s Award
The Dorothy Ungerleider Award was established in 2003 in honor of AET’s founder and first president, Dorothy Ungerleider, for her creative vision, initiative, and leadership. The award recognizes any individual who has made exceptional contributions to expand knowledge and visibility of the field of educational therapy.
Jose Chávez, EdD, BCET®, C-SLDI
Dr. Jose Chávez is an ambassador for educational therapy and AET through his teaching, research, publications, professional presentations, and community and international outreach. His dissertation, “Bridging Gaps: Exploring Access and Awareness of Educational Therapy with Latinx Families,” focuses on increasing awareness and access for low-income Latinx families. He has presented his research to professional audiences outside the educational therapy community and continues to explain the differences between educational therapy, tutoring, and special education to educators, parents, and community organizations. Findings from his dissertation are scheduled to be featured in Hispanic Outlook on Education, a national publication.
Through his speaking and advocacy, Dr. Chávez’s advocacy has reached international audiences, introducing educational therapy principles to educators in El Salvador and to professional women in Turkey who are now exploring educational therapy as a profession. At the International Mind, Brain and Education Society Conference, his conversations about educational therapy generated new interest in the profession. He was a keynote presenter at UNIVO’s Neuroeducation Conference in El Salvador in September of this year.
Dr. Chávez’s commitment to accessibility is especially evident in his work at the Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center, where he has facilitated high-quality educational therapy services that reach students and families who may otherwise face barriers to support. His leadership is grounded not only in expertise, but also in humility, compassion, cultural responsiveness, and a genuine belief in the potential of every team member and student.
Through his guidance, Dr. Chávez has prepared emerging professionals to carry the work of educational therapy into schools, clinics, community settings, and interdisciplinary spaces. He empowers both novice and seasoned educational therapists to exceed their own expectations by encouraging continuous learning, reflective practice, and professional growth. In his personal community, where he volunteers as a youth group leader, Dr. Chávez informs young people and families about educational therapy and resources for diverse learners.
In a field that continues to benefit from greater diversity in leadership, Dr. Chávez’s contributions have elevated colleagues and students, increased access for underserved communities, and expanded the visibility of educational therapy across diverse professions and community settings. As a professor, mentor, and leader, Dr. Chávez embodies the creative leadership, professional excellence, initiative, and visionary service of Dorothy Ungerleider, AET’s Founding President. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Jose Chávez, recipient of the 2026 Dorothy Ungerleider Founder’s Award.
Fellow of the Association of Educational Therapists (FAET)
Honorary Designation
The Fellow of the Association of Educational Therapists (FAET) honorary designation recognizes individuals for their leadership and contributions to the field of educational therapy.
Pamm Scribner, MEd, BCET®, FAET
Pamm’s journey with AET spans decades of steadfast commitment, beginning at the local level where she served as Program Chair, Membership Chair, and Co-Chair of the San Francisco Study Group. Her leadership soon expanded to the national level when she joined the Board of Directors and served as chair of the Program Committee.
Beyond her administrative leadership, Pamm has dedicated her career to shaping future generations of educational therapists. Since starting her practice in 1978, she has served as a devoted practitioner, mentor, and university instructor. From supervising clinics and teaching courses at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz Extension to coordinating Berkeley’s Educational Therapy and Special Education programs, her guidance has helped establish and maintain high standards of clinical excellence across our field.
When Pamm returned to the Board of Directors in 2019—serving as Membership Chair, Secretary, President-Elect, and ultimately as our 23rd President from 2024 to 2026—she brought invaluable clarity and foresight. She helped refine our membership criteria, articulate pathways for Associate members, and broaden AET's overall mission and vision.
During her presidency, Pamm fearlessly navigated complex challenges. She guided AET through a smooth transition in management operations while preserving team strengths, resolved crucial trademark and non-profit status issues, and championed upgrades that centralized our membership system. Above all, Pamm prioritized transparency and inclusivity—opening Board meetings to the broader membership and expanding voting rights to long-standing Associate members.
Please join us in recognizing and congratulating Pamm Scribner, recipient of the Fellow of the Association of Educational Therapy (FAET) honorary designation.
2026 Student Scholarship Recipients:
Angela Beeck
UCSC- Silicon Valley Extension
Abigail Garcia
CSUN
David Gonzalez
CSUN
Courteny Gumora
CSUN
Tiffany Hamlin
CSUN
Cortney Lorca
CSUN
Stephanie Lundin
UCSC- Silicon Valley Extension
Veronica Miller
CSUN
Aimee Rogers-Yingst
Notre Dame de Namur
Aileen Tang
CSUN