Dr. Jo Ann Unger, C. Psych. – MPS President’s Award
Dr. Jo Ann Unger, C. Psych. was awarded the President’s Award for her outstanding contributions to the Manitoba Psychological Society. Dr. Unger has been an extraordinary force within MPS and the broader psychological community in Winnipeg and Manitoba. She is a tireless advocate for psychology, advancing the profession in many ways, including the retention and remuneration of psychologists in the public health system, increasing the number of psychologists in general in Manitoba and advocating for the science and practice of psychology.
Dr. Woods, MPS President: “Dr. Unger’s career exemplifies visionary leadership, steadfast advocacy, and a deep dedication to advancing psychology for the benefit of communities across Canada. I was proud to nominate her for this award; she is not only deserving but truly inspiring.”
Dr. Lesley Graff, C. Psych. – MPS Clifford J. Robson Award
Dr. Lesley Graff, C. Psych. was awarded MPS highest honor, the MPS Clifford J. Robson Award, which is given in recognition of significant contributions made to the profession of psychology in Manitoba. The award was established to honor the legacy of Dr. Cliff Robson, one of the founders of psychology in Manitoba, Head of Psychology at the University of Winnipeg for two decades, and a Past President of MPS. Dr. Lesley Graff has been a pillar of the psychological community over many years, through her exceptional leadership, commitment to clinical training, dedication to patient care, and contributions to research. Dr. Graff was the first woman to lead Clinical Health Psychology, and she is leaving this position with enduring improvements in the public healthcare system and academia.
Dr. Graff recognizes that for many Manitobans, the public health system represents the only pathway to psychological care. Public services have grown significantly in size, scope, and reputation under her leadership. In addition to her own impressive publication record, she championed early career and faculty research by establishing an internal research grant to fund scholarship and foster innovation within the department. Within academia, she championed the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Clinical Psychology residency program and played an integral role in successfully establishing the first Professorship in Clinical Health Psychology. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Graff has led with integrity, grace, and unwavering commitment. Her impact on the department, the profession, and the public healthcare system has indeed been profound and enduring.
Light Uchechukwu, M.A. – MPS Dr. John Walker Student Research Award
Light Uchechukwu, M.A., won the MPS Dr. John Walker Student Research Award with her poster titled ‘I’m not alone’: Perinatal women’s experiences in an online self-directed program for perinatal anxiety. The Dr. John Walker Student Research Award commemorates Dr. John Walker (1949-2018), who earned international recognition for his research within the field of anxiety.
In addition to being an exemplary researcher, Dr. Walker was a mentor to countless numbers of psychology students and residents, and a highly respected clinician who provided individual and group treatment services to individuals across the age span. In a challenging competition featuring seven excellent poster submissions.
Light is a first-year Master’s student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Manitoba, supervised by Dr. Kristin Reynolds.
Our adjudicators shared that “the winning poster stood out for its clear relevance, rigorous methodology, and effective presentation of findings. It offered meaningful insight into participants’ experiences in an online self-directed CBT program for perinatal anxiety integrating feedback from survey responses and interviews to identify themes of user experience, perception of content and barriers to engagement. This research highlights both academic and real-world impact, identifying a feasible option for perinatal mental health treatment.”
Erin Sinclair, M.A. – MPS Indigenous Student Bursary
MPS has made a commitment, in honour of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, and upon reflection of the Canadian Psychological Association’s response to the TRC, to encourage and support Indigenous students who are pursuing graduate level training in Psychology in Manitoba. Since 2021, MPS has contributed one percent of its annual membership fees to an Indigenous Student Bursary. From three strong submissions, Erin Sinclair, M.A., was selected as the 2026 awardee. Erin is a first-year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Manitoba, supervised by Dr. Kathryn Starzyk.
The award was granted to Erin for the exceptional quality of her research, focused on educating the public on issues affecting Indigenous communities, as well as her involvement in Indigenous community and leadership roles throughout her studies.