MSUM Alum Named North Dakota School Psychologist of the Year | MSUM News

West Fargo Psychologist Receives State Recognition, Credits MSUM for Success

Danielle Salmon, a school psychologist at West Fargo Public High School, has been named the 2025-26 North Dakota School Psychologist of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Psychologists (NDASP). Salmon attributes much of her success to the inclusive academic environment and supportive faculty at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM).

Salmon earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from MSUM in 2011, followed by a Master of Science in School Psychology in 2012 and a Specialist in School Psychology in 2014. She received the award in Fall 2025.

The MSUM school psychology program was a key factor in her decision to pursue graduate studies at the university. Having heard positive feedback and interacted with graduate students and professors during her undergraduate years, she found the program to be readily accessible. “The school psychology program was what brought Danielle back to Moorhead for her graduate studies,” she explained.

Salmon emphasized the benefits of attending a smaller university, stating, “With Moorhead being a smaller school, you get so much more attention from faculty.” She also praised the diverse backgrounds and ongoing research involvement of the professors, noting their commitment to their field.

Her academic experience at MSUM extended beyond coursework. Salmon had the opportunity to assist a professor with research, gaining valuable experience in literature review and background research. “My research experience was much easier to obtain at a smaller university because I did not have to compete with 100 students,” she said.

Salmon fondly remembers her participation in the honors program, describing it as a space for “deep critical thinking conversations” and a “community within a larger one.” A pivotal experience within the program was a trip to Italy, led by two honors program professors, which she described as a “capstone experience.”

Beyond academics, Salmon actively participated in campus organizations, including the Campus Free Thinkers’ Association and College Democrats. These experiences provided her with opportunities to develop her public speaking skills and navigate challenging conversations.

Practical experience gained through practicum placements in schools around the Fargo-Moorhead area proved invaluable in preparing her for her current role.

Currently, Salmon’s work at West Fargo High School primarily involves conducting evaluations for special education, providing support to students, and making recommendations to special education teachers and guardians. She prioritizes building strong relationships with her students.

Salmon believes that fostering strong partnerships with parents and guardians is crucial for student success. “I make sure that parents and guardians are feeling like we’re all around the same table and we’re all here to help that student, even if it takes a little extra time,” she explained. “It is important to make parents feel comfortable and communicate that I want the best for their student.”

Her ultimate goal is to empower students to become their own advocates, understanding their individual learning styles and identifying the resources that best support their success. “My work has a lot of indirect impact on steering students in the right direction,” she said. “So, winning the award for NDASP School Psychologist of the Year was so meaningful to me.”

Reflecting on her time at MSUM, Salmon expressed gratitude for the professors and the supportive community within both the school psychology and undergraduate programs. “The cohort in the grad school program was a bond I had never experienced before, and I look back on those years fondly,” she concluded.