EXPERT FACULTY: Paula J. McCall, PhD, NCSP, AZ Licensed Psychologist, Next Step Psychologist

Dr. Paula McCall is a Licensed Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, mother of two teenagers, owner of Next Step Psychology, and founder of Semicolon Society, a nonprofit providing free community mental health education, events, and resources with an emphasis on suicide prevention. Dr. McCall has collaborated with multiple school districts, businesses, and organizations to build suicide risk assessment procedures as well as prevention and postvention supports. She has presented for organizations including the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists on various topics including crisis planning and response, suicide prevention and supports, violence in youth, and supporting neurodiverse youth. She has received the award for Distinguished Contribution to the Professional Practice of Psychology by the Arizona Psychological Association, and she also was honored to have been named one of Chandler, Arizona’s Women of the Year in 2025.