“Being selected as the 2025 ASCA School Counselor of the Year is not only an incredible honor but also the most thrilling adventure of my career thus far.” — Carmen Larson, middle school counselor from Florida Dr. Larson took a leap of faith by transitioning from a director of dance to becoming a school counselor because she saw a chance to make a change in her community. She continues to find ways to help her students in all she does because when she won a $5,000 professional development award, she knew immediately what to do. Meet Winston, a Goldendoodle she trained to earn a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist credential. His presence fosters a sense of safety and connection, enriching students' mental health and enhancing their academic performance. Dr. Larson and Winston work together to create an atmosphere where students feel safe to open up and seek help when needed. ???? Read more about Dr. Larson and Winston on Common App’s newest blog post: https://lnkd.in/eqzj7cgG #NSCW25 #SCOY25 #SCChat American School Counselor Association
