Dr. Larson is an award-winning school counselor, adjunct school counseling professor and nationally recognized leader in the field. Honored as the 2025 national School Counselor of the Year®, she brings passion, innovation and more than two decades of experience to supporting students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. A Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS), Dr. Larson integrates creative interventions into her practice, including play media and canine-assisted interventions. She works alongside her beloved therapy dog, Winston, using his calming presence to foster emotional well-being in students.

Dr. Larson earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Florida in 2004 and has since become a trailblazer in the field. Her expertise includes advocacy efforts at the state and local levels, ethical and legal considerations in school counseling, artistry in practice and using technology to enhance data-informed practices. As a dedicated leader in school counseling, Dr. Larson served as a board member of the Florida School Counselor Association for more than a decade, including two terms as chair of the Board of Directors (2015–2016, 2022–2023). She also served nationally as the ASCA SCA Advisory Committee chair (2023–2024).

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Larson has presented at numerous local, regional and national conferences, delivering engaging, practical and humor-filled sessions that leave audiences both informed and inspired. Whether tackling serious topics or sharing real-world school counseling insights, she brings warmth, relatability and a deep passion for supporting students and fellow counselors.

The educational landscape has become increasingly complex, with schools often serving as battlegrounds for cultural and ideological conflicts. These debates can profoundly affect students’ sense of safety, identity and belonging, placing school counselors in a position to lead with empathy, advocacy and purpose. This keynote explores how school counselors can leverage the ASCA standards to navigate these challenges, promote their essential role and create inclusive environments where all students can thrive, despite the noise. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to uphold equity, foster resilience and champion a culture of belonging.