NBCC is honored to recognize professionals who are advancing the counseling profession through the NBCC Awards.  

“These awards celebrate counselors who work to transform their communities through innovation, education, engagement, and expanded access to counseling and mental health resources,” said NBCC’s President and CEO, Dr. Kylie Dotson-Blake.

Around 59.3 million Americans live with mental illness, and over 28 million of those individuals won’t receive treatment, according to Mental Health America. Counseling professionals have a collective responsibility to advocate for mental health and recognize and reduce barriers to treatment. The NBCC Awards celebrate counselors who are leaning into this professional responsibility by taking initiative in their communities to promote counseling and mental health care.

This year’s awardees are recognized for their commitment to community, national, and global mental health needs. Counseling professionals from across the country nominated peers, mentors, and leaders. NBCC is deeply thankful to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2025 Awards.

“It is so inspiring to read the stories of each of these nominees,” says Dr. Dotson-Blake. “Each individual has dedicated incredible amounts of time and energy to bridging access gaps and generating new opportunities through innovation and engagement within their communities. Being able to celebrate and honor their work and transformative impact is an incredible honor.”

View a complete list of the 2025 Awardees below.

Leadership Excellence for Counselors by Counselors Award 

• Hannah M. Coyt, PhD, NCC, CCMHC, LPCC-S
  Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Professional Counseling Graduate Program, Lindsey Wilson College 

Propelling Mental Health, Powering the Future: School Counseling Award 

• Carrie Wachter Morris, PhD, NCC, ACS
  Professor, Department of Counseling and Educational Development, University of North Carolina at Greensboro 
  
  
• Jamal Boudion, PhD, NCC, LPC
  School Counselor, CT Janel School; Adjunct Faculty, University of Holy Cross 
  
  
• Zachary Pietrantoni, PhD, NCC, LSC
  Assistant Professor, Counseling, Recreation, and School Psychology Department, Florida International University 

NBCC Servant Leadership Award 

• Camila Angelica Pulgar, PhD, NCC, LCMHC
  Instructor, Wake Forest University; Owner, Salud Mental Health

Research Innovations in Counseling Practice and Counselor Education Award 

• Loni Crumb, PhD, NCC, LCMHC
  Associate Professor, East Carolina University; CEO, Carolina Cares Counseling & Consulting 
  
  
• S Anandavalli, PhD, NCC, LPC, CCTP
  Clinical Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University; CEO, Soulfulness Counseling

Innovation in Counseling Practice and Clinical Service Award 

• Thomas McCarry, NCC, LMHC
  CEO, Zero Overdose; Director of Substance Abuse Prevention, The Institute for Family Health 

Global Advancement of Counseling: Community Capacity Award 

• Arthur Dela Cruz Tolentino, PhD, NCC, ACS, MAC, LMHC, CL, LMFT, LMFT-S, LPC, LPC-S, PRC, SUDP, SAP
  Clinical Director, Pathways Mental Health Services; Program Director, Mental Health First Response
  
  
• Sylvia Nassar, PhD, NCC, ACS, LPC, CDF-I, CSP-T, MHF-T
  Professor, Counselor Education Department, North Carolina State University 

“Each of these awardees is expanding access to counseling and advancing global health equity through work driven by a deep care for and commitment to the communities they serve. Their work models some of the best aspects of the counseling profession; leadership, empathy, service, dedication, innovation, resilience, and partnership. We are inspired by their impact, grateful for their willingness to share their talents and expertise with the profession, and thrilled to be able to honor them and celebrate their revolutionary work,” said Dr. Dotson-Blake.

NBCC will feature each award winner in upcoming Visions newsletters and on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Follow NBCC on social media and join us in celebrating these remarkable professionals!