Join us for the
MSCA 2025
Fall Conference!
November 2-4, 2025
Meet our Keynote Speakers:
Carmen Larson, Ph.D.
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.
Joe Sanfelippo, Ph.D.
Dr. Joe Sanfelippo recently retired after spending the last 26 years in the building and the final 12 as the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education twice during that time. Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, an MS in Educational Psychology, an MS in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Learning, and Service. He was selected as 1 of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and 1 of 50 Superintendents as a Personalized Learning Leader by the US Department of Education. Education Dive named Joe their National Superintendent of the Year in 2019.
Joe started the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge, and authored multiple books, including The Power of Branding-Telling Your School's Story, Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age, Hacking Leadership: 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students and Parents Love, Lead From Where You Are: Building Intention, Connection, and Direction in Our Schools, and Crafting the Culture: 45 Reflections on What Matters Most, and the upcoming 1 Minute Walk to Work: Weekly Walks to Your Greatest Year Ever (Available June 2024).
