Towner-Larsen was presented the award on Nov. 1 as part of the All Ohio Counselors Conference.

The award is named after Susan Jones Sears, who was instrumental in writing the legislation that regulates licensed counselors, clinical counselors, and social workers in Ohio.

“The award is very special to me not only for the recognition, but also because Susan Jones was my adviser and mentor while I was obtaining my doctorate degree in 1998,” Towner-Larsen said.

Towner-Larsen now teaches psychology classes at CCAD in the Liberal Arts department. He also has worked as a grief counselor for 23 years at Kobacker House at Riverside Methodist Hospital and facilitates workshops and coaches new attendees at the Wexner Medical Center.