Dr. LaConda Fanning
VCA Convention Remarks Delivered by 2020 John Cook Award Recipient, Rick Gressard, Ph.D.
It is my profound pleasure to introduce the 2021 recipient of the John R. Cook award for meritorious service. This year’s recipient is Dr. LaConda Fanning. The John R. Cook award is one of the highest honors awarded by the Virginia Counselors Association and I think you will agree that Dr. Fanning is a deserving recipient.
Dr. Fanning has a master’s degree in community/clinical psychology from Norfolk state and master’s degrees in clinical psychology and Practical Theology and Religious Studies from Regent University. She has a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent psychology and Organization and supervision, also from Regent University.
Dr. Fanning is currently the Director of Assessment and Mentorship for the Graduate Medical Education program at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. She has also been a therapist with Christian Psychotherapy Services and served as the clinical director of the Norfolk location. She has presented at a wealth of conferences throughout her profession and was a presenter at the 2019 AMCD Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Summit. She presented on The Psychological and Cultural Implication of Intergenerational Trauma. Dr. Fanning is a published author and has developed a therapeutic board game to foster behavior modification and prosocial behaviors in children.
Dr. Fanning is a pillar in the Counseling community as she gives her time and talent as a Virginia Board Approved Supervisor for many clinical interns and residents in counseling.
Dr. Fanning is a past recipient of the Safe Harbor Award for her community advocacy with children. In 2017, Dr. Fanning became the first African American recipient of the Virginia Counseling Association Humanitarian Award. In addition, she was a VCA Foundation (VCAF) Grant Recipient for development of her MAPPING board game and group curriculum for children with ADHD and Autism.
Dr. Fanning is member of VCA and has served as the Professional Development Committee Chair and as treasurer for the VCA Board. She was the first African American to serve on the six-member Executive Board. In addition, she has been an active participant with the VCA Leadership Academy. And this past year she was voted in as President-Elect. As she approaches her presidential year, she can be assured that all those who have worked with her in the past and present have the highest level of respect for her contributions to the profession over the years. As an example, one of her nominators described her reaction to Dr. Fanning’s work with the VCA leadership academy:
During the 2021 Leadership Academy planning, she had this gentle assertiveness related to cultural humility that was powerful. To later watch her deliver the presentation and be “in her presence” for the first time as an attendee was powerful. I felt her genuine nature and leadership in those moments.
This year’s John R Cook award winner: Dr. LaConda Fanning!