Congratulations to Dr. Jon Sperry, recipient of the 2026 Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award
RIPLRT collaborator Dr. Jon Sperry, Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University, received the Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award from Center for Child Counseling at its 2026 Gratitude Gathering in Palm Beach County.
The RIPLRT Institute congratulates our collaborator Dr. Jon Sperry, Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University in Boca Raton, on receiving the Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award from Center for Child Counseling.
The award was presented by Jane Robinson, founder of Center for Child Counseling, at the organization’s 2026 Gratitude Gathering, held on November 4 at the Mollie Wilmot Pavilion. The evening honored three champions for children in Palm Beach County for their dedication to healing trauma, building resilience, and fostering hope among children and families.
Center for Child Counseling recognized Dr. Sperry’s contributions to counselor education through his expertise in trauma-informed care, Adlerian psychology, and therapeutic group drumming. He has co-authored eight books, taught and spoken in 30 countries, and trained the Center’s clinicians on a range of clinical topics, extending his impact from the classroom to children and families throughout the community. “Dr. Sperry, your decades of dedication to training therapists and to giving families new tools for healing have inspired countless professionals — myself included,” said Robinson. “Your compassion and leadership continue to shape the field and give children everywhere a voice.”
Dr. Sperry’s work on therapeutic group drumming, which he has led and studied since 2007, is the foundation of the Institute’s drumming-intervention research with Dr. Félix E. Rivera-Mariani at Lynn University, a study that has also involved several of our graduate fellows. This recognition reflects the same commitment to well-being, mentoring, and community that he brings to that collaboration.
Congratulations, Jon!
Adapted from the Center for Child Counseling news release (November 10, 2026).