TAMFT Awards and RecognitionEach year, the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT) recognizes individuals whose dedication, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on the profession. These awards celebrate the accomplishments of practitioners, students, professors, supervisors, and leaders who embody the values of excellence, advocacy, and commitment to the TAMFT community. Below are the award categories, their definitions, and the qualifications required for nomination. Scroll further to see current and past recipients, whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen the field of Marriage and Family Therapy in Texas. NOMINATE NOWAnnual AwardsLifetime Achievement Award in the Field of Marriage and Family Therapy
Qualifications: Fully licensed MFT (LMFT), TAMFT member
Master’s Level & Doctoral Level Student Achievement Awards
The Student Achievement Award is presented to a student enrolled in a graduate program in a regionally accredited university or college within the year preceding the award. The student must be actively enrolled in their accredited program and be nominated by a professor within their program. The student must be conducting distinguished research or providing excellent services within the community. Nominations may be made for one master’s level student recipient and one doctoral level student recipient. Qualifications: Currently enrolled master’s or doctoral level student in an accredited MFT program, 1 letter of recommendation, member of TAMFT 2025 Recipients: Dr. Jesse Kao & Ms. Odunayo Samo
Professor of the Year Award
The Professor of the Year Award is presented to a professor actively teaching within a college or university, nominated by either colleagues or students, who has shown excellence in guiding students toward high standards of care for future practice in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. The recipient of this award has shown dedication in contributing to research relevant to the field while showing a passion for teaching, taking an interest in their students as both people and as clinicians. The recipient may also have honorably served as a supervisor in addition to their role as professor, although this is not a requirement for nomination. Qualifications: Professor at an accredited MFT program at a college or university
Outstanding Supervisor Award
The Outstanding Supervisor Award is presented to a Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor who has demonstrated dedication to a standard of excellence in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy through their mentorship and guidance of MFT supervisees. The recipient, nominated by either colleagues or supervisees, has demonstrated strong theoretical knowledge, nuanced wisdom of theoretical application, and adherence to ethical practice by themselves and those they supervise. Qualifications: LMFT-S in good standing 2025 Recipient: Ms. Jennifer Smothermon, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S
NEW! Notable Committee Volunteer Service Recognition awarded to a TAMFT member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact through their volunteer service on a committee. This honor celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in contributing their time, expertise, and passion to advance the mission and goals of TAMFT, while fostering collaboration and strengthening the professional community. Qualifications: Minimum of 3 years as an active committee member who is currently serving on a committee
Special AwardsSusan Speight Governmental Leadership Award
Qualifications: Texas Legislator or TAMFT member
Distinguished Service to TAMFT Award
Qualifications: TAMFT staff, TAMFT committee member/chair, TAMFT board member
Master Clinician Award
Qualifications: LMFT in good standing, TAMFT member 2025 Recipient: Dr. Emily Jamea
Past Award RecipientsAnnual Awards
Special Awards
NOMINATE NOW |
The Susan Speight Governmental Leadership Award is presented to a Texas legislator in recognition of their work to promote and advance TAMFT in its representation of Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas. The recipient may also be a TAMFT member who has made a significant contribution to the promotion of Marriage and Family Therapists in the political arena.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a member of TAMFT staff, committee member, or board member who has demonstrated distinguished leadership, commitment, or service to TAMFT within the last 5 years.
The Master Clinician Award is presented to a Marriage and Family Therapist who has sought proficiency in a specific modality of practice or who has shown innovation in their approach to the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy. The recipient may have contributed to their clients’ or community’s benefit by seeking additional training or credentialing through their dedication to a modality; or, the recipient may have developed a new modality to the benefit of many practitioners in the field.