LEARNING SESSIONS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
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LEARNING SESSION 1
2:10PM to 3:00PM
2:10PM to 3:00PM
Tips and tricks to maximize your School Counselor’s direct services to students
How do you resourcefully utilize your school counselor? Did you know that 80% for a School Counselor’s time is for providing direct services to students? Do you know what percentage your counselor is being utilized for direct services? In this session you will learn some tips and tricks on how to maximize your School Counselor’s time to provide direct services to students.
Tracks
Advocacy, New Counselors
Levels
Elementary
Presenters
Sarah Evenhus
School Counselor, Robert J.C. Rice Elementary
An Arizona native, Sarah Evenhus has been in the education field for twenty years, ten of which have been spent as a School Counselor. As a School Counselor at an Elementary School, she supports approximately 750 students in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Shirley Mathew
Principal Robert J.C. Rice Elementary
Shirley Mathew is the founding principal of Robert J.C. Rice Elementary- Home of the Rhinos! Over her many years in the field of education, she has never wavered on three beliefs; we are shaping tomorrow’s society, every child is capable of learning, and the success of every child lies in the partnership between home and school.
School Counselor, Robert J.C. Rice Elementary
An Arizona native, Sarah Evenhus has been in the education field for twenty years, ten of which have been spent as a School Counselor. As a School Counselor at an Elementary School, she supports approximately 750 students in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Shirley Mathew
Principal Robert J.C. Rice Elementary
Shirley Mathew is the founding principal of Robert J.C. Rice Elementary- Home of the Rhinos! Over her many years in the field of education, she has never wavered on three beliefs; we are shaping tomorrow’s society, every child is capable of learning, and the success of every child lies in the partnership between home and school.
One Man Show: Implementing an ASCA Model Program (...even when you feel like you’re doing it alone)
The ASCA National Model is considered the gold standard in implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. However, in Arizona, many school counselors still work in departments of one (or work in districts that do not support the National Model). In this session, we will discuss the components of the National Model, the role of data in developing your own comprehensive school counseling program, and best practices for moving forward when you feel like you’re doing it all alone. Leave with a better understanding of school data and a plan to advocate for yourself in your own school.
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the foundations of the ASCA National Model
- Discuss the critical role that data plays in implementing a National Model program
- Develop a plan for gathering and evaluating data on their school campus
- Determine one step they will take to use data in planning for their next year
Tracks
Advocacy, New Counselors
Levels
All
Presenter
Kristy Meyers
2022 School Counselor of the Year | School Counselor, Mingus Union High School
Kristy Meyers is a School Counselor at Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood, Arizona and the 2022 Arizona School Counselor of the Year. This is her 9th year serving the Verde Valley Community, where she has developed new programs and initiatives. Some of her notable accomplishments have included fostering data-driven practices, implementing her Bitmoji Virtual Counseling Office, and becoming a certified instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid to train others in supporting students.
Kristy received her bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University Mankato with a double major in psychology and Spanish, in addition to her master's degree in counseling and student personnel. In 2018, she achieved National Board Certification. She cares deeply, not only about her school community, but also about advancing the field of education.
2022 School Counselor of the Year | School Counselor, Mingus Union High School
Kristy Meyers is a School Counselor at Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood, Arizona and the 2022 Arizona School Counselor of the Year. This is her 9th year serving the Verde Valley Community, where she has developed new programs and initiatives. Some of her notable accomplishments have included fostering data-driven practices, implementing her Bitmoji Virtual Counseling Office, and becoming a certified instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid to train others in supporting students.
Kristy received her bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University Mankato with a double major in psychology and Spanish, in addition to her master's degree in counseling and student personnel. In 2018, she achieved National Board Certification. She cares deeply, not only about her school community, but also about advancing the field of education.
AHCCCS Funding for Behavioral Health Services for Students
The presentation covers the various funding opportunities AHCCCS has for referring students to Behavioral Health provider agencies and how these funding sources can cover the services at no cost to the school or parents. It also covers the types of services that are available and legislation such as Jake's Law and the Mitch Warnock Act. It also covers Suicide pre and post-vention.
Tracks
Health and Wellness
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Amy Munoz
Special Projects Advisor for Children's System of Care, AHCCCS
My name is Amy Munoz, I'm the Special Projects Advisor for the Children's System of Care at AHCCCS, Arizona's State Medicaid Agency. I work in collaboration with multiple state agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that children have access to needed services for health and wellness. One of my primary projects is Behavioral Health Services on school campus.
Ernest Sunjo
Project AWARE II Coordinator , Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Ernest holds a master’s degree from the university of ND and has worked for the state of AZ for 13 years. His first position in AZ was a Rehabilitation Counselor in the Department of Economic Security; he assisted individuals with mental health issues. He later transferred to AZ State Hospital as Program Manager where he assisted individuals with serious mental illness or were violent sex offenders.
He currently works for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) under project AWARE. His duties are to build, support, sustain wellness and prevent suicide in school aged youth. It is his duty to promote delivery of comprehensive cost-effective health care to Arizonans and to facilitate referral pathways to AHCCCS services especially underinsured & uninsured school age youths and families.
Special Projects Advisor for Children's System of Care, AHCCCS
My name is Amy Munoz, I'm the Special Projects Advisor for the Children's System of Care at AHCCCS, Arizona's State Medicaid Agency. I work in collaboration with multiple state agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that children have access to needed services for health and wellness. One of my primary projects is Behavioral Health Services on school campus.
Ernest Sunjo
Project AWARE II Coordinator , Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Ernest holds a master’s degree from the university of ND and has worked for the state of AZ for 13 years. His first position in AZ was a Rehabilitation Counselor in the Department of Economic Security; he assisted individuals with mental health issues. He later transferred to AZ State Hospital as Program Manager where he assisted individuals with serious mental illness or were violent sex offenders.
He currently works for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) under project AWARE. His duties are to build, support, sustain wellness and prevent suicide in school aged youth. It is his duty to promote delivery of comprehensive cost-effective health care to Arizonans and to facilitate referral pathways to AHCCCS services especially underinsured & uninsured school age youths and families.
Embracing Yoga and SEL in Counseling
This session will help you incorporate Yoga and breathing techniques into your school counseling programs, SEL lessons, and student interactions. Come prepared to interact with the material during the session and takeaway new techniques for your own school community.
Tracks
Health and Wellness, New Counselors
Levels
All Levels
Presenters
Amy Boven
School Counselor, Imagine Prep Surprise
Amy Boven has worked as a teacher and school counselor in Arizona since 2011. She currently serves as the school counselor at a charter school in Surprise, AZ. She is passionate about social and emotional wellness in adolescents. Middle schoolers are her jam! Outside of school counseling, she loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and horse.
Emma Franco
Secondary English Teacher, Imagine Prep Surprise
Emma Franco has been teaching high school English for the past 6 years and is a 200- hour Certified Yoga Teacher as well as a certified Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator. She is passionate about sharing yoga and SEL strategies with her students and colleagues, and when she grows up, she wants to be a high school counselor.
School Counselor, Imagine Prep Surprise
Amy Boven has worked as a teacher and school counselor in Arizona since 2011. She currently serves as the school counselor at a charter school in Surprise, AZ. She is passionate about social and emotional wellness in adolescents. Middle schoolers are her jam! Outside of school counseling, she loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and horse.
Emma Franco
Secondary English Teacher, Imagine Prep Surprise
Emma Franco has been teaching high school English for the past 6 years and is a 200- hour Certified Yoga Teacher as well as a certified Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator. She is passionate about sharing yoga and SEL strategies with her students and colleagues, and when she grows up, she wants to be a high school counselor.
The Big, Bad "B" Word
Tired of the angry emails and phone calls? Tired of parents and schools being at odds? Tired of all of the social division creeping into schools without a way to handle it? Tired of EVERYTHING being called "bullying"? Tired of the "same old same old" not working? Chris will show you the simple, fun, laugh-out-loud methods to help unite schools and parents, and help students achieve unbelievable growth in social emotional learning and resilience!
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Chris Scheufele
Veteran Educator, Author, Speaker, Chris in the Classroom
Chris "Shoof" Scheufele, is one of the most sought-after youth speakers in the United States.
He’s a comedian with a license to teach.
With more than a decade in the classroom, Chris has developed clever interventions that resolve conflicts instantly and promote a culture of resilience. He makes social emotional learning fun!
His entertaining and educational programs have been recognized by educators nationwide, and have earned him several awards including Teacher Of The Year.
Veteran Educator, Author, Speaker, Chris in the Classroom
Chris "Shoof" Scheufele, is one of the most sought-after youth speakers in the United States.
He’s a comedian with a license to teach.
With more than a decade in the classroom, Chris has developed clever interventions that resolve conflicts instantly and promote a culture of resilience. He makes social emotional learning fun!
His entertaining and educational programs have been recognized by educators nationwide, and have earned him several awards including Teacher Of The Year.
Arizona's World-Class Polytechnic Udergraduate University
There is a radical difference in where you go to college, with vastly different outcomes. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a world-class polytechnic university in Prescott, AZ that does a LOT more than just “flying.” ERAU boasts a 96% employment rate (in degree field) across ALL if its degrees, including engineering, Forensic Biology, Forensic Psychology, Business, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and much more! Undergraduates are treated like graduate students at other universities—small classes, extensive research opportunities, only professors teaching classes and labs, significantly more classes related to their field, etc. Come find out why Embry-Riddle is so refreshingly different, and how they achieve such amazing outcomes!
Presenter
David Hernandez
Assistant Director of Admissions, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
David Hernandez is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who works with the majority of students from Arizona. He first came to Embry-Riddle as an AFROTC instructor and quickly fell in love with the university and the Prescott area. He has worked in the admissions office for 12 years, is an aviation and aerospace enthusiast, and loves helping connect students’ passions for STEM with their dream companies/careers.
Assistant Director of Admissions, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
David Hernandez is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who works with the majority of students from Arizona. He first came to Embry-Riddle as an AFROTC instructor and quickly fell in love with the university and the Prescott area. He has worked in the admissions office for 12 years, is an aviation and aerospace enthusiast, and loves helping connect students’ passions for STEM with their dream companies/careers.
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LEARNING SESSION 2
3:10PM to 4:00PM
3:10PM to 4:00PM
Vaping Me Crazy!
Do you know what a Vape Cup Is?
The complete misunderstood fixation of the Vape and use of marijuana, nicotine, and fentanyl by adolescents and the susceptibility of the adolescent brain to these dangerous stimulants.
What are the systemic dangers to the brain and body that is completely underestimated and the Tri-Fecta Gateway of Nicotine, Alcohol and Marijuana.
This session discusses the issues facing educators in the classroom with vaping (which now includes fentanyl) and learning. It covers the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms, language and what is happening among youth with vaping, fentanyl, and marijuana.
The complete misunderstood fixation of the Vape and use of marijuana, nicotine, and fentanyl by adolescents and the susceptibility of the adolescent brain to these dangerous stimulants.
What are the systemic dangers to the brain and body that is completely underestimated and the Tri-Fecta Gateway of Nicotine, Alcohol and Marijuana.
This session discusses the issues facing educators in the classroom with vaping (which now includes fentanyl) and learning. It covers the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms, language and what is happening among youth with vaping, fentanyl, and marijuana.
Tracks
Student Achievement and Success, Health and Wellness
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Michael DeLeon
Founder, Steered Straight, Inc.
Michael is the founder of Steered Straight, Inc. A non-profit organization formed in 2007 designed with the intention of carrying a prevention message to youth and young adults regarding the extreme dangers of adolescent drug and alcohol use, bullying, and unhealthy life choices. He is a national speaker on prevention and youth. Michael founded Steered Straight to stress the importance of young men and women making sound, rational decisions in their daily lives.
Founder, Steered Straight, Inc.
Michael is the founder of Steered Straight, Inc. A non-profit organization formed in 2007 designed with the intention of carrying a prevention message to youth and young adults regarding the extreme dangers of adolescent drug and alcohol use, bullying, and unhealthy life choices. He is a national speaker on prevention and youth. Michael founded Steered Straight to stress the importance of young men and women making sound, rational decisions in their daily lives.
Human Connection: The Antidote to Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Trauma
"The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet." This workshop explores how caring, supportive, long-term relationships are the antidote to the compassion fatigue and secondary trauma we experience in our everyday lives and especially in helping professions. Dive-in and explore how human connection is a primary protective factor necessary to support ourselves, each other and the workforce.
Tracks
Health and Wellness, New Counselors
Levels
All Levels
Presenters
Hilary Mahoney
Associate Director, Children's System of Care, Banner University Health Plans
Hilary is one of the founding members of the Southern Arizona Trauma Informed Network. She has been instrumental in the Trauma Informed Care movement in Pima County since 2013. Hilary has trained countless people in ACES, Introduction to Trauma Informed Care, Trauma Informed Schools and Developing Trauma Informed Organizations.
Hilary has worked in the child welfare and behavioral health field for 18 years. Hilary graduated in 2009 with a Masters of Public Health.
Makisha Gunty
Sociology and Social Work Department Chair and Full Time Faculty, Grand Canyon University
Makisha graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Sociology. Makisha received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from ASU and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Makisha has 20 years’ experience working in Social Services. Makisha is a faculty member at Grand Canyon University teaching both undergraduate and graduate Social Work courses. Makisha is an adjunct instructor for ASU School of Social Work.
Associate Director, Children's System of Care, Banner University Health Plans
Hilary is one of the founding members of the Southern Arizona Trauma Informed Network. She has been instrumental in the Trauma Informed Care movement in Pima County since 2013. Hilary has trained countless people in ACES, Introduction to Trauma Informed Care, Trauma Informed Schools and Developing Trauma Informed Organizations.
Hilary has worked in the child welfare and behavioral health field for 18 years. Hilary graduated in 2009 with a Masters of Public Health.
Makisha Gunty
Sociology and Social Work Department Chair and Full Time Faculty, Grand Canyon University
Makisha graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Sociology. Makisha received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from ASU and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Makisha has 20 years’ experience working in Social Services. Makisha is a faculty member at Grand Canyon University teaching both undergraduate and graduate Social Work courses. Makisha is an adjunct instructor for ASU School of Social Work.
Interns - How to make it a great experience for ALL grade levels
Internships are a part of every school counseling program, so why does taking on one seem overwhelming or an ordeal? In this session we will discuss the positive mindset it takes for a counselor to take on the job and how the intern can impact both you and your department professionally. We will also discuss: how interns can be utilized each quarter, finding their strengths, fears and voice, and the overall day to day challenges of the school counseling world.
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Tyra Ortiz
Counselor, Chandler High School
17 year as a professional school counselor experience at all grade levels. Masters through NAU.
Nicole Gena
Counselor, Chandler High School
17 year as a professional school counselor experience at all grade levels. Masters through NAU.
Counselor, Chandler High School
17 year as a professional school counselor experience at all grade levels. Masters through NAU.
Nicole Gena
Counselor, Chandler High School
17 year as a professional school counselor experience at all grade levels. Masters through NAU.
Collaboration and Care: The Counselor and Administrator Partnership
Now more than ever a strong partnership between counselors and administrators is needed to foster student success. Learn to build positive and collaborative relationships that benefits the entire school community. Enhance your school's program by using the ASCA National Model to drive decisions and enhance student outcomes. Engage in productive dialogue to support building leadership.
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum, Student Achievement and Success
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Sherri Beck
School Counselor, Basha Elementary School
Sherri Beck began her career in education as a classroom teacher in 1994. As she begins her 20th year as a school counselor in Chandler Unified she continues to reflect upon the changes in education and the importance of developing strong relationships to meet the changing needs of all students.
Stephanie Reeves
Principal, Basha Elementary School
Stephanie Reeves has over 25 years of experience in K-6 education. She was a classroom for 16 years and Title 1 Coordinator for 4 years prior to going into administration. As a school principal, she works collaboratively with staff and various departments to meet the needs of a diverse learning community.
School Counselor, Basha Elementary School
Sherri Beck began her career in education as a classroom teacher in 1994. As she begins her 20th year as a school counselor in Chandler Unified she continues to reflect upon the changes in education and the importance of developing strong relationships to meet the changing needs of all students.
Stephanie Reeves
Principal, Basha Elementary School
Stephanie Reeves has over 25 years of experience in K-6 education. She was a classroom for 16 years and Title 1 Coordinator for 4 years prior to going into administration. As a school principal, she works collaboratively with staff and various departments to meet the needs of a diverse learning community.
Overcoming Stage Fright: Supporting Students with Executive Functioning Challenges
It’s opening night--the set (classroom) has been built, the script (lesson plan) is written, the cast (IEP or 504 team) has rehearsed, and then the main character (our student) gets stage fright and can’t perform. What can we do to get them back on track? Join this session to discover what is happening in the brain when executive functioning processes go haywire, and learn how things like mindfulness, music, and yes, even the dreaded fidgets, can help students regain their ability to perform on the big stage.
Tracks
Student Achievement and Success, New Counselors
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Aja DeZeeuw
Central Campus Program Counselor, Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT)
Aja DeZeeuw is in her sixth year as a school counselor, and currently serves as the first ever school counselor at the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology CTED. She is highly interested in the mind/body connection, and how trauma and other life experiences impact student learning and behavior. She proudly serves on the Advocacy committee for the AzSCA Board at Large, and is passionate about advocating for the role school counselors play in student success.
Central Campus Program Counselor, Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT)
Aja DeZeeuw is in her sixth year as a school counselor, and currently serves as the first ever school counselor at the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology CTED. She is highly interested in the mind/body connection, and how trauma and other life experiences impact student learning and behavior. She proudly serves on the Advocacy committee for the AzSCA Board at Large, and is passionate about advocating for the role school counselors play in student success.
Vocational Rehabilitation can help some of your students with "Adulting"
Do you work with students who have IEPs or 504 plans? Do you work with students who have mental health issues, or chronic diseases? These students may benefit from Vocational Rehabilitation, an employment program for people with any kind of disability that may impact employment. Attend this session and learn how Vocational Rehabilitation can help you prepare these students for successful "adulting", including achieving their career goals.
Tracks
Student Achievement and Success
Levels
All Levels
Presenters
Betty Schoen
Transition Specialist, DES/Rehabilitation Services Administration
Betty Schoen LOVES working with high school students with disabilities, helping them find their career “fit”. Betty is passionate about providing resources for students, families, and educators to best help students explore their options and make good career choices. She loves promoting the services of Vocational Rehabilitation as an agency that can help these youth enter adult life prepared for successful “adulting”.
Transition Specialist, DES/Rehabilitation Services Administration
Betty Schoen LOVES working with high school students with disabilities, helping them find their career “fit”. Betty is passionate about providing resources for students, families, and educators to best help students explore their options and make good career choices. She loves promoting the services of Vocational Rehabilitation as an agency that can help these youth enter adult life prepared for successful “adulting”.
Bibliocounseling Books for the Classroom
In this session I will do book talks on some of my favorite SEL books to use in small groups and in classroom lessons.
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum, New Counselors
Levels
Elementary
Presenters
Melissa Zanot
School Counselor, Liberty Elementary School
Ms. Zanot is a school counselor at Liberty Elementary school in the Sunnyside District. She works with K-6th grade students and enjoys incorporating art, books, and creative ideas into her counseling .
School Counselor, Liberty Elementary School
Ms. Zanot is a school counselor at Liberty Elementary school in the Sunnyside District. She works with K-6th grade students and enjoys incorporating art, books, and creative ideas into her counseling .
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LEARNING SESSION 3
4:10PM to 5:00PM
4:10PM to 5:00PM
Removing the Stigma of CTE
Not your traditional Voc Ed, Career and Technical Education truly prepares students for both college AND career. Counselors from Arizona CTED’s will take you through the benefits of CTE as it relates to student academic and career success. The session will explore what CTEDs do, current industry trends, best practices, and college and career pathways. The counselors will show you how CTEDs help prepare students for all post-secondary options.
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum, Student Achievement and Success
Levels
All Levels
Elementary
Presenters
Kristina Guy
Campus Counselor, West-MEC Northwest Campus
Kristina Guy began her education career in 2003 and became a counselor in 2012 In 2017 moved to West-MEC to open the Northwest Campus in Surprise. Kristina, being the only campus counselor at the Northwest Campus, built the program from the ground up making sure students' needs were always at the forefront. In 2021 Kristina was awarded the Arizona SCOY and in 2022 the Career Guidance award from Association of Career and Technical Education, Arizona.
David Pullman
Counselor, EVIT
David Pullman (M.A.) has been involved in education for over 30 years, the last 17 as a School Counselor at EVIT. He has earned a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from San Jose State University. In addition to his Counseling responsibilities, his tasks include administering career assessments and monitoring Community College dual enrollment partnerships. Mr. Pullman is a counselor at the EVIT Power Road campus.
Campus Counselor, West-MEC Northwest Campus
Kristina Guy began her education career in 2003 and became a counselor in 2012 In 2017 moved to West-MEC to open the Northwest Campus in Surprise. Kristina, being the only campus counselor at the Northwest Campus, built the program from the ground up making sure students' needs were always at the forefront. In 2021 Kristina was awarded the Arizona SCOY and in 2022 the Career Guidance award from Association of Career and Technical Education, Arizona.
David Pullman
Counselor, EVIT
David Pullman (M.A.) has been involved in education for over 30 years, the last 17 as a School Counselor at EVIT. He has earned a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from San Jose State University. In addition to his Counseling responsibilities, his tasks include administering career assessments and monitoring Community College dual enrollment partnerships. Mr. Pullman is a counselor at the EVIT Power Road campus.
Speak so Principals, Students, and Parents LISTEN
Do you feel like you repeat the same message over and over and it isn’t heard? Learn how a few tweaks to your strategy can drastically elevate your written and oral communication game so that your information is understood, retained, and acted upon! Principals, students, and parents forget 70% of new information within 24 hours. Keep yours in their long-term storage!
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum, New Counselors
Levels
All Levels
Elementary
Presenter
Emily Schwartz
Program Manager, Arizona State University
Dr. Emily Schwartz is an “expert explainer” and has worked with students as a teacher, professor, program manager, and trainer. Praised for her energy and enthusiasm, she specializes in making boring subjects sticky and retainable for all ages. You’re the expert. Emily helps you sound like one.
Program Manager, Arizona State University
Dr. Emily Schwartz is an “expert explainer” and has worked with students as a teacher, professor, program manager, and trainer. Praised for her energy and enthusiasm, she specializes in making boring subjects sticky and retainable for all ages. You’re the expert. Emily helps you sound like one.
Creating Engaging Lesson Plans
Do you have to create lesson plans but aren't sure how to best design them? Are you worried your lesson plans don't always get your point across or maybe aren't grabbing students' attention? This session will go over crafting an impactful lesson, strategies for student engagement, and tips to help you love your lessons.
Presenter
Carol Miller
Carol Miller is a veteran school counselor with K-12 experiences. Currently an Elementary Counselor in the Rome City School District, Carol is a Past President of the New York State School Counselor Association. Carol has authored two small group curriculum: StarBound and Building Champions and runs the website Counseling Essentials (https://counselingessentials.org/). She is a champion for students and school counselors around the globe.
Carol Miller is a veteran school counselor with K-12 experiences. Currently an Elementary Counselor in the Rome City School District, Carol is a Past President of the New York State School Counselor Association. Carol has authored two small group curriculum: StarBound and Building Champions and runs the website Counseling Essentials (https://counselingessentials.org/). She is a champion for students and school counselors around the globe.
Beyond Acceptance: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth
School counselors and educators work systematically to implement inclusive practices which construct safe spaces for all students, particularly LGBTQIA+ students. The intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ students creates opportunities to expand our awareness of challenges which students face in a school setting. This training will highlight how our position gives us the ability to provide a welcoming space for students through the use of inclusive language both in and out of the school counseling room, develop affirming strategies to better assist LGBTQIA+ students, friends and allies; and be a resource for parents/guardians, administration, teachers and staff.
Tracks
Advocacy
Levels
All Levels
Presenter
Stephanie Lopez-Unger
District School Counselor, Thatcher Middle School, Thatcher Unified School District #4
Stephanie R. Lopez-Unger, MA, NCC, LPC (AZ), SB-RPT™, Licensed School Counselor (AZ). She believes all students can attain success through academic, career, and personal development experiences in alignment with the ASCA Student Mindset and Behavior standards. She incorporates the tenets of Child–Centered Play Therapy into her current work as a middle school counselor. Stephanie has worked with children and families in NM and AZ as a mental health counselor and school counselor for grades K-12.
District School Counselor, Thatcher Middle School, Thatcher Unified School District #4
Stephanie R. Lopez-Unger, MA, NCC, LPC (AZ), SB-RPT™, Licensed School Counselor (AZ). She believes all students can attain success through academic, career, and personal development experiences in alignment with the ASCA Student Mindset and Behavior standards. She incorporates the tenets of Child–Centered Play Therapy into her current work as a middle school counselor. Stephanie has worked with children and families in NM and AZ as a mental health counselor and school counselor for grades K-12.
Getting Middle School Students Ready for the “Real World”
Do your students ever say “I don’t need this subject” or “why do I need to learn this”? Students need to feel a sense of purpose, and this can be accomplished by helping them to envision a bright future. College & career exploration throughout middle school builds student awareness and helps students make informed decisions. In this session participants will receive college & career information for each middle school grade level in order to help students reach their goal of going to college and having a successful career!
Tracks
Student Achievement and Success
Levels
Middle / Jr. High
Elementary
Presenter
Angel McSwain
School Counselor, Desert Meadows School
Angel McSwain moved from metro Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter during the height of the pandemic in June 2020. She has served as a professional school counselor for 23 years at the elementary and middle school levels, with 20 years in metro Atlanta. This is her third year at Desert Meadows School in Laveen where she serves K-8 students.
Dexter McSwain
School Counselor, Betty Fairfax High School
Dexter McSwain is an educator from Atlanta, Georgia. He has been serving as an educator for 17 years with 9 as a professional school counselor. Mr. McSwain has worked as a professional school counselor in the elementary and middle school levels for 15 years and is currently a high school counselor with the Phoenix Union High School District. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) as well as a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC).
School Counselor, Desert Meadows School
Angel McSwain moved from metro Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter during the height of the pandemic in June 2020. She has served as a professional school counselor for 23 years at the elementary and middle school levels, with 20 years in metro Atlanta. This is her third year at Desert Meadows School in Laveen where she serves K-8 students.
Dexter McSwain
School Counselor, Betty Fairfax High School
Dexter McSwain is an educator from Atlanta, Georgia. He has been serving as an educator for 17 years with 9 as a professional school counselor. Mr. McSwain has worked as a professional school counselor in the elementary and middle school levels for 15 years and is currently a high school counselor with the Phoenix Union High School District. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) as well as a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC).
Reigniting Your Passion for Education
Schools and school counselors have been overwhelmed by number of kids seeking mental health support services in the wake of the COVID crisis. There is mounting evidence that the burnout that teachers and administrators are experiencing across K-12 education is impacting school counselors as well. Learn strategies to rekindle your energy and enthusiasm for the important work you do and how to help colleagues rediscover their own passions for working in public education.
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum, Health and Wellness
Levels
All Levels
Elementary
Presenter
Rick Albright
Associate Professor, Liberty University
Rick Albright has over 25 years’ experience as a school counselor, clinical counselor, and counselor educator. He is currently an Associate Professor at Liberty University where he teaches school counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Nationally Certified School Counselor. He is known for his engaging teaching style, presenting nationally and internationally on topics such as Trauma-Informed School Counseling, Resiliency, Adventure-based Counseling, Sports Psychology, and School Connectedness.
Nick Indeglio
Principal, Downingtown Middle School
Dr. Nicholas Indeglio is the Principal of Downingtown Middle School, in Southeastern, PA. He was the 2017 National Digital Principal of the year for National Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Indeglio serves the PA Principals Association on the Board of Directors. He was the co-founder of the “Rock Star Principals” which reached all 50 states, over 110 countries, and 6 continents. Nicholas has been a keynote speaker and presenter for organizations across the country.
Associate Professor, Liberty University
Rick Albright has over 25 years’ experience as a school counselor, clinical counselor, and counselor educator. He is currently an Associate Professor at Liberty University where he teaches school counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Nationally Certified School Counselor. He is known for his engaging teaching style, presenting nationally and internationally on topics such as Trauma-Informed School Counseling, Resiliency, Adventure-based Counseling, Sports Psychology, and School Connectedness.
Nick Indeglio
Principal, Downingtown Middle School
Dr. Nicholas Indeglio is the Principal of Downingtown Middle School, in Southeastern, PA. He was the 2017 National Digital Principal of the year for National Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Indeglio serves the PA Principals Association on the Board of Directors. He was the co-founder of the “Rock Star Principals” which reached all 50 states, over 110 countries, and 6 continents. Nicholas has been a keynote speaker and presenter for organizations across the country.
Getting Out of Your Office and Building Meaningful Relationships
Everything is grounded in the relationships we build; with each other, our students and their families, and with staff. We offer that placing the development of these relationships at the forefront of our efforts is what makes the difference between a good Counseling Team and a great one.
In this breakout session, the Counseling Team from Gilbert Public Schools' Campo Verde High School will discuss how we have managed to build phenomenal relationships in our data-driven world.
In this breakout session, the Counseling Team from Gilbert Public Schools' Campo Verde High School will discuss how we have managed to build phenomenal relationships in our data-driven world.
Tracks
School Counseling Programs and Curriculum
Levels
Elementary
Elementary
Presenter
Kathleen Diggs
Counselor, Campo Verde High School
Kathy has been in secondary education for over 30 years and still LOVES it. After decades in the classroom and as a master teacher, she decided to follow her passion and make the jump to school counseling...in the midst of the pandemic and all that came with it! Kathy continues to be "all in" with leadership, mentorship and community service and is honored to share any insight that might help others.
Monique Dewarrat
Counselor, Campo Verde High School
Monique started her career in education 10 years ago as a junior high math teacher and has been a Counselor at Campo Verde High School since 2020. She has recently completed her Administration Certification and is a part of the GPS Aspire program of future leaders in Education.
Counselor, Campo Verde High School
Kathy has been in secondary education for over 30 years and still LOVES it. After decades in the classroom and as a master teacher, she decided to follow her passion and make the jump to school counseling...in the midst of the pandemic and all that came with it! Kathy continues to be "all in" with leadership, mentorship and community service and is honored to share any insight that might help others.
Monique Dewarrat
Counselor, Campo Verde High School
Monique started her career in education 10 years ago as a junior high math teacher and has been a Counselor at Campo Verde High School since 2020. She has recently completed her Administration Certification and is a part of the GPS Aspire program of future leaders in Education.
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