Creating Intentional Connections

on Jekyll Island, GA

2024 Conference Schedule

Jump to:

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

11:00 - 12:00
Registration / Vendor Meet & Greet

12:00 - 12:10
Conference Welcome / Overview / Introductions

12:10 - 1:10

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ballroom

Clinical Professor

Department of Communication Sciences
and Special Education
+

Clinical Professor and Department Head

Department of Language and Literacy Education

Awarded 2023-2024 Fellow for Transformative Teaching

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

1:20 - 2:10

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

WED

Room 7

1:20 - 2:10

Safety Training & Compliance officer

Jenks Public Schools, OK

The Art of Making Meaningful Connections:
Patience, Respect, Stability, and Active Listening

In this session, I will take the audience through my journey from night shift street cop to school cop. We'll talk a little about my history, what TRUE community policing is, and introduce the concept of M.O.R.E.P.I.E.S. Active Listening, and the challenges of making meaningful connections with students when trust of law enforcement is at an all time low. I'll demonstrate how this trust is earned through patience, respect, stability and active listening.

WED

Room 8

1:20 - 2:10

Owner

Sacramento, CA

Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 4-12:
Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments.

Executive Functioning Skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully and they are the bedrock for academic success. When students gain proficiency with these particular skills they are more likely to engage in their learning with both agency and dexterity. As students progress through their K-12 experience schoolwork gets harder and more complex while students are asked to be more independent learners. Young people with weak or lacking executive functions tend to struggle with self-regulation, exhibit off-task behavior, while falling further and further behind. Interrupted schooling, resulting from the pandemic, has only exacerbated the issue and widened existing achievement gaps. Now more than ever students need exposure to and practice with these skills!

WED

Room 9

1:20 - 2:10

Education Advisor

Outreach Partner

Boston, MA

A Whole Child Approach to Positive School Climate and Behavior

This session will share how Panorama elevates student voice around connectedness, self-regulation, and motivation, among other topics, using research-backed surveys and a reporting platform that allows educators to take action to support student wellness.

  1. Understand the challenges in your districts related to climate and behavior.
  2. Share what the experts say on the impacts of trauma, anxiety, and stress.
  3. Share how whole child data and supports can impact our current moment in education

WED

Room 10

1:20 - 2:10

Director of Special Services

Mental Health Coordinator

Educator

Educator

Pryor Public Schools, OK

Therapy dogs in Schools

We would love to share our therapy dog program and the impact it has made with our students. Our dogs develop relationships and are able to comfort and support our learners when they are lonely, dysregulated, or in crisis. We will share our story and share our dogs during this session. We will share the deescalation strategies the dogs use with our learners. We will also share the strategies we use to show students calming techniques for themselves.

WED

Room 11

1:20 - 2:10

National Director of Special Education and Student Support

Academica
Miami, Fl

Creating Emotional and Physical Safety in the Classroom To Foster Academic Success

Creating emotional and physical safety in the classroom is crucial for fostering academic success, and these elements are interconnected. When students feel safe and supported, their cognitive and emotional resources are freed up for learning and personal growth. Please join this interactive session to learn about ten strategies educators can implement that will lead to positive student outcomes.

WED

Ballroom

1:20 - 2:10

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

WED

Ballroom

1:20 - 2:10

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

2:20 - 3:10

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

WED

Room 7

2:20 - 3:10

Washington County Hospital & Nursing Home, AL

The COVID Effect:
Can Healthcare regain its personal touch?

I will speak to the negative and lingering impact COVID had on the connection between the healthcare industry and patients and their family members. The healthcare industry must rebuild the bridge of communication and trust with our patients and their families. Healthcare leadership must invest into our healthcare employees so they can in turn invest in the lives of our patients.

WED

Room 8

2:20 - 3:10

Student Services Program Manager

Sarasota Public Schools, FL

Resilient Teachers Fostering Resilient Learners in a Trauma-Informed Classroom

This session will help educators, admin. and support staff learn about the impact of trauma on child development, learning and regulation of behavior. More importantly, this session will focus on what we CAN DO to keep classroom management structures, set high bars for learning AND create trauma-sensitive classrooms. This session will empower educators to have an informed action plan for student misbehavior, foster strong relationships, and focus on strengths within a PBIS framework.

WED

Room 9

2:20 - 3:10

Owner - Therapist

Pride of Nyla, MD

Medical Trauma of Marginalized Communities And Its Impact On Mental Health

Black, brown, and indigenous communities have such a mistrust of medical and mental health providers. However, conversations about why there is such mistrust are often due to the discomfort the truth causes. The biggest factor impacting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of these communities is the fear of being medically exploited. Their complex history of medical trauma has been documented but not processed.

WED

Room 10

2:20 - 3:10

School Community Partnership for Mental Health Coordinator

Manager, School Social Work and Community Services

Milwaukee Public Schools, WI

School Community Partnership for Mental Health (SCPMH).
Cultivating a successful school-based mental health program in Milwaukee.

Come to understand the leading factors that influenced the community partnership intended to address mental health needs within Milwaukee, WI. This collaboration’s focused outcome was to deliver multi-tiered mental health services within school settings making it accessible to all students and families. We will review the history of SCPMH, discuss the impact of a successful school-based partnership, and share real life stories of success and struggles.

WED

Room 11

2:20 - 3:10

Student Services Coordinator

Houston County School District, GA

What All Teachers Need To Understand

So to all you other educators across the land, no need to argue, let’s just understand. This session examines why some educators have challenges building positive, productive relationships with the individuals they serve. I will also help educators understand that they possess the power to create successful futures for their students through the power of positive relationships.

WED

Ballroom

2:20 - 3:10

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

WED

Ballroom

2:20 - 3:10

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

3:20 - 4:10

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

WED

Room 7

3:20 - 4:10

Director of Safety and Security

Baldwin County Schools, GA

Early and Often:
How appropriate de-escalation tactics and Behavioral Threat Assessment can lessen the likelihood of on-campus violence.

The focus of this breakout session will show how properly used strategies incorporating Behavioral Threat Assessment and verbal de-escalation have a positive impact on overall school culture and school climate. Additionally, this session will highlight the need for schools to develop comprehensive Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams, as a part of their layered safety approach, and incorporate strong de-escalation strategies systemically to support the mission of keeping students safe in school.

WED

Room 8

3:20 - 4:10

CIO

CEO

Impact Educators, GA

The Vision Challenge:
Making Vision a Reality

With a vision, people thrive! Now more than ever, individuals need strategies to remain focused in the face of complex challenges. Vision inspires the heart to hope and empowers the mind to break free from lids and labels. Through The Vision Challenge, participants will use The 8 Dimensions of Wellness to reimagine possibilities of a new reality where love and resilience are amplified and multiplied.

WED

Room 9

3:20 - 4:10

Co-Founder

Brooklyn, NY

Behavior Management, Simplified:
Building Capacity in Teachers and Support Staff

Achievement gaps persist among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds globally. This study focuses on teacher-student relationships in bridging this gap. The data-driven approach reveals that positive relationships significantly impact student engagement, motivation, and achievement. Investing in teacher training prioritizes relationship building for equitable and inclusive education.

WED

Room 10

3:20 - 4:10

Special Education Program Coordinator

Francis Howell School District, MO

Where did my skills go?
Recognizing and Removing Barriers to Build Your Capacity

We will take a dive into our practices and examine skills we forgot we have. As we journey through this process, we might discover we already already have some significant, and rather simple approaches. Let’s reignite our skills and discuss navigating barriers to success while adding refined practices for those who need our service.

WED

Room 11

3:20 - 4:10

Assistant Director of Exceptional Education

Early Childhood Facilitator

Dawson County Schools, GA

Building Bridges Using Unique Design for Special Education Services:
A Guide for Growing Rural Georgia Districts

This session will explore creative techniques in scheduling, and using limited resources to meet the growing needs of students with disabilities in rural districts in Georgia. Topics will include maximizing preschool allotments, GNETS supports, and creating needed services on a rural county budget. In addition, Dawson County will share how their Special Education Department utilized "think outside the box" ideas to create The Focus Program.

WED

Ballroom

3:20 - 4:10

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

WED

Ballroom

3:20 - 4:10

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

4:20 - 5:20

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ballroom

Author

Get Your Mind Right:

Heal Your Brain Heal Your Life
+

Hurting People Hurt People:

Stop Bleeding on People That Didn't Cut You
+

Trauma:

The New Public Health Emergency in Education

Researcher

Clinician

National Trauma Expert

5:20 - 5:25
Wrap-Up Day 1 / Preview Day 2

5:30
Happy Hour - Conference Lobby

Sponsored by:

ClasStars-large

Thursday, February 8, 2024

7:20 - 8:00
Continental Breakfast / Vendors

8:00 - 8:10
Welcome / Day 2 Overview

8:10 - 9:10

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ballroom

CEO

David Samore & Associates, LLC

Author

ECSTATIC DOOM:

The Adult's Guide To Middle Schoolers
+

TRUE LEADERSHIP:

Why Fair Play and Open Arms Always Win

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

9:20 - 10:10

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

THURS

Room 7

9:20 - 10:10

Coordinator of Mindfulness Instruction

Forsyth County Schools, GA

Mindful Movement & Breathing for Student Empowerment

This will also be an experiential presentation including mindful movement, breathing practices, and samples of classroom movement and breathing to allow the attendees to see the effortlessness and simplicity of incorporating this powerful tool into the classroom. Teaching students how to breathe is empowerment. Breath directly impacts our thoughts and our nervous systems. Mindfulness is a life skill that transcends all parts of life: communication, self-esteem, decision making, empowerment.

THURS

Room 8

9:20 - 10:10

CIO

CEO

Impact Educators, GA

The Vision Challenge:
Making Vision a Reality

With a vision, people thrive! Now more than ever, individuals need strategies to remain focused in the face of complex challenges. Vision inspires the heart to hope and empowers the mind to break free from lids and labels. Through The Vision Challenge, participants will use The 8 Dimensions of Wellness to reimagine possibilities of a new reality where love and resilience are amplified and multiplied.

THURS

Room 9

9:20 - 10:10

School Community Partnership for Mental Health Coordinator

Manager, School Social Work and Community Services

Milwaukee Public Schools, WI

School Community Partnership for Mental Health (SCPMH).
Cultivating a successful school-based mental health program in Milwaukee.

Come to understand the leading factors that influenced the community partnership intended to address mental health needs within Milwaukee, WI. This collaboration’s focused outcome was to deliver multi-tiered mental health services within school settings making it accessible to all students and families. We will review the history of SCPMH, discuss the impact of a successful school-based partnership, and share real life stories of success and struggles.

THURS

Room10

9:20 - 10:10

Student Services Coordinator

Houston County School District, GA

What All Teachers Need To Understand

So to all you other educators across the land, no need to argue, let’s just understand. This session examines why some educators have challenges building positive, productive relationships with the individuals they serve. I will also help educators understand that they possess the power to create successful futures for their students through the power of positive relationships.

THURS

Room 11

9:20 - 10:10

Teacher / Behavior Coach

Principal

Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA

In-School Suspension to In-School Success:
The Journey of Awakening

Punitive correction is not new to the United States; it has been the leading fundamental strategy to correct behavior and learning patterns since 1776. Almost 250 years later, experts are transitioning back to Renaissance learning/support – arguably the most significant advancement in the history of education, industry, and the Arts. The learning session aims to experience a personal journey, develop non-punitive pathways, work with leadership, and real-world applications in a school setting.

THURS

Ballroom

9:20 - 10:10

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

THURS

Ballroom

9:20 - 10:10

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

10:20 - 11:10

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

THURS

Room 7

10:20 - 11:10

Safety Training & Compliance officer

Jenks Public Schools, OK

The Art of Making Meaningful Connections:
Patience, Respect, Stability, and Active Listening

In this session, I will take the audience through my journey from night shift street cop to school cop. We'll talk a little about my history, what TRUE community policing is, and introduce the concept of M.O.R.E.P.I.E.S. Active Listening, and the challenges of making meaningful connections with students when trust of law enforcement is at an all time low. I'll demonstrate how this trust is earned through patience, respect, stability and active listening.

THURS

Room 8

10:20 - 11:10

Principal

Burke County Public School, GA

Top 5 Tips to Reflect & Connect

"Quick Tips to Reflect & Connect." In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find time to reflect on our thoughts and feelings and connect with those around us. However, taking a moment to do so can significantly benefit our well-being and relationships. The top tips I will cover include: Carving out dedicated reflection time, Practicing active listening, Express gratitude, Using mindfulness techniques, and Engaging in activities that foster connection.

THURS

Room 9

10:20 - 11:10

Owner

Sacramento, CA

Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 4-12:
Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments.

Executive Functioning Skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully and they are the bedrock for academic success. When students gain proficiency with these particular skills they are more likely to engage in their learning with both agency and dexterity. As students progress through their K-12 experience schoolwork gets harder and more complex while students are asked to be more independent learners. Young people with weak or lacking executive functions tend to struggle with self-regulation, exhibit off-task behavior, while falling further and further behind. Interrupted schooling, resulting from the pandemic, has only exacerbated the issue and widened existing achievement gaps. Now more than ever students need exposure to and practice with these skills!

THURS

Room 10

10:20 - 11:10

Special Education Program Coordinator

Francis Howell School District, MO

Where did my skills go?
Recognizing and Removing Barriers to Build Your Capacity

We will take a dive into our practices and examine skills we forgot we have. As we journey through this process, we might discover we already already have some significant, and rather simple approaches. Let’s reignite our skills and discuss navigating barriers to success while adding refined practices for those who need our service.

THURS

Room 11

10:20 - 11:10

Assistant Director of Exceptional Education

Early Childhood Facilitator

Dawson County Schools, GA

Building Bridges Using Unique Design for Special Education Services:
A Guide for Growing Rural Georgia Districts

This session will explore creative techniques in scheduling, and using limited resources to meet the growing needs of students with disabilities in rural districts in Georgia. Topics will include maximizing preschool allotments, GNETS supports, and creating needed services on a rural county budget. In addition, Dawson County will share how their Special Education Department utilized "think outside the box" ideas to create The Focus Program.

THURS

Ballroom

10:20 - 11:10

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

THURS

Ballroom

10:20 - 11:10

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

11:20 - 12:10

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

THURS

Room 7

11:20 - 12:10

Director of Safety and Security

Baldwin County Schools, GA

Early and Often:
How appropriate de-escalation tactics and Behavioral Threat Assessment can lessen the likelihood of on-campus violence.

The focus of this breakout session will show how properly used strategies incorporating Behavioral Threat Assessment and verbal de-escalation have a positive impact on overall school culture and school climate. Additionally, this session will highlight the need for schools to develop comprehensive Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams, as a part of their layered safety approach, and incorporate strong de-escalation strategies systemically to support the mission of keeping students safe in school.

THURS

Room 8

11:20 - 12:10

Student Services Program Manager

Sarasota Public Schools, FL

Resilient Teachers Fostering Resilient Learners in a Trauma-Informed Classroom

This session will help educators, admin. and support staff learn about the impact of trauma on child development, learning and regulation of behavior. More importantly, this session will focus on what we CAN DO to keep classroom management structures, set high bars for learning AND create trauma-sensitive classrooms. This session will empower educators to have an informed action plan for student misbehavior, foster strong relationships, and focus on strengths within a PBIS framework.

THURS

Room 9

11:20 - 12:10

Co-Founder

Brooklyn, NY

Behavior Management, Simplified:
Building Capacity in Teachers and Support Staff

Achievement gaps persist among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds globally. This study focuses on teacher-student relationships in bridging this gap. The data-driven approach reveals that positive relationships significantly impact student engagement, motivation, and achievement. Investing in teacher training prioritizes relationship building for equitable and inclusive education.

THURS

Room 10

11:20 - 12:10

Director of Special Services

Mental Health Coordinator

Educator

Educator

Pryor Public Schools, OK

Therapy dogs in Schools

We would love to share our therapy dog program and the impact it has made with our students. Our dogs develop relationships and are able to comfort and support our learners when they are lonely, dysregulated, or in crisis. We will share our story and share our dogs during this session. We will share the deescalation strategies the dogs use with our learners. We will also share the strategies we use to show students calming techniques for themselves.

THURS

Room 11

11:20 - 12:10

National Director of Special Education and Student Support

Academica
Miami, Fl

Creating Emotional and Physical Safety in the Classroom To Foster Academic Success

Creating emotional and physical safety in the classroom is crucial for fostering academic success, and these elements are interconnected. When students feel safe and supported, their cognitive and emotional resources are freed up for learning and personal growth. Please join this interactive session to learn about ten strategies educators can implement that will lead to positive student outcomes.

THURS

Ballroom

11:20 - 12:10

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

THURS

Ballroom

11:20 - 12:10

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

12:20 - 1:20
Lunch / Vendors

1:15 - 1:30
Awards Presentation

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

1:40 - 2:30

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

THURS

Room 7

1:40 - 2:30

Coordinator for the Office of Student Services

Pickens County Schools, GA

'No','Don't','Can't' and Other Ways You're Making Your Job Harder

Words have the power to build a bridge or burn it. To extend an olive branch in friendship or swing it as a weapon. As educators, we continually note that ‘kids aren’t the same as they used to be’ – but neglect to reflect on whether our practices and processes have adapted to meet this new student style. To engage the social media generation, we must be intentional with our relationship-building – tweaking our social language and purpose-building social opportunities into our school day.

THURS

Room 8

1:40 - 2:30

Student Support Facilitator

Forsyth County Schools, GA

Using Peer Leaders to Create a School Culture Focusing on Belonging and Connection

Sources of Strength is a wellness model we can use with our students, ourselves, and staff to strengthen and build connections. To support our students, we must know the areas of strength in their lives to ensure they are prepared to learn in the classroom. Participants will learn about Forsyth County School’s Sources of Strength implementation and view campaigns our Peer Leaders have implemented to strengthen a school’s culture, connectedness among trusted adults and sense of belonging.

THURS

Room 9

1:40 - 2:30

Clinical Manager

Durham Community Safety Department, NC

Creating HEART Connections:
One Neighbor, One Community Member, One City at a Time

As Durham Community Safety Department moves into its second year, learn how the HEART program continues to connect with neighbors, community members and community stakeholders to positively impact the community. Learn about HEART's growth and expansion and the impact it's had on the community and cities throughout the country.

THURS

Room 10

1:40 - 2:30

Behavior Counselor Support Specialist

NEEEEEED

Coweta County School System, GA

Supporting Students Mental Health Through the Tiers Process

This session will address the impact of mental health challenges on a student's behaviors and the significance of addressing the mental health of our students to affect behavior change. We will address mental health stigma and function based interventions for addressing mental health challenges. The session will give the audience strategies for recognizing a mental health challenge, addressing the challenge through the PBIS/Tiers system and the next steps.

THURS

Room 11

1:40 - 2:30

Outpatient Psychiatric RN

Gateway Community Service Board
Savannah, GA

Vital Pause:
Embracing Rest to Prevent Burnout

Too often, our culture gives out trophies for those who work or serve too much. I want that rhetoric to change. Burned-out care should not be the standard. Our families, neighbors, coworkers and clients deserve compassion and it IS possible to deliver quality over quantity.

THURS

Ballroom

1:40 - 2:30

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

THURS

Ballroom

1:40 - 2:30

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

2:40 - 3:30

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

THURS

Room 7

2:40 - 3:30

Washington County Hospital & Nursing Home, AL

The COVID Effect:
Can Healthcare regain its personal touch?

I will speak to the negative and lingering impact COVID had on the connection between the healthcare industry and patients and their family members. The healthcare industry must rebuild the bridge of communication and trust with our patients and their families. Healthcare leadership must invest into our healthcare employees so they can in turn invest in the lives of our patients.

THURS

Room 8

2:40 - 3:30

Unlocking Success for Generation Alpha Students

It's not you! These kids really are DIFFERENT. Join us for an enlightening session where we learn more about our kids born 2010-2025 - the very unique "Generation Alpha".

Participants Will:

  • Gain valuable insights into the characteristics and learning preferences of Generation Alpha.
  • Discover effective teaching strategies to engage and empower these forward-thinking students.
  • Explore resources and tools designed to create an optimal learning experience for Generation Alpha.

THURS

Room 9

2:40 - 3:30

Education Advisor

Outreach Partner

A Whole Child Approach to Positive School Climate and Behavior

This session will share how Panorama elevates student voice around connectedness, self-regulation, and motivation, among other topics, using research-backed surveys and a reporting platform that allows educators to take action to support student wellness

  1. Understand the challenges in your districts related to climate and behavior.
  2. Share what the experts say on the impacts of trauma, anxiety, and stress.
  3. Share how whole child data and supports can impact our current moment in education

THURS

Room 10

2:40 - 3:30

Trauma Informed Specialist

Trauma Informed Specialist

Clarke County School District, GA

Getting to the H.E.A.R.T. of the Matter:
Lessons Learned by Trauma Informed Specialists Hired in the Midst of a Pandemic

Explore lessons learned from School Trauma Informed Specialists. Interventions include direct support and system wide practices that serve both students and staff. We will invite participants to reflect through a H.E.A.R.T. framework:

  • Healing centered work
  • Elevating the voices of those with lived experience
  • Accepting when things don’t work
  • Regulating practices incorporated into all work
  • Tangible results of programs and policies influenced, impacted, and scrapped

THURS

Room 11

2:40 - 3:30

Principal

Clarke County School District, GA

Restoring your school culture and climate through PBIS for Teachers.

Teacher retention is a significant issue in education. Compensation is cited as the number one reason why educators leave the profession. Beyond compensation, educators feel overworked and undervalued. As leaders, we can improve the climate and culture of our schools. We can address the things that are within our locus of control. Restoring your school culture and climate through PBIS suggests practical strategies for improving the climate and culture of secondary schools.

THURS

Ballroom

2:40 - 3:30

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

THURS

Ballroom

2:40 - 3:30

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

3:40 - 4:40

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ballroom

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Executive Director

Temecula Valley Charter School
Winchester, CA

2022 Golden Bell Award Winner
+

2018 ACSA Special Education Administrator of the Year

4:45 - 5:00
Wrap-Up Day 2 / Preview Day 3

5:15
Happy Hour - Conference Lobby

Sponsored by:

Friday, February 9, 2024

7:20 - 8:00
Continental Breakfast / Vendors

8:00 - 8:10
Welcome / Day 3 Overview

8:15 - 8:45
Networking / Roundtable Discussions

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

8:55 - 9:45

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

FRI

Room 7

8:55 - 9:45

Coordinator of Mindfulness Instruction

Forsyth County Schools, GA

Mindful Movement & Breathing for Student Empowerment

This experiential presentation includes mindful movement, breathing practices, and samples of classroom movement and breathing to allow the attendees to see the effortlessness and simplicity of incorporating this powerful tool into the classroom. Teaching students how to breathe is empowerment. Breath directly impacts our thoughts and our nervous systems. Mindfulness is a life skill that transcends all parts of life: communication, self-esteem, decision making, empowerment.

FRI

Room 8

8:55 - 9:45

Outpatient Psychiatric RN

Gateway Community Service Board
Savannah, GA

Vital Pause:
Embracing Rest to Prevent Burnout

Too often, our culture gives out trophies for those who work or serve too much. I want that rhetoric to change. Burned-out care should not be the standard. Our families, neighbors, coworkers and clients deserve compassion and it IS possible to deliver quality over quantity.

FRI

Room 9

8:55 - 9:45

Trauma Informed Specialist

Trauma Informed Specialist

Clarke County School District, GA

Getting to the H.E.A.R.T. of the Matter:
Lessons Learned by Trauma Informed Specialists Hired in the Midst of a Pandemic

Explore lessons learned from School Trauma Informed Specialists. Interventions include direct support and system wide practices that serve both students and staff. We will invite participants to reflect through a H.E.A.R.T. framework:

  • Healing centered work
  • Elevating the voices of those with lived experience
  • Accepting when things don’t work
    Regulating practices incorporated into all work
  • Tangible results of programs and policies influenced, impacted, and scrapped

FRI

Room 10

8:55 - 9:45

Principal

Clarke County School District, GA

Restoring your school culture and climate through PBIS for Teachers.

Teacher retention is a significant issue in education. Compensation is cited as the number one reason why educators leave the profession. Beyond compensation, educators feel overworked and undervalued. As leaders, we can improve the climate and culture of our schools. We can address the things that are within our locus of control. Restoring your school culture and climate through PBIS suggests practical strategies for improving the climate and culture of secondary schools.

FRI

Room 11

8:55 - 9:45

Student Support Facilitator

Forsyth County Schools, GA

Using Peer Leaders to Create a School Culture Focusing on Belonging and Connection

Sources of Strength is a wellness model we can use with our students, ourselves, and staff to strengthen and build connections. To support our students, we must know the areas of strength in their lives to ensure they are prepared to learn in the classroom. Participants will learn about Forsyth County School’s Sources of Strength implementation and view campaigns our Peer Leaders have implemented to strengthen a school’s culture, connectedness among trusted adults and sense of belonging.

FRI

Ballroom

8:55 - 9:45

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

FRI

Ballroom

8:55 - 9:45

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

9:55 - 10:45

Room / Time

Speaker

Click Name For Bio

Session Information

FRI

Room 7

9:55 - 10:45

Clinical Manager

Durham Community Safety Department, NC

Creating HEART Connections:
One Neighbor, One Community Member, One City at a Time

As Durham Community Safety Department moves into its second year, learn how the HEART program continues to connect with neighbors, community members and community stakeholders to positively impact the community. Learn about HEART's growth and expansion and the impact it's had on the community and cities throughout the country.

FRI

Room 8

9:55 - 10:45

Principal

Burke County Public School, GA

Top 5 Tips to Reflect & Connect

"Quick Tips to Reflect & Connect." In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find time to reflect on our thoughts and feelings and connect with those around us. However, taking a moment to do so can significantly benefit our well-being and relationships. The top tips I will cover include: Carving out dedicated reflection time, Practicing active listening, Express gratitude, Using mindfulness techniques, and Engaging in activities that foster connection.

FRI

Room 9

9:55 - 10:45

Behavior Counselor Support Specialist

NEEEEEED

Coweta County School System, GA

Supporting Students Mental Health Through the Tiers Process

This session will address the impact of mental health challenges on a student's behaviors and the significance of addressing the mental health of our students to affect behavior change. We will address mental health stigma and function based interventions for addressing mental health challenges. The session will give the audience strategies for recognizing a mental health challenge, addressing the challenge through the PBIS/Tiers system and the next steps.

FRI

Room 10

9:55 - 10:45

Coordinator for the Office of Student Services

Pickens County Schools, GA

'No','Don't','Can't' and Other Ways You're Making Your Job Harder

Words have the power to build a bridge or burn it. To extend an olive branch in friendship or swing it as a weapon. As educators, we continually note that ‘kids aren’t the same as they used to be’ – but neglect to reflect on whether our practices and processes have adapted to meet this new student style. To engage the social media generation, we must be intentional with our relationship-building – tweaking our social language and purpose-building social opportunities into our school day.

FRI

Room 11

9:55 - 10:45

Teacher / Behavior Coach

Principal

Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA

In-School Suspension to In-School Success:
The Journey of Awakening

Punitive correction is not new to the United States; it has been the leading fundamental strategy to correct behavior and learning patterns since 1776. Almost 250 years later, experts are transitioning back to Renaissance learning/support – arguably the most significant advancement in the history of education, industry, and the Arts. The learning session aims to experience a personal journey, develop non-punitive pathways, work with leadership, and real-world applications in a school setting.

FRI

Ballroom

9:55 - 10:45

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community
Athens, GA

Chess and Community

Engage with Chess and Community! We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. Our work uses chess as a learning modality to help youth manage impulsiveness and develop critical thinking skills. We are dedicated to preparing youth to lead through community engagement and civic empowerment. We prepare youth to lead by focusing on academic enrichment, civic engagement, career and entrepreneurial skills development, and cultural education. Chess and Community develops youth to transform the community.

FRI

Ballroom

9:55 - 10:45

CEO

My Local Expert LLC

&

ImpactXR Academy
Macon, GA

Consulting with a Metaverse Purpose

Explore the world of virtual reality. At ImpactXR Academy we provide immersive virtual reality experiences for educational purposes. It allows users to access a wide range of educational content such as simulations, interactive games, and virtual tours that enhance their learning and job skills experience. With the use of VR technology, users can engage with the content in a more interactive and stimulating way, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.

Take time to visit our sponsors and vendors

10:55 - 11:55

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ballroom

President

Max-OUT Foundation

Director

Point Guard College Basketball

Sports Broadcaster

Retired Professional Basketball Player

Author

CHAMPIONS' Creed:

The Undeniable Principles That Separate the Good From the Great in Sports, Business and Life

11:55 - 12:00
Closing Ceremonies

Brandon
Bird

Safety Training & Compliance officer
Jenks Public Schools, OK

Speaker Bio

Officer Brandon Bird of the Jenks Public Schools Police Department is the 2021-22 District Classified Employee of the Year! After serving with the Fort Smith, Arkansas Police Department for 17 years, Officer Bird arrived at JPS in 2019. The investment he makes into the lives of students has helped him build trust and earn the respect of his colleagues and peers across the District. Officer Bird visits multiple sites every day and says the best part of his job is connecting with students. 

“I may be the only positive interaction a student has with an adult on any given day and it’s important to me to show these kids how much I care.”

Day 1 - Room 7 - 1:20--2:10
Day 2 - Room 7 - 10:20-11:10

Mitch Weathers,
M.Ed.

Founder and CEO
Organized Binder, CA

Speaker Bio

How does a mediocre student become a gifted teacher? Whether it was the 7 years it took Mitch to graduate from college or the ultramarathons he runs regularly, Mitch found success via his strong mindset and predictable routines. And it just so happens that highly successful teachers build their classrooms the same way. When students learn to develop their executive function skills and teachers establish predictable learning routines, student success soars. This is the foundation for the Organized Binder program, the focus of Mitch’s upcoming book, and the secret of every successful classroom.

Day 1 - Room 8 - 1:20-2:10
Day 2 - Room 9 - 10:20-11:10

Janice
Silver, Ed.D

Education Advisor

Speaker Bio

Dr. Silver started her education career as a high school science teacher in rural, eastern North Carolina. She went on to serve in the Curriculum and Instruction division at North Carolina Virtual Public School, which is the 2nd largest state virtual school in the country. Her leadership across this organization focused on digital teaching and learning. Dr. Silver later served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Academic Officer, and Superintendent where she led the schools to high student growth every year. She now serves as an Education Advisor for Panorama. 

 

Day 1 - Room 9 - 1:20-2:10
Day 2 - Room 9 -2:40-3:30

Ashton
McGuire M.Ed.

Outreach Partner

Speaker Bio

Ashton McGuire is an Outreach Partner at Panorama Education. She currently supports large districts in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey and New York. Ashton has her Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Education and spent ten years working in middle and high schools. Ashton came to Panorama to continue supporting student outcomes, elevate student voice, and strengthen the district’s multi-tiered systems of support.

Day 1 - Room 9 - 1:20-2:10
Day 2 - Room 9 -2:40-3:30

Leslie Burnett

Director of Special Services

Pryor Public Schools, OK

Speaker Bio

Leslie Burnett, Director of Special Services, Pryor, OK for 9 years. Dog lover extraordinaire forever. Through my experiences working with children with special needs, it became increasingly apparent that most children love dogs and most dogs love children. The combination seemed natural.

Day 1 - Room 10 - 1:20-2:10
Day 2 - Room 10 - 11:20-12:10

Chris Brown,
LCSW

Mental Health Coordinator

Pryor Public Schools, OK

Speaker Bio

Chris graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. He received his License in Clinical Social Work in 2014 and is a board approved clinical supervisor. He is currently the Mental Health Coordinator for Pryor Public Schools in Pryor, Oklahoma. Chris worked in the private mental health field for 15 years prior to joining Pryor Public Schools. Chris enjoys being with his wife and two children, coaching little league baseball, camping and just being active. You might also expect to find Chris cheering on his beloved Oklahoma Sooners!

Day 1 - Room 10 - 1:20-2:10
Day 2 - Room 10 - 11:20-12:10

Liliana Salazar,
Md.S.

National Director of Special Education and Student Support

Academica
Miami, Fl

Speaker Bio

Liliana L. Salazar is the National Director of Special Education and Student Support for Academica. Academica is the nation’s largest Educational Service Provider for charter schools supporting 210 schools in 10 different states. She was formerly the District Director of Exceptional Student Education for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools System (M-DCPS), the fourth largest school system in the nation.  Liliana has worked in the field of education for over thirty years, in the capacities of teacher, assistant principal, principal and district administration. She has presented at several state and national conferences and has co-authored articles published in a variety of educational journals. She also hosts a monthly podcast titled “Teach The Way You Learn” where she discusses teaching strategies and how they can be the most effective in reaching all groups of students. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Exceptional Student Education from Nova Southeastern University, her first Master’s of Science in Special Education from Florida International University, her second Master’s of Science in Education from the University of Miami, and her Educational Specialist degree in PreKindergarten/Primary Education from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently working on her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation – Administration from St. Thomas University.

Day 1 - Room 11 - 1:20-2:10
Day 2 - Room 11 - 11:20-12:10

Lemuel "Life"
LaRoche MSW

Founder and Executive Director

Chess and Community

Speaker Bio

Lemuel “Life” LaRoche is the founder and executive director of Chess and Community, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders and critical thinkers in Northeast Georgia. Known in the communities that he serves as Life, he fuses chess with conventional therapeutic methods to curb impulsive behavior amongst youth with delinquent pasts. With over two decades of experience in adolescent, family and community development, Life and brings a fresh innovative approach to his work. He is the subject of Life the Griot (2014), a documentary highlighting the work that he has accomplished in Athens, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.

Day 1 - Ballroom - All Day
Day 2 - Ballroom - All Day
Day 3 - Ballroom - All Day

Sam
Coons

COE

My Local Expert LLC

ImpactXR Academy

Macon, GA

Speaker Bio

As the CEO of My Local Expert LLC, Sammy leads multiple departments that provide service to the consumer and businesses in online advertising, drone photography, custom printing, and home renovation assistance.  

As the CEO of ImpactXR Academy, a nonprofit organization, Sammy provides VR instructor training and instruction to students within an immersive virtual environment. Courses include STEM education and multi-family industry.

Prior to becoming a full time CEO, Sammy spent 25+ years in the multi-family industry where he began his career managing on-site. His primary goal was to efficiently maintain the operation of multimillion-dollar assets where he exceeded the expected financial return for its investors. This ultimately created a pathway to a corporate role where he presented the company with a vison of implementing more technological advancements that included training employees in a fully immersive Virtual Reality environment using VR hardware. The project was approved and Sammy traveled throughout the country training employees within the VR environment. Employee retention and staff confidence increased throughout the company and country.

Sammy is a Certified Metaverse Educator, Meta Developer, Published Author of “Growing From Zero To Hero”, Commercial Drone Pilot, Graphic Designer, and a VR Content Creator.

Day 1 - Ballroom - All Day
Day 2 - Ballroom - All Day
Day 3 - Ballroom - All Day

Shawn Hales, BSBA, CST/CFA

Director of Business/PIO

Washington County Hospital & Nursing Home, AL

Speaker Bio

For over 10 years I worked in surgery as a First Assistant to a General Trauma Surgeon. After completing my Business degree I left the healthcare industry for 11 years to work in Banking in operations. The past 2 years I have been the Director of Business and PIO for a Critical Access Hospital.

Day 1 - Room 7 - 2:20-3:10
Day 2 - Room 7 - 2:40-3:30

Tarah Allen,
M.A., NCSP

Student Services Program Manager
Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Sarasota Public Schools, FL

Speaker Bio

I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, & district administrator. Former Assistant Principal, School Principal and Learning Behavior Specialist prior to my role in Sarasota, FL. I was an IL School Psych Association nominee-Practitioner of the Year. Presented nationally at NASP and APBS.

Day 1 - Room 8 - 2:20-3:10
Day 2 - Room 8 - 11:20-12:10

Jasmine Price,
LCPC, LPC

Owner - Therapist

Pride of Nyla, MD

Speaker Bio

JASMINE PRICE, LCPC, LPC received a B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a M.A. in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Jasmine is passionate about helping BIPOC heal from trauma so they can lead their best lives possible.

Day 1 - Room 9 - 2:20-3:10
Day 2 - Room 8 - 2:40-3:30

Jyl Ellmaker,
SSW

School Community Partnership for Mental Health Coordinator

Milwaukee Public Schools, WI

Speaker Bio

Jyl Ellmaker has been a school social worker in Milwaukee for over 20 years. In 2021 she began her new role as a coordinator of the SCPMH program in Milwaukee Public schools where she supports 40 schools and 6 community agencies in providing mental health services directly in the school setting.

Day 1 - Room 10 - 2:20-3:10
Day 2 - Room 9 - 9:20-10:10

Nicole Cain,
MSW

Partnership for Mental Health Coordinator

Milwaukee Public Schools, WI

Speaker Bio

Nicole Cain, MSW, Manager of School Social Work and Community Services for Milwaukee Public Schools, coordinates the delivery of social work services, the School Community Partnership for Mental Health (SCPMH), McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, ESSA Out of Home Care, Pregnant and Parenting Youth Program, Violence Prevention Program, and Home and Hospital services for the largest urban school district within the state of Wisconsin.

Day 1 - Room 10 - 2:20-3:10
Day 2 - Room 9 - 9:20-10:10

Jason Pinkney,
Ed.S.

Student Services Coordinator

Houston County Schools District, GA

Speaker Bio

Jason Pinkney was born and raised in Miami, FL. He attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA where he received a Bachelor of Arts. He has a Master of Science from Ft. Valley State University and a Specialist Degree in Education from Georgia State College & University. He is married with 2 kids.

Day 1 - Room 11 - 2:20-3:10
Day 2 - Room 10 - 9:20-10:10

Corey Goble

Director of Safety and Security

Baldwin County Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Corey Goble is a 24 year Law Enforcement veteran. He has worked in K-12 education for the last 13 years. He is a School Safety SME and a contract analyst for Safe Havens International. He co-authored “Seven Important Building Design Features to Enhance School Safety and Security” for the Indiana DOE

Day 1 - Room 7- 3:20-4:10
Day 2 - Room 7 - 11:20-12:10

Tonya Coons,
Ph.D.

CIO

Impact Educators, GA

Speaker Bio

Tonya is passionate about using dimensions of wellness to reimagine life. Her experiences range from Director of Gifted/ESOL to School Improvement Coordinator. Dr. Coons is a graduate of Mercer University and author of The Vision Challenge: A Step by Step Vision Board Guide for Youth & Young Adults.

Day 1 - Room 8 -3:20-4:10
Day 2 - Room 8 - 9:20-10:10

Elesha Scott
M.Ed.

CEO

Impact Educators, GA

Speaker Bio

Elesha L. Scott is an enthusiastic edu-preneur committed to helping districts and churches design and implement effective curriculum and instruction. She is a former high school math teacher, content lead, and lifelong collaborator. She is also the CEO of Don’t Lose Yourself, the premier organization fostering multigenerational, multiethnic self-worth through inspiring identity, purpose, unity, and service. Mrs. Scott is a speaker, coach, consultant, and curriculum designer.

Day 2 - Room 8 -3:20-4:10
Day 3 - Room 8 - 9:20-10:10

Moshe Fried,
LCSW

Co-Founder, CEO

Speaker Bio

Moshe Fried, LCSW is the co-founder and CEO of ClasStars. For nearly two decades, Moshe has helped hundreds of kids and their parents work with their teachers to achieve highly effective outcomes. He has done this both in the school setting, and through his private practice. At the start of his career, Moshe realized that teachers were overburdened, and aside from burning out even the most dedicated teachers, students were being overlooked, and slipping through the cracks of the system. One of his primary goals is to help teachers “notice” every child in a positive way, and establish good relationships with their students. Drawing from research, experience, and common sense, that kids need a lot of encouragement, and that very often the students who need the encouragement the most, get it the least, Moshe was inspired to develop ClasStars, a tablet app that teachers have called a game-changer in classroom learning. The journey included collaborating with hundreds of educators across the globe for a decade, and in 2021 Moshe received the Top 100 Visionaries in Education award at the GFEL conference in Las Vegas, NV, for his outstanding vision and leadership. He is also the host of the ClasStars Podcast. When Moshe is not working on ClasStars, he is working with families through his private practice, or spending time with his wife and children in Brooklyn, NY. He loves giving them a good time.

Day 1 - Room 9 - 3:20-4:10
Day 2 - Room 9 - 11:20-12:10

Adam
Corbitt, M.Ed.

Special Education Program Coordinator

Francis Howell School District, MO

Speaker Bio

Adam Corbitt has worked in education 2O years. He landed in education after helping his dad navigate the IEP process for his 7 adopted siblings. When he began work as a special education teacher in a self contained EBD room, he realized our systems and practices were not student centered. He transitioned to elementary school and realized, regardless of the labels, we were not meeting the needs of students and families. He left the classroom as the liaison for Mental Health & Trauma. That’s when he really studied what therapy in schools looks like. Now, as a coordinator he leads that work. His wife and two daughters are a blessing, and they are integral to his understanding of his work.

Day 1 - Room 10 - 3:20-4:10
Day 2 - Room 10 - 10:20-11:10

Angie Delaney, Ph.D.

Assistant Director of Exceptional Education

Dawson County Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Dr. Angie Delaney has worked in the field of Special Education for 26 years. While her passion is facilitating educators and parents in meeting the needs of students with disabilities; she loves the challenges of all things behavior in children and adults. Dr. Delaney presently assists the Director of Exceptional Education in Dawson County Schools. 

Day 1 - Room 11 - 3:20-4:10
Day 2 - Room 11 - 10:20-11:10

Christine Pittman,
M.Ed.

Early Childhood Facilitator

Dawson County Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Christine Pittman is from Orange County Florida where she began her teaching career working with students with special needs. She has experience with providing the continuum of services, all the way from self-contained to full inclusion. In Orange County, she led her special education department as a Compliance Specialist and provided training and support to general education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals and related service members. Trading the beach for the mountains, Christine has taken her skills to Dawson County Schools where she is the Early Childhood Facilitator. 

Day 1 - Room 11 - 3:20-4:10
Day 2 - Room 11 - 10:20-11:10

Ashley Baer,
M.Ed.

Coordinator of Mindfulness Instruction

Forsyth County Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Ashley Baer is an educator and healer with a degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been a full-time Special Education teacher for almost two decades. Currently, she is in the role of Facilitator of Mindfulness Instruction in Student Supports where she teaches mindfulness, meditation, and movement to both staff and students, and trains teachers how to use mindfulness as SEL and attention building across all curriculums. Prior to this role, she conducted a two-year Mindfulness Pilot Program in a public school system in partnership with the School of Public Health, at Georgia State University. In addition to certifications in Mindfulness and Meditation, Ashley is a 500 RYT, a Health & Wellness Coach, and is currently teaching meditation on the app Insight Timer. Follow this link to her meditations and visit her website www.mindfulnesswithashley.com. Hear more of her personal journey HERE 

Day 2 - Room 7 - 9:20-10:10
Day 3 - Room 7 - 8:55-9:45

Dr. Robert
Stewart

Teacher / Behavior Coach

Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Dr. Robert Stewart has 30 years of mental health training through in-patient dual diagnosis, law enforcement, college professor, and currently as a public middle school teacher/behavior coach. Dr. Stewart’s vision is inclusive and equity-based – with pillars that stem from accountability, understanding learning/teaching styles, and positive support. Dr. Stewart’s teachings drive self-recognition that we are all Kings and Queens.

 

   PUBLICATIONS

 

  • Dissertation Title: A Qualitative Case Study: General Equivalency Students’ Motivations from Graduated Higher Education Students, 2017

 

  • Publication: Community Policing, Budgeting, and Environment Conservation, The Public Safety Chronicle, Fall – 2010
Day 2 - Room 11 - 9:20-10:10
Day 3 - Room 11 - 9:55-10:45

Katise
Taylor

Principal

Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Katise Taylor has over 20 years of educational experience with 15 years in educational leadership. She has an unwavering commitment to foster academic and behavioral growth, promote high quality collaboration and drive positive change. Ms. Taylor has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to sustain a positive school culture that transforms the learning and work environment for both students and teachers. Her goal is to spark in educators and leaders a catalyst to embrace change and embrace new horizons in the pursuit of academic and behavioral excellence.

Day 2 - Room 11 - 9:20-10:10
Day 3 - Room 11 - 9:55-10:45

Anthony Chiles,
Ed.S.

Principal

Burke County Public School, GA

Speaker Bio

Anthony Chiles currently serves as Principal at Waynesboro Primary in the Burke County Public School System Waynesboro, GA. He began his career teaching music education for six years before moving into administration. Now in his 19th year in education, Mr. Chiles has worked at the elementary, middle, and high school levels of administration, including being an assistant principal and principal. Since 2010, Mr. Chiles has supported schools through professional learning in classroom management, school improvement initiatives, and building culture through collaborative decision making. Mr. Chiles additionally is a Lead Evaluator for Cognia, the global leader in educational institutions and systems accreditation. He additionally serves on the Georgia state council for Beta Club. Mr. Chiles has his Bachelor of Music Education from Berry College, Masters and Specialist in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University, and a STEAM endorsement from Augusta University.

Day 2 - Room 8 - 10:20-11:10
Day 3 - Room 8 - 9:55-10:45

Mike Baker,
Ed.S.

Coordinator for the Office of Student Services

Pickens County Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Mike Baker is an experienced special education teacher; lead teacher; behavior specialist; coordinator for student services. He works in Pickens County Schools in Jasper, Georgia.

Day 2 - Room 7 - 1:40-2:30
Day 3 - Room 10 - 9:55-10:45

Lindsey Simpson,
MS, CPS

Student Support Facilitator

Forsyth County Schools, GA

Speaker Bio

Lindsey Simpson, MS, CPS, holds a Master of Science degree from Brenau University and is a Certified Preventionist through the Prevention Credentialing Consortium of Georgia. Lindsey is a certified Youth, Teen and Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor as well as a Sources of Strength Trainer.

Day 2 - Room 8 - 140:-2:30
Day 3 - Room 11 - 8:55-9:45

Abena Bediako, LCSW

Clinical Manager

Community Safety Department

Durham, NC

Speaker Bio

Her professional career began over 20 years ago as an out-patient therapist with the goal of helping children and adolescents heal from the pain and trauma they had endured. This led to work with different genres of populations with various agencies and organizations. She witnessed and felt the overarching need and cry for healing. People of all ages and ethnicities all wanted 1 thing – to be happy.

Abena’s focus is to help people to heal. Understanding healing occurs on all levels, She has dedicated herself to being a vessel for people to heal mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. Whether it was through her vegan catering company, the books she’s written, being a doula, serving as a financial fitness advisor or a licensed clinical social worker, Abena’s purpose is to help folks recognize they have the power within themselves to heal.

Her calling is to help heal the minds and souls of people so that they can manifest their greater and higher selves. We all want to be healed and happy. Sometimes we just need a little help getting there.

Day 2 - Room 9 - 1:40-2:30
Day 3 - Room 7 - 9:55-10:45

Kathy Harlan,
LPC, BCBA

Behavior Counselor Support Specialist

Coweta County School System, GA

Speaker Bio

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified School Guidance Counselor. I have worked for the past 23 years with various populations of students and families, and across many settings. I am passionate about blending ABA with mental health supports.

Day 2 - Room 10 - 1:40-2:30
Day 3 - Room 9 - 9:55-10:45

Lisa Wooten,
Ed.S.

NEEED

Coweta County School System, GA

Speaker Bio

Hi! I am Lisa Wootten, I am a Georgia native and live with my husband and three fur babies now that our youngest daughter started college at UGA. I have been a teacher for the last fifteen years both in private and public settings serving students from Pre-K through high school. The majority of my teaching experience has taken place in autism classrooms. I hold a dual certification and have an Ed.S. in Special Education, Autism Endorsement, and completed the additional coursework and hours required to sit for the BCBA exam and am in the process of prepping for that endeavor. We look forward to sharing this training with you and engaging in collaborative conversations!

Day 2 - Room 10 - 1:40-2:30
Day 3 - Room 9 - 9:55-10:45

Rob Driggers,
RN

Outpatient Psychiatric RN

Gateway CSB, GA

Speaker Bio

I’m a Christian, a husband and a father. I have been a registered nurse for almost 9 years and have worked for Gateway as a psychiatric RN for over 6 years. My family and I love to do local and international mission work and also enjoy traveling in our 40 foot home on wheels, Sally Solitude.

Day 2 - Room 11 - 1:40-2:30
Day 3 - Room 8 - 8:55-9:45

Dr. Sara
Bhonsale

Founder and Executive Director

Panorama Education

Speaker Bio

Title:  Unlocking Success for Generation Alpha Students

 

Description:  It’s not you!  These kids really are DIFFERENT.  Join us for an enlightening session where we learn more about our kids born 2010-2025- the very unique “Generation Alpha”.  

 

Participants will 

  • Gain valuable insights into the characteristics and learning preferences of Generation Alpha.
  • Discover effective teaching strategies to engage and empower these forward-thinking students.
  • Explore resources and tools designed to create an optimal learning experience for Generation Alpha.
Day 2 - Room 8 - 2:40 - 3:30

Mary Catherine Hawks,
LMSW, 200-YT

Trauma Informed Specialist

Clarke County School District, GA

Speaker Bio

Mary Catherine has worn many hats including almost a decade supporting children in Georgia’s foster care system. She serves her school district as a Trauma Informed Specialist. She practices as a therapist and is an adult educator and Trauma Conscious Yoga Instructor.

Day 2 - Room 10 - 2:20-3:10
Day 3 - Room 9 - 8:55-9:45

Caron Hope,
LPC

Trauma Informed Specialist

Clarke County School District, GA

Speaker Bio

Caron Hope’s experience spans the last two decades serving predominantly in the local community service board as a licensed professional counselor and as program manager for inpatient treatment. Caron served as assistant director to the University of Georgia’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Program for over five years before moving to k12 to serve as Clarke County Schools Trauma Informed Specialist.

Day 2 - Room 10 - 2:20-3:10
Day 3 - Room 9 - 8:55-9:45

Amanda Williams-Gorham, Ph.D.

Principal

Clarke County School District, GA

Speaker Bio

Dr. Amanda Williams-Gorham has 20 years of experience in K-12 Title I public education. She has served as a director, principal, assistant principal, counselor, teacher, and coach. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, M.S. in Guidance and Counseling, and a B.S. in Middle Grades Education.

Day 2 - Room 11 - 2:40-3:30
Day 3 - Room 10 - 8:55-9:45

Heysha Rodriguez

Change Agent

Heysha Rodriguez is a Behavior Interventionist, originally from Puerto Rico, and has been in Georgia for 12 years. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Alabama, Heysha has gained vast amounts of experience working with diverse populations inside and outside the academic setting. More importantly, Heysha has had over eight years of hands-on experience in educational settings working in multiple Georgia school districts. Within this role, she helped create a positive school environment for students and staff through the management of PBIS programs that earned a distinguished rating for several consecutive years, successfully implemented positive behavioral interventions, and effectively trained personnel to implement these. Additionally, Heysha has created successful programs for behavior management and social skills that use research-based interventions and supports. Her knowledge of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans has assisted in increasing school-wide appropriate behaviors.
Heysha is passionate about working with cultural minorities. Being a cultural and racial minority has allowed her to understand and help culturally diverse students in the academic environment, school administration, and their parents. Outside of work, Heysha loves experiencing nature. She is an avid trail runner and hiker and enjoys rock climbing and camping. Her husband and Dobermann, named Jäger, often accompany her on these adventures.

Kimberly Hodges

Change Agent
I have worked with children and adolescents identified as having severe emotional and behavior disorders since beginning my career in 1995 at Hillside Hospital. It was here, as a Behavior Specialist, that I met and worked alongside Marshall Siler, the creator of the Mindset Curriculum. In 2001, I moved into the public-school setting as a special education teacher in a program serving only students with severe emotional/behavior disorders and autism in Henry County, Georgia. During my 21 years with this program, I have served as Instructional Lead Teacher, Crisis Interventionist, Behavior Specialist but always as a Mindset Trainer. The more I got to know my students and their vast array of behaviors, the more interested I became in childhood trauma and the impact it has on learning and the brain. Drawing from personal, professional, and educational experiences with childhood trauma, I developed a training to help our program better understand and serve our students. As my passion for this subject grew, I realized the knowledge I had gained about childhood trauma and resilience had too many implications for the way we teach, serve and parent our children not to share with as many people as possible. In 2016, I became a Certified Trauma Practitioner and Trainer for the National Institute of Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC) and founded K. Hodges Consulting, LLC with the hopes of spreading the word on childhood trauma and resilience to all who would listen. My dog Skillet and I also passed our exam with Therapy Dogs International, and I introduced him to the students as our first Program Therapy Dog. Today, Skillet and I continue to work part-time as a Behavior Specialist team for the program in Henry County while also educating others throughout the state and country on childhood trauma and resilience and serving as a Mindset Master Trainer. I am constantly seeking to further my knowledge in trauma and resilience practices and most recently have become a trainer of Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education. The more tools you have in your toolbox, the more individualized supports you can provide. I love that Mindset was one of the first tools I honed when I began my journey and only serves to enhance all the other tools I’ve acquired along the way.

Anne-Marie Jones

Change Agent

Throughout my career in education, I have worked as both a building level and district level administrator.  Within these roles, many years of my work focused on classroom management and behavior interventions.  I earned my Educational Specialist degree through Georgia Southern University.  Currently I provide district and organizational level consulting and training in various content including: Mindset, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Trauma-Informed Care and Behavior Management.

Jackie Holland

Change Agent
Raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and holding a Masters Degree in Special Education, Jackie Holland brings a wealth of versatile experience in special education to her clients. She brings a unique perspective with an ability to connect resources to individuals and families in need of behavioral support. Jackie’s passion for this work was inspired by someone very close to her as she lived the struggle that so many families face when it comes to seeking and finding guidance. Jackie has worked as a paraprofessional, teacher, special education administrator, and behavior specialist for a diverse Title I district. Jackie provides district level training in the MindSet Safety Management Curriculum, Circle of Security (Parent Coaching), PBIS, Trauma Informed Practices and Care, Tier 1 Classroom Supports, Coaching Cycles with an emphasis on collaborative teaching best practices, Restorative Practices, Data Collection, and Behavior Intervention Plan development based on the needs of the individual. She currently resides in Watkinsville, GA with her husband and son.

Jessica Puckett

Change Agent
Having always been drawn to helping individuals, I decided to gain my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Purdue University and my Master of Education degree, specializing in behavior and learning disabilities, from Georgia State University.  I have had the opportunity to work in residential facilities, trauma intervention programs, special needs classrooms, schools which are part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS) and work my way to the district level in Henry County, Georgia as an Intervention Support Teacher where I became a MindSet Master Trainer. Through conversations with individuals who work in the behavioral field and hearing about the need for extra assistance in school districts and agencies, I developed Southeast Behavior Supports, LLC. which provides such assistance to those in need.  Most recently, I have taken on the role of Consulting Operations Manger for MindSet where I run the consulting branch.

David V. Brown

Change Agent
With a background in special education and degrees from the University of Georgia, David delivers the MindSet Safety Management Curriculum in order to certify trainers in districts across the nation. In addition, he provides district and organizational level consulting and training in various content including: Behavior Management, Collaborative Teaching, Data Analysis, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Trauma-Informed Care, and Tier I Teacher Coaching. David’s most recent role as Coordinator of Behavior Supports for a diverse Title I school district adds to experience in leadership and teaching roles across various settings and specialized programs within public schools. He’s also worked in emergency shelters, therapeutic residential settings, and a school which is part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS). David is married to Kathryn, an inspirational educator in her own right. They have four children and reside in Athens, GA.

Acknowledgment of Acceptable use of Certification and Materials

I hereby acknowledge that the materials owned by Intervention Support Services, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company doing business as Mindset Safety Management and MindSet Instructor Training, are the property of  Intervention Support Service, LLC, and are proprietary in nature.  These materials are to be used solely and exclusively by MindSet Trainers and those they train within their own organization. In addition, materials are only to be used in accordance with the MindSet Tenets and Guiding Principles in creating a culture of prevention. Using MindSet to support, market, or advertise other products and services is only allowed with expressed written consent. Furthermore, As certified instructors of the MindSet Curriculum, I acknowledge I am authorized to train individuals only within the organization with which I was employed upon time of training.     

RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I hereby acknowledge my awareness that my participation in one or more Mindset Safety Management training sessions may expose me to risk of personal injury.  I acknowledge that Mindset Safety Management training involves physical activity and therefore there is risk that I may be injured as a result of my participation in such training. 

For the sole consideration of  Intervention Support Services, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company doing business as Mindset Safety Management providing such training,  I hereby release, forever discharge AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Intervention Support Services, LLC and its members, directors, officers, consultants, agents and employees (COLLECTIVELY HEREIN REFERRED TO AS “RELEASEES”) from any and all LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS AND CAUSES OF ACTION OF WHATEVER KIND ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, COST (INCLUDING MEDICAL COSTS) OR EXPENSE OF ANY PERSONAL INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) SUSTAINED BY ME, OR TO ANY PROPERTY BELONGING TO ME, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN THE TRAINING. 

 I certify that I am at least eighteen years of age, THAT I INTEND FOR THIS RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE TO BIND THE MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY AND SPOUSE (IF ANY), IF I AM ALIVE, AND MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, IF I AM NOT ALIVE, and that I have read and understand the above.  I further agree that this Release, Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia. 

Jimmy Faulkner

Change Agent

Jimmy began working in the field of mental health and substance use over 20 years ago. He has always had a passion for working with people in reaching their goals and potential. His career has consisted of being involved in serving individuals in community mental health and staff development. Earning a degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University, he began his career as a counselor working for the Division of Youth Service (DYS). In this role he worked as a counselor for adolescents in the NC juvenile detention centers. While there, he became certified as a  NC criminal justice instructor. Jimmy provided training for the detention center and training school staff. His training areas were suicide wareness/prevention, documentation and crisis management. Making a decision to transition into working in the NC community mental health and substance system, Jimmy returned to East Carolina to earn a degree in Social Work. Jimmy has held both clinical and administrative positions in outpatient treatment, community based services, school settings and 24-hour residential programs. Since 2014, Jimmy has served as the Director of  Training and Staff Development for PORT Health Services. In 2022, he began a new role as Director of Behavioral Health Care Management while continuing to be involved in staff training. Jimmy has been involved with Mindset Safety Management for over 5 years as an instructor. For the past 3 years, he has brought his experience with training, staff development, program development and behavioral health to his role as an instructor trainer for Mindset Safety Management. 

Kristy Bone

Change Agent

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Kristy Bone

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With a background in special education and degrees from the University of Georgia, David delivers the MindSet Safety Management Curriculum in order to certify trainers in districts across the nation. In addition, he provides district and organizational level consulting and training in various content including: Behavior Management, Collaborative Teaching, Data Analysis, Restorative Practices, PBIS, Trauma-Informed Care, and Tier I Teacher Coaching.

David’s most recent role as Coordinator of Behavior Supports for a diverse Title I school district adds to experience in leadership and teaching roles across various settings and specialized programs within public schools. He’s also worked in emergency shelters, therapeutic residential settings, and a school which is part of the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS).
David is married to Kathryn, an inspirational educator in her own right. They have four children and reside in Athens, GA.

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