2021 Conference Summary

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

Three dynamic pre-conference sessions were offered.

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KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Monday Keynote - Kristin Souers

Fostering Resilient Learners
Fostering Resilience and Giving Grace

Childhood trauma is real, and it is more prevalent than we might believe, especially now. We recognize that our staff are struggling and that we can’t be good for others if we aren’t good to ourselves. In this engaging, relevant, and practical session, learn from childhood trauma expert Kristin Souers (lead author of the best- selling and award-winning Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for creating a trauma-sensitive classroom – ASCD, 2016 and Relationship, Responsibility and Regulation: Trauma Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners; 2019) about the importance of incorporating trauma-invested practices into the work we do with each other, caregivers and our youth. In this training, staff will be invited to reflect on their current states, and what they are doing to ensure their own regulation. We will acknowledge the reality of trauma and be reminded to build empathy for ourselves and for those we serve. We will explore our triggers and our mindsets as well as what can impact our ability to be regulated and present. Because we’re in a service-oriented profession and continuously look outward to help others, we’ll turn our lenses around to build self-awareness and embrace the concept of grace as we collaboratively build a Culture of Safety for our youth, families, staffs, and communities. If we’re going to be good to others, first and foremost we’ve got to be good to ourselves.

About Kristin Souers
Kristin Souers, MA LMHC is an award-winning author of Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for creating a trauma-sensitive classroom environment (ASCD, 2016) and many other publications and articles. She provides critical professional development, consultation, education, and training services to schools, school districts, and organizations throughout the country. She has presented to thousands of audiences, facilitated group learning, supervised internships, directed programs, been an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University in their Masters in Counseling Program, and supported the learning and growth of countless educators, caregiving professionals, and other individuals.

Tuesday - Keynote Panel

Boss Level: Game Changers Who Leveled Up
Becky Lins, Liz Roper, & Sarah Kirk
The past year and a half has taught us nothing, if not the value of being adaptable and thinking on our feet, but as school counselors that kind of innovation has been part of the job description from the beginning. This panel will speak about what "changed the game" in their school and how did they accomplish it, including barriers, alliance building, and how students are better because of it.

Sponsors & Exhibitors
A big thank you goes out to all our Sponsors and Exhibitors for helping make the 2021 Conference the best yet.