The 2024 ISCA Conference was held in Des Moines from November 3–5, 2024 with the theme "Rooted in Resilience".
We look forward to celebrating our 60th Anniversary during the 2025 Iowa School Counselor Conference, which will be held November 2–4, 2025.
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
Monday Keynote
Tiffany Lanier
Own Your Shift: Turn Your Season of Change into a Season of Possibility
Tiffany challenged attendees to reframe disruption and lean into change as a catalyst for growth. Through a powerful blend of neuroscience, storytelling, and reflection, school counselors walked away ready to lead themselves and others with curiosity, courage, and clarity.
In addition to her keynote, Tiffany also led a Tuesday morning workshop, Morning Shift, offering deeper insight into personal leadership and wellbeing.
About Tiffany Lanier
Tiffany is a keynote speaker, author, and conscious leadership advocate who has spoken for organizations like Capital One, United Way, the U.S. SBA, and TEDx. She is the founder of LiveWithTiffany.com and author of I Can’t Wait to Vote.
Tuesday Keynote
Ms. Jen Alexander
What You Oughta Know About Resilience: Exploring Connection, Separation, and Repair in Relationships
With warmth and expertise, Ms. Jen reminded school counselors of the power of safe, supportive relationships. Her keynote offered practical tools to strengthen relational skills in individual and group settings, especially for youth navigating trauma and complex emotions.
Jen also led a breakout session titled Is Love Really All You Need? which provided trauma-informed counseling strategies for K–12 school settings.
About Ms. Jen
An Iowa-based school counselor, special education teacher, and author, Ms. Jen is a national leader in trauma-sensitive schools. She is also a registered play therapist and professional development facilitator with over 20 years of experience in education.
PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Three engaging pre-conference sessions were offered on Sunday afternoon:
New Counselor Session
Presented by Aimee Hospodarsky (Grant Wood AEA) and Sue Schirmer (AEA)
This session provided early-career school counselors with tools to build confidence and resilience, along with insights on how to access networks and resources to thrive in Iowa schools.
Crisis Co-Regulation
Presented by Brittany Roberts, Four Oaks Family & Children’s Services
Attendees explored the neuroscience of regulation, created personal regulation plans, and gained practical co-regulation strategies to support both adults and students in times of stress.
Advocacy Toolkit for School Counselors
Presented by Dr. Erin Lane, Lauren Cerqueira, Jefferson Fink, and Jim Obradovich
This timely session equipped counselors with tools to advocate effectively for their role and students’ needs in a complex legislative environment.
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors for their ongoing support of school counselors across Iowa. Your partnership helps make our annual conference a success!
2024 Exhibitor & Sponsor Guide