September 9-11, 2026
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa
Lexington, KY
We hope to see you next year!
Details to come.
ABC’s all-inclusive Kentucky solutions meet 100% of the Kentucky Academic Standards. Our content prepares students for the KSA assessments and we guarantee our products will improve student scores. All coursebooks include free access to our digital platform, CourseWave, with eBooks and CourseWave Online Testing.
For more information, please contact Jenny Gale, Senior Account Executive at (678) 923-5627 or jgale@abck12.com.
The center’s mission shall be to serve as the central point for data analysis; research; dissemination of information about successful school safety programs, research results, and new programs; and, in collaboration with the Department of Education and others, to provide technical assistance for safe schools.
For more information, please contact Dan Orman, Training Coordinator at dan.orman@ksba.org or (502) 424-8652.
The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) is one of the largest educational service agencies in the Commonwealth, partnering with school districts to strengthen instruction, improve operations, and create opportunities for students. For more than 60 years, KEDC has supported educators through professional learning, instructional services, technology innovation, grant development, and cooperative purchasing solutions. Programs like InvestED help teachers advance their careers while strengthening literacy, numeracy, and leadership in the classroom. Through initiatives such as the SERTAC program, KEDC also works alongside districts to support special education services and ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. By bringing together expertise, resources, and collaboration, KEDC helps schools focus on what matters most — preparing students for a bright future.
For more information, please contact Jim Caldwell, Public Relations & Marketing Director at (859) 940-2471 or jim.caldwell@kedc.org.
The Kentucky Building and Construction Trades Council is your premier source for skilled construction craftspeople. We represent 14 crafts encompassing 53 construction unions and thousands of skilled crafts people across Kentucky. Our world-class apprenticeship and training programs ensure Kentucky Building Trades provides highly trained and skilled workers for construction projects all over the state. We are proud to be the premier source of labor for contractors and business owners who need highly trained craftspeople who are safety-trained, drug-tested, and committed to doing the job right, on-time and on-budget.
Our apprenticeship programs offer a substantial financial benefit, providing good starting salaries, strong wage growth, and long-term earning potential, along with high employment retention. Building Trades apprenticeships are tuition-free as they are funded entirely by the unions and their partner contractors.
For more information, please contact Chad Mills, Director at (270) 314-5806 or chadmills@ksbctc.com.
Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade live on campus. Students receive an exceptional educational experience, nurturing home life, college and career readiness support, and comprehensive health and wellness care, including medical and dental services, food, and clothing—with all costs covered.
For more information, please contact Sara T White at 859-517-4811 or whitesa@mhs-pa.org.
QuaverReady brings readiness skills to life for students. Our curriculum equips students with the skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Our engaging, fully digital, and standards-aligned Pre-K–8 curriculum program ensures students are ready to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.
For more information, please contact Troy Lewis, at (629) 702-7384 or TroyLewis@QuaverEd.com.
RethinkEd helps districts turn whole child and whole educator frameworks into everyday practice. Through one connected platform, essential supports come together with actionable insights – reducing reliance on siloed, fragmented solutions. Rather than treating academics, behavior, mental health, and educator support as separate efforts, we bring these areas into a unified system designed for consistent use across schools. Curriculum, interventions, professional learning, and data work together to support students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional growth while strengthening educator capacity and confidence. Built by educators and grounded in evidence, our platform aligns with trusted standards and research-based best practices used across K–12 education. Districts partner with RethinkEd to extend the strong work already happening in their schools and build sustainable systems where students thrive and educators feel supported. Explore what’s possible at rethinked.com.
For more information, please contact Corinne Bishop, Director of Sales at corinne.bishop@rethinked.com or (347) 797-4756.
SchooLinks is a modern college and career readiness platform that supports districts’ implementation of a comprehensive curriculum and framework to prepare students for the post-secondary pathway of their choice. Containing more than eighty interactive student experiences from interest discoveries, academic planning, and soft skill development – SchooLinks offers internship matching, career mentorship, industry partner management, and more to help districts support holistic postsecondary readiness. Our unified solution supports South Carolina’s initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
For more information, please contact Lauren Schulten at lschulten@schoolinks.com.
The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science offers bright and highly motivated juniors and seniors in Kentucky a chance to start college while finishing high school at Western Kentucky University. This residential STEM program allows students to participate in college coursework full-time, pursue faculty-mentored research, study abroad, and thrive in a supportive community. With scholarships covering tuition, housing, and an unlimited meal plan, students can explore their interests in STEM.
For more information, please contact Kari Lynn Somers, Assistant Director, Admissions and Public Relations at (270) 745-6565 or academy@wku.edu.
Mission Statement: The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth and young adult suicide by providing educational programs and resources that empower students, parents, educators, and the community to be better able to recognize and assist at-risk individuals.
For more information, please contact Deanne Ray, Executive Director/COO at (615) 264-2323 or deanneray@jasonfoundation.com.
Empower your school community with free nationally recognized educational resources designed to help middle school students and beyond reach their next level of learning. Invite our academic advisors to lead presentations on STEM, standardized test prep, vocational planning, college readiness, and scholarships—paving the way for student success, and future careers in the public and private sector.
For more information, please contact Dawne Divine at dawne.c.divine.civ@army.mil.
Opening Keynote Session
September 10, 2026| 8:30 a.m.
Resilience has never been more important than it is right now in America’s schools and communities, many of which are still recovering from the risk-factors exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, and in the near future, schools must be purposeful in their efforts to foster resilience in students and staff. In the book, You Can Get in the Way, Dr. Hodge defines resilience in the following way: “Resilience refers to the ability to avoid, navigate, bounce back from, get through, get over, go around, or survive adversities of all kinds.” This session is the perfect way to inspire your school district, schools and/or community stakeholders to take action. In this session, Dr. Hodge provides an overview of the book along with very practical solutions to help buffer the risk-factors that traditionally hold kids back. It’s the perfect launch for a new school year, or a needed boost during the tough months that follow. After being shared with over 800 educators in a state-wide conference, this session has already been described as “life-changing” by many of those lucky enough to hear it.
Dr. John W. Hodge stands out as one of America’s most sought-after speakers in K-12 education. He is renowned for his ability to transform research into practical strategies for academic success. His journey in education began after serving with distinction in the 7th Infantry Division of the United States Army, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering educators and students.
After beginning his journey in education at North Carolina A&T, Dr. Hodge continued his training at Virginia Tech, where he conducted extensive research on student resilience and factors influencing the academic outcomes of children from struggling families. This academic foundation, combined with his hands-on experience in various educational roles, has shaped his unique approach to education reform.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hodge has worn many hats – from reading and English teacher to school administrator and education consultant. Dr. Hodge served as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher, and later became Associate Director of AVID Center Eastern Division where he helped expand the program to 13 states. His tenure as Director of An Achievable Dream Academy, a high-performing school in an economically challenged area, provided him with invaluable insights into effective educational interventions, particularly for schools serving impoverished children. This experience led him to co-found the Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC), an organization dedicated to student achievement and reducing the achievement gap.
Today, Dr. Hodge serves as the Chief Inspirational Officer of AADULLC, following a strategic merger between ULLC and An Achievable Dream. This union has amplified their collective ability to assist school districts across the United States. What sets Dr. Hodge apart is his remarkable ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. He has a proven track record of helping educators in diverse settings – rural, urban, and suburban – implement necessary changes to meet and exceed rigorous academic standards. His expertise in creating and sustaining academic excellence has made him an indispensable resource for schools nationwide.
Dr. Hodge’s top-selling book, You Can Get in the Way: How You Can be a Roadblock to Risk Factors has been used as a guide by thousands of educators to galvanize the efforts of entire school staffs to help students reach their full potential. This influential work brings together those who support students regardless of their job title, creating unified teams focused on student success.
As one of America’s most respected voices in education, Dr. John W. Hodge continues to inspire and guide educators, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. His presentations and consultations serve as catalysts for continuous improvement in schools across the country, solidifying his position as a transformative figure in American education.
John will also be presenting one breakout session.
Awards Luncheon Keynote Session
September 11, 2026| 11:00 a.m.
Throughout this presentation, attendees will hear about the process and power of change Gerald GEO Gibson worked through to build Operation Making A Change. Participants will learn about the school to prison pipeline and articulate violence prevention and intervention strategies. Through the lens of GEO’s own life story, participants will leave feeling more empowered to address their own concerns in their communities.
Gerald Gibson was born and raised in Waukegan, Il. He was lacking direction and encouragement in his life, so he took to the streets seeking identity and purpose. After witnessing countless family and financial hardships, his family was forced to move to Wisconsin.
GEO became more intrigued with life on the streets which led him down a path of destruction, despair, and desperate measures. As this cycle continued repeatedly, GEO was forced to look at his own life and make a critical decision to change. While on this journey of self-worth, renewal, and purpose, he created a course of action called Operation Making A Change (OMAC). This program teaches self-worth, encouragement, and motivation with effective and positive results. GEO was the first student of OMAC and has proven his program to be an effective tool of change. His days of allowing life on the streets to perpetrate and dictate his path are over!
Today, GEO is a motivational speaker and advocate of the streets. He volunteers relentless hours in schools, prisons, churches, colleges, universities, and peace rallies. He is committed to the cause of helping people in his local community of Lexington, Kentucky and around the world. He has chosen to pay it forward. His philosophy is when you know better, you do better. His mission of stopping the violence, breaking the cycle, and making a change OMAC is in full effect and changing lives. Choose purposely to reach back and pull others forward has catapulted him into a recognizable force of reckoning across America today!
Click the session to title to learn more
Pre-Conference Session
September 9, 2026| 2:00 p.m.
In this relaxed, interactive session I will share some key insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt about how phones and social media have impacted our students and their capacity for empathy. We will explore real-life strategies recommended by psychologist Michelle Borba and the program “Let Grow” to help students become more resilient and independent. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources.
I have been a School Counselor for 12 years and currently serve at Hawthorne Elementary, the only Spanish Immersion Magnet School in Jefferson County Public Schools. Prior to becoming a School Counselor I was a teacher for 13 years. I’ve taught in Borton and Louisville, on all grade levels. My special interests include social justice and incorporating the arts in counseling. I am excited to explore the ways School Counselors can help students and families navigate the challenges of our phone-based, social media-based culture while remaining compassionate, empathetic, resilient, and independent.
Pre-Conference Session
September 9, 2026| 2:00 p.m.
Counseling groups are one of the most effective ways school counselors can reach more students, yet many face barriers such as time, competing demands, or lack of confidence. This practical session provides clear structures and ready-to-use tools that make group implementation realistic, sustainable, and impactful, helping counselors expand student support while strengthening their overall program effectiveness.
Once an at-risk youth, Loren Dittmar, PhD, is now a nationally recognized speaker and consultant specializing in school mental health, suicide prevention, and the well-being of the adults who serve youth. He partners with schools and organizations nationwide to expand mental health supports, strengthen staff resilience, and build cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to live authentically.
With over 25 years of combined experience in clinical and educational settings, Loren brings a rare blend of frontline insight and scholarly depth. His background includes five years in the mental health field, 18 years as a school counselor, including service as a Director of School Counseling, and 13 years as an adjunct professor. He served as a Lead Professional Learning Specialist with Hatching Results, supporting districts in implementing data-driven, ASCA-aligned comprehensive school counseling programs. He was also the lead expert for the mental health section of the international resource covid19k12counseling.org. Loren has held various leadership roles within multiple state school counselor associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Palmetto State School Counselor Association.
Through courageous conversations and healthy vulnerability, Loren equips audiences to ignite purpose, inspire change, and transform the way they lead, live, and connect.
Loren will also be presenting one breakout session.
Pre-Conference Session
September 9, 2026| 2:00 p.m.
The 504 process at any grade level can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the role of 504 coordinator. In this session, a high school counselor at Franklin County High
School will share her experiences using the 504 Dashboard in Infinite Campus to effectively organize documents and resources. She will also discuss practical strategies for staying organized, providing appropriate accommodations, and meeting the needs of students.
Lacey Piersol, Ed.S. in School Counseling, is in her third year as a school counselor in Franklin County Schools and is dedicated to supporting students through advocacy, guidance, and equitable access to education. She has extensive experience coordinating and managing 504 Plans to ensure students receive the accommodations and support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Lacey works collaboratively with families, teachers, administrators, and support staff to develop student-centered plans that meet individual needs and remove barriers to learning. She has also begun traveling to assist fellow Kentucky school districts with the implementation and effective use of the IC Dashboard to better support student services and data management.
Lacey is highly involved with the Kentucky School Counselor Association (KSCA), where she serves on the board, and is also a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). She is an active member within her school community and local board, continually seeking opportunities to support students, staff, and families. Through strong organization, communication, and a passion for helping others, she strives to create inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
Participants are encouraged to bring a current 504 Plan to use during the training for hands-on practice implementing plans within the IC Dashboard.
Click the session to title to learn more
Tentative
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Registration & Information Center Open
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Exhibits Open
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | KSCA Bookstore Open
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Pre-Conference Sessions
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Registration & Information Center Open
7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Exhibits Open
7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Light Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Opening Keynote Session – John Hodge
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Break with Exhibitors
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Breakout Session 1
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. | Break with Exhibitors
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. | Breakout Session 2
12:20 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Box lunches or cold cut buffet
1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Break with Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 3
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Break with Exhibitors
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Breakout Session 4
7:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Registration & Information Center Open
7:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Exhibits Open
7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Coffee Break with Exhibitors
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Breakout Session 5
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Break with Exhibitors
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Breakout Session 6
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Transition Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Awards Luncheon & Keynote
EILA credits will be available at the KSCA Conference. More details and specific number of credits will be provided onsite
Please visit the KSCA website and become a member or renew your annual membership. For questions about KSCA membership please contact, Stacy Davis at stacyksca@gmail.com.
Do you need help justifying this conference to your Supervisor? Vying for a good funding source can be challenging sometimes. We have created a letter (modeled from ASCA) you can customize to support your efforts to attend the KSCA Conference!
Professional / Affiliate Member*
$225
Save $20 if you register by July 31st!**
Student / Retiree / Emeritus Member*
$115
Save $20 if you register by July 31st!**
Non-Member
$300
Onsite registration adds $30 to your rate, so register now! (Non-Member rate will not change.) Details on the registration form below.
Professional / Affiliate
$50
Student / Retiree / Emeritus
$40
Professional / Affiliate
$40
Student / Retiree / Emeritus
$25
*Your KSCA membership must be good through September 11, 2026 to qualify for these rates.
**To qualify for the early registration discount, your registration form AND payment (copy of your purchase order, check, or credit card) must be received or postmarked by the early registration cutoff date.
The online registration portal is now closed, but we will be accepting on-site registration at the event. Please bring the Registration Form (see below to download) with your method of payment to the conference.
To pay with a check or purchase order please download the registration form and send it in with your check or purchase order. Registrations cannot be processed without payment. Contact us with questions.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If we are forced to cancel the KSCA Conference because of a “force majeure” event, such as a government restriction on large gatherings that cover the intended size of the conference, then we will issue full refunds of the registrations. Otherwise, our normal cancellation policy will be upheld: There will be no refunds after August 9, 2026. All cancellations before August 9, 2026 will be refunded less a $25 handling fee. The conference is not responsible for and cannot give refunds due to problems beyond its control such as weather or school closings. The sponsors of the conference receive registrant contact information.
On social distancing and other health and safety measures, the regulations/guidelines that apply to hotels and conference centers may change. The KSCA Conference will conform to all necessary regulations/guidelines that are in place as of the date of the conference.
Register online below using a credit card, or download the registration form and send it in with your payment.
To pay with a check or purchase order please download the registration form and send it in with your check or purchase order. Registrations cannot be processed without payment. Contact us with questions.
ZeroV is a proud sponsor of the 2025 KSCA Conference and its efforts to raise funds ZeroV’s Housing Program, which serves adults, teens, and children impacted by violence. All the proceeds donated through KSCA’s Conference fundraising efforts will benefit ZeroV’s Flex Funds, which provides cash assistance to survivors of intimate partner violence to help cover:
Meeting the essential needs of survivors and their children is crucial for enabling them to lead safe and healthy lives. Unfortunately, these needs often go unmet by traditional grant funding. By donating to ZeroV’s Flex Funds, you can help ensure that survivors and their children have access to the resources they need to heal from abuse.
Every donation to survivors and their children makes a positive impact on their lives and futures. Donate today to make a difference!
VENUE & HOST HOTEL
1800 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
Reservation information coming soon.
All events of the conference will be located at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa. Standard rooms at the hotel may be reserved at a special conference rate of $172 per night, plus tax. This rate is valid through August 20, 2026, while rooms are still available.
Please note that when reserving your stay you will be charged an additional $20.00 daily resort fee on top of the nightly rate of $172 plus taxes. However, this charge will be modified to $10.00 upon check out. Guests are not charged when making a reservation.
You can also book a room by calling (800) 228-9290 or (859) 231-5100. Be sure to mention the group code KSCKSCA or the Kentucky School Counselor Association.
We hope this conference will educate and equip you to do your job well, and we also hope you will take advantage of the wonderful ways you can relax and be refreshed!
National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: KY-SCA
P.O. Box 22185
Chattanooga, TN 37422-2185
Make all checks and purchase orders payable to:
National Center for Youth Issues
The Attendee will receive an email confirmation to the email address provided when their registration is processed. (Make sure to check Junk/Spam folders.) Please allow ample time for processing.
Please contact KSCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
All intellectual property rights in and to the KSCA Annual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by the Kentucky School Counselor Association and/or the Event sponsors or speakers presenting written permission of Kentucky School Counselor Association or the presenting speaker.
