April 8-9, 2024
Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
1657 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
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April 8-9, 2024
Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
1657 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
April 8-9, 2024
Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
1657 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
Details to come.
We look forward to seeing you next year.
We have reached capacity limits at the hotel. Also, no on-site registrations will be accepted. Good news, you can still register for the virtual option for the conference. It features a livestream of the keynotes, and pre-recorded breakout sessions.
The Alongside app can provide first-line, 24/7 mental health support for every student grades 5-12. Students talk to the llama and get personalized support developed by our clinicians, making it comfortable for students to open up about their specific challenges. Students learn skills to solve their own problems and commit to concrete goals to take action in real life. Severe issues are escalated to counselors during school hours and 24/7 crisis monitoring, often catches silent students.
For more information please contact Ken Brown, VP Sales at ken@alongside.care or (850) 251-1775.
Assumption University offers students the opportunity to pursue a Master of Arts or a certificate of advanced graduate study (C.A.G.S.) in School Counseling, 100% online. We are one of only four schools in Massachusetts to be “Approved with Distinction” by DESE. Whether you want to become licensed as a school counselor or school adjustment counselor or would like to enhance your knowledge base, Assumption’s program provides an exceptional academic experience that fits into your busy life.
For more information please contact Karissa Mongeau, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at kh.mongeau@assumption.edu or (508) 767-7511.
YOUR Massachusetts Army National Guard is the original community-based organization and we are proud of our work to enhance the lives of our fellow Bay Staters. We offer a variety of curriculum-based seminars and challenges designed specifically to support and diversify the learning experiences of our students. Our team of professionals is trained and ready to offer all of these resources and experiences at absolutely no cost to your school. Contact us to receive a copy of our full program.
Since our founding, MEFA’s mission of college affordability has been to help students and families access and afford higher education and reach financial goals through education programs, tax-advantaged savings plans, low-cost loans, and expert guidance. All of our work aligns with our ever-present goal to support the independence, growth, and success of students and families.
For more information please contact Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun, Director of MEFA Pathway, at jbento@mefa.org or at 617-224-4827.
QuaverReady is an online program designed to help all students succeed in school. It includes an evidence-based social and emotional learning curriculum and intervention and behavioral resources.
For more information contact Chris Rymes at ChrisRymes@QuaverEd.com or (629) 702-7393.
ROX trains female school counselors & educators to deliver evidence-based programs to girls in grades 5-12. The ROX Program for Girls is a co-curricular experience with a 20-lesson curriculum that has been proven effective with more than 40,000 girls since 2006. Curricula focus on: Girl drama & bullying, healthy relationships, social media, body image, stress and coping. 90% of participants report that ROX is the thing they like best about School. Partner with us to empower your girls with ROX!
For more information please contact Nancy Willis, Program Director at nancywillis@rulingourexperiences.com. or (614) 783-1058 .
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 North Carolina’s initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
For more information please contact Mike McInerney, Senior Account Executive at mikem@schoolinks.com or (410) 596-3833.
What does “Building Your Future. Not Your Debt.” mean? It is asking you to let our program provide the education you need to advance your career without incurring any debt. Sounds crazy, right? It’s not. We are investing in your talent and future so that you can grow your career without a heavy financial burden. Our model allows you to focus on learning and growing, not how much it is costing you. Let’s do this together.
For more information please contact Ann Baker, Dean of UFP Business School at ann.baker@ufpi.com or (616) 365-1574.
We are excited that the 2024 MASCA Conference will offer both an in-person experience and a virtual option! Whether you would like to getaway from your routine or stay in the comfort of your own home we have options for you. See the breakdown for what each offers.
All who register will have access to the virtual conference portal. The virtual conference portal will stream the general keynote sessions live and will have those recorded live sessions available to view about one week following the conference if missed on those dates. The online portal will also have prerecorded breakout sessions covering multiple topics available to view when the conference begins on April 8, 2024. The pre-conference sessions will only be live and in person. They will not be available with the virtual option.
All sessions in the online portal will be available to view until May 31, 2024.
Keynote Sessions
In-Person Experience: Live and access to recorded sessions.
Virtual Option: Stream live and access to recorded sessions.
Pre-Conference Sessions
In-Person Experience: Live. (These sessions will not be recorded and made available online.)
Virtual Option: N/A
Breakout Sessions
In-Person Experience: Live and access to all pre-recorded sessions.
Virtual Option: Access to all pre-recorded sessions.
Professional Development Points and Graduate Credit
In-Person Experience: Receive credits for viewing sessions (Keynote, Pre-Conference, and Breakout) in person and earn additional credits for viewing sessions in the online portal. A minimum of 10 PDPs from MASCA or the option of 1 or 2 graduate credits from Lindenwood University are available for attendees who complete the requirements.
Virtual Option: Receive credits for all sessions viewed online (live-streamed and recorded). A minimum of 10 PDPs from MASCA and the option of 1 or 2 graduate credits from Lindenwood University are available for attendees who complete the requirements.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
In-Person Experience: Live only
Virtual Option: N/A
Networking
In-Person Experience: Live only
Virtual Option: N/A
Meals and Refreshments
In-Person Experience: Live only
Virtual Option: N/A
Lisa Koenecke
Chris Heeter
Lisa Koenecke
Opening Workshop Speaker
Monday, April 8th | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Who uplifts you on a daily basis? It’s okay if it is a pet, no, really. Maybe it’s a student, a friend, or a family member? Maya Angelou’s empowering poem “Still I Rise” inspires us to embrace our vital roles as educational leaders. Through Raising awareness, Inclusive policies, Supportive practices and Equitable empowerment, we will uplift our communities one ALLY at a time! Together we will RISE as school counselors to become even better collaborative leaders advocating for systemic change!
As an experienced and energetic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional speaker and facilitator, Lisa specializes in counteracting unconscious bias and LGBTQ+ inclusion in business. Her impact is amplified through strengthening each person’s allyship. With a demonstrated history of working in secondary education and a passion toward community and social services, she is an expert in counseling, crisis intervention, educational leadership, and program development.
After receiving her Diversity & Inclusion certification from Cornell University, Lisa has also earned her LGBT Business Enterprise Certification from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Being an expert in LGBTQ+ issues has allowed her to present internationally and from coast to coast. Lisa also holds the Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner certification (IICDP) and a MS degree in Counseling.
Lisa’s speaking style can best be described as dynamic, energetic, and interactive. After 12 years of being a middle school counselor, she is now an adjunct instructor at Lakeland University training the next generation of school counselors.
Chris Heeter
Keynote Speaker
Tuesday, April 9th | 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
How do we stay connected and engaged in a relentlessly changing and challenging landscape? How do we support one another, solve problems, and continue to be powerful advocates for students and their families? Join wilderness guide and dog musher Chris Heeter for a discussion about how to show up with your “Wild” self. Heeter’s fresh perspective will give you new insights on the shifting terrain of school counseling and association leadership. Learn how to adapt to what you know now and how to continue to find your way in the wild.
Featured on National Geographic Today and recognized with national speaking awards, Chris also shares a team of 26 Alaskan Huskies with her mushing partner. With stories from 30+ years of wilderness leadership experience and 20+ years of speaking all across North America, the abundant parallels between these adventures and the world of work make up the core of her presentations. Chris brings Wild to the workplace to help free us from the trappings of ‘how we’ve always done it, and to support organizations, leaders, and teams in pulling to their potential.
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Lisa Koenecke
Chris Heeter
Gianna Cassetta
Preconference Speaker
Monday, April 8th | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. lunch)
SEL research indicates that Adult SEL competency development is key to student and school success. Adult SEL helps us communicate effectively, handle stress productively, and form attuned relationships. In this workshop, participants will explore:
Ryan Robidoux, James Burke, and Ali Robidoux
Preconference Speakers
Monday, April 8th | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. lunch)
This informative session provides resources and strategies on how to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into school counseling practices. From communication tools that translate and differentiate language to generative tools that create lesson plans and presentations, AI can be a support for any school counselor. Participants will also discuss the growing ethical and privacy concerns surrounding the use of AI. Join us to learn and explore AI!
Jennifer McGuire, Adam Seidel, and Ainsley Robles
Preconference Speakers
Monday, April 8th | 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. lunch)
Does your school have a designated pathway program? Come learn how New Bedford Public Schools has partnered with OneGoal to ensure ALL Early College students access meaningful postsecondary exploration, planning and support aligned to MyCAP and the Mass Model 3.0. Participants will dive into collaborative planning focused on common barriers to implementation. Teams from schools encouraged!
Leo Costa
Preconference Speaker
Monday, April 8th | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. lunch)
Learn how our college counseling department has delivered Tier 2 group interventions to support mostly FGLI students in the transition to college. Two examples include groups specifically geared towards The First-Generation Experience and Stressed About Life After High School. Presenters will share ideas and model a group for needs assessments, student identification, and group counseling curriculum.
Lisa Harney and MA Model Team Members
Preconference Speakers
Monday, April 8th | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. lunch)
This presentation will provide an overview of each initiative and a demonstration on how to braid the two initiatives to focus on the three domains of personal, social, emotional development; career development; and academic and postsecondary success. In addition, there will be a presentation from schools who are implementing both initiatives.
Jacqueline Zeller and Linda Anderson
Preconference Speakers
Monday, April 8th | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. lunch)
This interactive session will describe the importance of collaboration between school principals and school counselors to support the wellbeing of students, staff, and school communities. The presentation will incorporate literature and research that describes the importance of principal-school counselor professional collaboration to support the wellbeing of students and school staff, as well as strategies for supporting staff wellbeing.
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Tentative
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration Open
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. MASCA President’s Welcome and Keynote Address* – Chris Heeter
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors & Grad Posters
9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Breakout Session #1
10:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors & Grad Posters
10:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Breakout Session #2
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors & Grad Posters
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Update from the MA Commissioner of Education*
12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors & Grad Posters
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. Breakout Session #3
1:50 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors & Grad Posters
2:05 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Breakout Session #4
2:55 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Transition Break
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MASCA General Session Meeting
*Streamed live
MASCA is an approved PDP provider. Attendees can earn by attending the Full Conference on April 3-4, 2023. PDP info will be shared with all registrants.
Graduate credit information from Lindenwood University is down below. One graduate credit for $75. This must be completed by 4/30/23.
We have reached capacity limits at the hotel. Also, no on-site registrations will be accepted. Good news, you can still register for the virtual option for the conference. It features a livestream of the keynotes, and pre-recorded breakout sessions.
Please visit the MASCA website and become a member or renew your annual membership. Please contact MASCA directly for all membership questions.
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 2024 MASCA Conference!
MASCA is now accepting proposals for the graduate student poster session at the 2024 MASCA Conference! We are excited to announce that the 2024 MASCA Conference will offer both an in-person experience and a virtual option. Consequently, the graduate student poster session will also have in-person and virtual components.
Interested graduate students can learn more and submit their proposals using the portal linked here. Presenting a poster during graduate studies is a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase your work.
Proposals are due Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. without exception.
Questions about the graduate student poster session can be directed to Dr. Maria Letasz at mletasz@westfield.ma.edu.
Professional Member*
In-Person: $180
Virtual: $145
Save $15 if you register by January 31st!***
Student or Retiree Member*
In-Person: $115
Virtual: $80
Save $10 if you register by January 31st!***
Non-Member**
In-Person: $225
Virtual: $190
Save $15 if you register by January 31st!***
Professional Member*
In-Person: $85
Student or Retiree Member*
In-Person: $70
Non-Member*
In-Person: $105
*Your MASCA membership must be good through April 9, 2024 to qualify for these rates.
**If you register for the Main Conference as a Non-Member you will receive a complimentary MASCA membership. Pre-Conference Only registration does not include a complimentary MASCA membership.
***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.
Please Note: If we are forced to cancel the MASCA 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 March 8, 2024. All cancellations before March 8, 2024 will be refunded less a $25 handling fee. The association is not responsible for and cannot give refunds due to problems beyond its control, such as weather and school closings.
On social distancing and other health and safety measures, the regulations/guidelines that apply to hotels and conference centers may change. The MASCA Conference will conform to all necessary regulations/guidelines that are in place as of the date of the conference.
If you transfer your registration from Virtual to In-Person (or vice versa), a $25 transaction fee will apply.
Register below online using a credit card.
Register below online 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.
VENUE & HOST HOTEL:
1657 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
Reservation information coming soon.
All events of the conference will be located at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel. Standard rooms at the hotel may be reserved at a special conference rate of $156 plus tax. This rate is valid through March 12, 2024.
For phone reservations, call Marriott reservations at 1-888-236-2427. Please mention the dates of the conference (April 7-9, 2024), the “Sheraton Framingham Hotel” and the “Massachusetts School Counselors Association Conference” to receive the preferred conference rate of $156.00 per night.
Framingham lies mid-way between Boston and Worcester and offers a nice getaway from the business of everyday life. You can find one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, along with local restaurants and brewpubs. For more information about the things to do in Framingham, click the link below.
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: MASCA
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 MASCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
