We look forward to seeing you next year!
Details to come.
Details to come.
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We’re finalizing an exciting lineup of educators and thought leaders to create a meaningful conference experience. Check back soon for speaker annoucements.
April 6, 2027 | 8:00 a.m.
Over the last few years it has become evident that the plates of school counselors across the nation have become increasingly full of challenges, such as staff shortages, increased mental health needs for adults and students, increased rates of truancy, decreased rates of academic achievement, and a noticeable lack of social skills and conflict resolution across all developmental stages. This list could go on!
Redesigning our systems to be more proactive is an essential part of breaking the cycle of reactivity that oftentimes leads to burnout and frustrations. Discover frameworks, strategies, and best practices that will leave you feeling empowered to embrace new concepts that may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first, but might be exactly the new approach that is needed to transform our student supports to be more comprehensive across all service providers, preventative in practice, and inclusive of ALL students.
Terri is a nationally recognized school counselor, educator, and passionate advocate for comprehensive, data-informed programs that emphasize intentional, proactive systems. With nearly 25 years of diverse experience that encompasses classroom instruction, school counseling, professional coaching/consultation, and leadership at both state and national levels, she has earned a reputation as a go-to speaker for impactful, practitioner-focused strategies that drive immediate implementation and results.
As a former National School Counselor of the Year and a pioneer in leading the transformation of her department from a reactive program into one of Michigian’s first schools recognized as an ASCA Model Program (RAMP), Terri possesses a wealth of expertise and experience. Her approach is rooted in repositioning current realities and challenges to develop solution-focused strategies that deliver immediate results.
Guided by her passion for fostering educational excellence, Terri thrives on facilitating professional learning by equipping school counselors and educators with practical strategies, best practices, and resources to positively impact student outcomes. She is dedicated to redesigning systems to be more equitable and inclusive, ensuring they reflect the diversity of the entire school community. She is committed to developing accountability frameworks that place students at the heart of desired outcomes.
Terri will also be presenting one pre-conference session and one breakout session.
Additional speakers will be announced soon.
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Forget the typical ethics lecture. This isn’t a chat about abstract principles—this is a dynamic, immersive dive into the real dilemmas you face every single day in school counseling, where ethics aren’t something separate from your work; they’re woven into every conversation, every decision, every interaction with students and families. This interactive 3-hour workshop throws you into the messy complexity of authentic scenarios through compelling case studies and collaborative problem-solving with counselors from across districts.
You’ll develop a practical ethical framework for navigating the toughest situations: protecting confidentiality while honoring parental rights, managing challenging and contentious parent dynamics that test your boundaries and advocacy, supporting LGBTQ+ students in diverse and sometimes resistant school environments, protecting student information in a digital age, and presenting urgent student needs to administrators in language they can’t ignore. Through engaged dialogue and hands-on exploration, you’ll discover how to advocate fiercely for your students while managing dual relationships, professional boundaries, and the competing pressures that come from every direction. Leave with concrete strategies, decision-making tools, and the confidence that comes from knowing your colleagues are wrestling with the same ethical complexities—and that there are solutions.
Presented by Mindy Cripps and other members of the Ethics Committee.
TBD
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Despite the widespread use of district communication platforms, many families continue to experience one-way, transactional communication. This interactive workshop explores why technology alone cannot replace relationship-centered outreach. Participants will examine the systems and routines that shape family engagement, identify where communication defaults to information sharing rather than authentic partnership, and use a practical audit tool to evaluate one of their own engagement practices.
Grounded in research showing that engagement outcomes are driven by the design of organizational routines, not simply individual effort, participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen proactive family engagement.
Gloria Wojtaszek is that Director of Family and Community Engagement for Burlington Public Schools. She serves as her district’s McKinney-Vento liaison and sits on DESE’s Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council. Her 2026 EdD was a two-cycle action research study of district family engagement systems. Gloria is a former school counselor with approximately twenty-five years in Massachusetts public schools, including nineteen years at Burlington High School.
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Are you tired of generating innovative ideas for the development and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) that ultimately fade away? This interactive session will provide school counselors and educational leaders with the essential tools to create and sustain MTSS practices that not only enhance student behavioral health, but also promote academic success, attendance, and social-emotional well being.
In this dynamic and engaging workshop, participants will delve into the principles of implementation science, empowering themselves to refine leadership, enhance coaching practices, and optimize data systems for accountability to strengthen the fidelity of implementation. Leave with a personalized action plan, ready-to-use tools, and strategies to move from ideas to impact.
Terri is a nationally recognized school counselor, educator, and passionate advocate for comprehensive, data-informed programs that emphasize intentional, proactive systems. With nearly 25 years of diverse experience that encompasses classroom instruction, school counseling, professional coaching/consultation, and leadership at both state and national levels, she has earned a reputation as a go-to speaker for impactful, practitioner-focused strategies that drive immediate implementation and results.
As a former National School Counselor of the Year and a pioneer in leading the transformation of her department from a reactive program into one of Michigian’s first schools recognized as an ASCA Model Program (RAMP), Terri possesses a wealth of expertise and experience. Her approach is rooted in repositioning current realities and challenges to develop solution-focused strategies that deliver immediate results.
Guided by her passion for fostering educational excellence, Terri thrives on facilitating professional learning by equipping school counselors and educators with practical strategies, best practices, and resources to positively impact student outcomes. She is dedicated to redesigning systems to be more equitable and inclusive, ensuring they reflect the diversity of the entire school community. She is committed to developing accountability frameworks that place students at the heart of desired outcomes.
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Whether you’re building an SEL curriculum from scratch, delivering a district-purchased program, or somewhere in between, the curriculum itself matters less than the foundations beneath it. This session offers practical strategies for tier I planning and delivery – delivery models, scheduling, teacher collaboration, equity/inclusion considerations, data, core content overlap, and creativity – anchored to what makes solid SEL instruction: strong relationships, student-centered engagement, and essential skill-building. Participants leave with strategies to strengthen their tier I SEL program.
Aaron VanDeKoppel, M.S. is a SAC at Northeast Elementary in Waltham. In his 16-year career over three districts, he has developed several elementary SEL curricula individually and in team collaboration, delivered multiple physical and digital elementary curricula, and served on district SEL curriculum selection committees. He is a MASCA Emerging Leader, Ethics Committee Member, and published two articles in the Counselor’s Notebook.
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Landed an interview but unsure how to showcase your practicum experience? Confused by MA hiring timelines and salary scales? This session bridges the gap between graduate training and landing your first school counseling position. We’ll decode job postings, craft compelling application materials that highlight your internship work, tackle common interview questions, and identify role clarity red flags.
You’ll leave with practical strategies for building a portfolio, negotiating offers, and understanding MA contracts. Whether you’re job searching now or preparing for next year’s cycle, gain the insider knowledge grad school didn’t cover to confidently navigate the hiring process.
TBD
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Bring MyCAP to life using the redesigned MEFA Pathway to support MyCAP goals and objectives. In this interactive workshop, explore practical strategies for creating meaningful MyCAP experiences across grades 6–12 while leveraging tools for career exploration, goal setting, Work-Based Learning, and reporting. Learn how district and school leaders can use data and reports to monitor student progress, measure engagement, and support MyCAP implementation. Leave with practical resources and actionable ideas to strengthen MyCAP in your school or district.
Jennifer is the Director of K-12 Services at MEFA, where she works collaboratively to advance initiatives that support college and career readiness and postsecondary planning across MA. With close to 15 years of experience in education, Jennifer specializes in curriculum development, educator training, & school adoption. Her current work includes helping schools leverage MEFA Pathway to create meaningful MyCAP experiences.
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Transform your counseling practice from reactive to proactive! In this interactive 3-hour lab, participants will navigate waves of innovation by building a complete Tier 1 system. Attendees will map a strategic annual calendar, align ASCA standards with engaging lessons, build pre/post data tools, and create an advocacy pitch to share impact data with your school community. Learn to use data to demonstrate how Tier 1 programming moves key school metrics and closes achievement gaps. Come ready to collaborate and leave with a complete Tier 1 curriculum map and advocacy toolkit.
Ali Robidoux is the 2025-2026 MASCA Board Chair. Ali was also recognized as the 2024 MASCA Excellence in School Counseling Program Award Recipient: Apponequet Regional High School Counseling Department and the 2023 MASCA Leadership Award Recipient.
April 5, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.
Students in substantially separate programs thrive when strong educational supports are paired with meaningful opportunities for inclusion, connection, and belonging. School counselors play a vital role in creating these conditions by fostering relationships, advocating for equitable access, supporting social-emotional development, and collaborating with educators, families, and support staff.
In this interactive workshop, participants will examine the counselor’s role in promoting inclusive school communities, identify barriers to participation and belonging, and explore practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, increase access to school experiences, and support meaningful engagement and success for all students.
Kate Patton Regal, LICSW has worked in and with schools for 29 years. Having worn many hats, including working as a school-based therapist and supervisor, Director of SEL, and school trainer & consultant, Kate has a long history of on-the-ground support and strategic thinking for addressing barriers to success experienced by students, schools, and organizations. Kate has worked in and supported sub-separate programs throughout her career.
Additional speakers will be announced soon.
We are excited that the 2027 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.
All who register will have access to the virtual conference portal. The portal will have prerecorded breakout sessions covering multiple topics available to view when the conference begins on April 5, 2026.
All sessions in the online portal will be available to view until May 31, 2027.
We are excited that the 2027 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.
All who register will have access to the virtual conference portal. The portal will have recorded versions of the general keynote sessions, which will be available shortly after the conference is completed. The portal will also have prerecorded breakout sessions covering multiple topics available to view when the conference begins on April 5, 2026. 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, 2027.
Schedule highlights are subject to change.
Schedule highlights are subject to change. A detailed schedule will be available closer to the conference.
Please visit the MASCA website to become a member or renew your annual membership.
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Sign up to be a Member and SAVE!
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
Early registration through 1/31/2027***
*You must have a MASCA Membership good through April 6, 2027 to receive the Member Price. To take advantage of the discounted Member prices, renew your membership if needed, which can be done on the MASCA website prior to registering.
**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 Rate, 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.
Attendee contact information may be shared with conference sponsors.
👥 MASCA Membership →
Click here to learn more about MASCA membership and how it provides discounted conference registration rates.
📄 Supervisor Approval Letter →
Need help requesting approval or funding? Download this editable template, modeled after ASCA.
To pay by check or purchase order, download and submit the registration form with payment.
Please download the Registration Form and bring it with your method of payment to the conference.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 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 5, 2027. All cancellations before March 5, 2027 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.
On social distancing and other health and safety measures, 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.
Reservation information coming soon.
Join us at the conference venue, with comfortable onsite lodging designed to make your conference experience seamless!
Hotel Features:
Conference Rate: $175 per night
Plus applicable taxes and fees
Rooms are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend making reservations early.
Room Block Cutoff: March 5, 2027
After this date, rooms and rates are subject to availability.
For phone reservations, call Marriott reservations at 1-(508) 879-7200. Please mention the dates of the conference (April 4-6, 2027), the “Renaissance Framingham Hotel” and the “Massachusetts School Counselors Association Conference,” or the group code: ASCASCC to receive the discounted conference rate.
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After full conference days, it’s nice to have easy options nearby to relax or enjoy a change of pace — and just a few miles from the hotel, the Natick Mall offers dining, shopping, and entertainment all in one convenient location.
📧 registrations@ncyi.org
📞 866.318.6294
National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: MASCA
P.O. Box 22185
Chattanooga, TN 37422-2185
Checks and purchase orders should be made payable to the National Center for Youth Issues.
Please check junk/spam folders and allow ample time for processing. Attendees will receive an email confirmation once registration is processed.
All intellectual property rights in and to the Massachusetts School Counselor Association (MASCA) Annual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by MASCA and/or the Event sponsors or speakers presenting at the Event. You may not use or reproduce or allow anyone to use or reproduce any trademarks or other trade names appearing at the Event, in any Event content and/or in any materials distributed at or in connection with the Event for any reason without the prior written permission of MASCA or the presenting speaker.
Located in Newton, MA, ilearn wellness group provides partial hospitalization programming, intensive outpatient programming, and psychotherapy services to adolescents from ages 10-18. Our multidisciplinary treatment team will utilize a combined approach of adolescent medicine, behavioral health, and educational professionals. The patient’s progress will be monitored as they progress toward the goal of successfully returning to age-appropriate activities in their/the patients school and community.
Elizabeth Christman
Director of Community Outreach
(774) 519-6411
intake@ilearnwellness.com
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 district initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
Lauren Schulten
lschulten@schoolinks.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.
Charlie Harcourt
802-500-7795
harcourtc@mhs-pa.org
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) is the nonprofit authority on girls. ROX conducts large-scale national research with girls, delivers evidence-based programs nationwide and equips adults to better support and empower girls. ROX’s mission is to create generations of girls who control their own relationships, experiences, decisions and futures. The ROX Program for Girls is in over 1,000 schools across 50 states, led by certified ROX Facilitators.
Angel Mensing
Mgr. Facilitator Growth & School Partnerships
(614) 488-8080 angelmensing@rulingourexperiences.com
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