Maryland School Counselor Association Annual Conference logo featuring the theme "Igniting Minds, Inspiring Futures: The Path to Infinite Possibilities."

MSCA Conference

March 7-8, 2027

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay | Cambridge, MD

Thank You for Joining Us at the 2025 LSSSCA Conference

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Save the Date

Details to come.

Save the Date

Details to come.

Sponsored By

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Speakers

Speakers coming soon!

We’re finalizing an exciting lineup of educators and thought leaders to create a meaningful conference experience. Check back soon for speaker annoucements.

Keynote
Ashley Wright headshot

Ashley Wright

Passion, Purpose, Position

March 8, 2027 | 11:15 a.m.

Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education.

When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.

About the Speaker

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her realize students were having endless challenges dealing with home, school, and peers. Inspired to serve more students, she became a school counselor, connecting with them both at school and in the community. This role allowed her to provide broader social-emotional support, equipping students with tools to build resilience and stronger relationships.

Ashley’s commitment to fostering inclusive and comprehensive educational programs has made a significant impact on countless students, families, and educators at the national level. Her exemplary efforts were recognized when she was honored as a 2022 American School Counselor of the Year Finalist and the 2021 Texas School Counselor of the Year. She is also the author of Passion, Purpose, and Position: Reignite Your Passion, Deepen Your Calling, and Lead Positive Change and 30-Minute Groups: Navigating Family Dynamics. In addition to school counseling, Ashley serves as a national speaker and advocate of the profession to teach students and educators to embrace diversity, increase self-esteem, build character, and maintain resilience. It is her divine belief that “Every human being has the unlimited potential to make positive change in one’s life.”

Additional speakers will be announced soon.

Preconference
Ashley Wright headshot

Ashley Wright

Passion, Purpose, Position

November 16, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.

Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education.

When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.

About the Speaker

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her realize students were having endless challenges dealing with home, school, and peers. Inspired to serve more students, she became a school counselor, connecting with them both at school and in the community. This role allowed her to provide broader social-emotional support, equipping students with tools to build resilience and stronger relationships.

Ashley’s commitment to fostering inclusive and comprehensive educational programs has made a significant impact on countless students, families, and educators at the national level. Her exemplary efforts were recognized when she was honored as a 2022 American School Counselor of the Year Finalist and the 2021 Texas School Counselor of the Year. She is also the author of Passion, Purpose, and Position: Reignite Your Passion, Deepen Your Calling, and Lead Positive Change and 30-Minute Groups: Navigating Family Dynamics. In addition to school counseling, Ashley serves as a national speaker and advocate of the profession to teach students and educators to embrace diversity, increase self-esteem, build character, and maintain resilience. It is her divine belief that “Every human being has the unlimited potential to make positive change in one’s life.”

Preconference
Ashley Wright headshot

Ashley Wright

Passion, Purpose, Position

November 16, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.

Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education.

When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.

About the Speaker

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her realize students were having endless challenges dealing with home, school, and peers. Inspired to serve more students, she became a school counselor, connecting with them both at school and in the community. This role allowed her to provide broader social-emotional support, equipping students with tools to build resilience and stronger relationships.

Ashley’s commitment to fostering inclusive and comprehensive educational programs has made a significant impact on countless students, families, and educators at the national level. Her exemplary efforts were recognized when she was honored as a 2022 American School Counselor of the Year Finalist and the 2021 Texas School Counselor of the Year. She is also the author of Passion, Purpose, and Position: Reignite Your Passion, Deepen Your Calling, and Lead Positive Change and 30-Minute Groups: Navigating Family Dynamics. In addition to school counseling, Ashley serves as a national speaker and advocate of the profession to teach students and educators to embrace diversity, increase self-esteem, build character, and maintain resilience. It is her divine belief that “Every human being has the unlimited potential to make positive change in one’s life.”

Additional speakers will be announced soon.

Presenter speaking at a conference with a large screen beside her
Group of people smiling in front of a balloon arch
Crowd of people at a luncheon with round tables

Conference Schedule Highlights

Schedule highlights are subject to change.

Schedule highlights are subject to change. A detailed schedule will be available closer to the conference.

Sunday, March 7

  • Registration and Exhibits Open
  • MSDE Updates
  • Keynote Session
  • Afternoon Workshop
  • Awards Soirée

Monday, March 8

  • Registration and Exhibits Open
  • Continental Breakfast
  • MSCA President’s Welcome
  • Keynote Session
  • Breakout Sessions

Professional Development

Put conference specific information here.

Become a MSCA Member!

Maryland School Counselor Association logo

Become a MSCA Member and save on your conference registration! Get the benefits of advocacy and affiliation, continuing education and resources, and networking and leadership. Simply add the MSCA Membership to your total.

Please contact MSCA directly with all membership questions.

Registration

We are excited to have you join us!
Save the date! Registration will open soon.

Advanced Registration Deadline:
March 3, 2027

Professional
Members*
Main Conference
March 7-8, 2027
$255
$220

Early registration through 1/15/2027**

One Day Attendence
March 7 or 8, 2027
$180
MSCA Membership
$40
Awards Soirée
$60
Retired
Members*
Main Conference
March 7-8, 2027
$255
$220

Early registration through 1/15/2027**

One Day Attendence
March 7 or 8, 2027
$180
MSCA Membership
$35
Awards Soirée
$60
Student Members*
Main Conference
March 7-8, 2027
$120
$110

Early registration through 1/15/2027**

One Day Attendence
March 7 or 8, 2027
$85
MSCA Membership
$25
Awards Soirée
$60
Non-Members​

Sign up to be a Member and SAVE!

Main Conference
March 7-8, 2027
$315
$280

Early registration through 1/15/2027**

One Day Attendence
March 7 or 8, 2027
$220
Awards Soirée
$60

*You must have a MSCA Membership good through March 8, 2027 to qualify for these rates. If you register as a member and your membership lapses before the conference, you will be asked to renew your membership. If you do not renew, you will be charged the difference between the member rate and non-member rate.

**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.

👥 MSCA Membership →
Click here to learn more about MSCA 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.

Register

Register online below with a credit card.

To pay by check or purchase order, download and submit the registration form with payment.

Online Registration has closed, but On-site Registrations are accepted.

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 MSCA 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 February 7, 2027. All cancellations before February 7, 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 MSCA Conference will conform to all necessary regulations / guidelines that are in place as of the date of the conference.

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay​

Reservation information coming soon.

Join us at the conference venue, with comfortable onsite lodging designed to make your conference experience seamless!

Hotel Features:

  • 🍽️ Multiple Restaurants 
  • 🏊 Indoor pool & fitness center
  • 🌿 On-site spa
  • 🚗 Free on-site parking
  • 📍 Conference sessions on site

 

Conference Rate: $139 per night
Plus applicable taxes and fees

Please note from the hotel: Keep in mind that the rate showing is the average rate per night. Please continue with selecting your preferred room type and on the last page, the group rate will be reflected in the pricing summary. The resort fee will be waived at the time of check out. The card you put on file will not be charged until after you depart.

Rooms are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend making reservations early.

Room Block Cutoff: February 8, 2027
After this date, rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Prefer to book by phone? Call (800) 233-1234 and reference the G-MC21 group code.

Conference Venue

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Relax & Recharge

After full conference days, it’s nice to have easy options nearby to relax or enjoy a change of pace — and on-site at the Hyatt Regency or nearby in the Chesapeake Bay area, you will find dining, shopping, and entertainment all in one centralized location.

Learn & Play - Steak
Dining & Coffee
  • Casual and sit-down dining options
  • Coffee shops and dessert spots
  • Examples include: Water’s Edge Grill, Michener’s Library, and other local favorites
Three women shopping
Shopping
  • Clothing, books, and gift shops
  • National retailers and specialty stores
  • Located throughout the Chesapeake Bay area
Learn & Play - Theater
Movies & Entertainment
  • Movie theater nearby for an easy evening out
  • A relaxed way to unwind after sessions
close up on hand getting a manicure
Self-Care & Services
  • Salons, nail services, and massage options
  • Sago Spa & Salon services located in the Hyatt Regency

Conference Contact & Administrative Information

📧 registrations@ncyi.org
📞 866.318.6294

National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: MSCA
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.

Need our W-9? →

All intellectual property rights in and to the Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA) Annual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by MSCA 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 MSCA or the presenting speaker.

SPONSOR

About Milton Hershey School

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.

Contact Information

Deb Turnpaugh
717-696-0093
turnpaughd@mhs-pa.org

Additional Resources

SPONSOR

About RethinkEd

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.

Contact Information

Corinne Bishop
Director of Sales
(347) 797-4756
corinne.bishop@rethinked.com

SPONSOR

About SchooLinks

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.

Contact Information

Adam Frillman
adam@schoolinks.com

SPONSOR

About Universal Technical Institute

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Contact Information

Name
Title
(555) 555-5555
email@email.com

Additional Resources