November 5-7, 2025
Embassy Suites Resort & Convention Center
Concord, NC
We hope to see you next year!
Details to come.
Dialogue by DialCare is designed to provide students, ages 11 and up, with a safe, secure and private means of seeking virtual mental health assistance from licensed mental health professionals (LMHP). This unique program offers an app-based interface, connecting students with our LMHPs over the phone or video session. LMHPs are standing by to assist students with conditions such as depression, anxiety, grief, relationship problems and more.
Contact Becca Finnegan, DialCare Sales Manager, at beccaf@dialcare.com or (817) 308-5665 today!
QuaverReady is a fully online, teacher-led curriculum designed to support essential readiness skills for school and life. We provide a full year of lessons for grades K-8 based on the 5 core competencies. Our curriculum is fully aligned to ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors. All lessons include resources for MTSS and progress monitoring. School counselors, teachers, social workers, and other supporting staff may facilitate relevant lessons on topics like Academic Achievement, Bullying, and Resilience.
For more information, contact Colleen Storey, Director of Sales at (629) 702-7060 or colleenstorey@quavered.com.
ALL PRO DAD® is the fatherhood program of Family First, a non-profit organization encouraging every parent to be actively involved in the lives of their children. The ALL PRO DAD® School Chapter program is an exciting and impactful monthly experience that builds great relationships and transforms school communities.
For more information, please contact Keith Schumacher, School Engagement Specialist at (678) 859-6139 and keith.schumacher@familyfirst.net.
Pre-Conference Keynote Session
November 5, 2025 | 3:30 p.m.
(Open to all attendees)
In this presentation, TaReal uses his life story to provide educators with inspiration and strategies to become agents of change for themselves, their students, and school communities.
TaRael Kee is currently the principal of West Elementary School. He is deeply passionate about building community, challenging students to think critically, and working collaboratively with staff. At West Elementary, he is committed to upholding the school’s standard of excellence.
Previously, TaRael served as an Assistant Principal and Director of School Counseling at Alton High School, where he led the English Department in adopting a highly engaging curriculum and spearheaded the Automatic Acceleration process, allowing many students to access honors courses and more rigorous curricula. He also has a strong background in student support services, providing comprehensive college and career advising, academic planning, and social-emotional learning.
TaRael is a past-president of the Illinois School Counselor Association and a Site-Based Trainer for the American School Counselor Association. As a former school counselor at Collinsville High School, he utilized data and technology to make the counseling department more innovative, efficient, and inclusive. He is a published author and has received several accolades, including the Collinsville School District e-Educator of the Year (2017), recognition by the College Board (2018), the Lindenwood Alumni Spotlight (2019), and Illinois School Counselor of the Year (2021). He graduated from Lindenwood University with a specialist degree in Educational Leadership in May 2021.
TaRael will also be presenting two breakout sessions.
Opening Keynote Session
November 6, 2025 | 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.
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. 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.”
Ashley will also be presenting a breakout session.
Closing Keynote Session
November 7, 2025| 8:30 a.m.
School counselors live in GIVE GIVE GIVE world! In order to survive, we must take care of ourselves. In this interactive, uplifting, fun-filled talk, Julia Cook identifies the key ingredients of mental wellness. She will also offer effective strategies for building and maintaining well-being. Enjoy listening as you grow STRONGER TOGETHER! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry… but most important you will walk away with tools you can use for a lifetime of healthy!
According to the World Health Organization, the definition of mental wellness is living in a state of well-being in which people:
When you work in the kid-building world…this is a tall order to maintain!
Julia Cook, M.S. is a national award-winning children’s author, counselor, and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools nationally and internationally, regularly speaks at education and counseling conferences, and has published almost one hundred children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”
Julia will also be presenting a breakout session.
Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 5, 2025| 12:00 p.m.
School counselors encounter legal and ethical dilemmas in 21st century learning environments almost every day. The ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors provides an opportunity to have difficult conversations regarding ethical dilemmas, while also providing direction for navigating the legal and ethical dilemmas encountered through the profession. Participants will develop an ethical decision-making framework for analyzing and resolving ethical and legal dilemmas through the application of the ASCA ethical standards, case and statutory law, and the most recent research in counseling. Through the discussion of the purpose of ethical standards, professional responsibilities, ethical concerns for practice, and current research and case law, participants will be given the opportunity to increase their understanding regarding the complexities of respecting a minors’ right to confidentiality, sole possession notes, caregiver rights, duty to warn, implementing suicidal ideation response efforts, AI/Chat GPT, and personal conduct.
Franciene Sabens, M.S. Ed., LPC, NCC, is a litigation paralegal turned school counselor with nearly two decades of experience. Franciene serves as a board member for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and is a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Ethics Committee, and the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (a special NASDTEC Committee). In 2014 Franciene was named Illinois high school counselor of the year and honored by ASCA in 2016 at the White House as the Illinois state representative for the School Counselor of the Year ceremony. She contributed to the current Developmental Counseling Model for Illinois Schools, co-edited the second edition of the School Career Development Advisor Curriculum for the National Career Development Association, and is a frequent ASCA presenter and publication contributor. Franciene is passionate about enhancing the counseling profession by helping school counselors implement ethically aligned comprehensive programs that maintain the highest standards of integrity, leadership and professionalism while supporting students as they strive to reach their greatest potential.
Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 5, 2025| 12:00 p.m.
Did you know new studies estimate 1 in 12 children will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18? This presentation will allow school counselors to leave with creative ways to help students process their own grief journeys. A variety of expressive counseling techniques will be explored (and practiced!) that can be utilized in both individual and group sessions for all ages. Although we can’t control if a student experiences loss and grief, we can help give their grief a voice.
Pre-Conference Session (additional cost)
November 5, 2025| 12:00 p.m.
Do you wonder if your school is supportive of students who have experienced trauma? We understand that not all of our students have had the same experiences and many may be struggling in the Survival Brain, unable to access the Learning Brain. That’s why it’s so important to create an environment that promotes the learning brain, regardless of past trauma. See how you can help build a trauma-informed school atmosphere that is safer, calmer, and more conducive to learning for all students.
Tentative
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. On-Site Conference Registration and Information Desk Open
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. NCSCA Delegate Assembly
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Exhibitors Setup
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Leadership Day Meeting
12:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Pre-Conference Sessions
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Snack Break with Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pre-Conference General Session with Keynote Speaker – TyRael Kee (Open to all conference attendees)
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. On-Site Conference Registration and Information Desk Open
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Opening Session Kick Off: Welcome, Introduction, Regional Roll Call, Updates & Awards with Keynote Speaker – Ashley Wright
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break with Exhibitors
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Program Session 1
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Boxed Lunches (Name Badge Required)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Past Presidents Luncheon
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Graduate Student Luncheon and Panel
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Program Session 2
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Break with Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Graduate Student Poster Sessions
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Program Session 3
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Break with Exhibitors
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Program Session 4
4:40 p.m. – 5:10 p.m. Regional Meetings
5:10 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Celebration Reception & Silent Auction
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Fun Run/Walk
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. On-Site Conference Registration and Information Desk Open
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Coffee Service Only
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Exhibits Open
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Closing Keynote Session – Julia Cook
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Transition Break
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Program Session 5
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Break with Exhibitors – Last Chance!
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Program Session 6
You can save on your conference registration by becoming a member of the NCSCA! New members can join and get an immediate membership ID number. The money you save on the conference registration will pay for your annual dues. Visit the NCSCA website BEFORE registering to get your member number.
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 NCSCA Conference!
Main Conference registration includes access to the Pre-Conference General Session on Wednesday, November 5th at 3:30 p.m. Please register for the Pre-Conference sessions separately.
Professional Member*
$160
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Student & Retiree Member*
$125
Save $5 if you register by September 30th!**
Non-Member
$250
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Onsite registration adds $10 to the rates, so register now!**
Professional Member*
$125
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Student & Retiree Member*
$100
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Non-Member
$220
Save $10 if you register by September 30th!**
Onsite registration adds $10 to the rates, so register now!**
Member*
$45
Non-Member
$100
*You must have a NCSCA Membership good through November 7, 2025 to receive the Member Price.
**To qualify for the Early or Regular Registration Rates, your registration form AND payment (copy of your purchase order, check, or credit card) must be received or postmarked by the cutoff dates.
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.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY: The signed, in consideration of his/her registration of the 2025 NCSCA Fall Conference, releases, holds harmless and discharges the association, management staff and their agents, from any and all actions, claims and demands which may arise out of an accident, casualty or occurrence during said convention. Your registration submission above acknowledges acceptance of these provisions of registration for all those listed on this form.
PROCESSING FEE: There will be a $35 service charge for all returned checks and declined credit cards.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If we are forced to cancel the NCSCA 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 cancelation policy will be upheld: Requests for refunds must be received in writing. No refund requests will be granted after October 5, 2025. There is a 20% processing fee for refunds requested prior to August 31, 2025 and a 50% processing fee for all refunds requested September 1 – October 5, 2025. Send cancellation requests to the NCSCA Treasurer at treasurer@ncschoolcounselor.org. 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 NCSCA 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.
VENUE & HOST HOTEL
5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW
Concord, NC 28027
Reservation information coming soon.
The Embassy Suites, the Conference’s host hotel, has a conference rate of $179 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 21, 2025, while rooms are available. The price includes full, cook-to-order breakfast and evening Manager’s Reception.
You can also book a room by calling (704) 455-8200. Please be sure to mention Group Code 91M.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
7601 Scott Padgett Pkwy
Concord, NC 28027
The Residence Inn by Marriott has a conference rate of $159 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 25, 2024, while rooms are available. The price includes a full hot breakfast.
You can also book a room by calling (704) 454-7862. Be sure to mention group code “NCSNCSA” to get the discounted conference rate.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
7201 Scott Padgett Pkwy
Concord, NC 28027
The Courtyard has a conference rate of $159 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by October 5, 2024, while rooms are available.
You can also book a room by calling (704) 453-2600. Be sure to mention group code “NCSNCSK” to get the discounted conference rate.
In the evening, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Visit Concord Mills, just minutes away and in walking distance from the Embassy Suites! You can sit back and relax at the many restaurants at Concord Mills, such as Bonefish Grill, Dave and Busters and Outback Steakhouse, along with others. Enjoy shopping at the Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Nike Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Tommy Bahama Outlet, and many more! Concord Mills also has a 24-screen AMC move theater, so you can finally watch that movie you have been wanting to see.
You can also visit Gibson Mill! Gibson Mill is a renovated mill that made a wide variety of fabrics a century ago. When you go today you can visit The Depot, an antique mall. Or visit one of their two craft breweries, Cabarrus Brewing Company or High Branch Brewing Company.
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: NCSCA
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 NCSCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
