November 2-4, 2022
Embassy Suites Resort & Convention Center
5400 John Q. Hammons Dr. NW Concord, NC 28027

NCSCA_logo

Thanks for joining us for the 2022 North Carolina School Counselor Association Conference!

We look forward to seeing you next year.

Learn more about our Sponsors

ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Grounded in more than 60 years of research, ACT is a trusted leader in college and career readiness solutions. Each year, ACT serves millions of students, job seekers, schools, government agencies and employers in the U.S. and around the world.

For more information please contact Lydia Griffin, Account Executive, 770- 510-3922 (Districts 4, 6, 7, 8) or Chris Lefevre, Account Executive, 319-512-8922 (Districts 1, 2, 3, 5).

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The U.S. Army ROTC partners with universities to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire college Cadets. ROTC provides the opportunity to go to college and train to become an Army Officer at the same time. Offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities, students can get the college experience along with a guaranteed career after graduation as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. For more information please contact richard.e.hutson2.civ@army.mil or (910) 643-3492.
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College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina provided by a collaboration of various state-based and non-profit organizations. CFNC promotes access to North Carolina higher education and assists students with education planning, career planning, and applying and paying for college. For more information contact April Query, Assistant Vice President of College Access & Community Outreach at april.query@cfi.org or at 919.264.4719.
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FASFA Flyer – Spanish

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The College Funding Coach® was founded in 2002 to help families better understand the complex strategies for saving and paying for college, making higher education more affordable. Through our free comprehensive educational workshop, Little-known Secrets of Paying for College, The College Funding Coach® team has helped thousands of elementary, middle and high school families save and pay for college without going broke! During this time of uncertainty, significant changes to the FAFSA, and lingering questions, The College Funding Coach has an unwavering focus on adding value for the parents, counselors, friends, and families we know and meet.

For more information please contact Michael Russell at mrussell@thecollegefundingcoach.org or at 919.360.8347.

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DialCare is a virtual and telephonic counseling service. You can give your students ages 11 and older access to mental health assistance no matter where they are. Members can use their phone, tablet or computer for sessions with mental health professionals from the comfort of their home or on the go. Let our mental health professionals help give you peace of mind.

For more information contact Becca Bean, Assistant Vice President at beccab@dialcare.com.

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Are you ready to Inspire Harmony in your schools?

Harmony SEL is a social and emotional learning (SEL) program for pre-K-6 grade students designed to foster communication, connection, and community in schools and out-of-school time organizations. Newly refreshed units available now!   This year we invite you to start on the path to success with a refreshed introduction to Harmony SEL Third Edition.

Inspire celebrates and supports pre- and in-service educators and staff with online professional development resources and educator SEL opportunities.

Check out our new Educator SEL modules, Understanding the Brain to Get to the Heart of SEL and Self-Compassion and Emotion Regulation for Educators.

For more information please contact Larryelle Phillips, Strategic Accounts Advisor at lphillips2@nu.edu or 443-388-2900.

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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, visit mhskids.org.
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Newport Healthcare’s outpatient and residential programs treat clients aged 12–27 struggling with mental health and co-occurring disorders, through our top-rated teen treatment program, Newport Academy; and our young adult program, Newport Institute. Based in the same sustainable healing approach as our other nationally recognized programs across the country, our programs provide integrated, comprehensive treatment tailored to the unique needs of these pivotal stages of life.

For more information please contact Dana Carroll at Dana.Carroll@newporthealthcare.com.

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Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services, Brynn Marr Hospital, and Holly Hill Hospital are a behavioral health network dedicated to helping you. We offer a system of care providing comprehensive behavioral health solutions and substance use disorder treatment to better serve North Carolina residents.

For more information contact Kerri Cole, Director of Business Development at (336) 416-9621 or kerri.cole@uhsinc.com.

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With RV sales increasing and more and more Americans taking to the road to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, skilled RV  technicians are in high demand. The RV Technical Institute’s hands-on training and instruction, created by top RV industry experts, provides the experience and expertise needed by manufacturers, dealerships and repair shops nationwide.

For more information please contact Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director, via email at rvti-info@rvti.org or at 800.664.0154.

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The State Employees Association of North Carolina, SEIU Local 2008, is the South’s leading state employees’ association. We work to gain respect in the legislature for hardworking state employees and valuable retirees who dedicated their careers to state service.

Through our legislative efforts, the Employees Political Action Committee and grassroots efforts, we work hard to protect and improve your benefits like pay, health care, retirement and rights.

For more information please contact Lynn Cote, Director of Member Relations at 919.833.6436 or at lcote@seanc.org.

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SCUTA is used by school counselors and school districts to develop a data-driven, evidence based school counseling program. It follows the ASCA National Model® recommendations and offers confidential, comprehensive documentation and use of time analysis system. It is an invaluable tool for School Counselors who want to do best practice, keep accurate records and develop a data driven school counseling program.

School Counselors using SCUTA, have the ability to clearly illustrate the nature of their work and school needs with supervisors and stakeholders.

For more information please contact Kathy.

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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.

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Quick Facts

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Testimonial Videos

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For more information contact Mr. Nelson Castillo at 256-746-6699.

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From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we’re creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.3 million workers.

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Xello is an engaging, online program that helps K-12 students define their future goals and transform their aspirations into actionable plans for success. The program puts students at the center of their college and career planning experience. It helps them build self-knowledge, explore their options, create a plan, and develop the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in the world of work.

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Digital Brochure

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Xello for Elementary

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Xello for College

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SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

Listen. Learn. Get Inspired.

Amie Dean

Tommie Mabry

Behavior Interventions That Work

Amie Dean

Opening Keynote Session
November 2, 2022 | 3:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Do you have a plan for what you will do when a student doesn’t comply with your request the first time? Second time? How
about the third time? Do you go home tired and exhausted from frustration? This presentation will guide you in developing a thorough, preventative plan for handling issues from low level distractions to serious/chronic behaviors. This is a practical, hands-on presentation filled with concrete steps you can use the next day to help students and yourself.

SPEAKER BIO: Amie Dean, M.Ed., B.A. has worked in education for 28 years. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, four of which she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for her middle school. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is Nationally Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. With 28 years’ experience as an educator and 14 years as a professional consultant, Amie has worked with thousands of teachers, counselors and administrators in over 250 districts to improve best practices in behavior support, student engagement, and differentiated instruction. Amie has trained with Dr. Rick DuFour, Dr. Kay Burke, Dr. Spencer Kagan, Dr. Ruby Payne, and many others. Amie is also an author of many books, including Your Happy Heart, There’s No Dream Too Tall, and 15-Minute Focus: Behavior Interventions.

Amie will also be presenting a breakout session.


Understanding Students Through Their Perspectives

Tommie Mabry

Opening Keynote Speaker
November 3, 2022 | 8:30 a.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: This session will give strategies to provide a space for students to develop a positive perspective on their formal education. This interactive session will provide educators with real-world insight into how shifting their own perspective on their students, can transform the educational process. By taking a deep dive into what shapes students’ perspectives, educators can better understand the beliefs, values, and experiences of students who have been labeled as “troubled” or “at risk.”

This session will also allow participants to see the importance of being able to build trust with their students.

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Tommie Mabry grew up in one of Jackson, MS roughest neighborhoods. He was suspended or expelled from several schools due to his behavior. Things started to change for Tommie when he joined an AAU basketball league that traveled around the world. He received a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University-West Plains and later received a B.A. cum laude in Education from Tougaloo College and his M.A. in Child Development. After his undergraduate studies, Tommie was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that had suspended and expelled him many times during elementary and secondary education. He went on to get a Doctorate Degree – an Executive Ph. D. from Jackson State University in 2020 where he majored in Urban Higher Education. Tommie now travels the world sharing his story to motivate and inspire others.

Emily Goodman-Scott

Melissa Reeves

Sejal Parikh Foxx

What You Need to Know About Universal Mental Health Screening

Emily Goodman-Scott

Pre-Conference Speaker
November 2, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: We screen students for academics, vision, and hearing… but what about mental health and social/emotional protective factors? Universal screening, the systematic screening of every student for given criteria, is increasingly used in our schools across the country, often as part of MTSS/PBIS. Come learn more about universal screening, including how to get started and commonly used assessments. Hear about other schools’ implementation, and leave with a plan for how to begin.

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott is an Associate Professor in Counselor Education and the School Counseling Coordinator at Old Dominion University, in Virginia. As a previous school counselor and special education teacher, Dr. Goodman-Scott has been in education for nearly 15 years. She was a 2018 recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 award for her region, and served on the Virginia School Counselor Association board for 10 years, including most recently as Chair of the Board (2019-2020). She enjoys speaking at national conferences, invited state association workshops, and school districts trainings.

Dr. Goodman-Scott is the lead editor of the 2019 book A School Counselor’s Guide to Multi-tiered Systems of Support, and more recently an author of the 2020 book published by the American School Counselor Association, Making MTSS Work. She has co-authored the I Can series of children’s social stories. You can follow her on Twitter: e_goodmanscott and SchCouns4MTSS; and Facebook: School Counselors for MTSS.

Emily will also be presenting two breakout sessions.


Threat and Suicide Risk Assessment: Developing a Proactive and Consistent Approach to Evaluating Risk

Melissa Reeves

Pre-Conference Speaker
November 2, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: This workshop will focus on the process and procedures needed to establish a consistent school/district-wide approach to threat and suicide risk assessment utilizing a multidisciplinary team. Critical factors discussed will include: current statistics, legal cases, post-incident reviews, and early identification of warning signs, primary prevention strategies to “break the code of silence; an overview of threat and risk assessment models and tools; assessment procedures; and strategies for interventions, postventions, and working with difficult parents. Case study examples and forms will be shared to illustrate the process.

Participants will learn:

  • how to establish a consistent school- or district-wide approach to threat and suicide risk assessment.
  • the critical factors contributing to risk to include current statistics and early identification of warning signs
  • best practice guidelines as established by prior legal cases and lessons learned reports
  • primary prevention strategies to break the code of silence
  • about a variety of threat and risk assessment models and measures that guide assessment procedures
  • strategies for interventions and postvention
  • strategies for working with difficult parents
  • from case study examples and shared forms that illustrate the risk assessment process

 

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Melissa Reeves, Ph.D., NCSP, LCMHC is Past-President of the National Association of School Psychologists, a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed clinical mental health counselor, and licensed special education teacher. Most recently she was an Associate Professor at Winthrop University, and has over 20-years’ experience working in public schools, a private school, and day and residential treatment programs. Dr. Reeves is a co-author of the PREPaRE Crisis Prevention and Intervention curriculum and travels nationally and internationally training professionals in crisis prevention and intervention, threat and suicide assessment, trauma and PTSD, and cognitive-behavioral interventions. She is a Senior Advisor for Safe and Sound Schools, an organization founded by two parents who lost their children in the Sandy Hook tragedy, and senior consultant with Sigma Threat Management Associates, an Ontic company. Dr. Reeves has authored multiple books and publications focusing on school safety and trauma.

Melissa will also be presenting two breakout sessions.


Culturally Responsive Approach to Solution-Focused Counseling

Sejal Parikh Foxx

Pre-Conference Speaker
November 2, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Learn the basic concepts and skills related to culturally responsive practices and solution-focused counseling strategies. Infusing these principles can help foster relationships that respect and value diversity.

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Sejal Parikh Foxx is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Counseling. She is a former elementary and high school counselor. She is co-author of School Counseling in the 21st Century, 6th edition. In 2015, she received the Counselor Educator of the Year Award from the North Carolina School Counselors Association. Dr. Foxx is a former member and Vice Chair of the CACREP Board of Directors. She teaches both doctoral and master’s level courses and her special areas of interest are school counseling, multicultural and social justice, urban education, and creating equity and access to college and career readiness. She has been successful working with interdisciplinary teams to attain over $2 million dollars in grant funding from the Department of Education and National Science Foundation.

Dr. Foxx received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1997 from the University of North Florida. She also graduated from the University of North Florida with her Master of Education in Counseling in 2001. Dr. Foxx completed her doctoral degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2008.

Sejal will also be presenting two breakout sessions.

John Nwosu

Julia Taylor

Raychelle Cassada Lohmann

Andrea Burston

Roses in Concrete: Emerging through Structural Adversity

John Nwosu

Core Skills Speaker
November 4, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. & 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Proving nature’s law is wrong, it learned to walk without having feet. Our students of color are often roses tasked with emerging from concrete. They face the same challenges and stressors that all plants do. They also endure harm that comes with navigating social systems designed in opposition to their well-being.

People interact in predictable ways that harm students of color regardless of intent. As school counselors, we must deliver services that promote healing from the stress and trauma our students experience. We must also teach skills to help them navigate and change their environment.

In this interactive session we will explore ways to transform obstructive concrete to fertile soil that has more pathways to well-being for all students. After, participants should be able to…

  1. Discuss the relationship between stress, wellbeing, and social outcomes
  2. Examine school counselors’ role as leaders, collaborators, and advocates for systemic change
  3. Identify school counselor praxis tools for discerning, analyzing, and changing barriers at multiple levels of society

SPEAKER BIO: John Nwosu is a human developer who believes in helping individuals, families, and communities rise. He grew up in Austell, GA, a city near Atlanta. He is a product of a Nigerian and African-American family with high levels of love, support, and expectations. After years of being entangled with chronic underperformance caused by stress, anxiety, and depression, he graduated from Georgia Southern University with debt and a degree in Chemistry. John is currently the Middle School Counselor of the Year in one of the largest school districts in the nation where he shows scholars how to show up, grow up, glow up, and sow up while also promoting social, economic, and political justice in and outside the classroom. John is a licensed mental health counselor, national speaker and trainer, and the founder of Think D.I.F., LLC (@thinkdiflife, thinkdif.me) which offers uniquely interactive training that focuses on “leading with diversity, inclusion, and fairness.”. He currently lives in Atlanta with his beautiful and amazing wife, Chanelle, and son, John.


Mental Health Literacy: Raising Awareness to Provoke Change

Julia Taylor

Core Skills Speaker
November 4, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. & 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Current research indicates that 1 in 5 students will experience a mental illness before the age of 25, with symptomology beginning during adolescence. The lifelong trajectories for these conditions can be greatly improved with early identification and intervention. School counselors are ideal to provide Tier 1 programming to reduce stigma, promote help-seeking behavior, and enhance mental health literacy for youth. This session will provide an overview of current research and best practices to address the topic, along a plethora of suggestions and advocacy resources.

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Julia Taylor is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia and co-directs the Virginia Partnership for School Mental Health (VPSMH). The VPSMH is a statewide collaborative effort with the Virginia Department of Education aimed to recruit and retain school mental health professionals and improve evidence-based practices. Dr. Taylor’s research, service, and advocacy efforts focus on (1) improving K-12 mental health service delivery, (2) effective data-based decision making, and (3) equity issues concerning the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive school counseling programs.

Prior to academia, Dr. Taylor worked as a school counselor and dean of student services in a variety of K-12 settings. During this time she supervised school counselors-in-training, developed district-wide counseling curricula, served on school and district-level teams, and authored several counseling-related books. She frequently presents relevant topics (i.e., mental health literacy, body image, relational aggression, group counseling, comprehensive counseling services, etc.) to school counselors, administrators, educators, and parents at the local, state, and national level.


Addressing the Needs of Young People Today

Raychelle Cassada Lohmann

Core Skills Speaker
November 4, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. & 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Each generation is shaped by the history of time. Today’s youth know firsthand about pandemics, recessions, mass shootings
and acts of terrorism. Unfortunately, this generation understands their sense of security can instantly vanish. Due to changing times, many young people have concerning emotional/social and behavioral challenges. This presentation will highlight top issues facing young people and will equip frontline workers with essential knowledge to help youth become resilient and stronger in the face of adversity.

SPEAKER BIO: Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, Ph.D., LCMHCS, ACS, GCDF is a counselor educator, clinical mental health counselor, and author of numerous books, including 15-Minute Focus: Anger, Rage and Aggression, The Anger Workbook for Teens, The Bullying Workbook for Teens, and The Sexual Trauma Workbook for Teen Girls. Raychelle has expertise in a wide range of issues affecting adolescents, from anger and aggression to anxiety and depression to sexual abuse and bullying. Raychelle attended North Carolina State University, where she received her B.A. in psychology, her M.S. in counselor education and her Ph.D. in counseling and counselor education. With over 20 years in the counseling profession, Raychelle has devoted much of her time to working with children, adolescents, parents and educators.


Technology Toolbox for School Counselors

Andrea Burston

Core Skills Speaker
November 4, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. & 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Learn helpful technology tools such as Google Tools, online storage tools and online communication tools that will simplify and enhance your comprehensive school counseling program. For a more hands on approach, participants are encouraged to bring laptops, iPads, tablets and any other WiFi capable electronic devices to this exciting and interactive session.

SPEAKER BIO: Andrea Burston is a former high school computer/technology teacher turned elementary school counselor. She is the school counselor for Wake County Public Schools working at JY Joyner IB Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh, NC. Andrea is also the writer of the jyjcounselor blog where she shares her enjoyment of her career as well as many counselor ideas with school counselors from all over the world. She loves using technology and is always looking for new and innovative ways to integrate technology into her school counseling program. Andrea has presented at various conferences and workshops on using technology in counseling programs.