September 28-29, 2025
Doubletree Somerset Hotel and Conference Center
Somerset, NJ
We look forward to having you join us at the New Jersey School Counselor Association Conference!
We hope to see you next year!
Lead Presenter: Yesenia Rivera-Carney
This session examines the urgent need for flexible credit recovery options for seniors facing academic setbacks. With rising graduation and post-secondary demands, students need accessible pathways to stay on track. We’ll review current models, barriers, and supporting data, while highlighting innovative approaches—such as evening, summer, hybrid/virtual learning, and Adult High School partnerships—supported by case studies from the Morris Hills Regional District.
Lead Presenter: David McNair
Developing career navigation skills are essential competencies that empower students to pursue their ideal profession. The New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN) 360 supports alignment of students’ interests with rewarding careers whether they enroll in college, earn an industry-recognized credential, or join the military. Learn how to use this valuable free resource to support post-secondary education awareness and planning for middle and high school students!
Lead Presenter: Ben Samara
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping education, and school counselors can harness it to enhance their work. This session covers practical AI tools to streamline tasks, strengthen student support, and teach digital citizenship and AI literacy. Learn how counselors can bring a human-centered perspective to district AI efforts, and leave with strategies, examples, and best practices to guide students wisely.
Lead Presenter: Elizabeth Schopfer
In an ever-changing world, there is an increased need to provide culturally competent care. During this breakout session, participants will explore the intersection of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies and school-based crisis assessment. Attendees will understand evidenced-informed practices, analyze case studies, and evaluate practical tools and practices.
Lead Presenter: Sarika Agarwal
This program gives caring adults practical strategies to empower them to start a mental health conversation with the youth in their lives. Audiences will leave this presentation with a deeper understanding of:
Lead Presenter: Christine Sullivan
Attachment is a building block for regulation and social skills. This presentation will guide educators to explore the connection between efforts made to improve student relationships and classroom behavior. Topics discussed will include declarative language, polyvagal theory, coregulation, observation, and reflection.
Lead Presenter: Jessica Smedley
In this workshop, we’ll explore how using music and song lyrics can help kids (and adults) process their feelings, promote self-expression, and relate to others. Learn how you can incorporate utilizing music and lyrics to help students as a part of your tiered supports. We will also explore how to use music to co-regulate with students and staff members. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite playlist or song titles to try it out for themselves!
Lead Presenter: Veronica Ortiz
Learn the tools and knowledge needed to better support students who experience any type of loss.
Workshop Objectives:
-Define loss, grief and mourning;
-Recognize the different types of primary and secondary losses that we may experience and the impact of these losses;
-Understand the importance of mourning and also learn what happens when mourning doesn’t occur; and
-Learn how the Companioning Model can be used to support those who are grieving.
Lead Presenter: Doreen Consulmagno
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of Motivational Interviewing (MI)—a collaborative, person-centered approach. Participants will explore what MI is (and what it’s not), gain insight into the spirit and principles that make MI effective, and practice key techniques to support students in navigating ambivalence and moving toward positive change.
Lead Presenter: Izzat Jarudi
75% of students feel lost about their postsecondary plans. Neuroscience offers lessons for how to engage students for better outcomes like mental wellness, attendance and academic performance. Building on these insights, AI can then personalize guidance to enhance student agency and promote better student-counselor relationships. Led by a cognitive scientist and counseling leader, this session will discuss how these lessons were put into practice in a Dept of Ed-backed pilot at Highland Park.
Lead Presenter: Renae Bush
This session explores integrating Sandplay Therapy into NJ-MTSS to support students’ mental health. As a nonverbal, symbolic approach, Sandplay helps students process trauma and emotions, especially those who struggle to verbalize. Counselors will learn how to implement this trauma-informed method within Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, with strategies for training, integration, and assessment to foster emotional growth and resilience.
Lead Presenter: Lisa Ashraf
Why are Peer Leadership groups so important in middle school? What should the goals be in a year-long program for these positive school leaders? This presentation will provide you with the information you can bring to your administration to show how this program will benefit your school and community. You will also be provided with ideas you can use each month with your group.
Lead Presenter: Jennifer Basilone
The session will provide research-based strategies to identify trauma-related school avoidance, differentiate it from other behavioral or motivational concerns, and implement supportive, student-centered interventions. Emphasis will be placed on fostering safety, trust, and connection within school communities to reduce avoidance behaviors and promote resilience.
Lead Presenter: Samantha Ariza
Building upon our deep relationships with school personnel and valuing their unique challenges, participants are invited to:
Lead Presenter: Dana Karas
In today’s changing educational environment, empowering students with leadership skills is essential for academic success, personal growth, and community engagement. This interactive workshop provides a framework for how SPSD designed and implemented a student leadership program tailored to their school’s goals, “Tiger Tails”. Participants will walk away with strategies and best practices that promote meaningful student voice, foster responsibility, and encourage long-term student involvement.
Lead Presenter: Mark Kiselica
Recent research confirms that restorative practices are more effective than harsh disciplinary policies for reducing problematic student behaviors. Drawing from evidence-based initiatives, this session will explain how school counselors can use restorative practices with aggressive and oppositional students that holds them accountable for their transgressions by helping them make amends for the harm they have caused and learn communication, conflict resolution, and self-control skills.
Lead Presenter: Jasmine DeLaPaz
Join two elementary school counselors (who are also Licensed Professional Counselors!) for a fun and practical session on using CBT and DBT strategies with our tiniest thinkers. You will walk away with playful, engaging, age-appropriate tools to utilize with your students. Use tools like glitter calm down jars, “thought detectives,” and coping skill charades – all embedded into NJTSS tiers. Learn how clinical knowledge meets classroom magic to support PK-5 students’ big feelings and small wins.
Lead Presenter: Nicole Del Duca
Discover how the Nurtured Heart Approach can revolutionize the way your school supports students and staff. This presentation explores practical strategies to shift energy toward positive behaviors, build stronger relationships, and create a culture of emotional safety and empowerment. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or support staff, you’ll leave with tools to inspire growth, strengthen connections, and ignite the greatness in every child and adult within your school.
National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: NJSCA
P.O. Box 22185
Chattanooga, TN 37422-2185
