November 11-13, 2026
Turning Stone Resort Casino
Verona, NY
We hope to see you next year!
Details to come.
Keystone Student Loans: Unlock a Better Way To Pay for College
Keystone features low rates, no fees, and other great benefits. Flexible funding is available for undergraduate, graduate, medical, and health professional students, as well as for parents financing their student’s education.
Let’s get started.
Contact Laura Worley—Account Executive, for more information.
724-977-3662 | laura.worley@pheaa.org.
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, please contact Mark Brezitski at 717-388-2634 or brezitskim@mhs-pa.org.
QuaverReady brings readiness skills to life for students. Our curriculum equips students with the skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Our engaging, fully digital, and standards-aligned Pre-K–8 curriculum program ensures students are ready to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.
For more information, contact Chris Rymes at ChrisRymes@QuaverEd.com or (629) 702-7393.
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. Explore what’s possible at rethinked.com.
For more information, please contact Corinne Bishop, Director of Sales at (347) 797-4756 or corinne.bishop@rethinked.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 South Carolina’s initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
For more information, please contact Aaron Johnson at ajohnson@schoolinks.com.
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. For years, Army ROTC has been creating leaders who go on to rewarding careers in the military and civilian worlds. Army ROTC’s college leadership program offers a commission as a second lieutenant in either the active Army or Reserves/National Guard in a variety of career fields including Combat Arms (Aviation, Armor, Artillery, Infantry, or Engineers). ROTC also provides you with discipline and money for tuition while enhancing your college experience. There are two, three, and four-year scholarship programs available, as well as funds for stipends and book expenses.
As a program, we recruit and retain quality Cadets who would best serve the nation. We educate and train Cadets on Army officership, Army Values, standards and operations. Cadets are coached and mentored to be leaders of Soldiers. Our result is quality Commissioned Army Officers of character, armed with the tools to succeed and ready to lead our Nation’s Soldiers.
For more information, contact the local scholarship & enrollment office at Syracuse University or visit their website: https://veterans.syracuse.edu/army-rotc/about/.
Rethink Ed’s innovative solutions create healthy school climates, promote a greater awareness and understanding of mental health and wellness, and empower educators with training and instructional tools that drive whole-school success.
Our comprehensive solutions include MTSS, Behavior, Wellness, & Special Education Data Collection, progress monitoring, curriculum, and Professional Development for staff that supports a district’s whole-school, whole-child.
For more information, John Henyecz, Senior Account Executive at (201) 398-6953 or john.henyecz@rethinked.com.
Keynote Session
November 12, 2026| 8:15 a.m.
A powerful, uplifting and interactive keynote that equips participants with practical tools to protect their own well-being, maintain balance, and stay grounded—so they can continue showing up with compassion, energy, and joy for the individuals and families they support.
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Once an at-risk youth, Loren Dittmar, PhD, is now a nationally recognized speaker and consultant specializing in school mental health, suicide prevention, and the well-being of the adults who serve youth. He partners with schools and organizations nationwide to expand mental health supports, strengthen staff resilience, and build cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to live authentically.
With over 25 years of combined experience in clinical and educational settings, Loren brings a rare blend of frontline insight and scholarly depth. His background includes five years in the mental health field, 18 years as a school counselor, including service as a Director of School Counseling, and 13 years as an adjunct professor. He served as a Lead Professional Learning Specialist with Hatching Results, supporting districts in implementing data-driven, ASCA-aligned comprehensive school counseling programs. He was also the lead expert for the mental health section of the international resource covid19k12counseling.org. Loren has held various leadership roles within multiple state school counselor associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Palmetto State School Counselor Association.
Through courageous conversations and healthy vulnerability, Loren equips audiences to ignite purpose, inspire change, and transform the way they lead, live, and connect.
Loren will also be presenting a breakout session.
Keynote Session
November 13, 2026| 8:00 a.m.
Ripple effects are created by small disruptions that have the power and potential to continue to spread far beyond the starting point. In education, we are given daily opportunities to begin ripple effects with our students that have the power and potential to transcend the walls of our schools and positively impact their life trajectory. These are opportunities that we should not take lightly and should be done with thoughtfulness and intentionality.
Discover proactive strategies that are designed to reimagine systems and processes that are centered on student outcomes. From the integration of student mental health and well-being to academic achievement, to transformational teaming that is centered on data-informed decisions, to the development of a multi-tiered system of support that is designed to meet the needs of ALL students. Each of these strategies will encourage us to think differently about how we can best support the students we serve and is centered around this guiding question – “what ‘ripple effects’ are you hoping to start with your students and how do you hope they spread far beyond the walls of our schools?”
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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 a breakout session.
Click the session to title to learn more
Pre-Conference sessions are an opportunity for more professional development. These sessions cover more in-depth information and allows an additional opportunity for discussion. Pre-Conference sessions are not included in the main conference registration fee. These sessions run concurrently, once in the morning at 8:30 a.m. and once in the afternoon at 12:30 p.m. You may only choose one session per time slot.
Pre-Conference sessions provide an opportunity for additional professional development with more in-depth content and extended discussion. These sessions are not included in the main conference registration fee. This year, three sessions will be offered concurrently in the morning at 8:30 a.m., and three sessions will be offered concurrently in the afternoon at 12:30 p.m. Please review session titles carefully, as some afternoon sessions differ from those offered in the morning, while others may be repeated. Attendees may select one session per time slot.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education—and school counseling is no exception. This keynote will explore the opportunities and challenges AI brings to our field, with a focus on how it can enhance student support, streamline counselor practices, and prepare young people for the future. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and thought-provoking discussions, attendees will gain a big-picture view of AI’s role in school counseling today and where it’s headed tomorrow.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.
Participants will deepen their ability to see beyond student behavior and respond with clarity, empathy, and intention. This interactive session integrates trauma-informed practices with Motivational Interviewing strategies to help educators engage students who feel resistant, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Through real-world application, reflective practice, and skill-building, attendees will learn how to create safer, more connected environments and have conversations that move students from resistance to readiness. Participants will leave with practical tools to support student growth while strengthening their own confidence and effectiveness.
Once an at-risk youth, Loren Dittmar, PhD, is now a nationally recognized speaker and consultant specializing in school mental health, suicide prevention, and the well-being of the adults who serve youth. He partners with schools and organizations nationwide to expand mental health supports, strengthen staff resilience, and build cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to live authentically.
With over 25 years of combined experience in clinical and educational settings, Loren brings a rare blend of frontline insight and scholarly depth. His background includes five years in the mental health field, 18 years as a school counselor, including service as a Director of School Counseling, and 13 years as an adjunct professor. He served as a Lead Professional Learning Specialist with Hatching Results, supporting districts in implementing data-driven, ASCA-aligned comprehensive school counseling programs. He was also the lead expert for the mental health section of the international resource covid19k12counseling.org. Loren has held various leadership roles within multiple state school counselor associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Palmetto State School Counselor Association.
Through courageous conversations and healthy vulnerability, Loren equips audiences to ignite purpose, inspire change, and transform the way they lead, live, and connect.
Loren will also be presenting a breakout session.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m
School counselors must negotiate the competing interests of the overregulated school environment, student’s need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents to be the guiding voice in their children lives. Updates on these competing interests will be discussed through 10 primary court rulings that guide legal work of counselors in schools. Legal rulings will be highlighted in areas such as sexually active students, bullying, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, sexual harassment, first amendment rights, and transgender youth. Particular attention will be given to the developing laws regarding off-campus cyber speech and other uses of social media that are difficult to address without offending the first amendment. Through case study and the application of federal, state, and judge made laws, participants will actively dialogue in a lively forum. The goal is to facilitate participants’ legal literacy and provide guiding principles to support best ethical practice.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m
Generative AI tools are supposed to make our professional lives easier. These tools can help us design a survey, an exit ticket for school counseling lessons, and gathering and interpreting data. It is suggested that using AI enhances school counselor effectiveness and efficiency to support students. Can AI also help us design and/or revise our comprehensive school counseling program as required by the amended school counseling regulations? Can it help us better understand the ASCA National Model 5th edition?
As AI is used more extensively by principals and teachers to develop programs and enhance curriculum, where does school counseling fit in? Let’s explore how to channel the power of AI to ensure ethical applications in our work with students and better address school needs with fidelity and integrity. Please bring a device to participate in hands-on activities and your school district policy/guidelines, if you have one!
Dr. Carol A. Dahir is a renowned educator, author, and researcher with over four decades of leadership in school counseling and educational policy. The retired Chair of the School Counseling Department at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), she currently serves as part-time faculty at both NYIT and New York University. Internationally recognized for her expertise in counselor accountability and program framework development, she previously served as the National Standards Project Director for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and has advanced global counselor education as a twice-appointed Fulbright Specialist in Japan and Turkey.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Dahir is the co-author of several foundational textbooks, including The Transformed School Counselor. Her award-winning research focuses on social justice, school counselor-principal collaboration, and the integration of AI in counseling. She holds a Doctor of Education from Hofstra University and has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Life Career Achievement Award from the New York State School Counselor Association.
Carol will also be presenting a breakout session.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 12:30 p.m.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education—and school counseling is no exception. This keynote will explore the opportunities and challenges AI brings to our field, with a focus on how it can enhance student support, streamline counselor practices, and prepare young people for the future. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and thought-provoking discussions, attendees will gain a big-picture view of AI’s role in school counseling today and where it’s headed tomorrow.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 12:30 p.m.
Counseling groups are one of the most effective ways school counselors can reach more students, yet many face barriers such as time, competing demands, or lack of confidence. This practical session provides clear structures and ready-to-use tools that make group implementation realistic, sustainable, and impactful, helping counselors expand student support while strengthening their overall program effectiveness.
Once an at-risk youth, Loren Dittmar, PhD, is now a nationally recognized speaker and consultant specializing in school mental health, suicide prevention, and the well-being of the adults who serve youth. He partners with schools and organizations nationwide to expand mental health supports, strengthen staff resilience, and build cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to live authentically.
With over 25 years of combined experience in clinical and educational settings, Loren brings a rare blend of frontline insight and scholarly depth. His background includes five years in the mental health field, 18 years as a school counselor, including service as a Director of School Counseling, and 13 years as an adjunct professor. He served as a Lead Professional Learning Specialist with Hatching Results, supporting districts in implementing data-driven, ASCA-aligned comprehensive school counseling programs. He was also the lead expert for the mental health section of the international resource covid19k12counseling.org. Loren has held various leadership roles within multiple state school counselor associations and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Palmetto State School Counselor Association.
Through courageous conversations and healthy vulnerability, Loren equips audiences to ignite purpose, inspire change, and transform the way they lead, live, and connect.
Loren will also be presenting a breakout session.
Pre-Conference Session
November 11, 2026 | 12:30 p.m.
Generative AI tools are supposed to make our professional lives easier. These tools can help us design a survey, an exit ticket for school counseling lessons, and gathering and interpreting data. It is suggested that using AI enhances school counselor effectiveness and efficiency to support students. Can AI also help us design and/or revise our comprehensive school counseling program as required by the amended school counseling regulations? Can it help us better understand the ASCA National Model 5th edition?
As AI is used more extensively by principals and teachers to develop programs and enhance curriculum, where does school counseling fit in? Let’s explore how to channel the power of AI to ensure ethical applications in our work with students and better address school needs with fidelity and integrity. Please bring a device to participate in hands-on activities and your school district policy/guidelines, if you have one!
Dr. Carol A. Dahir is a renowned educator, author, and researcher with over four decades of leadership in school counseling and educational policy. The retired Chair of the School Counseling Department at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), she currently serves as part-time faculty at both NYIT and New York University. Internationally recognized for her expertise in counselor accountability and program framework development, she previously served as the National Standards Project Director for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and has advanced global counselor education as a twice-appointed Fulbright Specialist in Japan and Turkey.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Dahir is the co-author of several foundational textbooks, including The Transformed School Counselor. Her award-winning research focuses on social justice, school counselor-principal collaboration, and the integration of AI in counseling. She holds a Doctor of Education from Hofstra University and has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Life Career Achievement Award from the New York State School Counselor Association.
Carol will also be presenting a breakout session.
Click the session to title to learn more
Tentative
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information Center Open
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pre-Conference Morning Session
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Afternoon Session
12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Evening Event (open to all attendees)
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information Center Open
7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast
7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Sponsor Presentation
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Welcome Conference Opening
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Keynote – Loren Dittmar
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Workshop Session 1
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break and Exhibits
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Workshop Session 2
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Workshop Session 3
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Exhibitor Rally / Break / Raffle Winners
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Workshop Session 4
4:20 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. Level Networking
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Awards Presentation and Reception
7:00 p.m. Dinner on your own
7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration and Information Center Open
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7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast
7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Sponsor Presentation
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Keynote –Terri Tchorzynski
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Annual Membership Business Meeting
9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Coffee Break and Exhibits
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Workshop Session 5
11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. Workshop Session 6
12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch and Closing Remarks
2:00 p.m. Conference Closes
Please visit the NYSSCA website and become a member or renew your annual membership.
For all NYSSCA membership questions, please call (937) 969-7722 or email info@nyssca.org.
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 2026 NYSSCA Conference!
Professional
Member*: $75 per session
Non-Member: $125 per session
Graduate Student
$75 per session
Professional
Member*: $305
Non-Member: $355
Graduate Student
$210
Thursday ONLY
Professional Member* $235
Professional Non-Member: $285
Graduate Student $115
Friday ONLY
Professional Member* $200
Professional Non-Member $250
Graduate Student $95
*Your NYSSCA membership must be good through November 13, 2026 to qualify for these rates.
**To qualify for the early registration discount, 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.
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.
Please Note: If we are forced to cancel the NYSSCA 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 October 11, 2026. All cancellations before October 11, 2026 will be refunded less a $25 handling fee. 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 NYSSCA 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.
HOST HOTELS
5218 Patrick Rd
Verona, NY 13478
Reservation information coming soon.
All events of the conference will take place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. Choose to stay at either The Tower or The Brook. Standard rooms at either hotel may be reserved at a special conference rate of $152 plus tax. This rate is valid through October 15, 2026, while rooms are available.
BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Click the link and enter the following credentials:
Group Code: HSCA116
Password: guest
Please input your specific travel dates first; if a room appears “Sold Out” under the default settings, adjusting the date range to your actual stay will reveal its true availability and unlock your discounted rates.
To modify your reservations, please call Turning Stone Accommodations at 800-771-7711.
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: NYSSCA
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 NYSSCA directly with all membership questions.
All intellectual property rights in and to the New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA) Annual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by NYSSCA 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 NYSSCA or the presenting speaker.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
Photography & Videography Disclaimer:
New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA) Fall Conference. By attending the NYSSCA Fall Conference, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may take place. Your attendance and participation in this event constitute your consent to be photographed and/or recorded. These images and recordings may be used in future NYSSCA publications, promotional materials, and online content, including websites and social media, without further notice or compensation. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform NYSSCA staff at the registration desk upon arrival. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
