November 21-23, 2024
Hilton Albany
Albany, NY
We hope to see you next year!
Details to come.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP is on a mission to materially and measurably improve the health of New Yorkers. Our Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan and other low-cost insurance plans are made with New Yorkers in mind. No matter your age or health goals, we’re with you every step of the way.
For more information contact us at 1-888-809-8009.
Help your students understand the options available to advance their future. Whether that be a learning a trade, technical skill or attending college debt free. The New York Army National guard can provide these opportunities and more. All while serving part-time here in New York.
For a complete list of opportunities and benefits, visit nationalguard.com/ny”.
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, Senior Vice President at beccab@dialcare.com.
Are you seeking an alternative career path for the students in your community? The U.S. Department of Transportation (FMCSA) is offering a new career opportunity for 18-20-year-olds to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
For more information please contact Justin Jones at (202) 366-2953 or Justin.R.Jones@dot.gov.
Joining the SDAP Program as an apprentice driver is easy and FMCSA has all the information you need!
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program to meet requirements set forth by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). During this three-year program, FMCSA will grant apprentice drivers approval to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce while they are under 21 years of age when accompanied by a qualified, experienced driver in the passenger seat. FMCSAs’ primary mission is to prevent crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving large trucks and buses.
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 contact Mark Brezitski at BrezitskiM@mhs-pa.org.
The New York Air National Guard is an integral part of the nation’s most sophisticated military intelligence system. We control a space mission critical to the safety of not only our nation, but of the entire northwestern hemisphere. We operate the most advanced communications and meteorological technology in the world. ‘Exciting’ doesn’t even begin to describe it.
In the Air Guard, you’ll begin a military career that can take you wherever you choose. At the same time, you’ll build a resume and gain experience that will put you head and shoulders above your peers in your civilian career. Serving part-time in the Air Guard proves you’ve got what it takes, no matter what the challenge. You’ll receive world-class training in the Air Guard that can prepare you for new opportunities in your civilian life. It can give you a real edge in the job market.
For more information please contact Stephanie Lambert,
Assistant Recruiting and Retention Senior Enlisted Leader at (518) 852-8112 or stephanie.j.lambert-mittan.mil@army.mil.
Niche is modernizing the way students and families choose their best-fit schools and colleges. We believe it shouldn’t be hard to find where you belong, so it’s our mission to make it easy, transparent and free. Over 70 million people annually use Niche’s comprehensive school profiles, student and alumni reviews, data-driven rankings and easy-to-use search tools to empower informed decision-making..
For more information please contact Lissett “Bo” Bohannon, Niche School Counselor at lissett.bohannon@niche.com.
Peer Helpers PLUS is a comprehensive, peer-to-peer, youth suicide prevention and support program. Our mission is to empower students to be academically, socially, and emotionally successful; to recognize and resolve conflict; to value diversity; and to be advocates for positive change and healthy choices.
For more information, please contact Tam Larnerd, Regional Sales Executive at (702) 249-6356 or tam@thriveway.com
QuaverReady is an online program designed to help all students succeed in school. It includes an evidence-based social and emotional learning curriculum and intervention and behavioral resources.
For more information contact Nathan Wesner at (615) 922-2014 or NathanWesner@QuaverEd.com.
Rethink Ed’s innovative solutions create healthy school climates, promote a greater awareness and understanding of mental health and wellness, empower educators with training and instructional tools that drive whole school success. Powerful education Solutions and Professional training programs. There’s a Rethink Ed solution for every educational challenge-from on-demand Professional Development, to fast digital data management, active learning strategies and streamlined IEP goal writing.
For more information contact John Henyecz, Senior Account Executive at john.henyecz@rethinked.com or at (201) 398-6953.
Ripple Effects’ Bouncy’s Ready to Learn Resilience program offers a play-based, multi-sensory experience to help young children develop skills like self-regulation, calming, and focusing. Centered around Bouncy, an animatronic service dog, it creates a supportive environment for secure attachments and learning readiness. Aligned with educational standards, the program integrates physical and digital elements to improve behavior, increase instruction time, and foster a calm, stress-free classroom.
For more information please contact Joseph Wall, Sr. Account Executive at (215) 620-3043 or jwall@rippleeffects.com.
ROX trains female school counselors & educators to deliver evidence-based programs to girls in grades 5-12. The ROX Program for Girls is a co-curricular experience with a 20-lesson curriculum that has been proven effective with more than 40,000 girls since 2006. Curricula focus on: Girl drama & bullying, healthy relationships, social media, body image, stress and coping. 90% of participants report that ROX is the thing they like best about School. Partner with us to empower your girls with ROX!
For more information, please contact Nancy Willis, Program Director at (614) 783-1058 and nancywillis@rulingourexperiences.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 New York’s initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
For more information, please contact Sean Murphy at sean@schoolinks.com.
SCUTA is a technology platform designed specifically for school counselors to develop a data-driven, evidence- based school counseling program. Offering confidential, comprehensive documentation, and use of time analysis system, it is an invaluable tool for school counselors who want to utilize best practices, keep accurate records, and develop a data-driven school counseling program. With SCUTA, school counselors will achieve the characteristics of a high performing school counseling program and can clearly illustrate the nature and impact of their work to their supervisors and stakeholders.
SCUTA was initially designed for school counselors; however, we have recently expanded services to include utility for school social workers. Additionally, the functionality for school counseling district supervisors, regional coordinators, and state directors includes reporting at individual, school, district, and state levels. These managers can access real-time data reflecting students’ needs, including how they are being addressed by the school counseling program, and school counselor use-of-time. This valuable insight can inform professional development and advocacy efforts.
We look forward to supporting your schools, districts, and states in having a positive impact on student’s needs.
For more information, please contact Stephanie.
Talkspace partners with schools and districts to provide accessible mental health services and therapy for students and teachers. By implementing Talkspace’s effective and convenient solutions, institutions can help those in education overcome challenges and improve their overall performance.
For more information contact Erin Delaney at erin.delaney@talkspace.com or (402) 699-1014.
When you support students joining the U.S. Army, you increase their chances in college. They’ll gain access to tuition assistance options that pay for all or part of college. The Army provides state-of-the-art skill training in a career fields from Culinary to Aviation to Medical and Engineering. The Army also has for you March2Success.com, a FREE standardized test prep course. To learn more, visit armyedspace.com, call an Army Education Specialist at 301.395.0776, or stop by the Army booth.
For more information please contact Baron McCombs, Ph.D., CA, Retired Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent, HCS, FL at baron.mccombs.civ@army.mil or (301) 395-0776.
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 Michael Dengler, Scholarship & Enrollment Officer at (561) 859-1975 mdengler@siena.edu.
The United States Navy is offering a 4-year scholarship to qualified young men and women through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program. This program educates and trains young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy while providing full tuition, stipends, summer training cruises, and more so you can enjoy a traditional college experience.
For more information, please contact Bryan May, NROTC Coordinator NTAG New England at (508) 944-1586 or bryan.j.may.mil@us.navy.mil.
Xello is an engaging, online program that helps K-12 students define their future goals and transform their aspirations into actionable plans for success.
It helps them build self-knowledge, explore their options, create a plan, and develop the skills needed to thrive in the world of work.
For more information please contact Delfina Manocchio, Territory Manager at delfinam@xello.world.
Keynote Session
November 22, 2024| 8:15 a.m.
When you throw a stone into a pond, sometimes it simply sinks—“plop”. However, if thrown just right, the rock skips. Instead of the singular “plop”, the skipping rock reaches more water, leaving ripples on the surface – and this energy changes the entire pond. As educators, we throw the stone. In this dynamic opening session, educators will learn simple ways we create ripples in the school setting that positively impact the students we serve.
Dan St. Romain is a national independent educational consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on discipline, understanding the best ways to provide support given the challenges posed in today’s society.
After receiving his master’s degree in education, Dan worked in both private residential and public school settings, as well as at the Region 20 Education Service Center in San Antonio, Texas. His work as a selfcontained behavior unit teacher, educational diagnostician, behavior consultant, and director of a learning resource center has afforded him experience at all levels, in both general and special education settings. Dan is now enjoying semi-retirement after having worked in the school system for the past 30 years.
Dan’s overwhelming strength is his skill as a presenter. Although his sessions are exceedingly interactive, his greatest asset lies in his ability to offer participants rich insight into the connectedness between educational practices and student behavior. He is the author of Lessons from LaRoux: How Needs Shape Behavior in Developing Brains, Teach Skills and Break Habits: Growth Mindsets for Better Behavior in the Classroom, Positive Behavior Principles: Shifting Perspectives and Aligning Practices in Schools, and several resources for teaching social skills, featuring his chameleon, Juan Pablo.
Keynote Session
November 23, 2024| 8:00 a.m.
The rising mental health challenges among our youth demand immediate, pragmatic measures to enhance their emotional and psychological well-being. This high-energy keynote session will address the critical importance of integrating mental health programs within schools, offering concrete, strength-based strategies. Participants will leave the session energized, inspired, and equipped with a clear, actionable plan to support and enhance the mental well-being of students in their schools.
A case will be made to move away from deficit-based practices and towards strength-based practices rooted in science. By focusing on what’s strong instead of what’s wrong, we can better support our students’ social and emotional development. This shift offers a fresh lens through which to view the youth’s unmet needs—not as unsolvable problems but as opportunities for actionable change.
By the end of the session, participants will be energized, inspired, and able to walk away with a clear understanding of the importance of these practices and a roadmap for bringing them into their school communities.
Session attendees will:
Dr. Byron McClure is a product of Prince George’s County, Maryland, a proud HBCU graduate of Hampton University, and a Black male National Certified School Psychologist. His mission has always been to improve outcomes for youth, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
After earning his doctorate in school psychology from IUP, he returned to D.C., where he led a school turnaround initiative for Anacostia High School, culminating in winning the 2020 Whole Child Award. His work has garnered recognition, including the Black SEL Summit Award 2022 for his contributions to Black youth’s development and the NASP President’s Certificate of Achievement in 2019. In 2018, he was honored with the CounterStories Award by the non-profit Men Can Stop Rape.
Dr. McClure has been featured in NPR, Insider, and the APA Monitor, to name a few. He founded Lessons For SEL, a culturally responsive SEL curriculum, which was acquired by 7 Mindsets, where he served as the Director of Innovation. His book, Hacking Deficit Thinking, has consistently appeared in Amazon’s top 20 categories in Crisis Management Counseling and Inclusive Education Methods.
Recognizing school psychologists’ national challenges, he developed School Psych AI, a platform designed to alleviate the burden of writing lengthy psychological evaluations by automating the process and their workload, allowing more focus on student well-being.
Click the session to title to learn more
Preconference Session
November 21, 2024| 10:00 a.m.
Is MTSS (PBIS/RTI) currently implemented in your school? Is your school considering implementation? Would you like to learn more? MTSS is widely implemented throughout the country and school counselors are often an integral part of implementation. Come to this session to discover the alignment between MTSS and Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (e.g., the ASCA National Model), gaining strategies to maximize your efforts. Work smarter, not harder. The presenter will share school-based examples for implementation and alignment. Presentations can be adapted to provide content on specific tiers, such as Tier 1 prevention.
Dr. Goodman-Scott will also be doing a breakout session.
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.
Feedback from attendees from conferences/presentations/district professional developments:
Preconference Session
November 21, 2024| 10:00 a.m.
Nearly a quarter of the nation’s youth will experience a traumatic event by age 16. Trauma can significantly impact young people’s physical and mental health, affecting their ability to learn and excel academically. Therefore, schools are crucial in creating safe, supportive environments that foster resilience and promote healing. Whether it’s a Big T event (i.e., unexpected loss of a loved one), little t occurrence (i.e., moving to a new school), or multiple complex traumas (i.e., exposure to pervasive abuse), the psychological effects can extend across a lifetime. Fortunately, there are essential coping skills that, if taught and nurtured, can significantly increase a youth’s ability to heal and persevere. This interactive presentation aims to teach participants about Big T and little t events and explore trauma’s neurological impact on young people. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on building skills and implementing strategies to create a trauma-sensitive school environment where students do more than survive; they thrive.
Dr. Cassada-Lohmann will also be doing a breakout session.
Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, Ph.D., is a counselor educator, clinical mental health counselor, school counselor, and international author of numerous books, including three in the 15-Minute Focus series: Digital Citizenship, Anger, Rage and Aggression, and Growth Mindset, Resilience, and Grit, along with many others. Raychelle has expertise in a wide range of issues affecting children and adolescents, from anger and aggression to anxiety and depression to sexual trauma and bullying. Raychelle attended North Carolina State University, receiving her B.A. in psychology, her M.S. in counselor education, and her Ph.D. in counseling and counselor education. With 25 years in the counseling profession, Raychelle has devoted much of her time to working with children, adolescents, parents, and educators.
Raychelle is a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor and licensed school counselor in NC. She is also a licensed professional counselor in SC. Additionally, Raychelle is an EMDR-certified provider and holds the following certifications: Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BCTMH), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).
Preconference Session
November 21, 2024| 10:00 a.m.
With a record breaking 510 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures across the US in 2023, LGBTQ+ students need support and affirmation now more than ever. In this session participants will gain the most current information on identities and LGBTQ+ language, knowledge of the coming out process, a list of the most common LGBTQ+ etiquette bloopers to avoid and better language suggestions to try, best-practice communication tips for respectful interactions, improved odds of correctly addressing people, more confidence in their ability to respectfully share, gather, and use pronouns, and an understanding of the most appropriate actions to take after messing up. School counselors can play a critical role in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and this interactive, encouraging, and informative session will show them how.
Jeannie will also be doing a breakout session.
Jeannie Gainsburg is an award-winning educational trainer and consultant in the field of LGBTQ+ inclusion and effective allyship. Formerly the Education Director at the Out Alliance of Rochester, N.Y., she is the founder of Savvy Ally Action and author of the book, The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate. Jeannie has a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in social work and social research from Bryn Mawr College. She was under the impression that a citation was the result of driving too fast until January of 2019, when she received one from the New York State Assembly for Distinguished Educational & Human Rights Services for her work in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. Her encouraging, passionate, and warm-hearted approach will jumpstart even the most tentative ally.
Click the session to title to learn more
Tentative
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information Center Open
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Session – Part I
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Session – Part II
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Session – Part III
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Evening Event
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information Center 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 – Dan St. Romain
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
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 – Byron McClure
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
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 2024 NYSSCA Conference!
Professional
Member*: $65
Non-Member: $115
Graduate Student
Member*: $65
Non-Member: $115
Professional
Member*: $290
Non-Member: $340
Graduate Student
Member*: $205
Non-Member: $340
Friday ONLY
Professional Member* $220
Graduate Student Member* $110
Non-Member: $270
Saturday ONLY
Professional Member* $185
Graduate Student Member* $90
Non-Member $235
*Your NYSSCA membership must be good through November 23, 2024 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 21, 2024. All cancellations before October 21, 2024 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.
VENUE & HOST HOTEL
40 Lodge St.
Albany, NY 12207
Reservation information coming soon.
All events of the conference will be located at the Hilton Albany. Standard rooms at the hotel may be reserved at a special conference rate of $139 plus tax. This rate is valid through October 31, 2024.
You can also book a room by calling (800) 774-1500. Be sure to mention the “1SCA” group code. (one-S-C-A)
Come to the NYSSCA Conference in the State’s capital, Albany! Albany, New York is on the west bank of the Hudson River and is known for its rich history with fascinating architecture, historic homes, and world-class museums, like the Albany Institute of History & Art. There are delicious restaurants a short distance from the hotel, such as Union Seafood, The Hollow Bar & Kitchen, and Iron Gate Cafe. If looking for some retail therapy check out Crossgate Mall with shops like Michael Kors, Bath and Body Works, DSW, Sephora, and restaurants like Texas de Brazil and Dave and Busters. There is tons to do around Albany, so you can learn and play!
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.
