November 13-15, 2025
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
123 E. Main St. Rochester, NY
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!
For students interested in a career in gems and jewelry, the Gemological Institute of America® (GIA) offers some of the most sought-after educational programs in the world. Our students come with dreams of bringing their design ideas to life, learning valuable bench skills, and diving deep into the world of precious gems. Our alumni leave GIA with the confidence to follow those dreams and with credentials that are well-respected in the industry.
For more information, please contact Admissions at (800) 366-8519 or admissions@gia.edu.
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 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 Patrick Bouli, Director of Sales at (615) 708-2867 or patrickbouli@quavered.com.
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.
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 district initiatives for improved student outcomes and postsecondary readiness.
For more information, please contact Mike McInerney, Account Executive at mikem@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 Michael Dengler, Scholarship & Enrollment Officer at (561) 859-1975 mdengler@siena.edu.
The 313th Recruiting Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col Sean M Fazande, is one of the nine recruiting squadrons, within the 360th Recruiting Group, that is responsible for inspiring, engaging, and recruiting future Airmen to deliver airpower for America. The 313th RCS includes 88 active duty and civilian personnel, 55 recruiting offices, four Military Entrance Processing Stations. They have an area of operation that is responsible 55,399 square miles that includes all of New York state.
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 14, 2025| 8:15 a.m.
Resilience has never been more important than it is right now in America’s schools and communities, many of which are still recovering from the risk-factors exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, and in the near future, schools must be purposeful in their efforts to foster resilience in students and staff. In the book, You Can Get in the Way, Dr. Hodge defines resilience in the following way: “Resilience refers to the ability to avoid, navigate, bounce back from, get through, get over, go around, or survive adversities of all kinds.” This session is the perfect way to inspire your school district, schools and/or community stakeholders to take action. In this session, Dr. Hodge provides an overview of the book along with very practical solutions to help buffer the risk-factors that traditionally hold kids back. It’s the perfect launch for a new school year, or a needed boost during the tough months that follow. After being shared with over 800 educators in a state-wide conference, this session has already been described as “life-changing” by many of those lucky enough to hear it.
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Dr. John W. Hodge is president and co-founder of Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC), an organization focused on student achievement and reduction of the achievement gap. He has served as a reading teacher, English teacher, AVID teacher, Assistant Principal and Associate Director of AVID Center Eastern Division. He served as Director of An Achievable Dream Academy, an inner city school that piloted many of the interventions used by Urban Learning and Leadership Center. An Achievable Dream Academy is a high performing, high poverty school that has received numerous national awards. Dr. Hodge is also the author of You Can Get in the Way. Prior to his career in education, Dr. Hodge distinguished himself in the service of our country with the 7th Infantry Division of the United States Army.
What sets Dr. John W. Hodge apart in the field of education is his well-documented ability to put research and theory into everyday practice in rural, urban and suburban schools. He has served as an inspirational speaker at national, regional, and statewide conferences across the United States. His presentations are often “the spark” for schools in their quest to meet and exceed state/federal accreditation standards and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
John will also be presenting a breakout session.
Keynote Session
November 15, 2025| 8:00 a.m.
In this dynamic and thought-provoking session, Ali Truwit explores the power of personal reinvention, resilience, and leadership in the face of unwanted change. Drawing from her own journey of turning trauma to triumph, she will offer a candid and inspiring look at how to embrace transitions with courage and determination.
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Ali is a 2023 graduate of Yale University, and a two-time silver medalist & American Record holder in the 400 meter freestyle and the 100 meter backstroke at the Paris Paralympic Games. Ali has shared her remarkable story of turning trauma into triumph on The Today Show, CBS Evening News, and The Kelly Clarkson Show, to name a few, and most recently as a keynote speaker at Lincoln Center. Ali continues to champion her work around overcoming hardship and disability access and education – with a documentary coming out this summer, a book she is writing to be published by St. Martin’s Press, and the charity, Stronger Than You Think, that she has founded to support the Paralympic Movement and to support young women and girls in need of prosthetics. Her story inspires and astounds.
Click the session to title to learn more
Preconference sessions are an opportunity for more professional development. These sessions cover more in-depth information and allows an additional opportunity for discussion. Preconference 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. Please note that Russ Sabella will only be presenting at the 12:30 p.m. afternoon session.
Preconference Session
November 13, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
The goal of this introspective session is for participants to think about diversity and equity through a more expansive lens. The presenter will review common terms used in schools, classrooms and organizations and how these terms relate to our behaviors. The session will also review things to consider when working with staff and students, and personal stories related to these topics will be shared. Participants will be asked to participate in individual, small and large group activities throughout the presentation.
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Robert B. Jamison currently serves as a coordinator of school counseling services for a large suburban school division and has years of experience as a school counselor and school counseling department chair. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia as well as his Master of Science in Education in School Counseling and his Education Specialist degrees from Old Dominion University. Mr. Jamison has also supported school counselors and educators as a member of the Board of Directors for a state school counselor association; and, he served on a state commission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Robert is also the co-author of the book 15-Minute Focus: Diversity, Bias, and Privilege: Addressing Racial Inequities to Create Inclusive Learning Environments.
Robert will also be presenting a breakout session.
Preconference Session
November 13, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.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.
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Carolyn Stone, Ed.D., is a Professor Emeritus of Counselor Education at the University of North Florida (UNF). Dr. Stone is a Past President of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and in 2010 was presented the ASCA Lifetime Achievement Award. Prior to coming to UNF, Dr. Stone spent 22 years with Jacksonville, Florida’s Public Schools as an elementary and high school counselor, middle school teacher and Supervisor of Guidance Services. She supervised 225 school counselors. Dr. Stone was ASCAs Ethics Chair from 2002 to 2022 and chaired the last four revisions of the ethical standards.
Preconference Session
November 13, 2025 | 12:30 p.m.
Join Russ for an insightful keynote presentation that delves into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of school counseling. This engaging session is designed for school counselors seeking to comprehend the fundamentals of AI and its application in their profession. Dr. Sabella will equip school counselors with the knowledge and insights needed to leverage AI effectively, fostering a future-ready approach to school counseling. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of your work.
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Dr. Russell Sabella is currently a Professor of Counseling in the College of Health Professions & Social Work, Florida Gulf Coast University and President of Sabella & Associates. He is well known for his Technology Boot Camp for Counselors workshops conducted throughout the country. Dr. Sabella is Past President (2003-2004) of the American School Counselor Association. He has trained and consulted with thousands of school counselors, educators, parents, and organizational leaders throughout the country. Russ is the co-author of two books entitled Confronting Sexual Harassment Learning Activities for Teens and Counseling in the 21st Century: Using Technology to Improve Practice. He is also the author of the popular SchoolCounselor.com, A Friendly and Practical Guide to the World Wide Web as well as GuardingKids.com, A Practical Guide to Keeping Kids Out of High Tech Trouble.
Russ will also be presenting a breakout session.
Preconference Session
November 13, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m
Presenters from:
The Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders (WNYCCCED) & The Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital
Facilitators:
Michelle Morales, Parent Peer Mentor
Amy Realbuto PNP
Taylor Starr DO, MPH
Dayton Walsh, PhD
Heather Wensley, DNP
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. Preconference Morning Session
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Preconference Afternoon Session
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 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. – 6:00 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. – 8:15 a.m. Welcome Conference Opening
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Keynote – John Hodge
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. – 2:00 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 – Ali Truwit
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 membership@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 2025 NYSSCA Conference!
Professional
Member*: $65 per session
Non-Member: $115 per session
Graduate Student
Member*: $65 per session
Non-Member: $115 per session
Professional
Member*: $295
Non-Member: $345
Graduate Student
Member*: $210
Non-Member: $345
Friday ONLY
Professional Member* $225
Graduate Student Member* $115
Non-Member: $275
Saturday ONLY
Professional Member* $190
Graduate Student Member* $95
Non-Member $240
*Your NYSSCA membership must be good through November 15, 2025 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 13, 2025. All cancellations before October 13, 2025 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 HOTEL
125 East Main Street
Rochester NY, 14604
Reservation information coming soon.
All events of the conference will take place at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The Hyatt Regency Rochester is adjacent to the convention center. Standard rooms at the hotel may be reserved at a special conference rate of $147 plus tax. This rate is valid through October 22, 2025, while rooms are available.
You can also book a room by calling (585) 546-1234. Be sure to mention the “G-NYCA” group code.
Come to the NYSSCA Conference in downtown Rochester, New York and enjoy breathtaking views, city parks, delicious restaurants, and great shopping, not to mention you will be right beside the Genesee River! Choose to stay in the hotel and check out the creative menu at The Street Craft Bar & Cocktails, or take a short walk for some Italian at Branca Midtown, barbeque at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, or ramen and tasty bubble tea at Taichi Bubble Tea, Ramen and Poke Bowl. You will have plenty to do while staying in the heart of Rochester, 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.
