November 17-19, 2022
Hilton Albany
40 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207

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Thanks for joining us for the 2022 New York State School Counselor Association Conference!

We look forward to seeing you next year.

Learn more about our Sponsors

Curvebreakers provides customized curricula that enhance strengths and improves target areas. We teach all students the important fundamentals, test taking strategies, and study habits that will carry them through college. Most importantly, Curvebreakers provides an adaptable student focused approach, instead of the more rigid course focused approach of other test prep companies. Curvebreakers strives to foster an enjoyable atmosphere for learning and success on any test or subject matter.

For more information contact Nicholas LaPoma, Owner at nick@curvebreakerstestprep.com or (516) 728-1561.

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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IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!

Come for a job and stay for a career! FedEx Ground is part of the rapidly growing warehouse and transportation sector that helps keep America, and our economy, moving. Be part of a winning team and workplace community that cares about who you are as an individual, and your safety in the workplace.

For more information contact Elizabeth Kivlen, Talent Acquisition Coordinator at 3010836@fedex.com or (518) 431-9882.

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Credential programs from the Gemological Institute of America® (GIA) prepare students for exciting careers working with jewelry, diamonds, colored gems and pearls. An accredited post-secondary school with U.S. campuses in NYC and Carlsbad, CA, we offer on-campus and distance education programs, scholarships, financial aid and career services.

For more information contact nyadmissions@gia.edu or (212) 944-5900.

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MaiaLearning helps 6th-12th graders build college and career readiness.

Students take assessments; explore recommended careers; and build academic and NYS career plans. They research colleges, manage applications, track assignments, and create portfolios.

Counselors generate surveys, notes, and assignments. They report progress and communicate with students and families. They manage recommendations and college visits; and submit application documents through Common App, Parchment, and Slate.

For more information please contact Rachel Damiani at Rachel.Damiani@maialearning.com or (347) 234-6702.

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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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Our work revolves around helping individuals develop foundational and specific-to-the-individual skills and strategies necessary to navigate the vagaries of life (be they focused on academic, career, or day-to-day success—as they define success), and is delivered via a coaching model, through the lens of executive functioning skills development. The work is applied to all shapes and sizes of unconventional learners and individuals. We deliver our supports in-person and virtually.

For more information contact Victoria Weitgenant at info@nfil.net or (646) 558-0085.

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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.

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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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SchooLinks is a modern college and career readiness platform with a user experience designed to facilitate a focus on whole-student outcomes. Our platform helps counselors to guide students in developing their Academic and Career Plan by aligning career exploration and postsecondary preparedness activities with Washington’s legislative initiatives. With technology and features that enable data-driven decision-making at every stage, SchooLinks allows counselors to make a positive impact — when it matters most.

For more information please contact Sean Murphy at 607-267-1567 or at sean@schoolinks.com.

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Innovation Guide

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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

IMPROVE YOUR TEST SCORES FOR FREE AT MARCH2SUCCESS.COM.
Better test scores lead to bigger opportunities. We can help you achieve both, with a FREE online program proven to boost your test skills and your overall confidence. It’s more than a prep course. It’s your resource for a better future. Brought to you by the U.S. Army.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE

High school students who apply for ROTC are eligible for scholarships covering up to the full cost of tuition, plus money for personal expenses and books.

100% coverage for full tuition and fees based on merit and grades, and the option to cover room and board instead, for qualifying cases.

  • $420 per month, per year, for personal expenses
  • $1,200 per year for books

For more information contact Michael Nguyen, Recruiting Operations Officer at rotcroo@fordham.edu or (718) 954-2165.

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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

TaRael Kee

Susan Fisher

Brandon Beachamp

Build a Culturally Sustaining School Counseling Program

TaRael Kee

Pre-Conference
Thursday, November 17, 2022

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

School counseling programs must account for the rapidly changing school demographics. Students from multiple backgrounds have a variety of needs that standardized school counseling programs cannot address. Learn how school counselors can practice cross-cultural communication skills, utilize ASCA’s National Model from an equitable lens, identify student needs from an MTSS perspective, and use data to identify and remove equity barriers.

After attending this workshop, you should be able to:

  • Facilitate student and staff discussions regarding race
  • Use the ASCA National Model to Define, Assess, Manage and Deliver a culturally sustainable school counseling program
  • Apply MTSS to address the needs of students from culturally diverse backgrounds
  • Use participation data, ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors data and outcome data to create an equitable school culture

SPEAKER BIO: TaRael Kee is department co-chair of Collinsville High School and is president elect of the Illinois School Counselor Association (2020). Kee was named the Collinsville School District e-Educator of the Year (2017), recognized by College Board in (2018), received the Lindenwood Alumni Spotlight (2019) and awarded honorable mention for Illinois School Counselor of the Year (2020). He received a specialist degree in educational leadership in May 2021.


Youth Mental Health First Aid

***SESSION FULL***

Susan Fisher and Brandon Beachamp

Pre-Conference
Thursday, November 17, 2022

*First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced class before the conference, and then participate in a 4-5 hour, Instructor-led class in person at the NYSSCA Pre-Conference.

**Max participants: 30. Sign up early.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is a 7-hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies

As COVID-19 is changing our daily reality, there is an important need for Youth Mental Health First Aid.

The training includes expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care. Youth MHFA includes new content applicable for adults working with elementary-age children, including content on the impact of social media. The content is gender neutral and culturally relevant.

SUSAN FISHER BIO: Susan Fisher is the Assistant Director at the School Mental Health Resource and Training Center at MHANYS. She is an active PTA member in her local community and participates in her school district’s Mental Health committee and Mental Health Consortium. She is currently an Associate Director for Nassau Region PTA and Legislation Coordinator for New York State PTA. Susan is a former educator, last working as an NYC High School Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science teacher. She has taught middle school science, mentored an advisory class, and supervised extracurricular activities. She is a mom of two boys, one in 10th grade and one in 6th grade.

BRANDON BEACHAMP BIO: Brandon Beachamp is the director of the Mental Health Association in New York State’s (MHANYS) School Mental Health Resource and Training Center. He oversees a statewide project aimed at supporting K-12 schools in mental health education development and integration, professional development for school and mental health professionals, and establishing community partnerships for integrated supports for students and families. Brandon received his M.Ed. and MA in Psychological Counseling from Teacher College, Columbia University, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership.

Horacio Sanchez

Mark Leinweaver

Promoting Student Success

Horacio Sanchez

Keynote Speaker
Friday, November 18, 2022

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Self-regulation is the one mental process that overrides obstacles that hinder planning, attention, learning, memory, and the coping skills required for students to achieve immediate goals and obtain long-term success. Without the skill to self-regulate, students will succumb to the whim of every thought, distraction, emotion, and desire. The lack of self-regulation is the root of many of the behavioral and academic issues education faces today. The development of self-control enables students to transcend life’s obstacles and engage in new skills that promote academic success (Inzlicht, Bartholow, & Hirsh, 2015). Therefore, educators need to know how to promote self-regulation in order to maximize student achievement. Come learn the key steps identified by neuroscience to promote self-regulation. The steps identified in the research have been found to help students placed at-risk by life’s circumstances to experience life success.

SPEAKER BIO: Horacio Sanchez is the President and CEO of Resiliency Inc., an agency leader in helping schools improve school climate, instruction, and discipline. Horacio is recognized as one of the nation’s prominent experts on promoting student resiliency and applying brain science to improve school outcomes. The Maladaptive Council (Academy of Science) recognizes him as a leading authority on emotional disorders and resiliency. He is a highly sought-after speaker and has keynoted many national conferences.

Horacio has been a teacher, administrator, clinician, mental health director, and consultant to the Department of Education in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and other states. His diverse education and background have helped him to merge research, science, and practice. Horacio sits on the True Health Initiative Council of Directors, a coalition of more than 250 world-renowned health experts, committed to educating on proven principles of lifestyle as medicine. He has authored several articles and books on the topics of resiliency, closing the achievement gap, and applying neuroscience to improve educational practices and outcomes. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Education Revolution published by Corwin Press, which applies brain science to improve instruction, behaviors, and school climate.


Be The Agent – The ABC’s of Representing Yourself (Accountability, Balance & Character)

Mark Leinweaver

Keynote Speaker
Friday, November 18, 2022

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Be The Agent is a motivational message about how to “represent yourself” by taking ownership, celebrating interests and understanding why character is vital to your “client”. This presentation focuses on identifying leadership qualities and maximizing what you can control…while inspiring others. It is not someone else’s job to do this for you. Your path to success begins with a roster of one: YOURSELF.

SPEAKER BIO: Mark Leinweaver’s daily responsibilities include managing off-the-field client services, contract negotiation and communicating with all 30 clubs on behalf of the players and their families. Mark is a frequent speaker at high schools nationwide on why “Character Matters”, offering guidance on social media dangers, volunteering and anti-bullying leadership. He is also a guest professor each semester at the University of Southern California (USC) and has lectured at Duke, Virginia, Georgia, FSU and Texas on “How To Get A Job In Sports”. His book Minor Moments, Major Memories debuted in bookstores nationwide in 2005 and was developed into a scripted TV series by Sony Pictures Television. Mark was the baseball team captain at Stonehill College (Mass.), where he graduated with a degree in Communication.