We hope to see you next year!
Did you miss registering before the conference? That’s no problem! Register below and you will have access to the recorded version of the conference, along with pre-recorded breakout sessions.
Your username and password were sent in a follow-up email to the address you provided during registration. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your Junk or Spam folder.
Details to come.
We are excited to welcome you to the PSCA 2026 Spring Virtual Conference! Join us for a livestreamed keynote presentation by Laura Fridirici and Karen Rubican along with important updates during the Annual Business Meeting.
In addition, attendees will have access to a wide range of pre-recorded breakout sessions covering timely and relevant topics.
A link to the online portal will be sent prior to the conference. All sessions will remain available in the online portal through May 15, 2026, giving you ample time to view the content at your convenience.
Professional Development Credits: We will offer up to 10 possible hours. We will also offer Act 48, NCC hours, as well as CEUs through Lindenwood University. Proof of completion required.
We look forward to connecting with you online for the PSCA 2026 Spring Virtual Conference.
The EAS Carpenters represents close to 43,000 of the most skilled carpenters in DE, Washington DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA, and WV. The Council is made up of 25 Local unions, operate 17 state-of-the-art training facilities, and are part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. EAS Carpenters are trained in many different trades, including: commercial/residential carpentry; heavy highway; piledriving; floor-layering; mill cabinet work; millwright; and tradeshow construction.
For more information, please contact Tom Bender, Senior Council Representative at (412) 393-9603 or tbender@eascarpenters.org.
Slippery Rock University (SRU), known as The Rock, is a public university north of Pittsburgh with 8,000+ students and 150+ programs in business, education, health, liberal arts, and sciences. SRU offers strong value, hands-on learning, and a supportive community. With 200+ student organizations, NCAA Division II athletics, and spirited traditions, SRU combines affordability, academic quality, and personal attention to help students build a rock-solid future.
For more information, please contact Carrie Thompson, Director of First-Year Admissions at (724) 738 2015 or asktherock@sru.edu.
Career Readiness Advisor
Laura Fridirici brings 21 years of classroom teacher expertise in business and special education with a focus on career and workforce readiness for all learners. She also brings a workforce perspective from her previous career experiences in both business and higher education. Laura attained her B.S. in Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her M.Ed. in Education and a M.Ed. in Special Education from Wilkes University. She attained her principal certification from Point Park University and is the Career Readiness Advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Special Consultant to the Secretary on Career and Workforce Readiness. Originally from southwestern Pennsylvania, her career path led her to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Ms. Fridirici believes that “every child has a vocation” and is firmly committed to seeing that happen as Pennsylvania’s future depends not only on a well-educated and skilled workforce, but youth who are passionate about their work and how it contributes to society.
MS.ED, NCC, LPC | School Counselor Advisor Bureau of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction | Division of Instructional Quality
Greetings, School Counselors! I am humbled and thrilled to be the School Counselor Advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This is a fairly new position for the commonwealth, and I am eager to get started in providing resources, supports, advocacy, and a spotlight to the important work that you do each day with your students.
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and now make my home in Venetia, located in Washington County. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology from California University of PA (Now PennWest California), and my master’s degrees in Community Counseling Services, K-12 Education Administration, as well as K-12 School Counseling and Advanced Graduate Studies Certificates, come from Duquesne University. I am a licensed professional counselor and hold national board certification.
I began my career in public child welfare, working for Allegheny County Department of Human Services, then coordinated the Court-Teams grant for ZERO TO THREE and Allegheny County Children’s Court and the College and Career Counseling grant for Woodland Hills School District, which culminated in recognition as the outstanding multi-level career development program by the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association. I moved to Canon-McMillan High School in Washington County in 2009 and oversaw college, career, scholarships, National Merit, school counselor communications and more while directly supporting a student caseload of almost 400 students. I was recognized as the 2018 Secondary School Counselor of the Year by PSCA and was a national finalist for the AASA Women in School Leader award in 2018.
Director of Research & Insights at Britebound
Caroline Healy is a researcher with a passion for understanding how young people learn and grow. She holds a PhD in STEM Education and a master’s degree in Mathematics from Tufts University, as well as a master’s degree in Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Drawing on her years of teaching mathematics across grade levels—from elementary classrooms to undergraduate courses—Caroline brings both deep analytical expertise and firsthand instructional experience to her work. She has led complex initiatives that integrate research, student voices, and data-driven decision-making. Caroline leads Britebound’s research strategy and translates data into meaningful insights that inform programs and policies aimed at helping young people make informed choices about their futures. Her specialties include advanced data analytics, mixed-methods research, and making complex findings accessible and actionable.
Senior Associate with Education Strategy Group
Tina Young is a Senior Associate with Education Strategy Group (ESG) and supports the organization’s secondary career readiness work. Her expertise focuses on helping states enhance their exploration and navigation efforts to help students identify pathways, career interests, and postsecondary options that speak to their strengths and passions. Tina has leveraged her policy analysis and research experience to contribute to Extending the Runway: A National Analysis Of Middle School Career Exploration, and has subsequently convened states in a community of practice to further their middle school career exploration policies and practices. Before joining ESG, Tina worked in policy analysis and research with the Florida Legislature and as a National Board Certified Teacher teaching social studies. Tina earned a Master’s degree in Education Policy, Planning, and Analysis from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Lead Presenter: Tyrone Neal
Are you a new school counselor, a current counselor already working in the field, or studying to become a school counselor? In this session, you will learn what teachers expect school counselors to do as part of their daily responsibilities. Based on the results of a survey given to teachers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, you will learn about the roles that are expected and how well counselors adhere to those roles. In addition, the relationship between what teachers expect and the ASCA national model are explored.
Lead Presenter: Diana Chandra
In this session, participants will learn how to transform data into direction using meaningful metrics to set, monitor, and evaluate achievement goals that drive student outcomes. Through practical examples, collaborative discussion, and real-world tools, attendees will explore strategies to identify achievement gaps, align goals with school improvement plans, and demonstrate the impact of their programs. Walk away ready to turn numbers into narratives and data into destinations for every student’s success, all while aligning your programming to the ASCA National Model 5th Edition.
Lead Presenter: Danielle Schultz
There are countless ways to get involved in the Pennsylvania school counseling community. Whether you’re a graduate student, a new school counselor or seasoned professional, opportunities await at every level to contribute to the profession. This presentation will highlight proactive ways you can increase your involvement at the district, local, state and national levels.
Lead Presenter: Katherine Precourt
Do you find transitioning students back to school after extended leave messy and confusing? Hear from a school counselor and school psychologist on how they partner to provide a comprehensive academic recovery structure that balances academic integrity with compassionate care. Case studies will highlight steps that prioritize clear communication and documentation between families, teachers, community partners, and students prior to, during, and upon their return.
Lead Presenter: Diana Chandra
Many students experience a dip in grades, motivation, & sense of belonging during the transition to middle school. With intentional transition support from school counselors, students are more likely to stay engaged & adjust well. This session highlights collaborative, effective strategies to strengthen the transition. Deep dive into orientation events, family partnerships, staff engagement, & peer mentoring to ensure every student begins middle school with confidence & connection. Participants will gain practical tools, ideas, assessment to enhance schoolwide transition planning.
Lead Presenter: Colleen Tortorella
Students experiencing grief and loss are in our schools and classrooms, yet support for this area of personal/social development is often reactive or brief. School Counselors have a pivotal role in supporting grieving K-12 students. Barriers to providing this support will be addressed. Several theoretical constructs will be discussed. Grief Group lessons will be shared. School counselors will leave this session feeling more confident in their role of advocating for grieving students opening up different pathways to successfully supporting grieving students.
Lead Presenter: Jane Kim
Device use is a challenge across generations, yet most children grow up without clear guardrails or formal education. Today’s students are digital natives whose online experiences are shaped more by algorithms than by choice. Session presents an evidence-based, systems approach to social media and AI literacy. Participants will explore how technology adoption affects children, school systems, and families, and how schools can guide use in ways that protect critical thinking and cognitive rigor.
Lead Presenter: Hayley King
Gather information on the 5th model and how it is similar and different from the ASCA 4th model; dive into changing terminology and documents. This presentation will provide a brief overview of information presented from ASCA and documents created by ASCA. Using the National Model framework document and other documents provided by ASCA; you will gain knowledge and understanding of the Fifth model Changes. You will receive an opportunity to discuss any questions and confusion related to the new model.
Lead Presenter: Jennifer Ross
Discover how the dynamic world of PVAAS data can empower you to make a meaningful impact on each student’s journey. We’ll explore practical ways to use student-level data to offer personalized college and career guidance, foster rich conversations in collaborative team settings, and shape school schedules that truly meet students’ needs. You’ll also gain helpful strategies for recommending courses and designing pathways that enhance student success.
Walk away with fresh insights, available resources, and a renewed sense of confidence in using PVAAS data to become a proactive leader in your school community. Let’s unlock new possibilities for every student!
Tentative
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Welcome with Zachary Watters, Board Chair
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Keynote Session with Laura Fridirici, Karen Rubican, Caroline Healy, and Tina Young
10:05 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Annual Business Meeting
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Closing with Emilia Mattucci, Executive Director
11:00 a.m. | View the Pre-Recorded Breakout Sessions at Your Convenience (available through May 15, 2026)
We will be offering up to 10 credit hours, including Act 48 hours, NCC hours, and CEUs through Lindenwood University.
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 PSCA Spring Virtual Conference!
MEMBER*
Professional | Associate
$50
MEMBER*
Retired | Student | Lifetime
$25
NON-MEMBER
$100
*Your PSCA membership must be good through March 13, 2026 to qualify for these rates.
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.
Cancellation Policy: If we are forced to cancel the PSCA 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 February 13, 2026. All cancellations before February 13, 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.
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.
National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: PSCA
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 PSCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
All intellectual property rights in and to the PSCA Spring Virtual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association 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 Pennsylvania School Counselors Association or the presenting speaker.
