January 22-24, 2026
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Hilton Head Island, SC
We hope to see you next year!
Details to come.
ACT is transforming college and career readiness pathways with resources, assessments, and credentials that empower learners for education and workplace success.
For more information contact Chris Lefevre, Senior Account Executive at (319) 512-8922 or chris.lefevre@act.org.
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 email us at safedriver@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.
Harmony Academy offers educators professional learning and curriculum resources promoting healthy relationships. Harmony Curriculum provides comprehensive classroom materials to foster engaged learners and peer relationships. Harmony Professional Learning empowers educators through free modules and monthly webinars led by inspirational leaders, focusing on relationship building strategies. Visit harmony-academy.org for more information.
For more information contact John Coven at jcoven@nu.edu.
At MaiaLearning, we partner with South Carolina counselors to simplify college and career readiness. Our K-12 platform engages students in planning meaningful futures, streamlines Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) to reduce counselor workload, and provides tools for CTE, work-based learning, and CCR tracking. Backed by accurate state, county, and national career data, our customizable solutions ensure equity, foster efficiency, and empower counselors to inspire every student’s journey to success.
For more information contact Erin Ruffner, South Carolina resident and Regional Sales Manager at erin.ruffner@maialearning.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 Colleen Storey at ColleenStorey@QuaverEd.com or (629) 702-7060.
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 Tyler Woodall at twoodall@schoolinks.com
EXPLORE THE FUTURE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED
When you join the Army National Guard, you’re joining a team with purpose and setting yourself up for a successful future. You’ll gain job skills and leadership experience, and get a head start on a civilian career. Explore the many ways Guard service can accelerate your path.
For more information please contact us at (800) 404-2819.
Our advisers are based right here in South Carolina, and our loans are exclusively for South Carolina students and parents as well as students attending local schools. We are in the community, meeting with parents, hosting events at high schools and visiting college campuses. We offer families and school leaders trustworthy, transparent and personalized service because we’re truly invested in your and our state. We’ve been helping South Carolina students achieve their goals for 50 years.
For more information please contact Destra Capers, Director of Marketing & Outreach at dcapers@scstudentloan.org or (803) 612-5070.
Start College Here, a state-wide initiative of the SC Technical College System, equips prospective students and their influencers with resources about the value of a technical college education and helps them take the first step to pursue that education. With 134,000+ students, 16 main campuses and 64 satellite campuses, and over 1,000 degree and certificate programs, SC’s technical colleges are uniquely positioned to meet Gen Z’s and Gen Alpha’s changing expectations of higher education.
For more information contact Leah Andrews, Creative Director at (803) 896-5414 or andrewsl@sctechsystem.edu.
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.
For more information please contact Len Annetta, Ph.D., Col. (SCM),
Dean and Zucker Chair of Entrepreneurial Education Leadership at lannetta@citadel.edu.
The College Funding Coach® was founded in 2002 to help families better understand the complex strategies for paying for college and making higher education more affordable. Since that time, The College Funding Coach® team has been on a mission to help families make the college dream a reality…and still retire one day.
For more information please contact Mike Russell, Regional Director at mrussell@thecollegefundingcoach.org or at 919.360.8347.
For more information please contact Oliver Barnes at (843) 368-4431 or email oliver.barnes@thomasconcrete.com.
Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is in almost 1,000 colleges nationwide. It is an elective course that provides unrivaled leadership and management training. It allows students to maintain a regular academic schedule like any other college student while participating in ROTC training both in and out of the classroom. After graduation and completing the ROTC requirements, students will become an Officer serving full-time or part-time while still pursuing a civilian career.
For more information please contact Rich Hutson,4th BDE ROTC Recruitment Operations Officer at (910) 528-4450 or richard.e.hutson2.civ@army.mil.
Winthrop University students learn to be critical thinkers, informed citizens, and collaborative problem-solvers. To support this learning, we provide a distinctive general education core that is nationally recognized, a broad array of graduate programs and certificates, and co-curricular experiences that prepare our students to thrive in the communities and career paths of tomorrow.
For more information please contact Megan Rolf, Director of Recruitment at rolfm@winthrop.edu or (803) 323-2191.
Your Guide to Winthrop University
For busy school counselors and district administrators, Xello is the only K-12 software that genuinely engages every students in creating a plan for future success. With a program students love to use, Xello helps educators work more efficiently, effortlessly meet college and career readiness goals, and easily equip kids with the skills and knowledge to be future ready.
Learn how you can help every student, regardless of background, ability, or pathway, build their plan for future success!
For more information please contact Melissa Hutchison, Territory Manager, South Carolina at melissah@xello.world.
Click the session title to learn more
Keynote Session
January 23, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.
Over the last few years it has become evident that the plates of school counselors across the nation have become increasingly full of challenges, such as staff shortages, increased mental health needs for adults and students, increased rates of truancy, decreased rates of academic achievement, and a noticeable lack of social skills and conflict resolution across all developmental stages. This list could go on!
Redesigning our systems to be more proactive is an essential part of breaking the cycle of reactivity that oftentimes leads to burnout and frustrations. Discover frameworks, strategies, and best practices that will leave you feeling empowered to embrace new concepts that may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first, but might be exactly the new approach that is needed to transform our student supports to be more comprehensive across all service providers, preventative in practice, and inclusive of ALL students..
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As Senior Director of Professional Learning for Hatching Results, Terri Tchorzynski leads a team of nationally recognized trainers and consultants who work with school counselors and administrators across the country to develop comprehensive, data-informed programs that are centered on supporting the needs of ALL students. Prior to Terri’s current role with Hatching Results, she served 18 years in education as both a high school English teacher and school counselor. As a practicing school counselor, she led her department in becoming one of the first schools in the state of Michigan to become a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) and was named by the American School Counselor Association as the 2017 National School Counselor of the Year. As Terri travels the country to support the development of comprehensive school counseling programs, she continues to fuel her passions for both career development and the state of school counseling in Michigan as most recently having served as an Advisory Panel Member for the US Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education, as well as the President of the Michigan School Counselor Association.
Terri will also be presenting a breakout session.
Preconference Session
January 22, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
This session will equip you with effective and practical behavior interventions, strategies, and techniques that work! Topics include: 16 Proactive Strategies, understanding why misbehavior happens and strategies to de-escalate in tense moments.
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Shawna Griffin began her career in education in 2003. Since her start as a classroom teacher, she has held positions as a PBIS District Director and District Behavior Interventionist. Shawna believes that a team approach is vital in creating the best educational environment for all learners. School staff, students, and caregivers who work together to create and routinely monitor plans they’ve created help students succeed. Shawna blends her teaching experiences with the latest research to share practical tools and strategies with educators and administrators to meet the needs of all students. Her credentials include Ed.S. in Special Education Leadership, Licensed Restorative Practices Trainer through the International Institute of Restorative Practices and Certified Trauma & Resilience Practitioner for Education through STARR Commonwealth.
Shawna will also be presenting two breakout sessions.
Preconference Session
January 22, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
School counselors encounter legal and ethical dilemmas in 21st century learning environments almost every day. The ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors provides an opportunity to have difficult conversations regarding ethical dilemmas, while also providing direction for navigating the legal and ethical dilemmas encountered through the profession. Participants will develop an ethical decision-making framework for analyzing and resolving ethical and legal dilemmas through the application of the ASCA ethical standards, case and statutory law, and the most recent research in counseling. Through the discussion of the purpose of ethical standards, professional responsibilities, ethical concerns for practice, and current research and case law, participants will be given the opportunity to increase their understanding regarding the complexities of respecting a minors’ right to confidentiality, sole possession notes, caregiver rights, duty to warn, implementing suicidal ideation response efforts, AI/Chat GPT, and personal conduct.
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Franciene Sabens, M.S. Ed., LPC, NCC, is a litigation paralegal turned school counselor with nearly two decades of experience. Franciene serves as a board member for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and is a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Ethics Committee, and the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (a special NASDTEC Committee). In 2014 Franciene was named Illinois high school counselor of the year and honored by ASCA in 2016 at the White House as the Illinois state representative for the School Counselor of the Year ceremony. She contributed to the current Developmental Counseling Model for Illinois Schools, co-edited the second edition of the School Career Development Advisor Curriculum for the National Career Development Association, and is a frequent ASCA presenter and publication contributor. Franciene is passionate about enhancing the counseling profession by helping school counselors implement ethically aligned comprehensive programs that maintain the highest standards of integrity, leadership and professionalism while supporting students as they strive to reach their greatest potential.
Franciene will also be presenting two breakout sessions.
Preconference Session
January 22, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of school leaders encountering a crisis event during their tenure is high. Being well-prepared for crisis response equips school staff with the ability to think quickly and critically when such situations arise. In this session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively respond to crises within a school setting. School counselors, administrators, and educators will explore best practices and strategies to ensure the safety and mental well-being of students and staff during times of crisis.
This session is not a replacement for crisis prevention but provides attendees with skills and a knowledge base on how to respond once a crisis has occurred. The session will include interactive activities, case studies, and practical tools that participants can immediately apply to their school environments.
Attendees will learn how to:
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Dr. Michelle Sircy has served in public education for over 20 years. Her service includes work as a special education teacher, high school counselor, specialist for school counseling services for Jefferson County/Louisville, KY Public Schools, where she led over 300 school counselors, and she currently serves as the Coordinator for Comprehensive School Counseling at the Kentucky Department of Education. Dr. Sircy is also an adjunct professor at Spalding University where she teaches courses in the school counselor preparation program.
While at JCPS, she co-led the district crisis team, where she developed over 400 personalized crisis plans for schools throughout the last 10 years. Dr. Sircy also led suicide prevention efforts for 70,000 students in grades 2nd-12th, and with over 15,000 adults. Dr. Sircy is the past president of the Kentucky Counseling Association, Kentucky high school counselor of the year, and the Kentucky school counselor advocate of the year. She has led numerous national trainings on the school counselor’s role in equity work, school counseling data, how to be an ally, new school counselor academies, and comprehensive systems of support for students.
Michelle Sircy is also the author of 15-Minute Focus: School-Based Crisis Response, a book that provides clear, actionable steps to navigate the complex landscape of school crisis response. Her passion resides in improving mental health services, leading school counselor work in addressing racial equity at the school level, data driven school counseling and empowering school based mental health teams to develop, plan and support students through various crisis.
Michelle will also be presenting two breakout sessions.
Click the session title to learn more
Tentative
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration Open
1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Learning Sessions
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PSSCA Board Meeting
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration Open
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Opening Session Welcome, Roll Call, Awards, and Keynote Speaker – Terri Tchorzynski
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Breakout (Program) Session One
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Break – Boxed Lunches (Share Level Sessions)
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Breakout (Program) Session Two
1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Graduate Student Poster Sessions
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakout (Program) Session Three
3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Breakout (Program) Session Four
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Members Mingle and Silent Auction Winners
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Fun Run/Walk (weather permitting)
7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration Open
7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Exhibits Open
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakout (Program) Session Five
9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Break – Visit Exhibitors
9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Breakout (Program) Session Six
10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Break – Final Chance to Visit Exhibitors
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Breakout (Program) Session Seven
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Business Meeting and Door Prizes
You can save on your conference registration by becoming a PSSCA member! Please visit the PSSCA website and become a member or renew your annual membership. Please contact PSSCA directly for all membership questions.
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 PSSCA Conference!
Professional / Affiliate Member*
$175
Student & Retiree Member*
$105
Non-Member
$225
Member*
$65
Save $15 if you register by November 23rd**!
Non-Member
$100
Save $10 if you register by November 23rd**!
*Your PSSCA membership must be good through January 24, 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.
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.
Please Note: If we are forced to cancel the PSSCA 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 December 22, 2025. All cancellations before December 22, 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 PSSCA 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
Two Grasslawn Avenue
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Reservation information coming soon.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, the Conference’s host hotel, has a conference rate of $147 a night for single occupancy or $171 a night for double occupancy, plus tax (resort fee is waived). This rate is good on reservations made by January 5, 2026. Rooms are limited, and may fill up before the cutoff. The conference rate includes breakfast vouchers to use for a full hot breakfast each morning. The resort includes a variety of complimentary amenities and benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel rooms.
Reservations can be cancelled, without penalty, up to five days prior to arrival date; cancellations made inside of the five day window will incur a one night fee.
Inquiries can be sent to Raquel.D.Wood@westin.com.
You can also book a room by calling (888) 236-2427 or 843-681-4000 ext. 7302. If using the 1-800 number, choose Reservations. Once on the line with an agent mention you are with the Palmetto State School Counselor group.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
1 Dillon Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
The Hampton Inn has a conference rate of $129. This rate is good on reservations made by January 2, 2025. Rooms are limited, and may fill up before the cutoff. The conference rate includes a complimentary breakfast each morning.
You can also book a room by calling (800) HAMPTON or 843-681-7900 ext. 7325. Be sure to mention you are with the PSSCA Conference Overflow or the group code “P25.”
OVERFLOW HOTEL
836 William Hilton Pkwy
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Home2Suites has a conference rate of $129. This rate is good on reservations made by January 10, 2025. Rooms are limited, and may fill up before the cutoff. The conference rate includes a complimentary breakfast each morning.
You can also book a room by calling (843) 802 -2700. Be sure to mention you are with the PSSCA Conference or the group code “90A”.
In the evening, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. There is so much to do on Hilton Head Island. Visit the Tanger Outlets for shopping at places like Ann Taylor, Coach, LOFT Outlet, or Pandora. Or you can visit Shelter Cover Harbor & Marina for shopping and dining on the water. Eat at the Hilton Head Social Bakery, Bistro 17, or ELA’S On The Water for award-winner views and fresh seafood. Shelter Cove also has shopping at places like Neptune’s Niche for gifts and souvenirs, and Nash Gallery for handcrafted jewelry, blown glass, ceramics, and furniture. Hilton Head Island has a variety of options for your entertainment.
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: PSSCA
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 PSSCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
All intellectual property rights in and to the Palmetto State School Counselor Association (PSSCA) Annual Conference (“the Event”), the content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by PSSCA 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 PSSCA or the presenting speaker.
