January 23-25, 2025
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.
Keynote Session
January 24, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.
Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education.
When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator for the past 14 years, and a certified school counselor and licensed professional counselor for the past 5 years. Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her to realize students were having endless challenges that dealt with home, school, and peers. She later decided to become a school counselor in order to fully serve and connect with students campus-wide and in her community. This move enabled her to reach more students with social-emotional support and strategies/tools to enhance their resilience and relationships.
Recently recognized as the 2022 American School Counselor of the Year Finalist and 2021 Texas School Counselor of the Year, Ashley continues as a national speaker and advocate of the profession to teach students and educators to accept diversity, increase self-esteem, build character and maintain resilience. It is her divine belief that “Every human being has the unlimited potential to make positive change in one’s life.”
Ashley will also be presenting a breakout session.
Click the session title to learn more
Preconference Session
January 23, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
Like many of you, I have had classes, and often students, which led me to think, “How will I make it this year?” I have spent my career as a classroom teacher searching for and learning which strategies work with students. My only criteria: positive and practical! This session is designed for teachers who believe that every student has a gift to offer the world. We have to find ways to help them realize it.
Amie Dean, M.Ed., B.A. has worked in education for 28 years. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, four of which she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/ RTI Coordinator for her middle school. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is Nationally Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. With 28 years’ experience as an educator and 14 years as a professional consultant, Amie has worked with thousands of teachers, counselors and administrators in over 250 districts to improve best practices in behavior support, student engagement, and differentiated instruction. Amie has trained with Dr. Rick DuFour, Dr. Kay Burke, Dr. Spencer Kagan, Dr. Ruby Payne, and many others. Amie is also an author of many books, including Your Happy Heart, There’s No Dream Too Tall, and 15-Minute Focus: Behavior Interventions: Strategies for Educators, Counselors, and Parents and accompanying Workbook.
Amie will also be presenting a breakout session.
Preconference Session
January 23, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
We’re hearing the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion more and more. What exactly do these terms mean and more importantly, how do they factor into our relationships both at work and at home? During this interactive session, we’ll share ideas to develop a better understanding of how our policies and procedures can help or hinder our diversity and inclusion efforts. Attendees will work collaboratively to discover how best to:
As an experienced and energetic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional speaker and facilitator, Lisa specializes in counteracting unconscious bias and LGBTQ+ inclusion in business. Her impact is amplified through strengthening each person’s allyship. With a demonstrated history of working in secondary education and a passion toward community and social services, she is an expert in counseling, crisis intervention, educational leadership, and program development.
After receiving her Diversity & Inclusion certification from Cornell University, Lisa has also earned her LGBT Business Enterprise Certification from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Being an expert in LGBTQ+ issues has allowed her to present internationally and from coast to coast. Lisa also holds the Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner certification (IICDP) and a MS degree in Counseling.
Lisa’s speaking style can best be described as dynamic, energetic, and interactive. After 12 years of being a middle school counselor, she is now an adjunct instructor at Lakeland University training the next generation of school counselors.
Lisa will also be presenting a breakout session.
Preconference Session
January 23, 2025 | 2:00 p.m.
As School Counselors, we are often pulled in a million directions at once, and it’s so easy to get into the habit of giving more than humanly possible. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and need to develop better balance, join Dr. Dittmar in this interactive session about modeling the things we teach our students: boundaries, self-care, and optimism. And discover how to sustain this throughout the years of your career.
Dr. Loren Dittmar is a Professional School Counselor with 22 years of experience, including 17 years in schools and 5 years in clinical settings. He is the Director of School Counseling at a Title 1 high school in Charleston, SC. Loren is also an adjunct professor with 8 years of teaching experience. He is the current Director of the Emerging Leaders Program for the Palmetto State School Counselors Association and Co-Director of the PSSCA annual conference. Dr. Dittmar previously served on the Board of Directors of the California Association of School Counselors, and with his PhD in Psychology, he served as their lead expert in the development of the mental health section of the covid19k12counseling.org website.
Dr. Dittmar is a sought-after conference presenter on the topics of school mental health and suicide prevention. With his personal and professional experiences of loss due to suicide, his audiences not only have an incredibly moving experience, but walk away with practical tools and resources.
Loren has been married for 13 years to his wife, Cami, and they have 4 children, ages 9 through 20. Together they have fostered several children and their journey of raising an ‘expanded version’ of a family has brought a unique and real-world perspective to Loren’s presentations on various educational topics.
Preconference Session
January 23, 2025 | 2:00 p.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.
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).
Raychelle will also be presenting a breakout session.
Click the session title to learn more
Tentative
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025
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 24, 2025
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 – Ashley Wright
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 25, 2025
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
8:00 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 2025 PSSCA Conference!
Professional / Affiliate Member*
$170
Student & Retiree Member*
$99
Non-Member
$220
Member*
$60
Save $15 if you register by November 24th!
Non-Member
$95
Save $10 if you register by November 24th!
*Your PSSCA membership must be good through January 25, 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.
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 23, 2024. All cancellations before December 23, 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 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 $143 a night for single occupancy and $166 a night for double occupancy, plus tax (resort fee is waived). This rate is good on reservations made by January 6, 2025. 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 canceled, 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 French cage, Bistro 17, or ELA’S On The Water for award-winner views and fresh seafood. Shelter Cove also has shopping at places like A&M Provisions, an upscale food market, 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.
