September 25-27, 2022
Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center
1200 Conference Center Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

TNSCALI logo

Thanks for joining us for the 2022 Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute!​

We look forward to seeing you next year.

PRESENTING AND OPERATING SPONSOR

PRESENTING AND OPERATING SPONSOR

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Corporate Sponsors

Foundation Sponsors

HUGH & CHARLOTTE MACLELLAN CHARITABLE TRUST

Learn more about our Sponsors

Bethel University’s Dual Enrollment program provides an opportunity for qualified high school juniors and seniors to begin their college education while still in high school. This program offers an affordable and efficient way to gain a head start on earning a college degree. Courses are taught by qualified instructors and either at the high school or through an online learning format. Credits earned can be applied to Bethel’s wide variety of degrees and programs with an opportunity to receive a Dual Enrollment scholarship. Credits can also be transferred to the college or university of the student’s choice.

For more information please contact Craig Lunn, Director of Dual Enrollment at lunnc@bethelu.edu or at 731.352.6329.

Care Solace® is a mental health care coordination service on a mission: ensure equitable access to care, regardless of circumstances. We work alongside school districts to help their students, staff, and families quickly find mental health or substance use providers matched to their needs. Our services include Care Loop®, our proprietary software for case management and referral tracking, Care Match™, our online tool for self-referrals, and Care Companions™, our coordination team for 24/7/365 multilingual assistance. Founded in 2017, Care Solace serves 3M students and 12M staff and family members in over 400 school systems nationwide.

For more information please contact Mark Tipton at mark.tipton@caresolace.org or 423-650-6705.

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Centerstone is a not-for-profit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth, school-based services, and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs.

For more information please contact David Schrader, Corporate Communications Manager at david.schrader@centerstone.org or (615) 406-8232.

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CollegeforTN aims to prepare students and their families from across the state for their ideal college and career. This year, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation are relaunching the CollegeforTN.org website with new tools and resources to help students research and organize their college, career, and financial aid search. CollegeforTN: You can get there from here!

For more information please contact Jessie Greene, Coordinator of College Access Communications at jessie.greene@tn.gov or at 615.741.1318.

The College Funding Coach® was founded in 2002 to teach parents how to EFFICIENTLY pay for college without destroying their retirement nest egg! The College Funding Coach is the only national organization brought into elementary, middle, and high schools to teach parents how to pay for college without going broke! For 20 years, The College Funding Coach has worked with counselors and school administrators across the country, educating parents through our nationally acclaimed free parent workshop, “Little Known Secrets of Paying for College. With significant changes to the FAFSA and the reduction of financial aid at many colleges and universities, The College Funding Coach has never been more needed for parents looking to reduce their out-of-pocket costs for their children’s college education.

For more information contact Demetrius Doss at ddoss@thecollegefundingcoach.org or at 703.340.6911.

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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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The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.

For more information please contact Cory Watkins, Chief Strategy Officer at corywatkins@jasonfoundation.com or at 615.264.2323.

Federal Reserve Education provides various resources for teaching about careers, the economy, personal finance, and more.

For more information contact Jackie Morgan, Outreach Senior Advisor
at jackie.morgan@atl.frb.org or (615) 251-7239.

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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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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, Dan Masker at 402.871.5846 or at dan@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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The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Commission develops, implements, and evaluates postsecondary education policies and programs in Tennessee while coordinating the state’s systems of higher education. THEC is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), a non-profit corporation created in 1974, administers over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment grant. To increase awareness and participation in these financial aid programs, the agency conducts outreach and training to students and staff at every high school and postsecondary institution in the state. TSAC also works directly with postsecondary financial aid offices to improve program effectiveness, compliance, and efficiency.

For more information please contact Jason Seay, Senior Director of Outreach at jason.seay@tn.gov or at 615.253.7459.

Enlisting in the Tennessee ARMY National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime, and earn pride for life. Learn more about the opportunities in the Tennessee ARMY National Guard.

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The U.S. Army provides state-of-the-art training in a multitude of career fields from Culinary to Aviation to Medical and Engineering to name a few. Learn about free education resources the Army offers to students and teachers. Connect with the Education Services representative who can provide presentations on these resources, Army benefits, and college/financial aid information to you, your parents, or your school!

For more information contact Ms. Abigail Murdock, Education Services Specialist at abigail.l.murdock.civ@mail.mil or at 615.289.138.

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SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

Michele Borba

Keynote Speaker

Carolyn Stone

Keynote Speaker

The Critical Need for Caring Champions

Michele Borba

Opening Keynote Session
September 26, 2022 | 8:30 a.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Study after study shows that during adversity, the single, most important thing kids need is the calming presence of an adult champion. In this keynote, Dr. Michele Borba shares inspiring stories and examples of real educators who are those champions and prove they make a difference that helps our students bounce back and thrive. The key, she says, it that they use what we already have within us: hope, empathy, atmosphere, resilience, and trust (heart). Each of these concepts is ordinary, doable and doesn’t cost a dime but can transform our children’s lives both now and later.

SPEAKER BIO: Michele Borba, Ed.D. is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting, child and bullying expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children’s empathy, social-emotional intelligence and character, and reduce peer cruelty. A sought-after motivational speaker, she has presented keynotes throughout the world and served as a consultant to hundreds of schools and corporations, including the Pentagon and many US Army bases. Her proposal: “Ending School Violence and Bullying” (SB1667) was signed into California law in 2002. She offers realistic, research-based advice culled from a career of working with over one million parents and educators worldwide.

Dr. Borba is a frequent NBC contributor who has appeared 140 times live on the TODAY show and countless other shows. She’s a media spokesperson for numerous corporations, and a consultant to McDonalds and Disney. Borba is the award-winning author of 24 books translated into 14 languages. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Educator Award (presented by the National Council of Self-Esteem) and the National Child Safety Award of 2016 by Child Safety Network.

Dr. Borba is a former classroom teacher with a wide range of teaching experience, including work in a private practice with children with learning, and emotional disabilities She received a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of San Francisco, an M.A. in Learning Disabilities and B.A. from the University of Santa Clara, and earned a Life Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. She lives in Palm Springs, California with her husband and has three grown sons.

Michele will also be presenting a breakout session.


Legal Literacy and Ethical Practice in the Complex World of School Counseling

Carolyn Stone

Closing Keynote Session
September 27, 2022 | 11:15 a.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: 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 recent court developments. Legal rulings will be highlighted in areas such as sexually active students, bullying, academic advising, child abuse, educational records, and sexual harassment, first amendment rights, and transgender youth. The goal is to facilitate participants’ legal literacy and provide guiding principles to support best ethical practice.

SPEAKER BIO: Carolyn Stone, Ed.D., is a Professor of Counselor Education at the University of North Florida (UNF). Dr. Stone is a Past President of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). 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.

Carolyn will also be presenting a breakout session.

Melisa Marsh

Pre-Institute Speaker

Natalie Spencer Gwyn

Pre-Institute Speaker

Raychelle Cassada Lohmann

Pre-Institute Speaker

Depression: Signs and Strategies

Melisa Marsh

Pre-Institute Speaker
September 25, 2022 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: While depression is a common problem in the world today, it often goes unreported and untreated. Many of our students believe they are dealing with this disease alone and in isolation. In this training, participants will be offered tools for intervention so that no student has to struggle alone. We will cover topics such as:

  • What is depression
  • Signs and symptoms of depression in schools
  • How school staff can support students with depression
  • Successful management of depression

SPEAKER BIO: Melisa Marsh, Ph.D. currently serves as the Supervisor of School Counseling for the Cobb County school district in Marietta, GA., where she coordinates the development and supervision of school counseling, student advisement, crisis response, and Hospital Homebound programs. She has 17 years of experience in filling the roles of Georgia State High School Counselor, Supervisor of Counseling, and School Counseling and Advisement Consultant. Melisa received her Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Personnel Services and her Specialist Degree in School Counseling from the University of Georgia. She received her Advanced Masters in School Counseling Program from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Marsh is also the author of two books in the 15-Minute Focus series: Suicide: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention and Depression: Signs and Strategies for Counselors, Educators, and Parents. Missy lives in the Atlanta Metro area with her husband and puppy. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, yoga, cycling, running, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Melisa will also be presenting two breakout sessions.


Connecting the Dots: Advancing Equity is Schools Using a Trauma-Informed and Social Emotional Learning Framework

Natalie Spencer Gwyn

Pre-Institute Speaker
September 25, 2022 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: We’ve all heard these terms before: Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Trauma Informed Practices and Equity. Too often school
counselors, teachers, and administrators focus on one factor that can impact a child’s learning and not the intersections of all three. Many children attending schools today (virtual and in person) experience traumas that impact their ability to identify, effectively express, and manage emotions. In addition, the impact of race and cultural diversity can further impact a child’s overall coping strategies when experiencing adverse situations. SEL, trauma informed practices and equity intersect in a powerful way and we can no longer ignore the impact on education and children.

In this session, attendees will learn practical interventions that can be implemented to build SEL competencies along with an emphasis on equity and trauma informed practices.

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Natalie Spencer Gwyn is an Assistant Professor at North Carolina A&T State University. She was previously a high school counselor and student assistance counselor (SAP) for many years before moving into higher education. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She later earned a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from North Carolina State University. Dr. Spencer is the author of Mindful Practices for Helping Troubled Teens and 15-Minute Focus – Diversity, Bias, and Privilege. She is also a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of North Carolina, and owns her own private practice, Natalie Spencer Counseling and Consulting. Dr. Spencer Gwyn has presented her research on the local, state, and national level.

Natalie will also be presenting two breakout sessions.


Understanding and Managing Disruptive Behaviors in Schools

Raychelle Cassada Lohmann

Pre-Institute Speaker
September 25, 2022 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Nationwide schools are experiencing a rise in disruptive student behaviors. Behavioral issues can adversely impact the school environment leading to more peer-to-peer conflict, classroom disruptions, and even staff exhaustion. Educators know firsthand the amount of time spent on disciplining and redirecting challenging behaviors. In this interactive session, you will learn how to accurately assess and interpret challenging behaviors and effectively identify the antecedents for disruptive outbursts. Additionally, you will learn evidence-based coping skills to help your students manage their emotions and control their behavior, leading to more favorable outcomes. This session will help equip you with the essential knowledge to help your students minimize challenging behaviors and maximize academic, emotional, and social success.

SPEAKER BIO: Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, Ph.D., LCMHCS, ACS, GCDF is a counselor educator, clinical mental health counselor, and author of numerous books, including 15-Minute Focus: Anger, Rage and Aggression, The Anger Workbook for Teens, The Bullying Workbook for Teens, and The Sexual Trauma Workbook for Teen Girls. Raychelle has expertise in a wide range of issues affecting adolescents, from anger and aggression to anxiety and depression to sexual abuse and bullying. Raychelle attended North Carolina State University, where she received her B.A. in psychology, her M.S. in counselor education and her Ph.D. in counseling and counselor education. With over 20 years in the counseling profession, Raychelle has devoted much of her time to working with children, adolescents, parents and educators.

Raychelle will also be presenting two breakout sessions.