October 19-21, 2022
Embassy Suites & Hampton Roads Convention Center
1700 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666

Virginia School Counselor Association Logo
Virginia School Counselor Assocation Conference October 19-21, 2022, header
Virginia School Counselor Association Conference October 19-21, 2022 header
Virginia School Counselor Association Conference October 19-21, 2022 header

Thanks for joining us for the 2022 Virginia School Counselor Association Conference!​

We look forward to seeing you next year.

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Dialogue-Powered by DialCare logo
Virginia529 logo
Gaggle logo
Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo
Army ROTC logo
College Board logo
The Barry Robinson Center logo
RV Technical Institute logo
College Funding Coach logo
Harmony SEL National University logo
SCUTA-The School Counselor's Advocate logo
Old Dominion University logo
SchooLinks Logo
US Army Recruiting (USAREC)
Virginia Department of Education logo
Milton Hershey School logo
ACT logo
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) logo
Virginia Lottery logo

Learn more about our Sponsors

ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Grounded in more than 60 years of research, ACT is a trusted leader in college and career readiness solutions. Each year, ACT serves millions of students, job seekers, schools, government agencies and employers in the U.S. and around the world.

For more information please contact MJ Malandrucco, Account Executive at mj.malandrucco@act.org or 484-994-7867.

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The U.S. Army ROTC partners with universities to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire college Cadets. ROTC provides the opportunity to go to college and train to become an Army Officer at the same time. Offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities, students can get the college experience along with a guaranteed career after graduation as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. For more information please contact richard.e.hutson2.civ@army.mil or (910) 643-3492.
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Since 1933, The Barry Robinson Center has been improving the lives of children. As a premier nonprofit organization, we’re keenly focused on our mission that gives families hope. On our 32-acre campus in Norfolk, Virginia, we offer exceptional behavioral health residential treatment for military-connected youth ages 11 to 17. We have served families from 40 states and several other countries. Our residential program includes a medical team, mental health professionals, licensed and accredited school, and therapeutic recreational activities to provide holistic treatment for each child. Besides the residential program, our innovative community-based services include therapeutic foster care and outpatient services.
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The College Board is the nation’s largest college-going organization, helping millions of students navigate the transition from high school to college each year through programs like the SAT, AP, and BigFuture. For more information please contact Valerie Keating, Director, K-12 – VA, State and District Partnerships at vkeating@collegeboard.org, or Libby Brown, Associate Director, K-12 – VA, State and District Partnerships at libbrown@collegeboard.org.
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The College Funding Coach® was founded in 2002 to help families better understand the complex strategies for saving and paying for college, making higher education more affordable. Through our free comprehensive educational workshop, Little-known Secrets of Paying for College, The College Funding Coach® team has helped thousands of elementary, middle and high school families save and pay for college without going broke! During this time of uncertainty, significant changes to the FAFSA, and lingering questions, The College Funding Coach has an unwavering focus on adding value for the parents, counselors, friends, and families we know and meet. For more information please contact Bernadette Boyle at bboyle@thecollegefundingcoach.org or 571.296.4075.
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 Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters consists of 41,000 of the most skilled and highly trained construction workers in Delaware, The District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Virginia, and West Virginia. Apprenticeships are conducted by specialty experts in several carpentry trades at state-of-the-art training facilities in our region.

For more information please contact Christopher Cohn, Event Coordinator, at ccohn@eascarpenters.org or at 732-803-9881.

Gaggle is the pioneer in helping K-12 districts manage student safety on school-provided technology. Our mission is to help ensure the safety and well-being of all students, supporting school districts in proactively identifying those who are struggling. We have helped thousands of districts across the country avoid tragedies and save lives.

For more information please contact Lisa Prescott, Regional Sales Manager at Lisa@gaggle.net or (731) 617-1311.

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Are you ready to Inspire Harmony in your schools?

Harmony SEL is a social and emotional learning (SEL) program for pre-K-6 grade students designed to foster communication, connection, and community in schools and out-of-school time organizations. Newly refreshed units available now!   This year we invite you to start on the path to success with a refreshed introduction to Harmony SEL Third Edition.

Inspire celebrates and supports pre- and in-service educators and staff with online professional development resources and educator SEL opportunities.

Check out our new Educator SEL modules, Understanding the Brain to Get to the Heart of SEL and Self-Compassion and Emotion Regulation for Educators.

For more information please contact Larryelle Phillips, Strategic Accounts Advisor at lphillips2@nu.edu or 443-388-2900.

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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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Welcome to Old Dominion University – an institution known for its ideal location, excellent education, and affordable tuition! ODU is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students, over 90 academic programs, and an energetic residential community.

Our  waterfront campus is located in the vibrant city of Norfolk, VA. From internship opportunities, shopping and dining, to beautiful beaches and historic sites, there’s always something to discover.

For more information contact Clayton Lott,  Admissions Counselor and Coach at  clott@odu.edu or (757) 683-7165.

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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, Mike McInerney at 630-388-9327 or at mikem@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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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.

For more information contact Mr. W. Aaron Hall at 804-461-8279.

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Save today for a brighter tomorrow! For more than twenty years, Virginia529 has helped millions of families plan and save for future college expenses. Now, its tax-advantaged 529 savings programs can help you save for all future higher education expenses, K-12 tuition at private and religious schools, student loan repayment and more. Visit our booth to learn more or to invite Virignia529 to your schools next event! For more information contact Brittany Bullock, Marketing Associate via bbullock@virginia529.com or at 804.767.1324.
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The Virginia Career and Learning Center for School Mental Health Professionals offers professional development and career opportunities for school counselors and other licensed school mental health professionals in Virginia’s Public Schools. Virginia’s Public Schools cultivate a positive work environment that promotes collaboration with school mental health professionals, who are critical in meeting the needs and maximizing the potential of all our students. For more information please contact Kristinne Stone, School Mental Health Grant Project Manager at kristinne.stone@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 786-0711.
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At the Virginia Lottery, we take playing seriously. Fun matters. Excitement matters. And so does the education of Virginia’s youngest residents. It’s the reason we play so enthusiastically. Every time a ticket is scratched or numbers are selected for the big jackpot, winners in education are created all over Virginia. Last year, the Lottery contributed more than $765 million to Virginia’s public schools.

For more information please contact, Eileen Rodgers, Community Relations Specialist, at 804.692.7774 or at erodgers@valottery.com.

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SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

Russ Sabella

Russell Sabella headshot

Carolyn Stone

Carolyn Stone headshot

RUSS SABELLA

Pre-Conference Session October 19, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Part 1: Working with Anxious Children and Teens: Strategies and Best Practices

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Anxiety is a normal part of living. It’s a biological reaction—the body’s way of telling us something isn’t right. However, for some people, anxiety is persistent, irrational, and overwhelming. It may interfere with daily activities and get in the way of student achievement. Dr. Sabella will overview various contributing factors to anxiety among children and adolescents and several practical interventions. Participants will learn about approaches, resources, and tools that they can deliver as part of a comprehensive school counseling program to help kids calm themselves down and help them stay on track.

Part 2: Solution Focused Brief Counseling and Teacher/Parent Consultation

ABOUT THIS SESSION: This experiential workshop is designed for both beginning and experienced school counselors, educators, and other human service professionals who want to learn an innovative approach to empower their students and stake holders to better recognize and utilize their strengths. This model uses a systematic, five-step approach in which students/parents focus on solutions rather than problems. They are encouraged to think about times when their problems did not exist, and how these times contributed to the absence of the problem, and how to recreate such circumstances in their present situations. Focus is on the students/parents strengths and abilities rather than their weaknesses. Solutions are derived by the students/parents themselves and therefore not only are they more involved in their success, but the solutions fit their unique lifestyles. Finally, because they find their own solutions that work, often self-esteem is increased. With this emphasis of counseling on solutions rather than problems, counseling becomes brief. SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Russell Sabella is currently a Professor of Counseling in the College of Health Professions & Social Work, Florida Gulf Coast University and President of Sabella & Associates. He is well known for his Technology Boot Camp for Counselors workshops conducted throughout the country. Dr. Sabella is Past President (2003-2004) of the American School Counselor Association. He has trained and consulted with thousands of school counselors, educators, parents, and organizational leaders throughout the country. Russ is the co-author of two books entitled Confronting Sexual Harassment Learning Activities for Teens and Counseling in the 21st Century: Using Technology to Improve Practice. He is also the author of the popular SchoolCounselor.com, A Friendly and Practical Guide to the World Wide Web as well as GuardingKids.com, A Practical Guide to Keeping Kids Out of High Tech Trouble.

CAROLYN STONE

Pre-Conference Session October 19, 2022 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

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 currently serves as the Ethics Chair for ASCA and has done so for 15 years. Carolyn will also be presenting two breakout sessions.

Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy

Olivia Carter

Olivia Carter headshot

The Hill We Climb: A Journey Toward Justice and Equity in Counseling

Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy

Keynote Session
October 20, 2022 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: Over the last couple of years, two enduring pandemics—COVID-19 and racial injustice–have impacted the education landscape and the emotional fabric of our country. From “Zoom fatigue” to racialized stress, the pandemics have required school counselors to address mounting numbers of traumatized students and longstanding issues of racial and educational injustice. Dr. Holcomb-McCoy will inspire counselors with a solid call to action. Climbing the hill of racial justice is steep; but school counselors can get to the top by acting with courage, love, and determination.

SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy is in her sixth year as Dean of the School of Education at American University. Previous to this role, she served as Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs (central administration) and Vice Dean of Academic Affairs (in the School of Education) at Johns Hopkins University. Also at Johns Hopkins, she was an associate professor at the University of Maryland College Park and Director of the School Counseling Program at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York.

Professional colleagues have recognized her with many awards for outstanding multicultural/diversity research, excellence in teaching, and exemplar service. She served as a Faculty Lilly Fellow at the University of Maryland and in 2016, she was selected as an American Counseling Association (ACA) Fellow for her significant contributions in scientific achievement and teaching. While at Johns Hopkins she developed and implemented the $25M Faculty Diversity Initiative and is the founder of three signature initiatives: AU’s Summer Institute on Education, Equity and Justice (SIEEJ), the Center for Postsecondary Readiness and Success, and the AU Teacher Pipeline Project, a partnership with the District of Columbia Public Schools and Friendship Charter Schools. The second edition to her book, School Counseling to Close the Achievement Gap: A Social Justice Framework for Success will be available this fall.

Because of her expertise in college advising and counseling, Dr. Holcomb-McCoy was selected to participate as a consultant to the Obama Administration’s Reach Higher Initiative. In July 2014, she was one of the plenary speakers at the White House’s Summit on Higher Education held at Harvard University.

Cheryl will also be presenting a breakout sessions.

School Counseling is Not the Junk Drawer of the School

Olivia Carter

Keynote Session
October 21, 2022 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION: School counselors are the leaders our schools need, but all too often we end up doing more “share” than is “fair.” With our unique brand of school counseling magic, we have the opportunity to build comprehensive school counseling programs and lead trauma-informed, equity-centered change in our schools. In School Counseling is Not the Junk Drawer of the School, Olivia Carter, ASCA 2021 School Counselor of the Year, shares creative ways to build your school counseling program, center your students’ lived experiences, and foster your own wellness.

SPEAKER BIO: Olivia Carter is the School Counselor Support Specialist for the Cape Girardeau School District in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Southeast Missouri State University. Prior to her current role, she was the elementary school counselor at Jefferson Elementary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where she developed a counseling program that promoted positive, trauma-informed changes throughout the school. Olivia has served as Vice President – Elementary, President-Elect, and is currently serving as President of the Southeast Missouri School Counselor Association. She has participated in the Missouri School Counselor Association Emerging Leader Program, and currently serves on the Program Committee for MSCA. In 2019 she was recognized as the Missouri School Counselor of the Year. In her ten years of working in public education, she has written for Forbes, collaborated with Education Week, and served on panels for the Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Education. Being a mother to two young children has ignited Olivia’s passion for equity-centered, trauma-informed comprehensive school counseling programs. She is honored to be recognized as the 2021 School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association.

Olivia will also be presenting a breakout sessions.

Paul Harris

Paul Harris headshot

Paul Harris

Featured Breakout Sessions

Pursuing Cultural Competence

ABOUT THIS SESSION: This session focuses on the internal work school counselors and other educators must do in order to implement equitable practices and policies with fidelity. In addition to defining cultural competence, this session curates a strength-based space within which we will explore the many factors that shape our respective worldviews and their implications. Through interactive exercises, participants will leave empowered to see themselves as the best strategy for promoting equity in their schools and districts.

Promote SEL in Black Male Student-Athletes

ABOUT THIS SESSION: The increased pressure on student athletes at younger ages is a national phenomenon. College recruiting in some sports begins as early as middle school. This pressure is exacerbated for Black males in America, given the disproportionate draw to and historic exploitation through sport. What level of social-emotional intelligence will be necessary for them to navigate that process well? How do we collaborate with coaches and other stakeholders to promote their social-emotional learning? Come learn about how to take a strengths-based approach to such collaborative and advocacy efforts on behalf of Black male student athletes. SPEAKER BIO: Dr. Paul C. Harris has served as a high school counselor in Virginia and as a counselor educator at the University of Virginia and Penn State University. His practice and research are designed to increase equity, access, and justice in schools. He is passionate about promoting the college and career readiness process of historically marginalized students, with an emphasis on Black male student-athletes. He currently serves on the Senior Advisory Board for The Professional Counselor journal. He is also the former president of the Virginia School Counselor Association and former member of the Board of Directors for the American School Counselor Association.
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