October 18-20, 2023
Embassy Suites & Hampton Roads Convention Center
1700 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
We hope to see you next year!
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.
The Barry Robinson Center provides a holistic environment that sets military-connected youth and their families on the path to healing. Our staff includes qualified and compassionate therapists, teachers, counselors, doctors, nurses, and dietitians. Our beautiful, open, college-like campus provides a safe and serene setting for programs designed to help military-connected youth and their families overcome emotional and behavioral difficulties.
For more information please contact Lauren DeSimone at LDeSimone@barryrobinson.org or 757-347-0123.
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters consists of 43,000 of the most skilled and highly trained construction workers in Delaware, The District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Apprenticeships are conducted by specialty experts in several carpentry trades at 17 state-of-the-art training facilities in our region.
For more information please contact Frank Mahoney, Communication Director, at fmahoney@eascarpenters.org or 267-618-3416.
Longwood University—one of Virginia’s oldest public universities— is always looking forward. It’s why we created Civitae, our distinct approach to education that connects people, ideas and actions. Students explore topics that matter most to them. Learn from experienced faculty—not just teaching assistants. And take part in research, internships, and our immersive Brock Experiences all starting their first year.
What connections will you make? Discover more at Longwood.edu/about.
For more information contact Jason “Ferg” Ferguson, Dean of Admissions at (434) 395-2139 or fergusonjm@longwood.edu.
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 contact Margaret Rich at Richm@mhs-pa.org.
Oasis Education helps schools reduce wait times for mental health services by offering same-day Support Counseling appointments with mental health professionals (Noon-3am). We also provide on-demand courses and strategic learning paths that build stress tolerance, growth mindsets, and self-efficacy.
These support services are offered within a highly accessible and secure platform that can be downloaded on any web browser, iOS, and Android device.
Contact us to schedule a demo!
For more information please contact Sam Harper, Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer at (724) 252-4021 or sam@oasisapp.com.
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 Jaira Rahman-Bowman, Admissions Counselor and Coach at jrahman@odu.edu or (757) 683-6103.
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 Khalid Daniels, Director of Sales at khalid@quavered.com or 615-975-2030.
ROX trains female school counselors & educators to deliver evidence-based programs to girls in grades 5-12. The ROX Program for Girls is a co-curricular experience with a 20-lesson curriculum that has been proven effective with more than 40,000 girls since 2006. Curricula focus on: Girl drama & bullying, healthy relationships, social media, body image, stress and coping. 90% of participants report that ROX is the thing they like best about School. Partner with us to empower your girls with ROX!
For more information please contact Nancy Willis, Program Director at nancywillis@rulingourexperiences.com. or (614) 783-1058 .
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.
When you support students joining the U.S. Army, you increase their chances in college. They’ll gain access to tuition assistance options that pay for all or part of college. The Army provides state-of-the-art skill training in a career fields from Culinary to Aviation to Medical and Engineering. The Army also has for you March2Success.com, a FREE standardized test prep course. To learn more, visit armyedspace.com, call an Army Education Specialist at 301.395.0776, or stop by the Army booth.
For more information please contact Baron McCombs, Ph.D., CA, Retired Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent, HCS, FL at baron.mccombs.civ@army.mil or (301) 395-0776.
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.
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.
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 contact Kristinne Stone, School Mental Health Grant Project Manager at (804) 786-0711 or kristinne.stone@doe.virginia.gov.
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 $779 million to Virginia’s public schools. The Virginia Lottery is a WIN for public education in the Commonwealth!
For more information please contact Eileen Rodgers, Senior Communications Specialist at (804) 692-7774 or erodgers@valottery.com.
Xello is an engaging, online program that helps K-12 students define their future goals and transform their aspirations into actionable plans for success. The program puts students at the center of their college and career planning experience. It helps them build self-knowledge, explore their options, create a plan, and develop the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in the world of work.
Kim “Tip” Frank
Pre-Conference Speaker
Jessica Sinarski
Pre-Conference Speaker
Kim “Tip” Frank
Pre-Conference Session
October 18, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
With young people increasingly tethered to Smartphones and digital devices, there has been a sharp increase of serious problems such as anxiety and depression. There is also a direct link to other problems such as social skills deficits, exploitation of young people (bullying, predators), raging, violence and addictions not to mention a negative educational impact. Tip lays out eight specific problems that the “iGen” faces in our technology-laden world. He identifies these concerns in stating how to take careful “MEASURES” when teaching young people how to have a healthy relationship with today’s technology. Tip will bring out ideas from his book Lost and Found: Rescuing Our Kids from Video, Screen, Technology, and Gaming Addictions to proactively head off these eight problems. However, if a young person is developing or has an addiction to screens be it social media, video games, etc., clear direction is given on how to get “unplugged” and get the help needed for recovery.
SPEAKER BIO:
Kim “Tip” Frank, longtime school counselor and therapist, has had the privilege of helping thousands
of students, formerly as a teacher, and more recently, as a counselor/therapist. Tip worked in the public school setting for over 20 years and now maintains a thriving, private counseling practice. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, including Battling the Blues. His books cover many topics, such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, social skills, grief, technology and gaming addictions, divorce and separation, and presents nationally on these topics.
Tip Frank will also be presenting two breakout sessions.
Jessica Sinarski
Pre-Conference Session
October 18, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
The weight of stress, worry, and trauma can have lasting impacts on both body and brain. This shows up in every area of school life – from the classroom to the lunchroom to the staff lounge! Take some time to dig into your backpack and learn strategies to set aside the “books” you’re not meant to carry. Participants will learn concrete tools for lightening the emotional load for staff and students. Trauma-expert and author Jessica Sinarski weaves in the latest brain science to make this inspirational session a lasting change-maker!
SPEAKER BIO:
Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH equips parents and professionals to be healers for hurting children. Weaving user-friendly brain science into everything she does, Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician, consultant, and parent educator led her to create BraveBrains, a resource and training platform for home, school, and community. She is also the author of the Riley the Brave picture books, What’s Inside Your Backpack?, and Hello, Anger.
Jessica partners with school districts and child welfare agencies across the country to better incorporate effective trauma-sensitive practices into their work. She also shares her expertise as a contributor to magazines, blogs, and podcasts. When not writing and training, she continues to work as a bilingual therapist and clinical supervisor at an innovative adoption support agency.
Jessica Sinarski will also be presenting two breakout sessions.
Click the title of the session to read the description
Paul Harris
Keynote Speaker
Jaime Kurtz
Keynote Speaker
Paul Harris
Keynote Session
October 19, 2023 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
Racial justice in schools remains an urgent need. However, there are myriad barriers to pursuing this reality, and such challenges are becoming more and more sophisticated and impervious to any moral imperative. How can school counselors apply their knowledge of social emotional learning to overcome these barriers and cultivate equity and inclusion? What does integrity in school counseling look like when political pressures to silence such efforts are so strong? This energizing, engaging and encouraging keynote will address these and many more questions and leave participants with practical guidance for cultivating a racially just school counseling program.
SPEAKER BIO:
Dr. Paul Harris serves as founder of Integrity Matters, LLC, which exists to promote racial justice and equity through social emotional learning in K-16 educational and athletic settings, as well as in faith communities.
He previously served as a tenured Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Penn State University and the University of Virginia, and as a high school counselor in Newport News and Loudoun County, Va.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine and his Master’s degree in K-12 School Counseling from the University of Virginia, and his Ph.D. In Counselor Education from the University of Maryland. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University.
Dr. Harris will also be presenting a breakout session.
Jaime Kurtz
Keynote Session
October 20, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
Dr. Kurtz will describe recent research from the field of positive psychology, focusing specifically on the states of happiness, social connection, and resilience. In this keynote presentation, she will teach you practical tips on how to build these resources, particularly when times are tough, and will explain just why they are so important for a well-lived life.
Jaime will also be presenting a breakout session.
SPEAKER BIO:
Jaime Kurtz, Ph.D, is a Professor of Psychology at James Madison University. Her research on happiness has been published in top journals and cited in media outlets such as The New York Times, the Washington Post, and ABC News. She is the author of the 2017 book The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations, She recently worked with Audible and The Great Courses to write and record the audiobook The Psychology of Happiness and is currently co-authoring a book on scientifically supported tips for building social connection and combatting loneliness.
Dr. Kurtz will also be presenting a breakout session.
Click the title of the session to read the description
Teshia Stovall Dula
Featured Breakout Presenter
Teshia Stovall Dula
Featured Breakout Sessions
Thursday, October 19, 2023
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
Many school counselors aren’t comfortable presenting classroom lessons, especially if they weren’t teachers before their school counseling career. Learn three effective tools to use for classroom management. Using higher-order thinking skills, active learning strategies and adult learning theory, you’ll discover ways to improve both your classroom lessons and management skills.
After attending this session, you will be able to:
SPEAKER BIO:
Teshia Stovall Dula, Ed.S., began her career in school counseling in 1998. Dula also works as an adjunct professor! She has written two books, her first published book, STEAM for The School Counselor, has won two awards! Dula is a proud two-time graduate of Hampton University, where Dula received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. In 2014, she received her Specialist from Liberty University and is currently pursuing her doctorate. Her career awards include the 2011 Recognized ASCA Model Program Award; 2018 GCPS Writer of the Year; 2018 GSCA Writer of the Year; 2020 GCPS Middle School Counselor of the Year; 2020 GSCA School Counselor of the Year; 2022 Finalist American School Counselor of the Year. She enjoys Jazzercise, reading, writing, and playing! She is married to Michael, a fun Physical Therapist, and she is the proud Mom to Michael “Harrison,” Nathaniel, and Alyssa.
Teshia Stovall Dula
Featured Breakout Sessions
Thursday, October 19, 2023
ABOUT THIS SESSION:
Focus on authentically and honestly discussing multicultural differences. Let’s “spill the tea” and be real. Addressing our differences directly will allow us to get to our core business – supporting all students to be college and career ready.
After attending this session, you will be able to:
SPEAKER BIO:
Teshia Stovall Dula, Ed.S., began her career in school counseling in 1998. Dula also works as an adjunct professor! She has written two books, her first published book, STEAM for The School Counselor, has won two awards! Dula is a proud two-time graduate of Hampton University, where Dula received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. In 2014, she received her Specialist from Liberty University and is currently pursuing her doctorate. Her career awards include the 2011 Recognized ASCA Model Program Award; 2018 GCPS Writer of the Year; 2018 GSCA Writer of the Year; 2020 GCPS Middle School Counselor of the Year; 2020 GSCA School Counselor of the Year; 2022 Finalist American School Counselor of the Year. She enjoys Jazzercise, reading, writing, and playing! She is married to Michael, a fun Physical Therapist, and she is the proud Mom to Michael “Harrison,” Nathaniel, and Alyssa.
Click the title of the session to read the description
1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration & Information Center Open
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Sessions
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. “Meet and Greet” Welcome Reception (Embassy Suites Manager’s Reception)
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration & Information Center Open
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast (available in the Exhibit Area)
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Opening Session with Featured Speaker and Keynote Speaker – Paul Harris
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Transition Break
10:15 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Breakout Session 1
11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. Break with Exhibitors
11:35 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. Breakout Session 2
12:25 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. Box Lunch (available in the Exhibit Area)
1:25 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Breakout Session 3
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Graduate Student Career Cafe
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Break with Exhibitors
2:45 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. Breakout Session 4
3:35 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. Transition Break
3:50 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. Breakout Session 5
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Networking Social (Embassy Suites Manager’s Reception)
8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Evening Activity – Music Trivia
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration & Information Center Open
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Exhibits Open
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast (available in the Exhibit Area)
8:30 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. Breakout Session 6
9:20 a.m. – 9:35 a.m. Transition Break
9:35 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Breakout Session 7
10:25 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Morning Break & Exhibit Area – Last Chance!
11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Breakout Session 8
11:50 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Transition Break
12:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. Awards Luncheon & Closing Keynote Speaker – Jaime Kurtz
NBCC Hours
VSCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6066. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. VSCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
To receive NBCC hours you MUST complete an evaluation for each session attended via this link: https://tinyurl.com/VSCANBCChours. All session evaluations must be completed by October 31st.
If you would like to print out a Certificate of Attendance for attending this year’s conference please go to https://dashboard.ascaconferences.org. Please note that this certificate may satisfy most division’s continuing education requirements, but does NOT meet the requirements for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
VSCA will offer a scaled-back virtual option for those who are unable to travel to Hampton. Three sessions from the featured speakers on Thursday’s schedule, including the opening keynote on that day, will be available to view after the conference, so three hours of professional development can be earned. Of course this cannot replace the experience of being in-person, but we know not everyone is able to make the trip. Please click the button for details.
Professional Member*
$50
Graduate Student/Retiree/Emeritus Member*
$40
Non-Member
$75
Professional Member*
Conference : $170
With Membership*: $210
Graduate Student/Retiree/Emeritus Member*
Conference : $120
With Membership*: $140
Non-Member
Conference : $230
Onsite registration adds $20 to your rate, so register now! Details on the registration form below.
Thursday ONLY
Conference : $130
With Membership**: $170
Friday ONLY
Conference : $130
With Membership**: $170
Onsite registration adds $20 to your rate, so register now! Details on the registration form below.
*Your VSCA membership must be good through October 20, 2023 to qualify for these rates. To take advantage of the discounted Member prices, renew your membership on the VSCA website or bundle your membership with your conference registration. Professional Members are $40 annually and Graduate Student/Retired Emeritus Members are $20 annually.
**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.
Please Note: If we are forced to cancel the VSCA 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 September 18, 2023. All cancellations before September 18, 2023 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 VSCA Conference will conform to all necessary regulations/guidelines that are in place as of the date of the conference.
The sponsors of the conference receive registrant contact information.
VENUE & HOST HOTEL
1700 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
Reservation information coming soon.
The Embassy Suites, the Conference’s host hotel, has a conference rate of $136, plus tax. This rate is valid while rooms are available. The price includes full, cook-to-order breakfast and evening Manager’s Reception. This rate is valid through September 28, 2023.
You can also book a room by calling (757) 827-8200 or (800) 362-2779. Be sure to mention the Group Code: VSC.
OVERFLOW HOTEL
1999 Power Plant Pkwy
Hampton, VA 23666
Reservation information coming soon.
The Hilton Garden Inn has a conference rate of $124 per night, plus tax, which remains valid for reservations made by September 19, 2023, while rooms are available.
You can also book a room by calling (757) 827-8200 or (800) 362-2779. Be sure to mention the group code VSCA23.
OVERFLOW HOTEL:
1917 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
Reservation information coming soon.
The Courtyard Hampton Coliseum Central has a conference rate of $119-$159 per night, plus tax, valid for the nights of Wednesday, October 18th and Thursday, October 19th. This rate remains valid for reservations made by October 4, 2023, while rooms are available.
You can also book a room by calling (800) 304-9288. Be sure to mention that you are with National Center for Youth Issues Virginia School Counselor Association Conference.
In the evening, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Visit the Peninsula Town Center, less than a mile from the Embassy Suites! At the Town Center, enjoy shopping at the Loft, Yankee Candle, Sephora, Forever 21, Barnes & Noble, and many more. You can sit back and relax at the many restaurants, such as Abuelo’s, Avenue Blue, Outback and My Pi, along with others. The Peninsula Town Center has a premium movie theater with leather recliners and gourmet food, so you can finally watch that movie you have been wanting to see.
Click here to see all the fun you can have at the Peninsula Town Center.
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: VSCA
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 VSCA directly with all membership questions.
Sponsors receive attendee contact information.
