2026 Conference Archive

Conference Schedule

Georgia Southern University

Presentation Materials Available

Hip-Hop Interventions for Dyslexia and the Achievement Gap

Crystal LaVoulle, The LaVoulle Group

Presentation Materials Available

Chaos to Culture: Restorative Leadership - Rebuilding America’s Challenged Schools”🔹 Real Strategies. Real Stories. Real Results.

Frederick E. Polite, The Polite Way, INc

Scarbrough 4

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Cultivating a Culture of Resilience: One School’s Journey to Building a Community of Trauma-Sensitive Educators

Alexandra Thomas, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Erica Freeman-Jones, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Kelly Walter, Gwinnett County Public Schools

Verelst

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Happy People & Happy Workplaces Begin with Trauma-Informed Wellness

Dardi Hendershott

Ballroom A

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Ignite the Promise: Real Stories, Real Change

Matthew J. Adkins, iCan Dream Center, NFP
Evisha Ford, iCan Dream Center, NFP
Alexandria French, Sandy Hook Promise, NFP

Sloane

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Permission To Pivot

Britt Hunter, Be The Exception Coaching

Vernon

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Purpose > Why= The Practice of Purpose

Peter Ferguson

Ballroom E&F

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

ROARS: A Positive Behavior Program That Works for ALL Students!

Dr. Katie Nelson, Rankin County School District
Kimberly Russell
Terri Peeler, Rankin County School District
Ginger Jones, Rankin County School District

Scarbrough 3

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

The Power Shift: Redefining Leadership Through Youth Partnership (Lead * Empower * Aspire * Develop)

LaSara Mitchell
India James

Scarbrough 1

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

The Ultimate Cheat Code to Changing the School Culture

Lamar Thomas, Delta Innovative School

Westbrook

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Thriving in the Face of Adversity: Increasing Emotional Intelligence to Decrease Compassion Fatigue

Sara Newman, RISE Youth & Family Services

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

We Work Better Together: Strengthening Parent Partnerships for Student Success

Eric Vanzant, Camporea Family Resource Center Franklin County School Distridt

Percival

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

What Education Professionals Need to Know About Tech and AI Right Now!

Joe Johnson

Ballroom B

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

When Life Gives You Lemons; But No Kitchen to Make Lemonade

Danielle S. Jones, Bibb County Public School District

Scarbrough 5

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Addressing Poverty, Children’s Mental Health, and Classroom Behavior; Coming Together in an Alternative Education Setting

Jim C. Taylor Mr., Advanced Behavioral Counselors
Tammy Davis, Bulloch County Schools
Tim Rountree Mr., Bulloch County Schools

Scarbrough 1

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Beats, Balance & Behavior: The Edutainment of Mindfulness Techniques and Music

Tarita Johnson
Kelvin Walston

Ballroom B

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Cultivating Resilience Through Peer Mentoring: Strengthening Social-Emotional Skills, Family Engagement, and Youth Wellness

Carlos Pavao, Georgia State University, School of Public Health
Afiya King, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Inc.
Hillarie Wise, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Inc.
Nakia Cross, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Inc.
Melissa Wise
Sabrina Holmes

Ballroom E&F

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

From Pain to Power: Equipping & Empowering Parents though Challenges at School and Home

Bettye Blaize

Scarbrough 2

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

From Protection to Power: Advocacy and Supported Decision-Making for More Resillient Futures

Dana Lloyd

Westbrook

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Innovative Approaches to Mental Health: Promoting Resilience and Engagement Through Unique Interventions

Dr. Rick Surrency, Putnam County School District
Diana Drew, Putnam County School District
Kimberly Simmons, Putnam County School District

Scarbrough 3

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Innovative Positive Strategies for Building Relationships with At-Risk Students: Empowering Behavior and Academic Growth

Jamita L. Cobb

Ballroom D

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Performing CPR (Correction, Protection and Reflection) Can and Will Increase the Heart and Health Connection between our Youth and Each Other (Youth Advocates)

Keith Brown

Ballroom A

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Student-Focused Leadership: Shaping School Culture and Student Success

Robert L. Kirton, SC State University

Percival

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Success Can Happen Out Of Low Scores: How the S.C.H.O.O.L.S. Program Transforms Students' Testing, Motivation, and Achievement

Valencia Belle, University of Southern California
Randy Bumpers, Howard University

Verelst

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

The Wellness Room: A Safe Space for Healing and Growth at Irwin County Middle

Cornelia Billingsley, Irwin County Middle School
Stephanie Gooden, Irwin County Middle School

Scarbrough 4

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Connecting the Head and the Heart through Radical Calmness: Strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Classroom Communication

Alexandra Thomas, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Erica Freeman-Jones, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Kelly Walter, Gwinnett County Public Schools

Scarbrough 1

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Contemplative and Creative Practices in Action: Cultivating Healing, Hope, and Agency for Students Impacted by Poverty, Homelessness, and Trama COPY

Rajni Shankar-Brown

Scarbrough 5

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Developing a Restorative Framework to Foster a Safe and Supportive School Community

Juliann McBrayer, Georgia Southern University

Ballroom D

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Empowered Youth: A HERO Blueprint for Advocacy & Resilience

Schwartzen Y. Precil
Schwartzen Y. Precil

Westbrook

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Examining K-12 Teachers’ Use and Perceptions of Mindfulness and Meditation to Improve Mental Health Outcomes for Students

Anna H. Hall

Percival

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Reimagining Success in a Nontraditional High School: The Power of School Social Work, Relationships, and Student-Centered Approaches

Chatelah Brown, Atlanta Public Schools
Yusuf A. Muhammad Jr., Atlanta Public Schools

Scarbrough 3

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Restoring Purpose, Reclaiming Futures: Implementing PBIS and Restorative Practices in Secure Education Settings

Johnnie M. Simmons, Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Verelst

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Taking Time to BREATHE: Research-Based Strategies for Personal and Professional Resilience

Joelle Hood

Ballroom B

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

The Miseducation of the Young Professional: An Honest Discussion About Employment, Evidence, and Emotions

Chris Pugh

Ballroom E&F

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM) Approach to Building a High Performance School Culture

David Zimbler, Westbury Union Free School District
Deadra Faulkner

Vernon

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Understanding Neurodivergence and Supporting Neurodiversity in the Classroom

Sam Marion

Scarbrough 2

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Whole-Child, Whole-Family: A Unified Approach to Student Support and Family Engagement

Bonnie L. Brown Mrs., Houston County School District
Erica Abram Ms., Houston County School District
Linda Walker

Scarbrough 4

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Building RELATIONships in the Digital Age: 8 Strategies to Strengthen Connections and Support Student Success

Anthony M. Chiles, Burke County School District

Vernon

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Guiding the Next Generation: Mentoring and Behavioral Strategies that Builds a Stronger School Culture

Reginald Carruth, LaVergne Middle School
Robert Garner
Brayan Bunyi

Ballroom D

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Increasing the Graduation Rate of Off-cohort Students using Teachers and Staff as Mentors

Andrea Battaglia, Cobb County School District
Myron Burton, Cobb County School District

Verelst

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Presentation Materials Available

It's Not Your Childhood: Today's Youth, Trauma, and Motivation

Frank Kros

Scarbrough 1

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Leading Resilient Schools: Building Culture and Outcomes Through Data-Driven Leadership

Cedrick Richie, Beyond the Books

Percival

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Mappineering Your Identity: Mind‑Mapping to Academic Purpose & Leadership

John Diggs

Scarbrough 3

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Navigating the Currents: Surviving Workplace Politics for Educator Well-being

James McCarter Dr.

Sloane

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Reaching Marginalized Student Populations-- Doable Strategies for Positioning Wounded Students 4 Academic Success

Joe Hendershott

Ballroom B

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Restoring Lives through Relationships, Restorative Justice, and the Voice of Youth

Andy Broughton, The Messengers

Scarbrough 2

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Teaching Wellness through Emotional Regulation Strategies

Ashley L. Baer

Scarbrough 4

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Presentation Materials Available

The Hidden Map of Bullying: Find It. Fix It. Finish It

Eric Landers, Georgia Southern University

Ballroom E&F

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

You Down with OPP? Optimism and the Power of Positivity

Hotep

Ballroom A

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Brain-Based Parenting & Teaching

Crystal Collier PhD, Know Your Neuro, Inc.

Sloane

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Enhancing Resilience in Homeless Youth: Social Work Interventions Grounded in Practice-Based Research

Kyendal Eaton

Vernon

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

From Chaos to Calm: Building Skills for Emotional Balance and Positive Behavior

Gwendolyn Martin

Scarbrough 1

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Healthy Hands, Healthy Hearts: Fostering Safe and Supportive Relationships in Youth

Terina Gardner, Marshall University & University of the Cumberlands
Lisa Burton, Marshall University

Ballroom D

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

HOPE 101: Utilizing HOPE and Strengthening Families (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences)

Tabatha L. Floyd

Scarbrough 2

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Moving from Transactional to Transformational- Building Cross-Systems Partnerships for Vulnerable Youth

Kimberly (Kim) Pluhar

Verelst

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Present and Powerful: How Schools can Allocate, Collaborate, and Engage for Attendance Success

Sonya Thomas Coley, Bibb County Schools
Tanya G. Allen, Bibb County Schools
Kizzie Lott, Bibb County Schools

Westbrook

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Promoting Change through Youth Engagement

Kerri Ashurst PhD, University of Kentucky
Tyrone C. Atkinson, University of Kentucky

Scarbrough 5

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Shared Leadership, Strong Results: Advancing Reading and ELA

Christopher D. Harris Sr., Warren County School System
Jessica Nicholson, Warren County School System

Scarbrough 4

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Student Intervention Centers: Merging ISS, MTSS, PBIS, Restorative Practices, & SEL

Bridget B. Guenthner, Seijaku Consulting

Percival

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

The Power of AI: Using (Authentic Interaction) to Build (Adolescent Interest) and (Ambition Implementation)

Keith Brown

Ballroom A

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Understanding the Traumatized Brain: Student Toxic Stress and how the SEAT Strategy Gives Educators Hope

Pam McNall, Respectful Ways Social Emotional Learning Program

Scarbrough 3

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation Materials Available

Want To Leave A Session With New Interventions, Share What Works For Your Students, Win Some Prizes, And Have Fun? Then Attend This Session!

Jeff Radar

Ballroom B

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Building a Belief System: Culture of Learning and Restorative Practices in Unique Communities

Abby Ferguson, The Chiles Academy

Verelst

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Don't Stop Believing- Hold on to the Feeling! How? Let's Put our Boots on the Ground!

Beatrice Lewis

Ballroom B

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Friendship First: Transforming School Culture Through Inclusive Peer Friendship Clubs

Ivory Brown, Effingham County Schools

Percival

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

From Invisible to Invincible: Building Confidence Through the Power of Total Self-Acceptance

LaSaundra Hewitt

Scarbrough 5

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Get Curious, Not Furious: Brain-Based Strategies for Addressing Challenging Behavior

Joelle Hood

Ballroom E&F

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Leveraging the Academic and Socioemotional Strengths of MLs in General Education Settings

Dr. Elke Schneider, Winthrop University
Kimberly Oxley, Winthrop University

Vernon

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Not Just Aware, Prepared: Engaging Communities and Schools to Promote Youth Mental Health and Resiliency

Natasha De Veauuse Brown PhD, MPH, Georgia State University
Lupe Arteaga, Georgia State University

Scarbrough 1

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Pursue Your Purpose Not Your Dreams: You Didn't Learn This in Traditional Education but You Should Have

Joe Johnson

Ballroom A

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Reel Talk- Using Cinematherapy with Adolescents

Jamaal Scott

Scarbrough 2

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Self-Determination: Teacher Perception and Use of Instructional Strategies to Motivate

Dr. Summer M. Walker, University of West Florida

Scarbrough 3

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Breaking the Silence

ZaMaya Colbert
Saniya Brown
Ilah Simpkins

Percival

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Climbing the Readiness Ladder: Equipping Mental Health Providers for School-Based Success

Lauren Stites

Ballroom D

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Contemplative and Creative Practices in Action: Cultivating Healing, Hope, and Agency for Students Impacted by Poverty, Homelessness, and Trauma

Rajni Shankar-Brown

Scarbrough 4

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Implementing Mindfulness Activities into Secondary Mathematics Classrooms to Reduce Math Anxiety

Kayla D. Layman, Clemson University

Scarbrough 3

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Parent University: The Story of this Grass Route Organization and Successful Expansion

Michael O'Neal

Scarbrough 2

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Path Forward: A Government’s Approach to Youth Violence Reduction

Kayleigh M. Heard, City of Savannah
Marco L. George, City of Savannah
Tim Wright

Scarbrough 5

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

Pathways to Success: Empowering Rural Youth Through Life Skills, Exposure and Mentoring

Santina Fryer

Sloane

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Present and Powerful: How Schools Can Allocate, Collaborate, and Engage for Attendance Success COPY

Sonya Coley
Tanya Allen
Kizzie Lott

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Radical Youth Work: A Community Based Approach to Working with Youth, Young Adults and Families

Scarbrough 1

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior: Implications for Prevention & School Treatment

Crystal Collier PhD

Verelst

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentation Materials Available

You Down with OPP? Optimism and the Power of Positivity

Hotep

Ballroom B

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM