Wellness Together's 8th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference: Full Schedule

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2:00pm PDT

Dr. Diana E. Ramos, Keynote (Main Session #1)

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Speakers

Dr. Diana Ramos

Diana E. Ramos, MD, MPH, MBACalifornia Surgeon GeneralDr. Diana E. Ramos is a renowned public health leader and California’s second Surgeon General and first Latina Surgeon General. As California’s Doctor, she is the leading spokesperson on the most pressing public health issues... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Main Ballroom

2:00pm PDT

Jack McBrayer & Chris Gethard, Keynote (Main Session #1)

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Speakers

Chris Gethard

Arts Outreach Coordinator, Wellness Together

Chris Gethard is a comedian, podcaster, author, actor, and former television host. He’s been an active performer for over two decades. His work expanded to include mental health advocacy and activism after the release of his 2017 HBO special Career Suicide, in which he detailed... Read More →

Jack McBrayer

Jack McBrayerComedian & Actor on 30 Rock, Hello Jack!, Wreck it Ralph, and moreJack McBrayer was born in Macon, GA, and moved to Conyers, GA, when he was 15. McBrayer studied theater administration at the University of Evansville. He later worked at The Second City and IO Theater... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Main Ballroom

2:00pm PDT

Marlon Morgan, Keynote (Main Session #1)

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Speakers

Marlon Morgan

Founder & CEO, Wellness Together

Marlon Morgan is the Founder & CEO of the California-based national nonprofit organization, Wellness Together School Mental Health. He works with school districts, universities, state offices of education, and the U.S. Department of Education to increase awareness, advocacy, and access... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Main Ballroom

2:00pm PDT

Mind Out Loud x Pinterest Inspiration Room

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

303A

Wednesday October 9, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
303A

4:00pm PDT

Transforming School Counseling: Navigating Policy Changes, Workforce Growth, and New Standards in California

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

210A

Speakers

Dr. Loretta Whitson

Executive Director, CA Association of School Counselors

Dr. Loretta Whitson is the Executive Director for the California Association of School Counselors and has devoted her life’s work to advancing the school counseling profession in California. She works closely with state leaders, legislators and journalists, clarifying complex... Read More →

Dr. Jami Parsons

Deputy Executive Director, California Association of School Counselors (CASC)

As the Deputy Executive Director for the California Association of School Counselors (CASC).Dr. Jami Parsons oversees professional development and LEA outreach, and supportsadvocacy efforts for the school counseling profession. Prior to this role, she served as aDirector, Educational... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
210A

about Dr. Loretta Whitson is the Executive Director for the California Association of School Counselors and has devoted her life’s work to advancing the school counseling profession in California. She works closely with state leaders, legislators and journalists, clarifying complex educational issues and champions policies and practices to support school counselors in California. For over twenty years Dr. Whitson was Director of Student Support Services in Monrovia USD where she oversaw school counseling, as well as several district-level operations. Between 2015-2017 Dr. Whitson served as Chair of the Educational Counseling Program for the University of La Verne and was a visiting professor for 10 years at California State University Northridge.

4:00pm PDT

Compassionate Learning Spaces: Practical Strategies for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

212A

In Riverside Unified, specialists in crisis prevention and staff wellness partnered to create a workshop series for site teams, entitled “Compassionate Learning Spaces.” The series presents evidence-based practices for creating and developing trauma-informed schools. This presentation highlights the intentional steps taken to empower educators, lessons learned during implementation, and plans for sustainability, with the ultimate goal of creating a community of educators who are champions of trauma-informed practices.

Speakers

Suzanne Beran

Crisis Prevention & Intervention School Psychologist, Riverside Unified School District

Suzanne has worked as a School Psychologist for over 20 years, completing special education evaluations and providing evidence-based interventions primarily for preschool and elementary-aged students. In 2022, she welcomed the opportunity to move over to RUSD's Department of Wellness... Read More →

Veronica Martinez

Crisis Prevention & Intervention Psychologist, Riverside Unified School District

Veronica Martinez is a Crisis Prevention and Intervention School Psychologist with the Riverside Unified School District. She has over 15 years of experience as a school psychologist in California schools, working with students spanning all grade levels. She has served as a trainer... Read More →

Diana Twiss

Teacher on Special Assignment, Riverside Unified School District

As a former classroom teacher, I deeply understand the many demands that come with working in this human-centered profession. As a certified Transformational Life Coach, certified Gallup Strengths Coach, certified yoga instructor, and Arbinger facilitator, I work to support the... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
212A

Mental Health Policy & Advocacy

4:00pm PDT

Empowering California: Macro Approaches to Youth Suicide Prevention

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

213C

Youth suicide rates are staggering and the state of support for young people requires continued refinement to meet the call to action. Join facilitators in learning more about an innovative project dedicated to establishing, improving, and expanding local efforts to report and respond to youth suicides and suicide attempts, and enhancing implementation of crisis response services.

During this workshop, participants will: 
• Gain knowledge of innovative collaborative strategies that enhance partnerships between county, education, public and behavioral health entities, community-based organizations and crisis responders.
• Enhance their understanding of state and countywide systems that support the identification of priorities, gaps, and opportunities for advancing local youth support following a suicide attempt or exposure to a suicide death.
• Develop a thorough understanding of best practices in suicide prevention and crisis response, including outreach, training, reporting, and postvention support

Speakers

Tina Rocha

Technical Assistance Specialist, Center For Applied Research Solutions

Angela Castellanos

Managing Director, Center For Applied Research Solutions

Angela Castellanos, LCSW, is an experienced mental health consultant and administrator with 25+ years of diverse and progressive expertise in the mental health care industry and school settings. As a licensed clinical social worker, she specializes in administering school mental health... Read More →

Jana Sczersputowski

Founder, Youth Creating Change

Jana Sczersputowski, MPH, Executive Director of the Directing Change Program and Film Contest, Inc has over 15 years of experience in program development, and implementing county and statewide, community and school-based youth engagement campaigns. She created the Directing Change... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
213C

Mental Health Policy & Advocacy

4:00pm PDT

Wellness Pedagogy - Agency and Resilience

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

213B

Wellness Pedagogy is a training program for educators and wellness advocates to center the individual development and wellness of each student in support of their agency and resilience. Participants will acquire tools and perspectives to integrate student wellness and self-growth processes into classes, programs and educational curricula, incorporating such topics as individual development plans, emotional intelligence, alternative grading, mindfulness and group work.

Speakers

Lance Bauscher

MFT, Cabrillo College

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
213B

Mental Health Policy & Advocacy

4:00pm PDT

Fostering Belonging: The Heart of Thriving Community School

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

213A

Discover how to create inclusive and supportive environments in community schools that promote a sense of belonging for all students. Attendees will reflect on their current strategies and learn to enhance their practices to foster belonging, build strong relationships, and engage families and communities. By integrating the principles of the community schools framework, participants will explore research-based approaches to create nurturing spaces that support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. This presentation will provide practical tools and strategies to transform schools into vibrant community hubs where every student feels valued and connected.

Speakers

Christian Quintero

Coordinator, Community Schools, Orange COunty Department of Education

Stephanie Fernandez

Coordinator, Community Schools, Orange County Department of Education

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
213A

School & District-Wide Leadership

4:00pm PDT

Foundations of Mental Health - Utilizing a tier 1 mental health curriculum for high schools

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

210D

Participants will learn about a free mental health curriculum, Foundations of Mental Health, that can be used with high school students and integrated as part of a school's MTSS plan for emotional and behavioral support. Participants will learn about the curriculum's priorities and alignment to SB224, have an experiential overview, and feel prepared to integrate this tool into their schools and classrooms.

Speakers

Mary Champion

School Psychologist, Sonoma County Office of Education

Rebekah Pope

Program Coordinator, Sonoma County Office of Education

Rebekah Pope is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who loves providing school-based mental health services and is passionate about helping schools meet the needs of their most vulnerable students. She has had the honor of providing a range of prevention, early intervention, and healing-centered... Read More →

Carolina Herrera

Danielle Eaton

Program Coordinator, Sonoma County Office of Education

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
210D

School & District-Wide Leadership

4:00pm PDT

Maintaining Wellness through Managing Conflict and Improving Culture

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

210B

Participants will explore methods for dealing with conflicts in the workplace. Participants will practice new techniques for listening, and holding conflict resolution meetings. After which, participants will learn ways of refocusing staff on the work at hand by developing core values and developing SMART goals. Action plans processes will follow to help staff want to refocus their efforts on the goals of the organization or school.

Speakers

Steve Williams

Site Support Administrator, Wellness Together

My name is Steve Williams, and I am the Site Support Administrator for Wellness Together, a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to school children, families, and adults primarily in California, but also serving students in New York. I am a lifelong public-school... Read More →

Andrea Zimmerman

Board Member/Retired Educator, Wellness Together

Hi, I'm Andrea Zimmerman. As a former school administrator, teacher and professional development specialist, I have worked in schools and for students for over 30 years. I also am a mental health advocate. I help schools to expand mental health services and providing professional... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
210B

School & District-Wide Leadership

4:00pm PDT

Today's Foster Youth: How to Create a Comprehensive Foster Youth Support Program on Your Campus

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

211A

Foster youth are often the “invisible” underserved population. Participants will learn how to create a comprehensive academic and social/emotional program serving the needs of today’s foster youth. The presentation will include academic supports, on-campus programs, mentorships, district and community outreach, career readiness, resources, and how to build meaningful relationships for this at-risk population. Financial limitations and options, and how to continue growing the program will also be discussed.

Speakers

Jenna Mendez

District Foster Youth Liaison, CNUSD

Jenna Mendez has been a School Counselor for 17 years at several levels doing both guidance and crisis intervention. In that role, she worked with the foster youth and has helped to create the All-Star Foster Youth program. Currently, she is the Corona-Norco Unified School District... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
211A

School & District-Wide Leadership

4:00pm PDT

Trauma Informed Skills for Educator (TISE) Online Asynchronous Training Pilot: An Effectiveness Study of an Innovative Trauma-Focused Professional Development Training for Educators

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

211B

Workshop Objectives - Participants will:
1. Learn about an innovative online asynchronous trauma focused professional development training for educators
2. Understand the different modules that comprise the TISE training including brain-based trauma knowledge, it’s impacts on students in the classroom, and trauma-responsive skills to increase educator capacity to support students
3. Know about the effectiveness of the TISE training and how other educators experienced the self-paced professional development

Description:
The Trauma-Informed Skills for Educators (TISE) is an online asynchronous professional development designed to enhance educators’ knowledge about trauma and build trauma-responsive skills. Part 1 will demonstrate the modules used in the training and part 2 have trainees experience a skill building module and practice activity. The last part of the presentation will share the outcome of the pilot study and implications.

Speakers

Pamela Vona

Co-Founder & COO, Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces

Vivien Villaverde

Assoc. Prof.of Practicum Education / Co-Founder, USC SDP School of Social Work / Center for Safe and Resileints Schools

Vivien Villaverde is an Associate Professor Practicum Education at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She is an Education Doctorate candidate at the Rossier School of Education. She teaches and coordinates 2nd-year MSW internship placements. Prof. Villaverde creates and... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
211B

School & District-Wide Leadership

4:00pm PDT

8 Dimensions of Wellness: An Undergraduate Student Perspective

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

209B

Wellness is a journey that evolves over a lifetime, thus it’s important to teach students to proactively identify and implement wellness behaviors. This session highlights research results from a study on students’ perspective on the dimensions of wellness and discusses a course developed at NC State to enhance undergraduate student resilience. Participants will discuss strategies to improve undergraduate student resilience and be able to develop innovative programming for student well-being.

Speakers

Renee Harrington

Assistant Teaching Professor, NC State University

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
209B

Student and Community Mental Health

4:00pm PDT

Empowering Resilience: Integrating Cultural Practices in School Mental Health Programs

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

213D

This session explores effective strategies for integrating cultural practices into mental health programs within educational settings. Participants will:

Learn to identify key cultural elements that support mental wellness.
Understand methods to integrate these practices into school curriculums.
Develop skills to engage students and communities effectively.
Gain insights into fostering resilience through cultural empowerment.

Speakers

Justin Langan

Executive Director, O'KANATA

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
213D

Student and Community Mental Health

4:00pm PDT

Helping Children and Youth Work Through Grief and Loss while in school, From a Clinical Perspective

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

303CD

Participants will leave knowing 1: how to pace their interventions with the developmental readiness of their student clients; 2: whether to use more verbal or kinesthetic tools to help with processing of feelings; and 3: Distinguish among types of loss (anticipatory, imminent, symbolic, tragic)

Continuing Education Session Information:

Course Syllabus | Speaker Resume | Session Flyer | Course Attendance | Course Evaluation

Upon completion of the course, attendance form, and evaluation, you will receive a Confirmation of Attendance Certificate through email. If you do not receive your Confirmation of Attendance Certificate within ten business days, please contact CEU@WellnessTogether.org

This course meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of Continuing Education Credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Wellness Together, Inc., Provider #141369, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Wellness Together maintains responsibility for this course and its content.

Speakers

Christine L. Tippett, LCSW, LMFT

LCSW, LMFT, Wellness Together

I have been providing non medical psychotherapy within a humanistic systems framework to kids, teens and adults since 1970. I have been practicing yoga for that same number of years. In addition, I supervise those who are preparing to become the best clinicians possible in schools... Read More →

Jillian McNew

Director, Clinical Services, Wellness Together

Helping Children and Youth... Christine Tippett pdf

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
303CD

Student and Community Mental Health, Continuing Education Session

4:00pm PDT

Let's Talk About Health Education

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

210C

This session will unpack quality and meaningful Health Education (HE) through evidence-based strategies and practical resources/activities to use in your classes with your students.

Speakers

Kim Hordal-Hlewka

Assistant Principal, Edmonton Public Schools

Kim Hordal-Hlewka is the Assistant Principal of Michael Phair Junior High that opened it’s doors in the fall of 2017. Kim has taught Kindergarten to Grade 9 Physical Education and was the Physical Education, Health and Comprehensive School Health Consultant for Edmonton Public Schools... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
210C

Student and Community Mental Health

4:00pm PDT

Peer Mentoring Powers Up Community and School Wellness

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

209A

Team Stronger 2gether unites diverse community sectors—students, educators, families, businesses, and more—to foster community wellness through peer mentoring. This presentation explores how conflict resolution and four life skills (productive stress response, gratitude, catching negativity, physical health) empowers friend groups and communities. Participants will gain practical tools, including strategies for creating peer mentoring programs, a Community Wellness Project template, three course outlines, interactive lessons, health pamphlets, and conflict resolution strategies/curriculum.

Speakers

Michael Gray

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
209A

Student and Community Mental Health

4:00pm PDT

Supporting Students Dealing with Trauma: 5 Steps to Achieve Personal Success

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

212B

Workshop attendees will learn about the program I use to support students in the men's group club on my inner city continuation school campus. This program has has been impactful for this high-risk group of students in building confidence, guiding self-reflection, and providing the boys with a road map to working through trauma so as to foster success and personal growth. Attendees will leave the session with a detailed plan to implement on their own campus/with the students they serve in any capacity.

Speakers

Tali Sherman

Teacher, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Tali Sherman has taught at the Centinela Valley Union High School District for 20 years; she has worked as an English teacher at the comprehensive high schools, and as a teacher and WASC coordinator at both the independent study and continuation high schools. She is a National Board-Certified... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
212B

Student and Community Mental Health

4:00pm PDT

Understanding the Foundations of Student Engagement

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

303B

Explore the science of attachment and foundational relationships as preventative tools for classroom management and student engagement. Gain insights into evidence-based methods for developing and maintaining strong connections with students, calming their brains for improved focus, and increasing cooperation. Learn strategies to foster a healthy classroom culture, enhancing student engagement and success. This session will provide practical tools to create an environment conducive to effective learning and positive student interactions.

Continuing Education Session Information:

Course Syllabus | Speaker Resume | Session Flyer | Course Attendance | Course Evaluation

Upon completion of the course, attendance form, and evaluation, you will receive a Confirmation of Attendance Certificate through email. If you do not receive your Confirmation of Attendance Certificate within ten business days, please contact CEU@WellnessTogether.org

This course meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of Continuing Education Credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Wellness Together, Inc., Provider #141369, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Wellness Together maintains responsibility for this course and its content.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Sherard

Chief Connection Officer, Essential Connections Inc.

Dr. Erin Sherard started working at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) as a Parenting instructor in 2015. Sherard came to NOCE with a wealth of teaching and guidance experience ranging from preschool teacher, K-12 substitute teacher, junior high school academic counselor, and... Read More →

Jamie De La Mora

Vice President, Essential Connections

I am a passionate educator that loves to empower others with tools to improve their self-awareness, communication, and relationships. I love being able to help others view behaviors through a trauma-informed lens while also sharing strategies set and maintain healthy boundaries. I... Read More →

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
303B

Student and Community Mental Health, Continuing Education Session

4:00pm PDT

Exploring Rural School Mental Health Approaches through School-based Mental Health ECHO

Wednesday October 9, 2024 4:00pm - 5:15pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Join members of Stanford University alongside school-based rural and Indigenous mental health leaders to learn more about strength-based, inclusive approaches to youth engagement in rural school settings across California on Wednesday, October 9th from 4:00-5:15 p.m.

This 75-minute interactive session will feature a live School-based Mental Health ECHO didactic presentation, case presentation and discussion, and question & answer session with school and community partners in Humboldt County and Two Feathers Native American Family Services.

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1) Acquire practical skills and strategies for identifying and working with local school and community partners;
2) Learn about culturally centered community-based programming that helps foster community and belonging for students in rural school settings;
3) Engage directly with youth to learn about what they want to see in culturally-responsive programming;
4) Attend a live Project ECHO session.

This session will be followed by a networking opportunity with refreshments at 5:15 p.m. for rural and Indigenous-focused providers. Please RSVP here.

Continuing Education Session Information:

Course Syllabus | Speaker Resume | Session Flyer | Course Attendance | Course Evaluation

Upon completion of the course, attendance form, and evaluation, you will receive a Confirmation of Attendance Certificate through email. If you do not receive your Confirmation of Attendance Certificate within ten business days, please contact CEU@WellnessTogether.org

This course meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of Continuing Education Credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Wellness Together, Inc., Provider #141369, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Wellness Together maintains responsibility for this course and its content.

Speakers

Jerry Simmons

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Stanford University

Jeremiah D. Simmons, PhD (Yankton Sioux/Navajo) is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in the School of Medicine at Stanford University. Jeremiah, a native New Mexican, was raised on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in Mescalero, NM... Read More →

Student and Community Mental Health, Continuing Education Session

5:15pm PDT

Reception: Exploring Rural School Mental Health Approaches through School-based Mental Health Project

Wednesday October 9, 2024 5:15pm - 6:45pm PDT

Wellness Together's 8th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference