About this Event
OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE | 1 College Dr, Toms River, NJ 08754
GATEWAY BUILDING - DOOR C | PARKING LOT 4
SCHEDULE:
- 8:00-8:25 Check in and Breakfast - Gateway Building Atrium
- 8:30-8:45 Introductions - Conference Center
- 8:45-9:45 Keynote Speaker - Dana Star Kiwacz - Inspired Life Design Studio
- 10:00 - 10:50am Session 1
- 11:00 - 11:50am Session 2
- 12:00 - 12:50pm Session 3
- Lunch/Evaluation Form
- Optional Campus Tour
Below is the lineup for the Conference. When you register, you will choose one workshop per session. Please keep note of the sessions you choose.
The Student Experience with Poverty | K-12 (Sessions 1 & 2)
A play on the Missouri CAN Poverty Simulator, this presentation will walk attendees through the experience of poverty that students and their families face. Presented by Jim Campbell
Fostering a Positive School Culture through Student Leadership | High School (Session 1)
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of school culture enhancement and take it a step further by learning how to create a dedicated club to sustain positive change. This workshop is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to not only understand and improve school culture but also actively contribute to its ongoing development. Presented by Stefanie Garguilo
Best Practices in Intern Supervision-Panel Discussion | K-12 (Session 1)
A seasoned Intern Supervisor from the High School, Middle School, and Elementary School levels will share their expertise in preparing future counselors including tips, tricks, and best practices. Come prepared with questions to up your Supervision and Mentor game! Moderated by Laura Ackermann
Postvention with Youth | K-12 (Session 1)
What is postvention after a loss? Who is impacted? Reactions to grief and trauma, common reactions and best practices and resources will be discussed. Presented by Brie Niciewski
Supporting Your Multilingual Learners | K-12 (Session 1)
The focus of this session is how to support your Multilingual Learners both educationally and emotionally. We will review using student's ACCESS test scores to set goals, how to support long term MLs, and ways to build relationships with MLs and their families. Presented by Christine Black
CTE in Focus: Equipping Counselors to Lead College and Career Readiness | High School (Session 1)
This presentation will highlight how career and technical education (CTE) expands student pathways through hands-on learning, industry credentials, and connections to high-demand careers. Participants will explore practical strategies counselors can use to integrate CTE into academic planning, advising, and career exploration. The session will provide current resources, talking points for families, and tools to help counselors guide students toward meaningful postsecondary options. Presented by Danielle Jones
Stress Relief with Movement and Sound - Qi Gong | K-12 (Session 1)
Qi Gong class will be a short gentle movement class concentrating on stress relief. Presented by Deborah Kehoe
Life On Pause - Grief Through the Eyes of Children and Teens | K-12 (Session 1)
This presentation will mirror the information in the book, "Life On Pause- Grief through the eyes of children and teens." Practical information about how children and teens process loss, what they think, feel and worry about, along with, suggestions for parents/caregivers of grieving children and teens will be presented. Presented by Lynn Snyder
Life Planning 101 - Essential Documents for Educators | K-12 (Session 1)
This session will provide an overview of financial planning with a focus on the importance of risk and credit management, in addition to retirement planning. We'll review the process for getting your basic documents in order. Topics will include the importance of insurance, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations and health care directives. Presented by Steve Eugene
The Assessment and Treatment of School Phobia | K-12 (Sessions 1 & 2)
In the "Assessment and Treatment of School Phobia " course, we explore school nonattendance, differentiating between avoidance, refusal, and phobia. Participants gain a comprehensive perspective for effective evaluation, receiving actionable insights for treating refusal and avoidance. The course delves into various school phobia subtypes, equipping participants with skills for assessment, nuanced questioning, and engagement techniques. Special attention is given to supporting students facing severe challenges. The course introduces exposure therapy, a valuable approach for students with school phobia, providing participants with skills to positively impact students' educational journeys. Presented by Ira Hays
Paw-sitive Impact: Unleashing SEL Through Therapy Dogs in the School Setting | K-12 (Sessions 2 & 3)
Red Bank Primary School addresses growing K-3 social-emotional needs with a successful therapy dog program. This session explores the implementation of Bailey, a certified Goldendoodle, to enhance student emotional regulation and well-being. We'll cover the journey from district approval and safety protocols to phased integration into individual, small-group, and classroom settings. Participants will gain actionable insights into program development, stakeholder collaboration, and outcome evaluation, understanding how therapy dogs strengthen SEL frameworks and counseling to build a resilient, connected school community. Presented by Christopher Murray
Self-Regulation With a Holistic Approach | K-12 (Session 2)
During this workshop, caregivers and/or educators will be provided with a holistic approach to help understand their inner self through internal and external awareness. Through regulating activities, participants will explore mindful eating, aromatherapy, breathing exercises, mind distraction, body scans, and much more. Presented by Austin Hicks & Maria Robinson
Elementary Counselor Roundtable | Elementary (Session 2)
An opportunity for Elementary School Counselors to share best practices, stories, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers. Moderated by Laura Ackermann
In Case of Emergency | K-12 (Session 2)
Covering important information to leave for loved ones if incapacitated or death. This workshop is great for yourself and to have the information for aging loved ones (all attendess will receive a free booklet). Presented by Gary Brown, CFP
DCF Ocean Regional Campus - Project TEACH & TEC | Middle & High School (Session 2)
The DCF Regional School Ocean Campus is a 12-month, state-operated alternative school designed to meet the diverse needs of students who are facing educational challenges. Our mission is to provide a supportive, student-centered learning environment where every individual is given a chance to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We specialize in small class sizes, individualized instruction, and wraparound support services that help students build the skills necessary to transition successfully back to their home district school setting, into higher education, or to the workforce. Learn more about our programs and vision in this workshop. Presented by Kristen Ferrara
Level Up: Professional Growth and Leadership with NJSCA | K-12 (Session 2)
Looking to expand your impact and grow your leadership skills? Learn how getting involved with New Jersey School Counselor Association can be a catalyst for professional excellence. We will dive into specific opportunities for involvement, including from committee work and advocacy to professional development and discuss how your unique voice can contribute to a stronger, more connected school counseling community across the state. Presented by Jessica Smedley
Nurturing Well-being: Strategies for Cultivating Happiness, Connection, and Resilience | K-12 (Session 2)
In the demanding landscape of education, teachers/counselors often face the challenge of burnout. Participants will delve into the realms of happiness, such as connection, optimism, purpose, and meaning. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with an understanding of how to mitigate burnout, enhance their well-being of staff and students alike. Together, let's create a supportive and uplifting educational environment for all. Presented by Stefanie Garguilo
Understanding ACEs and What They Look Like In Our Schools | K-12 (Session 2)
This presentation explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—what they are, how they impact students’ behavior, learning, and well-being, and the ways they may show up in school settings. It helps educators recognize common signs of ACEs in students and emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed practices to create supportive, safe, and responsive learning environments. Presented by Heather Frederick
HESAA Federal and State Aid Update | High School (Session 3)
The discussion will addresses some of the most common topics that may come up as families complete the FAFSA. This informative session will enable school counselors to better guide families through specific FAFSA questions or concerns. Presented by Sharon Austin
Women and Retirement (Men are invited as well) | K-12 (Session 3)
Preparing women including self or women in your life for retirement and the pitfalls for saving that usually affect women more than men This is a great presentation for men to attend too. Presented by Gary Brown, CFP
College Admissions - We Have Issues | High School (Session 3)
A panel of college admission officers will discuss topics, issues, and pressing concerns facing Students, Parents and Secondary School Counselors as they navigate the College Admission Decision Making Process. This will be an interactive panel with questions from the attendees welcome. Moderated by Richard Freccia
Get to Know & Get Involved with NJSCA! | K-12 (Session 3)
Interested in advocacy in the school counseling profession? Want to fuel your passion for professional development for school counselors? Have a niche skill you'd love to share with colleagues across the state? Are you hungry for fabulous networking opportunities? Come join us to hear about all the ways in which New Jersey School Counselor Association supports counselors throughout the state and opportunities to get involved, whether you have 1 hour a month or many more to volunteer. We need your help, your expertise, and your energy!!! Presented by Jessica Smedley
Middle School Counselor Roundtable | Middle School (Session 3)
Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss current trends and concerns in the middle school setting and to troubleshoot and share ideas with colleagues. Moderated by Jill Maline
Enhance Your Wellness Toolkit | K-12 (Session 3)
Explore 10 integrative therapies gaining popularity from herbal medicine to energy medicine, and discover how these practices enhance overall well-being. Presented by Dinneen Jackson
Stress Relief with Movement and Sound - Drum Circle | K-12 (Session 3)
The drum circle will teach participants how to use sound and music as stress relief and as a community builder. Presented by Deborah Kehoe
Degrees Not Debt: Student Loan Forgiveness | K-12 (Session 3)
As a public service employee, you may be eligible to reduce or even eliminate your federal student loan debt. This session will highlight free student loan relief resources and connect members to a benefit that provides direct access to nationally accredited student loan counselors for personalized support. Presented by Andrew Lewis
Generative Conflict: Facilitating Difficult Conversation in the Classroom | K-12 (Session 3)
What would we win if we disagreed well? This is an experiential workshop with tools you'll be able to implement on Monday. Get ready to move and be moved. Learn how to disagree with ideas, not with people. Invite your students to practice disagreement, and risk changing and being changed. Presented by Angela Kariotis
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Ocean County College, 1 College Drive, Toms River, United States
USD 0.00
