About this Event
More than two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience late effects from treatment. These can include physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social effects which can impact learning.
ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation invites you and your colleagues to join us for an in-person and virtual conference specifically created for teachers, nurses, counselors and administrators to learn how to best support these students’ unique needs in the classroom and beyond.
We give concrete examples from a panel of experts across disciplines so that educators feel better equipped to support cancer survivors and their siblings as they navigate school both during and after cancer treatment.
This conference offers a certificate of completion that confers to Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for teachers and Continuing Nursing Education (CNEs)* for nurses upon completion of the course evaluation.
A light breakfast and lunch will also be provided for in-person conference attendees.
Visit askeducates.org for additional conference information.
This event is designed and facilitated by ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation's Associate Director of Education, Alma Morgan, M.Ed., a leader in her field with over 30 years of experience working with pediatric hematology and oncology patients. Alma believes strongly in the partnership between the medical team and the school team, and operates under the philosophy that, "all children can learn and be successful in the educational environment with the proper resources, accommodations, creativity, and confidence boosters."
In-Person Conference Location:
Massey Conference Center Auditorium at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Avenue in Richmond, Virginia 23228
Virtual/Live Broadcast:
Will be streamed live between 9:00am - 4:00pm EST
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Networking
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Beyond the Diagnosis: Anxiety & Depression in Young People with Cancer
Host: Ethan Schilling, PhD, LCP, NCSP
Info: Research shows that a substantial number of children, teens, and young adults dealing with cancer experience clinical levels of anxiety and depression at some point during their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship journey. Given how common these concerns are, it is important that those working to support these individuals and their families are aware of both some signs to look out for as indicators of distress as well as supportive intervention efforts that are most likely to be effective for this group. This presentation will focus on more common presentations of anxiety/depression in youth with cancer as well as best practices in the provision of intervention/supports across home, school, and community settings.
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Together for Kids; Connecting Education, Play, & Support
Host: Amy Fender, M.Ed. and Carli Holtzhauer, MS, CCLS
Info: Young children diagnosed with childhood cancer may experience isolation from peers and limited opportunities to participate in social and developmental activities. These missed experiences can impact the development of important age-appropriate social, emotional, and early learning skills. As children transition into kindergarten and the early elementary years, they may require additional support and accommodations to promote success in the school setting. This presentation will explore how hospital educators and child life therapists can work together to build social, developmental, and early learning skills while supporting a successful transition back to school.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Reclaiming the Student Experience as an AYA Patient or Survivor
Host: Jemma Stratton, MSW, LCSW and Vanessa Wagener, M.Ed.
Info: This session explores how to support adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and survivors in reclaiming their educational journey through academic support and robust psychosocial care. Attendees will gain practical strategies to help AYAs balance health, personal growth, and academic success while managing medical treatment.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Overview of Childhood Cancer/Physical Late Effects
Host: Madhu S Gowda, MD
Info: Differentiating pediatric vs. adult cancers, incidence rates, common diagnosis types, treatment protocols, and discussion of late effects of treatment.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:00 PM
504's, Individualized Edu. Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, & Challenges
Host: Lisa Meares, M.Ed, Natalie Duncan, MAT, Jon Longenecker,
Info: The panel for 504 Plans, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, and Challenges When Meeting the Needs of Childhood Cancer Patients and Survivors is composed of education support navigators across the state who serve in the treatment centers in Virginia. The navigators consult with patients and families who are receiving treatment, as well as those seen in survivorship clinics. Each navigator will focus on a topic relating to the educational needs of childhood cancer.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Closing Remarks/Evaluation/Final Questions/Thoughts on Conference
Event venue & nearby stays
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, United States
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