Beyond the Buy-In: Leading Change with SchooLinks
Implementing a new High School and Beyond Plan platform is more than a technical task—it’s a cultural shift that directly impacts how we support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development. In this session, you’ll hear how the Yakima School District successfully launched SchooLinks by grounding the work in the ASCA National Model and prioritizing intentional communication, phased professional learning, and counselor voice.

We’ll share how a clearly articulated “why,” support for early adopters, and continuous feedback helped create counselor buy-in and cross-department collaboration. Learn how SchooLinks is now integrated into classroom instruction, used to support individual student planning, and driving stronger alignment between school counseling and CTE programs.
Whether you're preparing for implementation or refining an existing rollout, this session will provide practical strategies and real-world insights to help your team move beyond compliance—and toward meaningful, student-centered impact.

Gabriel Stotz



Bright Minds, Balanced Hearts: Preventing Burnout While Illuminating Student Futures
In the demanding world of school counseling, supporting student growth and planning for their future often comes at the expense of personal well-being. This session explores sustainable strategies for managing counselor stress, maintaining motivation, and fostering a professional identity rooted in purpose. Through evidence-based practices, reflective exercises, and peer dialogue, counselors will learn how to nurture their own emotional health while remaining effective advocates for their students. Attendees will leave with practical tools to create lasting impact without sacrificing personal wellness—ensuring they can continue illuminating futures for years to come.

Jarvis Jones



Creating a Culture of Bullying Prevention in Schools
Schools can too frequently find themselves enmeshed in a culture of bullying, where bullying is seemingly a cultural norm. But schools can also take steps away from that culture, and toward a more respectful one.

Taproot Theatre has been touring plays about bullying prevention since 1986, and we’ve learned a lot about what schools can do to promote a positive school culture. In this session, we will share some of the different approaches that we’ve seen schools take to improve their cultures, and share some of the research-backed curricula that we and other schools have used to create that change. We’ll have a discussion about the most current bullying flashpoints and the kinds of social media policies necessary to help tamp down online bullying. We’ll send participants away with specific ideas for programs that counselors and school advising groups can use to help move their culture toward more respect.

Jeremy Erlich



CSCP--How to build a program with intention
Comprehensive school counseling programs don’t just happen, yet sometimes counselors aren’t sure where to begin or are doing amazing things, yet don’t know how to articulate it. Discover how an elementary counselor’s strategic use of calendars, individual data, SIP-driven goals, advisory councils, and intentional use of data has illuminated futures and transformed her program. Participants will walk away with examples of completed ASCA/OSPI templates ready to customize and implement immediately. Whether launching a new program or refining an existing one, this session delivers clear structure, partner-aligned strategies, and tools to amplify your impact.

Lisa Cleveland



Developing an ASCA Aligned Evaluation System for Professional School Counselors
An evaluation system for professional school counselors that is clear, consistent and creates opportunity for growth-focused reflective practice and critical, productive dialogue between school counselors and administrators is possible.

Walk through the process that Peninsula School District is using to update our evaluation system for Professional School Counselors (and other ESA groups). District Lead Counselor Becky Maffei will share about the journey from research to gathering partner input to rubric development and collective bargaining.
Learn about the successes and pitfalls that one district has experienced in trying to balance the needs and interests of school counselors, building and district administrators and collective bargaining partners.
Gain practical tools for a collaborative process which maintains consistency with legal requirements and professional best practices without sacrificing simplicity and effectiveness.

Rebecca Maffei



Developing Systems for Multilingual Learner Success
In this session, OSPI's Multilingual Education team will share planning templates, toolkits, and practical strategies to support multilingual learner success based on the Washington Multilingual Learner Statewide Strategic Plan. We will explore how to integrate multilingual learners in a Multi-tiered System of Supports, develop strong pathways for high school graduation, and leverage multilingual students and families' assets through culturally responsive counseling and leadership practices. If you have multilingual students in your school, this session is for you!

Kristin Percy Calaff
Virginia Morales



Empowering School Counselors: Integrating Student Advocacy and Substance Use Prevention with Culturally Responsive Practices
Substance use prevention is a crucial component of promoting student well-being and academic success. This presentation aims to equip school counselors with practical strategies for integrating substance use prevention into a comprehensive school counseling program (CSCP) while emphasizing student advocacy and culturally responsive curriculum development. Participants will explore best practices in substance use prevention, including evidence-based programs, curricula, and intervention strategies that resonate with diverse student populations. By aligning prevention efforts with MTSS frameworks and the ASCA National Standards (4th edition) across Personal/Social, Academic, and Career development domains, counselors can create a comprehensive, proactive, and effective school counseling program. This approach not only addresses students' needs across multiple areas of their development but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive school environment that values the voices and experiences of all students.

Stephen Keck



Ethical Intelligence: Using AI to Support Clinical Growth, Supervision, and Advocacy in School Counseling
Curious about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of school counseling? This interactive session explores innovative ways AI can enhance the professional practice of school counselors, graduate students, and counselor educators. We’ll examine how AI tools support clinical training, supervision, peer collaboration, and ethical decision-making, while also addressing critical considerations around data ethics, bias, and culturally responsive practice. Participants will engage with real-world examples and current research to evaluate how AI can be used to expand access, deepen insight, and support the social justice mission of school counseling. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to integrate it more effectively, this session will offer practical tools and reflective strategies to help you harness technology without compromising your values. Join us to learn how AI can support, not replace, the human connection at the heart of our work.

Dr. Cher Edwards
Hannah Brinser



From Vision to Reality: Implementing a K-12 Comprehensive Counseling Framework
Join us for an insightful session on building a Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) from the ground up. Participants will learn how to develop a robust scope and sequence that meets the evolving needs of students as they transition through grades. We’ll explore the Hatching Results Framework and provide a practical template to ensure all program elements work together for student success.

This session will cover strategies for implementing both proactive and reactive interventions, ensuring comprehensive support for every student. Through collaborative discussions and practical examples, attendees will discover best practices for integrating academic, social, and emotional learning within the counseling framework.

By the end, participants will be equipped with the tools, framework, and templates to transform their vision into reality, enhancing student well-being and success in K-12 settings.

Jayde Albright


Increase Engagement in Classroom Lessons: 30 Activities to Captivate Students!
Enhance your classroom lessons with creative activities that captivate, engage and excite your students. Learn about a variety of engaging games that span academic, career and social-emotional concepts and skills taught in classroom lessons. Integrate and customize a variety of practical, low-cost ideas that tap into your students’ desire and need for movement, activity, friendly competition and fun while nurturing and practicing social-emotional learning skills and competencies.

Tanya Kirschman



Model Behavior: What’s New in the ASCA 5th Edition
The 5th edition of the ASCA National Model brings timely updates that elevate the role of school counselors in supporting student success through data-driven, equity-focused, and systemic practices. This session provides an accessible overview of key changes and enhancements, including updated language, new implementation tools, and a deeper emphasis on social justice and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Participants will leave equipped with practical tools to align their programs with the revised model—ready to illuminate brighter futures for themselves, their schools, and the students they serve.

Rhiannon Catlett



MTSS & CSCP: Connecting Support to Student Success
Participants will learn five strategies to communicate how your district CSCP and Career and College Readiness, (at all grade levels) fits into your districts’ MTSS model. As well as will also keep your CSCP systems sustainable in times of confusion and limited budget. Get practical advice for leading your school counselors into continuously working toward the ideal program by identifying gaps, implementing tiered interventions, communicating to stakeholders with positive focused advocacy.

Lisa Lucas



Right Info, Right Time: Breaking Barriers with CAI Programs to Support Postsecondary Planning
Discover how Washington’s statewide college access initiatives — the 12th Year Campaign, College Bound Program, and OtterBot — are equipping counselors, students, and families with the right tools at the right time to support successful postsecondary planning. This session will explore how these programs work together to increase access to critical information about college admissions and financial aid completion, while also examining practical, culturally competent strategies to strengthen the role of trusted messengers through regional and customized support to lower barriers and boost engagement. Whether you're a school counselor, educator, or advocate, you’ll leave with actionable insights to help students navigate their journey beyond high school with greater confidence and support.

Yaslin Torres-Peña
Pablo Rodriguez



Self Awareness as a Prerequisite for Ethical & Impactful School Counseling
There are few professions that require the level of self-awareness required to be an effective counselor. This session explores the critical nature of this SEL competency and its correlation to effective relationships, emotional regulation, character development, personal wellbeing, and resilience. In this engaging, fun, and insightful session, participants will discover motivation and a path to increased self-knowledge. You will learn specific tools for deepening physiological, cognitive, and emotional awareness.

This session is helpful for all levels of counselors and administrators. We will explore the value of emotional intelligence in school leaders as a prerequisite to healthy and safe learning environments.

Renee' Schoening



Small Moments, Big Impact: Building Relationships to Boost Attendance and Engagement
Strong relationships are the foundation of student success, especially for those at risk of disengagement. This session will explore the power of intentional connection through strategies like the 2×10 approach—spending 2 minutes a day for 10 consecutive days simply talking with a student about anything they choose. Participants will learn how consistent, genuine interactions can transform student attitudes, improve attendance, and increase academic motivation. In addition to the 2×10 method, we’ll share practical interventions to support attendance and build a culture of belonging. These relationship-based strategies are easy to implement, research-supported, and rooted in the belief that every student deserves to be seen and heard. Participants will leave with actionable tools to create meaningful moments that lead to lasting change in student behavior and school connectedness.

Sharee Zirker
Juan Mata



Student Success? It's As Easy As T.L.C!
WARNING: This session features evidence-based strategies that will improve student behavior and increase test scores. Join Sean Buchanan's fast-paced (and funny) session, full of stories and solutions for reaching students and parents who may be apathetic in their outlook toward education, struggle with discipline issues, or lack motivation. Mr. Buchanan explores specific alternatives to common consequences; dives deeper into the role educators play in providing motivation to boost student performance; and explains the role of internal motivation of adults in the education process. Finally, he underscores the impact of relationships in the achievement process and why T.L.C. is the glue that keeps it all together.

Sean Buchanan



Systemwide Success: Leveraging School Counselors to Achieve District Goals
Learn how a Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) can impact student outcomes through the lens of a collaboration between a WA State School District team and ESD 105. Learn how this district:
Aligned their CSCP work with their District and Building Improvement Plans; How they used data to provide students with interventions; Solved challenges that surfaced as new systems of interventions were introduced and Used resources to navigate those challenges.

Amy Johnson



Tapping into your Community to Improve Your School Counseling Program
For school counselors, 'tapping into your community' extends far beyond simple networking or engaging in local social events. It's about strategically cultivating strong, mutually beneficial relationships with community partners to enhance your school counseling program. This session will demonstrate how actively partnering with local organizations can:

• Enhance your school counseling program by providing access to resources, expertise, and opportunities that may not be available within the school itself.
• Improve community relations by fostering understanding and collaboration between the school and the wider community.
• Positively impact school climate by creating a more supportive and connected environment for students, families, and staff.

Participants will leave this session with actionable ideas and strategies to: deepen relationships with current community partners, identify and connect with new organizations that align with their program goals, and develop creative and sustainable partnerships that benefit students and the community.

Brittney Diaz



Supporting Youth in Foster Care – Requirements, Engagement Strategies, and Understanding
School counselors play a vital role in ensuring students in foster care have the necessary supports for educational stability and success. This session will provide an overview of the legal provisions surrounding youth in care in relation to both school and child welfare. An interactive discussion will offer attendees the opportunity to gain practical strategies to engage with youth and recognize the impact of trauma on their educational career. Don’t miss the opportunity to expand your understanding of one of our most vulnerable student populations!

Stacey Klim