This academy provides administrators with an understanding of the importance of creating a professional development plan for their districts and individual school buildings that will provide appropriate trauma responsive training for their staff. Participants will leave with a template which serves as a continuum for moving staff from trauma-aware to trauma-informed, ensuring that key protocols and strategies are in place for dealing with students who have been impacted by trauma.
This training is relevant for building principals, school leadership teams, counselors, social workers, community mental health agencies, health department personnel, and school resource officers.
While the climate, culture, and well-being of a school is the responsibility of everyone in the building, the administration is responsible for the implementation and facilitation of the work. This administrator academy focuses on introducing the Collective Well-being Framework and the associated assessment and toolkit. Participants will learn the 5 Essentials of the framework and be guided through assessing their own school, analyzing the data, and determining next steps so they can leave with a professional learning experience tailored to the specific needs of their school community.
This training is relevant for administrators and school teams looking to implement a collective well-being action plan for their district.
Current Area 5 SEL Coach. Former Director of Online Learning & Technology, K-8 Tech Coach, JH asst. Principal, and 7th grade science and ELA teacher. Always Dad and husband, RYT-200, Google Trainer, IL Master Gardener, bibliophile, outdoorsman, DIY-er and artist.
Meet Chanelle Walker (Formerly McCloud), the Teacher Wellness Guru. She inspires educators to greatness through professional development that’s about them; and it’s done from a teacher’s perspective. In a day and age where we’re practicing a new normal for our schools, some are now getting a sample of what educators experience. But teacher fatigue has been a brewing pandemic long before Covid-19.
Educators suffer from burnout, stress and not enough time in a day. It’s what Chanelle refers to as “The Elephant in the Classroom,” as she so eloquently presented to a packed house at a Case Western Reserve University TEDx Talk.
She spent more than a decade in the classroom and an additional 5 years in other educational settings. Chanelle serves as CEO of Professional Inspiration, the company she founded 10 years ago that hones in on the source that drives individuals to push harder toward their desired results bringing purpose to the surface. Once that purpose is walked in, she teaches how not to become walked over.
She’s harnessed her skills as a content developer and course facilitator to cultivate curriculum for teachers on the subject of wellness across the country. Chanelle’s accolades include, but are not limited to a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a Master’s of Education from Notre Dame College. She’s a two-time “Who’s Who in Black Cleveland” award recipient and adjunct professor at Ashland University. Chanelle is currently working toward attaining her doctorate in education.
This session will be co-led by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI). Participants will learn about IDPH’s work to support children’s health and children’s mental health across the state, including information about the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership, which is newly housed at IDPH. The session will also discuss the implementation of the Blueprint for Transformation: A Vision for Improved Behavioral Healthcare for Illinois Children, with a focus on strategies for improving child well-being by strengthening families, schools and communities. The session will provide an overview of the BEACON care portal and work to develop the foundation for mental health screenings in schools. The session will highlight successes in improving interagency coordination and community engagement and identify next steps to ensure that transformational changes impact Illinois students.
We live in a chaotic, cacophonous world that increasingly overwhelms our students. Today’s youth are facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. From the constant barrage of news and social media to the pressures of academic and social expectations, it can be difficult for them to quiet the “noise” and focus. Join this interactive session to learn how mindfulness, visualization, and intentional listening techniques can transform your classroom into a haven where students thrive. In this session, you’ll discover practical strategies to help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
In this session, leaders within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of Social and Emotional Learning (OSEL) will share about their district-wide Healing-Centered Framework and a key priority to enhance implementation of tiered SEL teaming structures, including Culture & Climate Teams (CCT) and Behavioral Health Teams (BHT) in every district school. These tiered SEL teaming structures are a critical lever of a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for schools to implement trauma-engaged practices and healing-centered approaches.
Director, Healing-Centered Supports, Chicago Public Schools
As the Director of Healing-Centered Supports, Adam is charged with developing and implementing cohesive strategy for scaling and deepening the implementation of Chicago Public Schools' Healing-Centered Project and aligned initiative strategies. This includes implementing a cohesive... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Redbird A
On February 1st, 2018, Heather died on the floor at school after suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the age of 28. Working long hours each day trying to make a name for herself in the world of education, Heather never knew that you could literally become stressed to death. Since her near-death experience, one that less than 9% of people survive, Heather has learned about the negative impact of stress on the brain, heart, and body, and the importance of keeping your stress levels in check.
Using humor, her personal experience, and data, Heather passionately educates others about heart health and how important it isto learn to manage stress before you too, are stressed to death.
Principal, Winnebago CUSD 323/Dorothy Simon Elementary School
On February 1st, 2018, Heather died on the floor at work after suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the age of 28.Working long hours each day trying to make a name for herself in the world of education, Heather never knew that you could literally become stressed to death.Since... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Redbird B
During the breakout session Jeff will share Stanton School's story of being a targeted school due to chronic absenteeism to earning a commendable status in just one year. This year, with Jeff at the helm, Stanton School received its second consecutive commendable rating because of the committed work he and his staff did and continue to do as a trauma informed school. Jeff will share how his staff, including the bus drivers, became certified trauma informed specialists, how to improve daily rountines and practices by being resilience focused, and how changing the mindset from punitive to "Opportunities to Be Better" have impacted the student's behavior and social emotional growth. Stanton School's growth is validated by the data through significant improvements in student behaviors and daily attendance.
Principal, Fox Lake Grade School District 114 - Stanton School
Thirty-three years ago, Jeff began his career as a high school teacher and baseball coach at Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison, Illinois. During his ten years at Driscoll, he taught History and coached Varsity Baseball earning an impressive career record of 251 wins and 102... Read More →
This 60 minute session aims to inform the audience about the impact of toxic stress on mental health and explore ways to address it. We will discuss the causes of toxic stress, including adverse childhood experiences and socio-economic disparities. Additionally, we will highlight strategies to mitigate its impact, such as promoting positive relationships and providing access to mental health services. Furthermore, we will emphasize the importance of working together on a universal level to build resilient spaces that support children, their parents, and the communities they live in. By fostering collaboration and implementing systemic changes, we can create supportive environments for the well-being of all.
Kristine Argue-Mason holds the distinction as the first full-time executive director for Partnership for Resilience, an Illinois non-profit corporation working to improve academic, health, and social outcomes for children by fostering trauma-responsive schools and effective family... Read More →
How you talk to yourself matters. In this highly interactive sessoin we'll focus on how the concept of, wellness begins within, starts with how we talk to and about ourselves. Explore how four common forms of self-talk impact personal choices, habits, and routines. Assess how the quality of your thoughts connect to the quality of your professional and personal relationships. Identify practical ways to influence your thought patterns and unleash better outcomes.
I design, facilitate and provide professional development for educators and leaders on a wide range of topics that integrates wellness activities for adult learners. I'm an author, adjunct professor and co-owner of Tumbao Bilingual Books. I approach my work with a passion for building... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Redbird F
In this interactive breakout session, participants will explore practical self-care strategies while examining the intersection of personal and professional identity. Through mindfulness, movement, and connection, attendees will identify common stressors and discover tools to support their well-being. Focusing on the unique needs of all school staff, we will address how time constraints and guilt often hinder self-care and self-efficacy. Together, we will discuss how to drive systemic change in schools, embracing culturally responsive practices and actionable strategies that prioritize the well-being of the adults who care for our students. Join us to recharge, reflect, and leave equipped to create a more supportive, sustainable school environment.
Farm to School implementation is happening throughout the school building, from school gardens, to the school cafeteria, to the classroom, and through after-school activities and clubs. This session will dive into what Farm to School is, funding opportunities, resources available to schools, and agriculture education. We will showcase success stories from Illinois schools. Attend this session to learn more about ways to incorporate agriculture into your school!
Belonging is the bedrock of a thriving classroom, where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. This session explores strategies to cultivate authentic, meaningful connections that build trust, empathy, and resilience—especially for students navigating the challenges of trauma and adversity. Grounded in Transformative Social-Emotional Learning (tSEL), trauma-informed practices, and healing-centered engagement, participants will discover actionable ways to create emotionally safe and inclusive environments. Educators will learn how to dismantle barriers to belonging, prioritize mental health, and foster culturally responsive spaces that celebrate diversity and nurture resilience. Through practical tools and proven strategies, this session equips educators to inspire student engagement, strengthen relationships, and create classrooms where every learner is empowered to heal, grow, and thrive both academically and emotionally.
Doctora Alexandra Escobar is a Latine social justice and equity leader, passionately committed to advancing educators’ racial and socio-cultural consciousness to better serve students and their families. With a career deeply rooted in achieving educational equity and racial justice... Read More →
In our session, you will hear about our Safety and Threat Assessment Team (STAT) efforts within West 40 Intermediate Service Center and how we are supporting the rethinking of safe school environments. We will discuss ways to achieve the right balance - how you can keep your school physically sound and also help define the roles that everyone plays in Behavioral Threat Assessment. How to identify behavioral warning signs of violence early, common barriers to reporting behaviors once they are recognized, and appropriate and timely prevention and intervention techniques to best help our kids in need. We will review data surrounding targeted attacks, explore digital leakage and social media tools our youth are using, and drive home the importance of being proactive - see something, say something, DO SOMETHING.
School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist, West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2
Wil is the School Safety and Threat Assessment Specialist for West40. He brings over 30 years’ experience in law enforcement, safety, and security in both the public and private sectors. As a police officer, Wil was a Medal of Merit recipient, earned the Firearms Proficiency... Read More →
Building strong mental health support systems in schools requires collaboration with the broader community. This program focuses on fostering partnerships between schools and local mental health organizations, healthcare providers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive approach to student well-being. Participants will learn strategies for identifying and engaging potential community partners, developing mutually beneficial collaborations, and leveraging resources to address mental health challenges. By integrating external expertise with school-based initiatives, this program aims to expand access to services, reduce stigma, and promote a culture of mental health awareness. Key outcomes include:
Establishing sustainable partnerships to enhance mental health resources.
Building a network of support to address diverse student needs.
Empowering educators and staff with tools and training for effective mental health advocacy.
This program is designed for school administrators, counselors, educators, and community members who are passionate about strengthening mental health support systems for students.
Owner, Rise and Thrive Wellness and Community Partner for KSD 111
Megan Campbell, ATR-BC, LCPC, owner of Rise & Thrive Wellness brings over 12 years of experience in clinical supervision, education, and leadership. As the owner of a dynamic group private practice for over 8 years, Megan oversees two thriving offices located in Bradley and Kankakee... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Redbird G
In this session, teacher wellness advocate Chanelle R. Walker, M.Ed. uplifts and inspires teachers to infuse their passion, power, and purpose into their daily classroom routines, instruction, and teaching environment. This session will be packed with practical and thoughtful strategies to help teachers tap into their intrinsic motivation to boost morale and overall wellness. Using real talk, humor, and reflection, Walker will help empower teachers to proclaim and reclaim their passion, power, and purpose as educators.
This interactive session explores how relational, restorative, and resilient practices contribute to fostering overall school and classroom wellness. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster connection, resolve conflict, and build resilience within clasroom and school communities, ensuring all members thrive together
One of the first big accomplishments we remember as a child is learning our A,B, C's - now join me as I guide you through a new alphabet of mindful and meditative words. Gain inspiration and apply mindful tricks/tips for being more present and joyful to all parts of your life.
Lead Educator and MBSEL Facilitator, ROE #45 Red Brick Safe School / All About MMEE LLC
I’m a 26 year educator. I have worked with Safe Schools and Mission Schools for fifteen of those years of service. I’m a Speech Communication/ ELA/ and Psychology Educator. I received my certifications with Mindful Schools in 2022 and The Engaged Mindfulness Institute in 2023... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Redbird F
Participants are invited to support their own wellness and reignite their love for leadership by coming together in community to learn well-being skills and tools. The dynamic and demanding nature of administration can leave school and district leaders feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burned out. This breakout session will delve into the unique challenges faced by administrators and explore strategies for cultivating collective well-being in the school building.
Join Illinois State Board of Education Nutrition Department staff for a big breakfast presentation! We’ll cover marketing and outreach, Breakfast After the Bell serving models, grants, and other information to help expand your breakfast. Breakfast fuels student success!
Urban Initiatives (UI) has partnered with Network 11 in Chicago Public Schools to host an eight-session PD series designed explicitly for PE teachers to support social emotional learning in their classes. PE represents a unique opportunity to integrate SEL into lessons, and this PD series based on a research validated coaching methodology supports PE teachers to do exactly that. Participants will learn about the methodology, hear best practices on partnerships between nonprofits and school districts, investigate program impact, and get a blueprint for creating a similar program for their district.
Andy is a coach at heart. Beginning his youth development career in Chicago as a nature camp counselor, Andy has worked in affordable housing, after-school programming, and lots and lots of coach training. Excited to be returning to Urban Initiatives after five years working in local... Read More →
Participants will experience engaging professional development focused on strengthening competency and implementation skills regarding Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for Middle school & High School Classrooms. Participants will learn how to engage students with activities to strengthen peer to peer interaction and community building. In this session, participants will gain practical strategies to cultivate an emotionally, physically, and mentally safe classroom climate and culture.
Do you ever imagine how your life would differ if you couldn't see, taste, touch, smell or hear? Many of us take our five senses for granted until we face the threat of losing these precious gifts. Join Mimi to explore the five senses grounding technique, which is free and available to everyone regardless of race, gender or politics. Participants will leave with hands-on activities and resources designed to reignite an appreciation for our senses while reminding us that when life gets overwhelming, staying connected to our body can help us regulate in the present moment.
Professional Development Team Lead, DeKalb Regional Office of Education
Mimi is passionate about supporting teachers and students. Prior to the ROE, she taught middle school and college after working in a jail. She prefers teaching, which is a much tougher and more purposeful gig.
Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Redbird A
For too many young people, their daily lives are impacted by overwhelmingly stressful circumstances, like grief, loss, significant poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and community violence. Mixing theory and practice, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport provides youth development professionals with a general understanding of brain development, the impact of adversity on the brain, body, and behavior, and how sport, movement, and play can support healing and positive youth development. This session includes actionable strategies for using evidence-based regulatory activities, building relationships, creating trust and psychological safety, managing challenging behaviors resulting from trauma, and knowing when to seek additional help. Attendees will hear from experts on innovative neurobiology research, its symbiotic connection to sport and mental health, and how both can create healing-centered and inclusive experiences while protecting, nurturing, and embracing young people for every bit of who they are.
Chicago Manager, Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS)
Ivan is a father to two beautiful girls, born & raised in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. As the youngest son of two Mexican immigrants, he is a proud first-generation college graduate. He has over a decade of experience working with Chicago’s youth, families, and communities... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Redbird B
Schools play a central and critical role in helping students build their capacity to cope with stress and life problems – in other words, resilience. When student feel safe and supported,students have more capacity to be creative, innovative and open to learning. This session features the Resilience Supportive Schools Illinois (REACH) statewide initiative. This initiative is a partnership between Lurie Children’s Hospital Center for Childhood Resilience (CCR), the Illinois State Board of Education and the state's seven Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Hubs. RSSI provides free and voluntary supports that schools need to assess and improve current policies, procedures, and practices through a data-informed approach. The goal of the initiative is to ensure that every student attends a school that is safe and supportive, culturally responsive, relationship based and able to promote the mental health and well being of students and staff. Come learn the ways in which RSSI helps school leaders create tailor-made plans that prioritize the pillars of student resilience most relevant to their school community.
Learn how to maximize your consulting potential as a school social worker, psychologist, or counselor in the school, or how to consult with them as a teacher or administrator. Their unique, clinical expertise offers out-of-the-box brainstorming for difficult behavioral challenges in the classroom or other school settings. Whether the intervention needed is simply a conversation about a student, call home to a parent together, or a Tier 2 or 3 intervention, their input offers relief to the academic team member. After hearing a few successful case examples, attendees will offer currently challenging situations and brainstorm solutions to bring back to their schools with a procedural model to own and make their own with their respective home school teams. The Triple A (AAA) Model will be applied: Awareness, Assessment, & Apply.
School Social Worker, DuPage High School District 88--Willowbrook High School
Erik Engel, LCSW, is currently a veteran school social worker of over 25 years, having worked in a variety of settings from residential to alternative to public high school. He cofounded a program within his current high school for students who are diagnosed with anxiety and depression... Read More →
A discussion based on the findings that social-psychologist Jonathan Haidt shares in his book, The Anxious Generation. Haidt argues that the combination of the decline of play-based childhoods, exacerbated by newer styles of parenting, and increasing smartphone use has led to a mental health crisis for a generation of children. Time will be spent discussing ways both school districts and policy makers can work to promote reduced screen time for children, while promoting increased free-play and independnce.
SEL Coach, Iroquois-Kankakee Regional Office of Education
Beth is a former elementary school teacher where she taught in the Chicago Public School system as well as in suburban districts. She has long understood the importance of building strong relationships with her students. More recently she was a Character Development Specialist at... Read More →
Hunger doesn’t end when the bell rings at the end of the school day. Whether it is after school or summer vacation, there are child nutrition programs available that can ensure students are getting the nutrition they need to succeed year-round. Join us for an engaging and interactive session to learn about summer meal programs, after-school snack and supper programs, and more.
Grab some popcorn and join national touring comedians Brendan Eyre and Tim Convy for an evening of good clean fun and laughter!
Brendan Eyre is one of the country’s top up and coming comedians. His unique, laid back perspective on life has landed him spots on Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC, Comedy Central, AXS TV, and various other national television and radio shows. He is also the cohost of the critically acclaimed Rad Dudecast podcast. He performs regularly at clubs and colleges throughout the country.
Tim Convy was born and raised in St. Louis and after graduating from the University of Missouri, pursued his dreams of rock n' roll stardom. As keyboardist of the rock band Ludo, he performed on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and MTV. Ludo played over one thousand shows all over the country including clubs, colleges, and festivals like Lollapalooza and Warped Tour.
After hanging up his synthesizer, Tim studied improvisation at The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater in New York and began performing standup comedy shortly after. He’s performed at some of the country’s best venues and many of the most terrible ones.
Tim has also worked as a writer and producer on on a variety of television shows from Comedy Central's Not Safe with Nikki Glaser to MTV's House of Style. Tim has moved back to St. Louis to combine his love of music and comedy. He can be heard every weekday morning on the radio on 106.5 The Arch's, The Courtney Show.
Tuesday April 8, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
The Normal Theater209 W North St, Normal, IL 61761, USA
Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker and 3 x Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His bestselling business book, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, was listed by Forbes’ in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”
His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.
At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury. He turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.
After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.
The Coffee Bean message has inspired thousands. Damon’s clients include hundreds of companies, such as Walmart, State Farm, Wendy’s, Stryker, and sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Timberwolves, Clemson, Alabama and Georgia. The U.S. Army has even incorporated the #BeACoffeeBean mindset into their resilience training. Damon’s story has been featured both nationally and globally.
He is passionate about the Coffee Bean message and loves sharing how it changed his life and how it can change yours, too.
His Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The Locker Room: How Great Teams Heal Hurt, Overcome Adversity and Build Unity, is being optioned for film adaptation.
His children’s book, The Coffee Bean for Kids, is the genesis for Coffee Bean Clubs being started by students at schools all over America.
Today, Damon lives a life of recovery and service, sharing his story all over the world. Of all the hats Damon wears, however, the two most important to him are being a husband to Kendell and a stepfather to Clara.
In this interactive session, you will explore the 8 dimensions of wellness - Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, and Social. Complete a self-assessment to determine areas of strength and growth. Develop an action plan for growth to support your wellness goals! Each participant will be able to enter the raffle drawing for prizes!!
Theresa Olsen is the Regional Social Emotional Learning Specialist for ROE #53 in Tazewell, Mason and Woodford Counties. She has 16 years of experience in education as a special education teacher and paraprofessional. Theresa is a certified trainer for the Neurosequential Model for... Read More →
Join me for a deeply calming experience designed to help you release tension, unwind, and restore balance. In this soothing session, participants will be guided through restful postures, gentle breathwork, and guided meditation to enhance relaxation and mental clarity. This session is a time to relax and recharge, offering a supportive space for all levels to experience deep rest. With gentle guidance, participants will explore restful positions and breathing techniques, cultivating a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
What to Expect:
No Experience Needed! This is a restorative relaxation session, not an exercise class. The focus is on calming the mind and body.
Sensory Elements: Calming music, perhaps some lavender oil, and optional weighted objects
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing (no special attire required)
Layers for warmth, such as a sweater, thick socks, or a cozy blanket
Yoga mat (or similar) since we will be on the floor for part of the time.
Current Area 5 SEL Coach. Former Director of Online Learning & Technology, K-8 Tech Coach, JH asst. Principal, and 7th grade science and ELA teacher. Always Dad and husband, RYT-200, Google Trainer, IL Master Gardener, bibliophile, outdoorsman, DIY-er and artist.
Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird A
This workshop is designed to address a critical question: If we prioritize the social-emotional well-being of students and teachers, who ensures the well-being of school leaders?
Participants will learn how to establish a School Leaders Care Team—a collaborative effort between district leaders and school leaders focused on supporting principals and assistant principals. The session will explore practical strategies for creating systems and structures that foster a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for school leaders. The session will also share best practices on navigating the loss of a student or school crisis through building connections with community.
By modeling care and well-being practices, districts can empower school leaders to better care for their own communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits students, teachers, and staff alike.
Director of School Leader Engagement, Chicago Public Schools
While principal of Sullivan High School, formerly one of the most violent high schools in Chicago, Chad H. Thomas’s nearly decade-long rehabilitation and renewal of the school was captured in the highly acclaimed book Refugee High: Coming of Age in America. Heralded for his work... Read More →
The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) Coverage project focuses on reducing barriers to school-required vaccinations and improving school immunization coverage rates. A survey among school health staff and workgroup consisting of school nurses, pediatricians, local health department leaders, and other pediatric clinicians, identified an opportunity to increase buy-in on school-required immunizations from school administrators. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE), Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN), ICAAP worked to create a detailed toolkit for school principals and superintendents to help promote vaccine confidence and compliance immunization requirements. The goal of this project is to empower school leadership to help make their school communities healthier and safer and enforce required immunizations.
The toolkit includes positive and cohesive messaging on required and recommended immunizations, an overview of school forms, resources for newly arrived populations and students who are uninsured/underinsured, tips for working with pediatric health care providers, and outreach materials for families on school immunization requirements.
Senior Manager of Immunizations Programs, Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Caroline is a Senior Manager of Immunizations Programs at the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP). She started at ICAAP in 2021, focusing on sharing education aboutt eh COVID-19 vaccines. Now she leads programs for improving school vaccination rates. Prior... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird B
Let’s face it– your own school experience is not your current student’s experience. Social media has dramatically changed the middle school & high school landscape, leaving many students feeling anxious, lonely, and misunderstood. The good news–this narrative can be changed! Join Erin Shook, Psychology teacher at Freeburg High School, in examining research from the “The Anxious Generation,” neuroscience, Positive Psychology, and mental health trends to educate teachers and provide tools to empower students in the classroom.
Erin Shook is an enthusiastic high school teacher with a deep passion for creating a supportive and balanced environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With over 16 years of experience in the classroom, she has become known for her innovative teaching methods... Read More →
In the United States, suicide is the 2nd leasing cause of death for teens and adolescents. Because kids spend a large amount of time within our school settings, we have a responsibility to serve as the first line of defense in preventing loss of life due to suicide. In this session, best practices for suicide prevention will be discussed through a multi-tiered approach. Speaking through the lens of a unique and effective role as a suicide prevention specialist social worker within the building and district, the presenter will cover the topics of suicidality, risk screening and assessment, risk-related decision making, legal precedent, and tips for feasible prevention practices in order to increase your understanding of suicide and what practical changes can be made within your buildings and/or direct work with students to improve student safety and wellness.
Student Support Specialist/ Pediatric Clinical Therapist, St. Charles School District 303/ Little Indigo Child & Family Therapy
Owner of her own private pediatric clinical therapy practice specializing in anxiety and mood regulation in adolescents and teens, Kameron also works in a middle school social work specialist role, focused on safety and suicide prevention and intervention. With over 16 years of experience... Read More →
This session provides an in-depth exploration of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and ESSA Foster Care Act, focusing on how to support these vulnerable student populations effectively. This session will address the barriers to educational stability that these students often encounter, such as frequent school transfers, lack of access to resources, and additional challenges. Attendees will also learn about best practices for identifying, supporting, and advocating for McKinney-Vento-eligible students and Youth-in-Care within the school system.
National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program operators are required to have a Local Wellness Policy, which is an important tool for promoting student wellness across the school environment. Attendees will learn about the required wellness policy elements, including policy language, public involvement, triennial assessments, ISBE monitoring, and more.
Imagine a world where our students' closest relationships are not with friends or family, but with avatars and AI-driven interactions. As AI continues to advance, it risks reshaping the landscape of social relationships, creating an environment where synthetic connections can replace authentic ones. If we could go back and rethink how we’ve prepared students for the world of Social Media, wouldn’t we? Today, we have that opportunity. This session offers a compelling look into the concept of "Infobesity"—the relentless influx of AI-driven information—and its profound impact on youth relationships. We’ll uncover the hidden influence AI can exert beyond large language models, drawing students into digital realms that threaten to erode genuine human connection. Participants will leave with practical strategies to counteract this shift, helping students forge meaningful, face-to-face relationships and build the resilience needed in an AI-enhanced world—all without adding more to your plate. Join us to take action now and ensure our students don’t get lost in a sea of avatars and artificial bonds.
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, The Learning Technology Center
Holly Kelly is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center, serving the east central region. She facilitates professional learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and technology staff that support digital teaching and learning. Holly... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird B
Discover how functional health principles can transform your approach to wellness by addressing the root causes of chronic health challenges rather than merely managing symptoms. This session will explore the foundational concepts of functional medicine, focusing on whole-body health, personalized care, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Attendees will learn how to identify key factors—such as nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep—that influence health and how to create a roadmap for achieving balance and vitality. By integrating functional health into your daily life, you can embrace a proactive, individualized approach to wellness that prioritizes prevention and sustainability. This session will equip you with practical strategies to improve personal well-being or enhance professional practice, empowering you to thrive and inspire others to do the same.
In this engaging session, you will learn how to design, implement, and adapt a comprehensive school-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program tailored to meet the unique needs of your school community. We will explore practical programs, proven strategies, and innovative ideas that drive meaningful SEL integration. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps and personalized action plans to support SEL success within their schools. Throughout the session, there will be opportunities for interactive Q&A to ensure that your specific questions and challenges are addressed. Join David Lerch, Principal of ROE 45 Safe School, for an informative experience on building and sustaining an impactful SEL initiative.
Safe School Director & Educational Programs Coordinator, ROE 45 - Red Brick Safe School
David Lerch has been teaching for 17 years. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Illinois College in 2007, his master’s degree from SIUE in 2010 and his EDS in Principalship from SIUE in 2023. He’s taught a variety of grades from 5th grade to 8th grade. He has also... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird G
Discover how to move beyond survival mode in the demanding role of school leadership. This session invites current and aspiring principals to reflect on their existing home, work, and life systems, identify gaps in their support networks, and reimagine strategies to prevent burnout. Learn actionable steps to build systems that foster balance, resilience, and long-term success in the principalship. Leave empowered with tools to not only manage but thrive in your role as a school leader.
In this high-energy 60-minute presentation, "Happiness Hacks I Stole From Heavy Metal” we’ll explore powerful, positive psychology-backed strategies for boosting happiness and flourishing. The twist? Each actionable insight is drawn from the bold, rebellious themes of heavy metal lyrics. By combining research-driven approaches with the raw energy of metal, you’ll leave feeling empowered to take intentional steps toward greater personal happiness and well-being. This session promises a fun, engaging way to reclaim control of your mental and emotional health, inspired by music’s heaviest hits!
Professional Speaker and High School Chemistry/Physics Teacher, Positive Growth Lounge LLC
Phil Januszewski is a tattoo covered, Netflix baking-show flopping, high-energy chemistry/physics teaching keynote speaker and coach that is on a mission to create and spread happiness through education, motivation, and entertainment. He empowers the givers in the world to completely flourish in... Read More →
Multilingual learners (MLLs) often bring rich cultural experiences to the classroom but may also carry the weight of trauma, whether from migration, displacement, or other life experiences. This breakout session equips educators and school staff with trauma-informed strategies specifically tailored to the unique needs of MLLs. Participants will explore how to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments that promote healing and learning for students navigating the dual challenges of trauma and language acquisition.
Assistant Professor of Education, Rockford University
Dr. Terri Easter is an Assistant Professor of Education at Rockford University and the Director of ESL/Bilingual Studies. With over a decade of experience teaching English learners, including in Title I schools and internationally, she brings a global perspective to creating equitable... Read More →
Join us for an interactive session designed to enhance collaboration between school administrators and school nurses. This session will explore effective communication strategies, role clarity, and best practices for building strong partnerships that support student wellness. Participants will engage in discussions and activities aimed at fostering mutual understanding and creating a cohesive approach to addressing the health and well-being of students. Whether you're an administrator or a nurse, you'll leave with practical tools and insights to strengthen this vital partnership and promote a healthier school environment.
Health Services Administrator, Valley View School District 365U
Lisell Zuñiga, BSN, RN, PEL-CSN, is an accomplished leader in the school nurse community with over six years of experience. She oversees health services for 21 schools, advocating for student wellness across a variety of educational environments. Lisell partners with the local health... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird A
The use of stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, prescribed and non-prescribed medications (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.), and counterfeit pills have a significant impact on mood and mindset, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. While many are aware of the health outcomes of nicotine and illicit drugs, caffeine’s impact on the brain and body is frequently underestimated. In this presentation, we will discuss current trends of adolescent (12-17 years) and emerging adult (18-25 years) stimulant use in Illinois and nation-wide. We will focus on the age of onset, brain development, the impact of caffeine and other stimulants on mood and mindset, sleep, and nutrition. We will talk about the prevalence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills and how students can protect themselves and their peers from fentanyl exposure and prevent overdose. This presentation will cover the impact that stimulant misuse has on a student’s ability to perform inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, we will provide strategies on how to have effective, informative, and nonjudgemental conversations with students about stimulant use. Suggestions will be shared for healthier and natural alternative choices to stimulants, as well as examples of in-classroom experiential activities. Please join The Prescription Playbook for this engaging and interactive presentation!
Sarah Grunden graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2022 with a Master's in Public Health. Sarah has always been passionate about community health and improving health outcomes. She is excited to have the opportunity to help the emerging adult population make healthier... Read More →
Working together as a team is key to maintaining a safe environment for students with dietary restrictions in the cafeteria and beyond. Join ISBE staff from the Nutrition Department and Wellness and Student Care Department for a presentation on accommodating children with special dietary needs. Presenters will cover ways to collect and share dietary restrictions for students with disabilities. Attendees will understand the importance of knowing the individual student’s needs and how to transitions from the cafeteria to classroom.
