ISBE School Wellness Conference: Full Schedule

10:45am CDT

Stressed to Death

Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

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.

Speakers

Dr. Heather Baker

Principal, Winnebago CUSD 323

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

1:15pm CDT

The Role of Physical Health in Mental Wellness

Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Redbird B

Present the link between physical activity and mental health, with actionable ideas for school wellness programs.
Discuss ways to incorporate physical education and movement into the school day to support holistic wellness.

Speakers

Roger Seitzinger

Principal Consultant ISBE Wellness and Student Care, Illinois State Board of Education Wellness' & Student Care.

Tuesday April 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Redbird B

2:30pm CDT

Reimagining Sport, Movement, and Play as Tool for Mental Health and Well-Being

Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Redbird B

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.

Speakers

Ivan Ortega

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

9:45am CDT

Creating a School Immunizations Toolkit for School Leaders

Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Redbird B

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.

Speakers

Brandi Vogt

Caroline Werenskjold, MPH

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

11:00am CDT

Calm the Mind, Refresh the Body: A Restorative Relaxation Session LIMITED

Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Redbird B

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 sensory elements, including essential oils, calming vibrations, and soft music, 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: Essential oils, calming vibrations, and soft music will enhance the experience. For those sensitive to fragrances, please note this may not be the best fit.

What to Bring:

Comfortable clothing (no special attire required)
Layers for warmth, such as a sweater, thick socks, or a cozy blanket

Speakers

Jennifer Kaiser

Area 2 SEL Hub Director, Area 2 SEL Hub

Jennifer is a dedicated and seasoned education professional with an impressive career spanning over 25 years. Her journey in the field of education has taken her through various roles, from being a classroom teacher to serving as an interventionist, team lead, parent, and school board... Read More →

Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird B

ISBE School Wellness Conference

From $10.00