Register for the conference here!

When you register you will be required to choose which sessions you would like to attend. Please reference the session information below.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM - Open for registration 

8:30 AM - 8:50 AM - Continental Breakfast/Networking

Session 1 – 8:55 AM – 9:45 AM

A-1 Working with (& counseling!) Challenging Caretakers

We got into School Counseling to work with students, but sometimes we find ourselves working with parents/guardians more! Being positioned to counsel caretakers is a large part our roles, and sometimes one that was just breezed over in grad school. This session focuses on identifying different types of parenting styles, caretaker counseling practices, case studies to help ground and remembering that we are working with people's most prized possessions- their kiddos!

Kait Sleight has worked in the field of Education for the past 10 years, graduating with a BA in English from Binghamton University and MA in School Counseling from Rider University. Since 2018 she has served as the College & Career Counselor at Chatham High School in Chatham, NJ. Her professional experience in Higher Ed has included roles as an Admission Counselor, Residence Director and Adjunct Professor at Rider University for ​the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership, & Counseling. Kait recently completed her administrative certifications through NJEXCEL and hopes to continue supporting the growth of counselors in the field through professional development and supervision.

A-2 Boot Camp for New School Counselors

Aspiring and new school counselors will want to attend this workshop to help them land their dream job and to make sure that dream job doesn’t turn into a nightmare. An overview of several professional associations and the importance of joining them will be covered in detail. Participants will receive pointers on how to maximize their chances of getting an interview and selected for a position. An introduction to the American School Counseling Association National Model and how implementing one can have a positive impact on the school community.

Carl Palmer completed his BA in Communications from Rowan University and a BA in Business Studies from Stockton University. He later went on to earn MA degrees in Student Personnel Services and School Administration from Rowan University. After nearly 15 years working in the private industry, Mr. Palmer entered the educational profession as a high school business teacher for seven years. Afterward teaching, he worked as a school counselor in a variety of settings and grades: Blue Ribbon high schools, elementary-middle school, and at-risk youth programs. Mr. Palmer is the president-elect of the New Jersey School Counselor Association and the founder of the Cape Atlantic School Counselor Association. 

Patty Israel has been a School Counselor for nearly 40 years. Before that she was a classroom teacher for nine years. She is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University in the Counselor Educator Department for the past three years. Mrs. Israel has been the secretary for the NJSCA for nearly 20 years. She holds the following degrees: BA in Psychology (Rutgers), MA in Student Personnel Services (Rowan), MA in Educational Leadership (Rowan). She is certified to Teacher for Elementary Education.

A-3 Who is Attending to School Counselors' Social Emotional Learning?

As the demand for social-emotional learning (SEL) continues to expand in schools, school counselors are often seen as the primary facilitators of SEL for students and educators alike. However, the question remains, in the absence of clinical supervision: who is attending to the social-emotional needs of school counselors themselves? This session introduces a transformative approach that encourages school counselors to engage in their own SEL journey through facilitated, intentional activities designed to foster connection, growth, and healing.

Participants will experience a series of activities that offer a space for self-reflection, processing, and professional development, allowing them to deepen their social-emotional competencies. This session emphasizes the importance of school counselors prioritizing their own well-being to effectively support others, exploring how regular SEL practice can prevent burnout, enhance resilience, and renew their commitment to their work. By focusing on their own SEL, school counselors can model healthy practices and strengthen their ability to create supportive, thriving school environments.
Join us to explore how cultivating a dedicated space for school counselors to connect, learn, grow, and heal can ultimately transform the culture of SEL in schools, ensuring that those who nurture others are also nurtured.

Dr. Kara Ieva (she/hers) holds many identities. In addition to being a wife, mom, school counseling advocate, and co-conspirator in working to remove oppressive educational practices, policies and systems, she is a Professor in the Counseling in Educational Settings program at Rowan University. Additionally, she is the CEO and Co-Founder of In the Moment Group, LLC, dedicated to supporting the Eduhealing of all educators through Group Work focused on Educator SEL. Her educational career spans over 25 years as a former Spanish teacher, administrator, and professional school counselor, and counselor educator. Kara uses her research for advocacy by using asset-based approaches to empower student agency while promoting equity and wellness (academic and mental health). Her specific areas of expertise include group counseling and social emotional development with students, in classrooms, embedded in content, educator SEL, and systemic tiered interventions centered on promoting healthy identities. She consults and delivers professional development nationally to PK-12 school counselors, teachers, and administrators on strategies for cultivating a safe, equitable, and inclusive mental health and neurodiverse culture in schools.

A-4 Elementary Counselors Make and Take- Coping Skills Cafe

This hands on sessions will discuss the importance of coping skills and allow participants to not only participate in a coping skills cafe but also provide lots of make and take opportunities.

Florentina Crawford is a dedicated School Counselor at Pennsauken Intermediate School with a passion for helping young students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With several years of experience in school counseling, she provides a safe and supportive environment where children feel valued and understood. Florentina works closely with teachers, parents, and staff to ensure each student's well-being, focusing on social skills, conflict resolution, and personal development.

Laurie Corizzo is committed to advancing our profession and supporting her fellow counselors. With twenty seven years of experience as an Elementary Counselor in New Jersey, she has developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities we face in our field. She has presented at numerous Fall conferences, sharing insights and best practices. She believes that together we can enhance the impact of our association and advocate for the vital role of counselors in our schools throughout our state.

Christine Jones is a passionate and highly accomplished Elementary School Counselor, known for making a positive impact on students’ lives and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within her school community. With over 7 years of experience in education and counseling, Christine Jones has dedicated her career to helping students navigate the challenges of childhood and thrive both academically and emotionally. In 2020, Christine was honored as the Educational Support Professional of the Year a testament to her outstanding contributions to the school community and her unwavering dedication to the success and growth of each child she serves. Whether she is offering counseling services to students, leading initiatives to support mental health awareness, or collaborating with teachers and families,

A-5 Help Kids Understand and Process Emotions Through Music and Song Lyrics

In this workshop, we'll explore how using music and song lyrics can help kids (and adults) process their feelings, promote self-expression, and relate to others. Learn how you can incorporate utilizing music and lyrics to help students as a part of your tiered supports. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite playlist or song titles to try it out for themselves!

Jessica Smedley currently serves as the Dirctor of Counseling in West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. She has been a Director of School Counseling, middle school counselor, and high school counselor for 23 years. Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for 16 years and maintains a small private practive. She is currently a doctoral student at Montclair State University where her research is focused on educators' antiracism education and activism. 

Session 2 – 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM

B-1 Actionable DEI Steps: Creating Bias-Free Classrooms

This session, based on insights from “Erasing Bias from the Classroom”, will equip school counselors with practical, actionable steps to foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in their schools. Through an engaging mix of theory, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to:

- Recognize and address hidden biases in curricula and school policies.
- Create inclusive environments that affirm diverse identities and experiences.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators to implement effective DEI strategies.
- Support students in navigating and challenging bias within the classroom setting.

Counselors will leave with clear strategies to support both educators and students in erasing bias and promoting equity, ensuring that all students feel seen, valued, and understood.

Janis Washington White is a dynamic professional with a rich history of accomplishments spanning various fields. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management, she excelled in corporate management before transitioning to education. With a Master's Degree in Community Counseling, she made a significant impact as a Certified School Counselor, guiding students towards personal growth and academic success. Janis's commitment to personal empowerment led her to become a Certified Life Coach and a Cultural Diversity Specialist, advocating for equity and understanding. Beyond her professional roles, she is an active member of a Diversity Equity Accessibility Inclusion (DEAI) Team, promoting community inclusion. A captivating public speaker, Janis engages audiences on topics ranging from personal development to diversity. Janis Washington White epitomizes dedication to empowerment and inclusivity, leaving a lasting impact on all she encounters.

B-2 College and Career Counseling

In today’s achievement-driven culture, amplified by social media, students face intense pressure around college admissions. Many feel that their worth is tied to the reputation of the school they attend, which can lead to anxiety and unrealistic expectations. This session will offer strategies to help students and families navigate the application process with greater balance and resilience. We’ll discuss ways to set realistic goals, stay organized, and manage stress during each phase of the application journey.

Jennifer Huey brings over a decade of expertise to college and career counseling, with 9 years as a College and Career Counselor at Randolph High School and a total of 11 years in school counseling. She began her career in college admissions, where she developed a strong foundation in guiding students through the college application process.

Lisa Verran is a seasoned counselor at Rumson-Fair Haven School District with over 20 years of dedicated experience. Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge in guiding students through academic and career planning. Her extensive background allows her to skillfully navigate the challenges of counseling, helping students thrive both in and beyond high school.

B-3 Empowering Educators: Strategies for Supporting ADHD and Executive Functioning in the Classroom

This session will explore how executive functioning challenges—such as difficulty with focus, organization, and self-regulation—affect elementary students' learning and behavior in the classroom. We will discuss the impact of these challenges on academic performance and social interactions, and more importantly, explore strategies teachers can use to support students with ADHD. Additionally, I will highlight the crucial role of school counselors in providing resources, interventions, and collaborative support to both teachers and students to create a positive and productive learning environment.

Kristin Callahan is a dedicated school counselor with 22 years of experience in K–8 education, and for the past five years, she has focused exclusively on supporting students in kindergarten through third grade. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Widener University and is a certified teacher trainer for ADHD students, as well as a certified ADHD consultant. Passionate about advocating for students with ADHD, Kristin works to give these students a voice and helps teachers understand how ADHD impacts their classroom experience. She regularly shares insights and strategies with staff through a weekly email, and provides parents with valuable resources via a separate weekly email to help them support their ADHD children at home. Outside of her work in the school building, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, including attending her son’s college football games, and is the proud mother of two adult children and proud wife of a Philadelphia Police Officer.

B-5 HIB Law Updates 

In this session participants will learn about the latest developments regarding New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, including lessons to be learned from recent case law. Participants will also learn about evolving legal obligations related to addressing student mental health issues, the potential for bullying issues to impact student mental health and wellbeing, and proactive steps to reduce potential HIB incidents and support student mental health and wellbeing.

David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA; Geta Vogel, Coordinator of Mental Health, Wellness and the Law, FEA

B-6 Leveling the Playing Field: School Counselor Edition

School Counselors juggle many responsibilities, including creating and managing Section 504 plans for students with disabilities. While ASCA advises against counselors being tasked with 504 coordination, our advocacy continues to leave a lasting impact on students' lives.

Jennifer Grimaldi is the Director of District School Counseling Services and Assessment for Washington Township public schools in Gloucester County and previously served as the Director of School Counseling for Black Horse Pike Regional School District and 12 years as a high school counselor in Haddonfield public schools. Jennifer is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University. 

Guy Crawley is a 2021 graduate of Rowan University’s Counseling in Educational Settings M.A. program. During his time in college, he has completed internships and practicums at the Burlington Regional Department of Children and Families School’s “Project TEACH” program, and Pennsauken School District. For the last four years, Guy has served as a middle level School Counselor at Chestnut Ridge Middle School for Washington Township public schools in Gloucester County.

B-7 Traumatic Incident Response in the School Setting

Traumatic events, especially when occurring in close communities such as a school district, can have deep impacts on students, families, and staff. By understanding this impact and improving crisis response preparation, schools and their stakeholders will be better equipped for when these incidents take place. Coordination, intervention, and follow-up for all involved are essential for recovery from critical incidents. 

Elizabeth (Liz) Schopfer is an LPC and Certified School Counselor and works as a Mental Health Counselor in the Pine Hill School District. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision through Capella University. Ms. Schopfer has a BA in Psychology with Distinction and a Certificate in Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013. In addition to a M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services in 2014 and a M.Phil.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services in 2015 also from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in the areas of crisis intervention, community behavioral health, in-home family therapy, and program supervision. Ms. Schopfer has presented on various topics to diverse audiences including clinicians, the NJ Department of Education, Crisis Intervention Teams, first responders, and school communities. She is passionate about addressing both individual and systemic needs, consistently advocating for changes in policies to better increase equitable access to care in the least restrictive environment. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and relaxing at the shore.

B-8 Verbal Intervention: Providing Trauma Informed Care for Individuals in Distress

The purpose of this workshop is to build on your knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and manage crisis behaviors using person-centered and trauma-informed responses. It is designed to help professionals provide the best Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security for individuals presenting a range of distressed behaviors

Mindy Hall has 24 years’ experience as a school counselor and is currently with Moorestown Twp Public Schools. She is president-elect of NJSCA and has co-authored the NJSCA Comprehensive Mentor Program for School Counselors and the Intern/ New School Counselor Document. Mindy teaches Family Counseling and Individual Counseling Skills for Wilmington University’s graduate program in School Counseling.

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM - Buffet Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:20 PM : Keynote Address

The Keynote Speaker is our own “The Fancy Counselor” Laura Fortsom Williams 

Laura is a passionate school counselor and student advocate. A staunch advocate for equity in educational spaces, she’s been a public-school educator for 27 years as a first and second grade teacher, an elementary school counselor, a high school counselor, and now a middle school counselor.

She advocates tirelessly for student needs and prioritizes making her services collaborative with teachers, parents, and administration.

Laura has held leadership roles in local and state counseling associations and was named 2023 New Jersey School Counselor of the Year.

She is also a professional development speaker and educational consultant. As  owner and operator of The Fancy Counselor, LLC, an educational resource and educational consulting company, Laura is also a professional development speaker and consultant.  Laura is a dedicated mom and wife to a college senior at Morehouse College, and a high school junior.  She holds ASCA specialist certifications in Cultural Competency, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.--

Session 3 – 1:35 PM – 2:25 PM

C-1 School Counselors as EducatorCounselors: Exploring Youth Participatory Action Research in School Counseling Practice

This presentation offers a practical and culturally responsive approach for school counselors to advocate for their professional identity and serve youth’s development simultaneously. The authors draw on the EducatorCounselor framework to offer a model for school counselors to navigate the identity tensions they face within the fields of education and counseling. While school counselors engage in educational tasks (delivering classroom lessons, advising students, running small-group counseling sessions), they are consistently holding the role of a counselor who leverages these moments of engagement to build student’s mental and interpersonal capacities. In this paper we present a method for school counselors to use Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) as a method as a process to support youth in emotionally processing and challenging injustices impacting their lives. In particular participants will engage in their own PAR process where they identify a systemic issue in school counseling, and design a project to respond to this issue in their practice, paying particular attention to how YPAR can be implemented into a range of preventative educational tasks towards the counseling goals of socially just student development and wellness.

Ian Levy is an Assistant Professor of School Counseling in the Educational Psychology Department at Rutgers University, a former High School counselor, and an emcee. His research explores preparing school counselors to use Hip Hop-based interventions to support youth development. Most notably, Dr. Levy piloted the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Hip Hop based counseling framework in urban schools. This particular hip hop therapy program was featured on various news outlets including the New York Times, and CNN. In 2016 Dr. Levy was named the New York State School Counselor of the Year. His research monograph, Hip Hop and Spoken Word Therapy in School Counseling: Developing Culturally Responsive Approaches, is published with Routledge. In 2023 he released his second album, Sometimes I Forget Where I’ve Been, available on all streaming platforms.

C-2 Understanding and Supporting Students with School Anxiety, School Avoidance and School Refusal

This workshop is for school counselors interested in learning more about school anxiety, school avoidance and school refusal. This workshop will cover:
 - The differences between school anxiety, school avoidance and school refusal
 - Common traits of students who experience school anxiety, avoidance and/or refusal
 - Common “thinking traps,” and ways to address them
 - The role of the amygdala and the body’s “defense response” 
 - How to help students develop coping skills and resiliency
 - Building blocks to create individualized plans for students to return to school

Lindsay Linebarger received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Fordham University and her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University, where she concentrated in clinical social work with a focus on social work in the school environment. She is a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical anxiety treatment professional. Lindsay has over ten years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings, including schools, community mental health agencies and case management agencies. She spent four and a half years working in an out of district, therapeutic school for middle and high school students in need of mental and emotional health support. She has worked as a therapist in a group private practice for the past two and a half years, where she treats children, adolescents and adults. Currently, she is a mental health clinician for West Windsor Plainsboro School District’s Opportunities @ Pathways Program, a program designed to help students return to school following a prolonged absence due to mental and emotional health concerns.

C-3 Applying a Reflective Framework (with a twist) to Difficult Relationships

This session introduces a reflective framework to address communication challenges in difficult interpersonal relationships. Attendees will be invited to apply this framework to a relationship they find challenging, and encouraged to reflect on aspects of their conceptualization of the communication that may be contributing to or intensifying difficulties. By utilizing the reflective framework, participants will "make and take" a personalized plan to identify areas where adjustments to their communication style could be beneficial, particularly in managing recurring disputes.

Dr. Stacey Solomon is a professor in the graduate Counseling department of Caldwell University. She has previously worked as a school counselor and maintains a small private practice.

C-4 Middle School Magic: Creating A Middle School Transition Program That WORKS!

This presentation provides school counselors with the tools and strategies to build an effective middle school transition program that sets students up for success. Participants will learn how to address the unique challenges and needs of students moving from elementary to middle school, focusing on social, emotional, and academic supports. The session will cover practical ways to reduce student anxiety, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage positive connections with peers and teachers. Attendees will leave with baseline knowledge of middle school transition research,  ideas for engaging activities and resources designed to ease the transition and empower students to thrive in their new school environment.

2023 New Jersey School Counselor of the Year, Laura Fortson-Williams, is a dedicated school counselor and tireless student advocate. With over 26 years in education, Laura has served as both an elementary teacher and a school counselor across all K-12 levels. She is an active leader in local and state counseling associations, continuously seeking innovative ways to support students and elevate the counseling profession. Laura is also a devoted wife and mother to a Morehouse College senior and a high school senior. Holding ASCA specialist certifications in Cultural Competency and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Laura is a proud Rowan University alum, where she earned her BA, MA, and Supervisor's Certification.

C-5 Modernized School Counseling Practices with a White Board Table

To keep up with ever changing social and emotional needs of our students and the expanding expectations of school counselors and their practice, presenters Molly Lange (Director of Special Services) and Alyssa Pech (School Counselor) will enlighten you on how using a white board table can revolutionize the ability to creatively engage students. This practice reduces prep time that is not always available to counselors. Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of how one change in furniture can modernize mundane practices into meaningful and collaborative counseling sessions with students or groups.

Molly Lange has served as the Director of Special Services for Warren Township Schools, since July 1, 2023. She previously served as the Special Education Supervisor for Piscataway Township Public Schools from 2017-2023. Prior to Piscataway, Lange was a School Psychologist for People’s Prep Charter School in Newark, NJ, and Coordinator of Special Education and an Intervention Coach for the Waukegan Public School District in Illinois. Mrs. Lange graduated from Montclair High School and attended Skidmore College in 2003, earning a degree in Psychology and Early Childhood education. In 2010 Lange graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with an Ed.S in School Psychology as well as earning an Educational Leadership masters from the American College of Education in 2013. 

Alyssa Pech is the School Counselor at Central School in Warren Township where she's been working for 8 years. She graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors in Psychology in 2014, then continued her education at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education where she received her Master's in School Counseling in 2016. Ms. Pech was awarded Educator the Year in 2021, has worked closely with administration to bring SEL programs into every K-8 classroom and has pioneered the district school counselors to have white board tables to modernize their practices. She also recently received her Supervisor and Director of School Counseling Certificate from Montclair State University.

C-6 NJTSS/I&RS and the School Counselor

School Counselors are often tasked with being on or leading their school's NJTSS/I&RS Teams. Learn more about the role of the school counselor in NJTSS and I&RS Teams and how to utilize the data collected to advocate for changes in your school to benefit your students.  The session will also provide a basic overview of multi-tiered systems of support and resources available to utilize in your school.

Christine Jones is a passionate and highly accomplished Elementary School Counselor, known for making a positive impact on students’ lives and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within her school community. With over 7 years of experience in education and counseling, Christine Jones has dedicated her career to helping students navigate the challenges of childhood and thrive both academically and emotionally. In 2020, Christine was honored as the Educational Support Professional of the Year a testament to her outstanding contributions to the school community and her unwavering dedication to the success and growth of each child she serves. Whether she is offering counseling services to students, leading initiatives to support mental health awareness, or collaborating with teachers and families,

C-7 Defining Your School Counselor Identity

In this session, we'll discuss the importance of defining your professional identity as a school counselor. The role of the school counselor has changed and expanded over the past twenty years and it can be difficult for both newer and experienced counselors to maintain their purpose when being tasked with so many demands on their time. In this session, we'll brainstorm advocacy strategies, reflect on your own school counselor identity journey, and consider your future professional development.

Jessica Smedley currently serves as the Dirctor of Counseling in West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. She has been a Director of School Counseling, middle school counselor, and high school counselor for 23 years. Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for 16 years and maintains a small private practive. She is currently a doctoral student at Montclair State University where her research is focused on educators' antiracism education and activism.