2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

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11:15am CDT

Award-Winning Innovations: Building Stronger Communities Through Partnership and Workforce Development

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Explore two outstanding 2025 MCEA Project Award-winning initiatives that demonstrate how Community Education can lead innovative solutions to workforce challenges while strengthening support systems for children, families, and communities.
This engaging showcase features:

North Branch Area Public Schools – Childcare Champions Training Day (Presenter: Erica Bjerketvedt) – Discover how Community Education partnered with county agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and higher education to address the local childcare shortage through professional development, provider support, and strategic community collaboration.
Anoka-Hennepin Community Education – Adventures Plus – SAC Social Work Hybrid Internship Program (Presenter: Julie Morris) – Learn how an innovative partnership between School Age Care and the district's social work department created paid hybrid internships that strengthen staffing, support youth social-emotional learning, and develop the next generation of school social workers.

These award-winning projects illustrate how Community Education can move beyond traditional programming to become a catalyst for workforce development, community partnerships, and sustainable solutions to today's most pressing challenges.

Participants will:

Learn how strategic partnerships across education, government, nonprofits, and business can address complex community needs.
Explore innovative workforce development models that strengthen both Community Education programs and the broader community.
Discover practical strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining high-quality staff through creative partnerships and internship programs.
Gain replicable ideas for positioning Community Education as a leader in solving regional challenges while expanding services and improving outcomes for children and families.
Leave with actionable examples of award-winning programs that can be adapted and implemented in districts of all sizes.

Speakers

Erica Bjerketvedt

Director of Early Learning & Community Education, North Branch Area Public Schools

Julie Morris

Inclusion Site Coordinator, Anoka-Hennepin Community Education

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Amercian Legion Room - Upper Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

11:15am CDT

Equity 101: Equity and Inclusion Work in Community Education

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 104 - Lower Level

This 60-minute session invites Community Education leaders to examine how equity, inclusion, anti-racism, disability justice, gender-inclusive practice, and white supremacy culture show up in daily systems. Participants will reflect on access, belonging, dignity, safety, and practical ways to move equity work from values statements into everyday Community Education practice.

Outcomes / Key Takeaways
Participants will:

Build shared language around equity, inclusion, anti-racism, disability justice, gender-inclusive practice, intersectionality, and white supremacy culture.
Reflect on how Community Education systems, including registration, fees, communication, staffing, facilities, and program design, shape access, belonging, dignity, and safety.
Leave with reflection questions and practical next steps for moving equity work from stated values into daily leadership and operational practice.

Speakers

Stephen Keeler

Director of Community Education, Fridley Public Schools

Stephen Keeler (they/them) serves as the Director of Community Education for Fridley Public Schools and Co-chair of the MCEA Equity Committee. Stephen is a justice-centered Community Education leader whose work focuses on anti-racism, decolonized practice, disability justice, gender-inclusive... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 104 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

DEI

11:15am CDT

Making Circle Time Meaningful, Musical, and Memorable!

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 110 - Lower Level

Circle time is more than gathering children on a rug — it is where connection, learning, movement, and community come together. In ECFE, circle time creates opportunities for children and caregivers to sing, laugh, learn, and build relationships in a joyful and supportive environment.

This interactive presentation explores how to transform circle time into an engaging experience that supports language development, social-emotional growth, early literacy, movement, and family connection. Participants will leave with practical ideas, playful activities, and confidence to create circle times that are developmentally appropriate, flexible, and fun for both children and adults.

Speakers

Jodie Guhl

Educational Assistant, Rochester Public Schools

Jodie has worked in ECFE and Preschool Classes at Rochester Family Services for over 20 years.

Amy Ward

Parent Educator, Rochester Public Schools

Amy Ward
Parent Educator M.ed

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 110 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

11:15am CDT

Storytime Books and Beyond!

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Grand Lobby West

This session will feature a visit to Rochester Public Library, including a tour of the Youth Services area, demonstration of storytelling/read aloud techniques (flannelboards, Kamishibai, shadow stories), and highlighting some of our favorite read alouds and how best to use them with a preschool audience. The purpose of this session is to broaden the attendees' knowledge of storytime techniques and the larger role it serves to our youngest community members.

Speakers

Ingrid Alvarez

Youth Services Librarian, Rochester Public Library

Ingrid has worked in libraries in some form or another for over a decade. She presently works in the Youth Services Department at Rochester Public Library providing opportunities for littles and their families to shake their sillies out among other fun learning activities.

Jill Kobler

Library Associate, Rochester Public Library

Jill has worked in Youth Services at Rochester Public Library since 1997, providing enthusiastic customer service to the community through stories and songs.

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Grand Lobby West 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

11:15am CDT

Safe After the Bell: Implementing Standard Response Protocols in OST

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

This interactive session explores applying the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) within Out-of-School Time (OST) environments. We will discuss how to adapt universal commands for challenges like variability in environments and logistical controls. We’ll cover strategic foundations for site-specific plans, bridging the gap between school-day security and OST flexibility to ensure consistent safety.

Speakers

Tiffany Clifton

Director of Community Education, Orono Public Schools

Tiffany Clifton serves as the Director of Community Education for Orono Public Schools, bringing over 15 years of leadership across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors. Grounded in a holistic approach to student and staff care, she serves on the district’s well-being and... Read More →

Scott Lhotka

Director of Community Education and Services, Westonka Public Schools

Scott Lhotka, Ed.S., is the Director of Community Education & Services for Westonka Public Schools, overseeing Early Learning, Child Care, Enrichment, and Recreation. A former Dean of Students, Scott combines his background in student support with 25 years of Aquatics Safety experience to implement p... Read More →

Annette Sallman

Exec. Director of Community Education, Stillwater Area Public Schools, ISD 834

Annette Sallman is the Director of Community Education for Stillwater Area Public Schools, bringing 30 years of dedicated experience to her role. Annette currently serves as the president of the MCEA board of directors. Beyond her leadership in community education, she has been... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

11:15am CDT

The Operational Edge

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 102 - Lower Level

Have you ever looked at your team's daily workflow and thought, "There has got to be a better, cleaner way to do this"? This training focuses on resolving systemic disorganization and fractured communication within large systems. It delivers practical strategies to centralize, organize, and streamline your department's electronic resources, consolidate and clarify internal communications, and automate repetitive administrative tasks to maximize organizational efficiency.

Participants will learn:

How to avoid data fragmentation by centralizing and simplifying files.
How to reduce excessive emails and ensure consistency in communication.
Ways to leverage technology to automate repetitive workflows.

Speakers

Tiffany Weeks

School-Age-Care Supervisor, Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus

Tiffany is the Supervisor for the Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus School-Age-Care Program overseeing the program's implementation at 24 site locations. She has 29 years of experience working in the field.

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 102 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

11:15am CDT

Stop Starting from Scratch: A Canva Template Workshop

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 106- Lower Level

Reusable templates turn one-off design work into a system that scales with your program. Walk away with 1 to 2 Canva templates built live during the session, a repeatable approach for designing for reuse, and a reference for what to include in the most common template types community ed teams produce. Laptop required.

Outcomes:
- 1 to 2 finished Canva templates built live during the session, owned by the attendee in their own Canva account
- A repeatable framework for turning any one-off design into a reusable template
- A reference for the recommended components of the most common community ed template types

Speakers

Emily Abel

VP of Marketing, Radar Talent Solutions

Emily Abel is VP of Marketing at Radar Talent Solutions, a Minnesota-based recruiting partner for K-12 and community education. She leads marketing strategy, web design, and graphic design for Radar, with experience across digital content, design, and marketing for specialized audiences... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 106- Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Marketing

11:15am CDT

Building Impactful Targeted Services Programs: Strategies for Student Success Beyond the School Day

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

Targeted Services programs provide a powerful opportunity to support students' academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth outside of the traditional school day. In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for designing, implementing, and sustaining high-quality Targeted Services programming that engages students, families, schools, and community partners. Presenters will share successful approaches for identifying student needs, aligning programming with district goals, leveraging community resources, creating meaningful enrichment opportunities, and measuring program impact. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, examples, and ideas to strengthen their own programs and expand opportunities for student success beyond the classroom.

Speakers

Amanda Beckler

Youth Programs Coordinator, Faribault Public Schools

Amanda Beckler (she/her) is the Youth Programs Coordinator for Faribault Public Schools in Faribault, MN. With a diverse background in education, Amanda has held several impactful roles, including K-12 Art Educator and Community Education Coordinator. In her current position, she... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

School Age Child Care

11:15am CDT

Demystifying "Misbehavior" in Children and Youth

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 109 - Lower Level

Managing "misbehavior" can be frustrating, exhausting, and confusing. In this talk participants will be introduced to a popular brain-body model to better understand and respond to behavior and how it is influenced by a complex array of factors including development, relational experiences, neurotype, stress and trauma, and more.

Key Takeaways
1) Kids do well when they can - it's usually a "can't" not a "won't"
2) Kids learn most from what they experience within relationships - what they receive, witness, and experience. True cooperation comes from connection, not fear.
3) How we respond to others sends a message. Repeated messages over time can have deep and lasting impacts that we didn't intend.

Speakers

Haeli Gerardy

Family Engagement Specialist, Fernbrook Family Center

As a presenter, Haeli blends knowledge and experience from psychological science, a near-decade in community mental health, teachings from various sociopolitical movements (e.g., decolonization, neurodiversity), historically silenced voices, and traditional practices that connect... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 109 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

School Age Child Care

11:15am CDT

Introducing N-CAPS: Non-Competitive Active Play Spaces

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 105 - Lower Level

Explore the benefits of active play and its impact on child development.
Learn how movement supports focus, learning, and emotional regulation.
Discover key components of a Non-Competitive Active Play Space (N-CAPS).
Review staffing and supervision strategies.
Gain practical tools to reduce gym conflicts and provide inclusive, engaging play opportunities.

Speakers

Owen Kilanowski

Kids Club Site Lead, Edina Community Education (Edina Public Schools)

6 year veteran working at Edina Public Schools Kids Club.

Jane Tierney

Program Manager Edina Public Schools/Kids Club, Edina Community Education (Edina Public Schools)

36 Year veteran at Edina Public Schools/Kids Club. Emphasis on Inclusion for students with special needs and racial equity.

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 105 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

School Age Child Care

11:15am CDT

Navigating the Discomfort: Mastering Difficult Conversations

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Stop avoiding tough talks to "keep the peace." This interactive workshop equips OST leaders with the mindset and practical frameworks needed to navigate high-stakes discussions with confidence. Learn to bypass internal blocks, utilize the SBI feedback model, and manage emotional triggers, transforming discomfort into productive dialogues that build trust and drive results for your program.
Key Takeaways- Participants will learn to recognize the internal blocks that distort their perception of conflict before a conversation even begins, practice the Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) framework to deliver feedback that focuses on neutral, observable facts rather than biased judgments, and gain practical scripts and techniques to remain calm and empathetic when responding to staff or parents who become defensive, cry, or yell.

Speakers

Pam Webb

Program Coordinator, Adventures Plus

Pam Webb is dedicated to developing leaders who lead with intention rather than habit. With 25 years of professional experience—including 15 years in the Out-of-School Time (OST) field—Pam combines practical operational wisdom with the transformative framework of Core Energy Leadership... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

School Age Child Care

11:15am CDT

Child Development 101: Toddlers through Adolescents

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 108 - Lower Level

Explore the fascinating world of child development from infancy through adolescence in this engaging, beginner-friendly session! Participants will discover the unique characteristics of developmental stages while gaining practical strategies to adapt expectations, communication, behavior guidance, and support approaches. You will leave with a stronger understanding of how responsive adult interactions positively impact children’s growth and success.

Outcomes:
-Demonstrate the ability to use positive, developmentally appropriate strategies to guide behavior and communicate with children.
-Identify how developmental delays or differences may affect behavior, communication, and learning, and select appropriate support strategies.

Speakers

Carley Hofer

Assistant Professor, Winona State University

Ever since she was three years old, Carley knew she wanted to be a teacher. What began as a childhood dream quickly became her lifelong passion. With nine years of teaching experience spanning kindergarten, second grade, and now higher education, Carley is passionate about building... Read More →

Beth Larson

Assistant Professor, Winona State University

Beth has over 20 years of experience in the early childhood classroom, in both pre-k and kindergarten. She most recently taught tier 2 reading interventions before moving to Winona State University as an assistant professor. She now teaches early childhood and literacy courses to... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 108 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:15pm CDT

Cultural Considerations: Building Relationships with ELL Families

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 109 - Lower Level

Are you planning events but unable to engage with all culturally diverse families? Explore the benefits of dual multilingual learners as well as strategies to build a connection. Specific focus on ELL Family Engagements, considerations on how to create a successful event, and how to apply cultural relevance to build a larger community.

Key Takeaways:

Participants will see the benefits and challenges of translation services including an interactive activity using Google Translate.
Practical considerations in planning events for the entire community through a cultural diversity equity lens.

Speakers

Karen Cook

Teacher, Adult Literacy, Hawthorne Education Center (Rochester Public Schools)

With more than 20 years of experience working in varied educational settings, Karen brings a wealth of concepts and connections. She has worked as a College Administrator, Children's Museum Coordinator, Special Education Assistant, Adult Literacy Coordinator, and most recently as... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 109 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult Basic Ed

1:15pm CDT

Building Belonging Through Family Engagement: Lessons, Tools, and Strategies from Minnesota’s Family Engagement Practices Project

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 108 - Lower Level

How can meaningful family engagement strengthen belonging for children and families? This session shares key lessons from Minnesota's Family Engagement Practices Project and introduces practical tools, resources, and strategies to help early childhood programs build trust, strengthen partnerships, elevate family voice, and support continuous improvement.

Participants will:
• Learn key themes and insights from families, educators, and leaders about effective family engagement.
• Explore practical tools and resources to support reflection, continuous improvement, and stronger family partnerships.
• Identify actionable strategies to strengthen belonging and family engagement in their own programs and communities.

Speakers

December Lynch

Early Learning Services Supervisor, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

December Lynch, supervises the Early Learning Services team at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), where she champions initiatives that strengthen systems for young children and their families. December is passionate about ensuring equitable access... Read More →

Mi Yang

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Specialist, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

Mi Yang is an Early Childhood Family Education Program Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). She is passionate about supporting educators and leaders through practical tools, professional learning, and continuous improvement efforts that... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 108 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

1:15pm CDT

Updates to the Community Education Annual Report and How to Fill it Out

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 104 - Lower Level

In this session, we will discuss changes and updates to the Community Education annual report that is due each November. We will also discuss common areas of data misrepresentation in the annual report and how to accurately fill it out.

Speakers

Karl Brown

Community Education Director, Mounds View Public Schools

Karl is the Community Education Director at Mounds View Public Schools

Roxy Olsen-Hurst

Assistant Director of Community Education, Proctor Public Schools

Roxy is the Assistant Director of Community Education at Proctor Public Schools

Ann Riebel

Community Education Director, Winona Public Schools

Ann Riebel is the Director of Community Education at Winona Public Schools

Celest Stang

Community Education Director, Kimball Public Schools

Celest is the Director of Community Education at Kimball Public Schools

Alex Wolter

Community Education Director, Willmar Public Schools

Alex Wolter is the Community Education Director in Willmar Public Schools.

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 104 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

1:15pm CDT

Creating (or Enhancing) your Program's Equity Plan

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

Come hear about the Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus school-age-care program's equity work. Whether you are just starting equity work or well on your way, this session will give you additional ideas for implementation.
Participants will learn how this school-age-care program:

Formed their equity committees, created an equity commitment statement, engaged stakeholders, and created department-wide training.
Built equity connections into all activities, dedicated budget resources, and secured grant funding for special projects.
Examined demographics and adjusted staff recruitment strategies.

Speakers

Jodi Abrahamson

Program Coordinator, Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus

Jodi is a Program Coordinator for the Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus School-Age-Care Program, overseeing five site locations. She has 25 years of experience working in the field and leads the equity committee for Anoka-Hennepin SAC.

Tiffany Weeks

School-Age-Care Supervisor, Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

School Age Child Care

1:15pm CDT

MCEA Foundational Standards for School-Age Care Programs Guide

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 105 - Lower Level

The MCEA School Age Care Committee is excited to share our reviewed and updated Foundational Standards for School-Age Care Programs guide! This guide outlines the baseline for high quality school age care programs. At this session we will go through the guide and how programs can benefit from this free resource.

Participants will learn key areas of quality care and have a tool perfect for building a solid foundation or taking their program to the next level.

Speakers

Jenn Bratvold

Inclusion Specialist, Wayzata Public Schools

TBD - I will have them write it :)

Shannon Gavrilov

Program Coordinator, Minneapolis Public Schools

Hello! I am currently a Program Coordinator with Minneapolis Kids overseeing our Northeast programming at Webster Elementary School. I have been with Minneapolis kids for over 2.5 years with a background in early childhood education and youth development. I am passionate about creating... Read More →

Angie Parker

Program Specialist, Minneapolis Public Schools

I have been working in Community Education for over 10 years in School Age Care. Currently I supervise five sites with Minneapolis Kids, which have before/after school programming as well as Minneapolis Kids Juniors, a full day pre-k program.

I specialize in program quality and continuous improvement systems and practices; I have a deep history with accreditation in the school age care field. I lead a number of programs through the MAAP accreditation process, was a certified MAAP coach for both internal and external school age care progr

... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 105 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

School Age Child Care

1:15pm CDT

How to Eat Your Way to Better Mental Health

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 102 - Lower Level

Did you know that 90% of Americans aren’t eating in a way that supports optimal mental well‑being? In this presentation, you’ll learn practical strategies for using nutrition to ease symptoms of stress and anxiety, and you’ll have the chance to sample several foods known to promote better mental health.

Speakers

Sara Kelly

Wellness Specialist, Olmsted County

Sara Kelly MS, RD, LD is a Registered Dietitian who has been serving Olmsted County as the Employee Wellness Specialist for the last six years. She has sixteen years of experience in the nutrition field and has given hundreds of presentations to help people live healthier lives. She... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 102 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Wellness

1:15pm CDT

You Can't Pour From Empty: Sustainable Wellbeing for Community Education Professionals

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 110 - Lower Level

Community education professionals dedicate their time and energy to supporting others, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. This interactive session explores practical strategies for preventing overextension, building sustainable work practices, and fostering belonging. Participants will leave with greater clarity, actionable tools, and a personalized plan to support both personal wellbeing and community impact.
Key Takeaways:

Identify personal and professional factors that contribute to overwhelm, energy depletion, and misalignment.
Apply practical strategies for supporting sustainable wellbeing, including energy management, boundaries, and intentional decision-making.
Develop one actionable step to strengthen both personal wellbeing and the sense of belonging within their programs and communities.

Speakers

Amrita Prakaashana

Founder, Coach, & Facilitator, Artria Consulting, LLC

Amrita Prakaashana (she/her) is the Founder, Coach, and Facilitator at Artria Consulting LLC. She partners with high-achieving individuals in healthcare, nonprofit, and caregiving professions who give so much of themselves caring for others to navigate career and life transitions... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 110 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Wellness

1:15pm CDT

Connection Before Content: Building Spaces Where Students Thrive

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 107 - Lower Level

Connection Before Content explores how strong relationships create the foundation for student engagement, behavior, and learning. Through practical strategies, real classroom examples, and interactive reflection, participants will discover ways to build community, strengthen student ownership, and create learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and ready to grow.

Outcomes/Key Takeaways:

Identify practical strategies that strengthen classroom connection and student engagement
Explore ways to build routines and interactions that support belonging and participation
Leave with relationship-centered practices that can be implemented immediately in learning environments

Speakers

Kristy Buchalla

classroom teacher, Cortland Enlarged City School District

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 107 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

global Y

1:15pm CDT

From "What Do I Do?" to "I've Got This!: Guiding Challenging Behavior

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

Master the transition from "What Do I Do?" to "I've Got This!" when guiding challenging behavior. This session explores brain states to help you move from reaction to intentional response. Discover how composure, safety, and connection can transform behavior into success stories using practical tools.

Key Takeaways

Learn to identify the three brain states
Practice shifting from judging to "noticing"
Take away practical strategies to guide challenging behavior that help preserve relationships

Speakers

Lanette Hess

Inclusion Program Coordinator, Anoka-Hennepin, Community Education, Adventures Plus

A veteran of the childcare field since 1991, Lanette Hess has transitioned from the classroom to leadership roles, currently overseeing inclusion services for the Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus program. Since 2014, she has specialized in facilitating services for students with needs and providing cross-site staff support. Lanette draws... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:15pm CDT

Pause. Notice. Connect. Forest Therapy Practices for Wellbeing and Community Education

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Experience forest therapy, an evidence-informed practice that supports wellbeing through sensory engagement and mindful attention. Participants will take part in a guided mini forest therapy walk and leave with practical nature-based strategies they can use personally or adapt for community education programs.

Outcomes

Describe how forest therapy supports wellbeing through sensory engagement and mindful attention.
Practice simple nature-based techniques that can be used for personal wellbeing and stress regulation.
Identify opportunities to incorporate nature-based experiences into community education programming.

Speakers

Nicole Brudos Ferrara

Owner, Damselfly Forest Therapy

Nicole Ferrara is a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and founder of Damselfly Forest Therapy in Rochester, Minnesota. She guides nature-based experiences that invite people to slow down, engage their senses, and deepen their connection... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:15pm CDT

Youth Voice and Leadership: Creating Space for Young People to Lead

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT

Suite 106- Lower Level

This interactive session introduces Building Block #3 of the Believe It. Build It. framework: Youth Voice and Leadership.

Participants will explore practical strategies to embed youth voice into daily programming—beyond one-time events—by creating consistent, meaningful opportunities for youth to lead and make decisions. Through real-world examples, group discussion, and hands-on tools, participants will learn how to build a culture where young people are truly seen, heard, and empowered to lead.

Speakers

Keem Anderson

Associate Director, Ignite Afterschool

Keem is a dedicated, creative, and highly qualified youth development professional. He has over 10 years of experience working in the youth development field within both community and education-based settings. Keem has demonstrated expertise in leading, coaching, supervising, and... Read More →

Friday October 23, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Suite 106- Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

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