2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

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11:15am CDT

Child Development 101: Toddlers through Adolescents

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

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

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

2026 MCEA Fall Conference

11:15am CDT

Carley Hofer

Beth Larson

1:15pm CDT

Kristy Buchalla

1:15pm CDT

Lanette Hess

1:15pm CDT

Nicole Brudos Ferrara

1:15pm CDT

Keem Anderson

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