2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

11:15am CDT

Space: The Final Frontier - Teaching Space Science to Your Community

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Space exploration is advancing rapidly, and many people are curious and excited about it. In this session you’ll discover some tools, tips, and resources you’ll need to teach your own space lessons to students of all ages, in order to help motivate and prepare them for humanity’s future in space. Plus, you’ll get a take-home space lesson starter kit.

Speakers

Ben Joslin

Planetarium Director, Rochester Public Schools

Ben Joslin is the Director of Rochester Public School’s Planetarium at Mayo High School. He grew up loving space, being inspired by Star Trek, and building model rockets and Lego spaceships. He graduated with a degree in science education from the University of Arizona, and has... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 108 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

11:15am CDT

Wheels Up Wednesday: Bridging the Gap for Our 55+ Neighbors

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Jordan Public Schools’ Community Education and Recreation department launched "Wheels Up Wednesday" 3 years ago to meet the consistent transportation needs of community members ages 55 and older. This free weekly transportation program helps residents stay active, independent, and engaged. Each Wednesday, seniors enjoy opportunities to run errands, attend appointments, and spend time with friends—while forming new connections and rediscovering old ones along the way. The program has quickly become a bright spot in the community, fostering friendship, laughter, and a renewed sense of togetherness among its riders.

Come join us on a ride through our senior programming as we give back to a generation who has done so much for us!

Possible Outcomes:
-Strengthen Community Engagement: Discover strategies for fostering social connectivity and independence among seniors, effectively turning a basic service into a "bright spot" for resident interaction.
-Foster Deep Social Connectivity: Discover strategies to move beyond simple logistics, transforming each Wednesday into a "bright spot" that reduces senior isolation and builds lasting community friendships.

Speakers

Cullen Bahn

Director of Community Education & Recreation, ISD 717 - Jordan Public Schools

Cullen Bahn is the Director of Jordan Community Education & Recreation and is entering his fourth year in the role. He oversees the Jordan Community Center (CERC) and a wide range of community education programming that serves the Jordan community—from early childhood education... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

1:30pm CDT

Bus Tour Basics

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Bus tours are a fun and unique way to build community among your participants. That being said, planning and executing a successful bus tour is no small task. Join CE coordinators as they share top tips from ideation, program development, spreadsheet planning strategies, and communications through trip execution. You will leave with tools and connections to begin exploring your adult and senior enrichment bus tour journey!

Key Takeaways:
* Checklist for Managing a Successful Bus Tour
* Spreadsheet Financial Organization Tips
* Collaborate and Connect with Peers across the State

Speakers

Lori Murphy

Coordinator, Bloomington Public Schools

Robert Halberg

Adult Services Coordinator, Hastings Public Schools

Amanda Shadoin

Adult Enrichment and Sports Camps Coordinator, ISD 196

Katherine Bodger

Coordinator - Trips, Tours & Special Events, Minneapolis Community Education

Submitted Previously

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

2:45pm CDT

Community Voices, Shared Solutions: A Collaborative Path to Substance Use Education

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

This session outlines the development, implementation, and community impact of a multidisciplinary education series on substance use and addiction. Presenters will share planning strategies, session themes, participant feedback, and lessons learned, highlighting how strong cross‑sector collaboration and community engagement can strengthen understanding, support, and local response to substance use challenges.

Key Takeaways:
• Understand how to build and coordinate a multidisciplinary team for community education.
• Learn effective strategies for engaging community members and promoting evidence‑based resources like naloxone.
• Identify practical lessons and evaluation insights to inform future substance use–related programming.

Speakers

Gayle Olsen, MS, APRN, CNP

Professor Emerita, Winona State University and President, Board of Directors, Community Pathways to Family Health and Recovery

Gayle is a pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 50 years of experience in clinical care, education, and research. She has held faculty positions at several institutions, including the University of Minnesota, the University of Mississippi, Boston College, and most recently... Read More →

Benjamin Lai

Assistant Professor & Consultant of Family Medicine; Chair of Mayo Clinic’s Opioid Stewardship Program, Mayo Clinic

Dual board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Benjamin Lai has served as Chair of Mayo Clinic’s Opioid Stewardship Program since 2023, following his role as Co-Chair from 2021–2022. He has led quality improvement initiatives, developed institutional opioid... Read More →

Abby Tricker

Lead Population Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Abby Tricker is a Population Health Specialist with Olmsted County Public Health Services, where she has served for more than 18 years. Her career has been rooted in substance use and injury prevention, with extensive experience leading community-based initiatives and cross‑sector... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

2:45pm CDT

Twin Cities PBS Viewers Like Us Club: Building Community Through Media

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

Learn how the Viewers Like Us Club, a free program from Twin Cities PBS, uses PBS documentaries and series to spark conversation and strengthen community connections. This session will share implementation ideas, facilitation strategies, and real-world examples to help participants launch a media-based discussion program in their own community setting.

Outcomes

Identify ways to use media-based discussion programs to build community engagement and dialogue.
Explore practical strategies for launching and facilitating a Viewers Like Us Club in different settings.
Leave with adaptable digital resources to pilot a club in your own organization or community.

Speakers

Kalia Vue

General Audience Engagement Specialist, Twin Cities PBS

Kalia Vue, Ph.D., is the General Audience Engagement Specialist at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Twin Cities PBS. In this role, she supports educational programs for adult learners and contributes to the development of viewing guides and curriculum resources. Her research and... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

1:30pm CDT

Art as a Tool for Connection

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Discover how we transformed a standard two-hour monthly art class into a thriving, high-demand community meet-up. This session breaks down our framework for bridging diverse communities, sparking a genuine joy for learning, and encouraging creative risk-taking. Learn how designing a low-stress environment can lower social barriers, foster creative confidence, and build a sustainable engine for genuine human connection.

Speakers

Laura Campbell

Youth and Adult Coordinator, Access Citywide, 55+, Minneapolis Public Schools

Laura Campbell holds a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and serves as the Citywide Access Coordinator for Minneapolis Community Education. Now in her ninth year with the organization, Laura enjoys fostering inclusivity in the arts, dedicating her career to... Read More →

Helene Gautier

Youth and Adult Coordinator, 55+ Citywide, Minneapolis Communtiy Education

Hélène Gauthier holds a degree in Public Relations. In her 19th year with Community Education, she has held positions both youth and adult enrichment and has worked exclusively with the 55+ lifelong Learning program for the last 9 years. She enjoys building relationships within... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

1:30pm CDT

Award-Winning Ideas in Action: 2025 MCEA Project Award Showcase

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

Discover three innovative programs recognized as 2025 MCEA Project Award Winners and take home practical ideas you can implement in your own community.
This fast-paced showcase features:

Mahtomedi Schools – Career, Internship & Volunteer Fair (Presenter: Kate Andersen) – Learn how to build meaningful partnerships with local businesses and community volunteers while connecting students to career exploration, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
Faribault Public Schools – School Supplies for All (Presenter: Cassie Riopelle) – Explore how community partnerships and coordinated support can eliminate school supply lists, reduce financial barriers for families, and ensure every student begins the school year ready to learn.
Proctor Public Schools/Hermantown Community Schools – DORA (Driving Opportunities with Recreational Activities) (Presenter: Kristal Berg & Kaitlyn Koehler) – Discover how a mobile recreation program can increase access, strengthen neighborhood connections, and provide high-impact, low-cost programming for children and families.

Whether you're looking to strengthen community partnerships, improve equitable access to programs and resources, or launch innovative initiatives in your district, this session will provide proven strategies from award-winning Community Education leaders.

Participants will:

Learn practical strategies from three award-winning Community Education initiatives that can be replicated in districts of any size.
Discover innovative approaches to engaging community partners, businesses, volunteers, and families.
Gain ideas for increasing access, equity, and participation through creative programming and collaboration.
Leave with actionable tools and inspiration to develop or enhance programs that positively impact students, families, and their communities.

Speakers

Kristal Berg

Director, Proctor Hermantown Comm Ed

Kate Andersen

Director, Mahtomedi Comm Ed

Cassie Riopelle

Director of Community Education and Engagement, Faribault Community Education

Kaitlyn Koehler

Youth Enrichment Coordinator, Proctor/Hermantown Comm Ed

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

2:45pm CDT

Building Dynamic Community Partnerships: How 125 LIVE & Rochester Community Education Are Expanding Lifelong Learning

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Explore how 125 LIVE and Rochester Community Education built an innovative partnership to create diverse, responsive programming that serves evolving community needs. Learn how collaboration has expanded offerings in arts, fitness, outreach, multi-generational experiences, and educational programming while strengthening community engagement and creating adaptable models for lifelong learning.

Outcomes / Key Takeaways

Identify strategies for building and sustaining successful community partnerships.
Gain ideas for developing diverse programming that responds to changing participant interests and needs.

Speakers

Ken Baerg

Director of Operations, 125 LIVE

With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of exercise and wellness, Ken Baerg has dedicated his career to helping individuals improve their health, strength, and quality of life through evidence-based fitness and rehabilitation programs. Drawing upon his educational background... Read More →

Robin Hoelzle

Program Manager, 125 LIVE

Robin Hoelzle has served as a Program Manager at 125 LIVE for the past five years, where she coordinates and develops a wide variety of programs designed to engage, educate, and inspire active adults. Her programming experience spans diverse areas including fitness, pottery, educational... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Adult

11:15am CDT

11:15am CDT

1:30pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

1:30pm CDT

1:30pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

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