2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

11:15am CDT

Feeding Confidence: Shifting the Narrative on Food, Bodies, and Youth Well-Being

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

Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction continue to rise among youth. Adults play a critical role in reducing this risk through supportive language, inclusive environments, and intentional teaching practices.
This session explores curricula options that center youth well-being while promoting inclusive messaging on body diversity and “tuned-in” eating. We discuss that help educators shift school culture toward belonging and respect.
Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction continue to rise among youth. Adults play a critical role in reducing this risk through supportive language, inclusive environments, and intentional teaching practices.
This session explores curricula options that center youth well-being while promoting inclusive messaging on body diversity and “tuned-in” eating. We discuss that help educators shift school culture toward belonging and respect.

Participants will walk away with:

Practical tools, classroom strategies, and free curriculum resources.
Approaches for integrating inclusive health education that is sensitive to race, culture, income, and food access.
A deeper understanding of how to reshape messaging around food, weight, and health to better support youth mental health.

Speakers

Katie Hackman

Population Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health

Katie Hackman, RD is a Population Health Specialist at Olmsted County Public Health, where she leads efforts in policy, systems, and environmental change within school districts and the broader community. She brings a strong foundation in nutrition and public health, having previously worked with WI... Read More →

Anna Oldenburg

Population Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health

**Anna is currently on maternity leave. She is able to provide her bio in July when she returns.**

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 107 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:30pm CDT

Lessons from One Immigrant's Experience: Success is All About Mindset

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

Suite 107 - Lower Level

I began my first afterschool program while still in high school, and I continue that work now many years later. Why? Because the development of successful students and families is directly connected to mindset. I'm a believer in the American Dream, and I try to teach my students and their parents to approach all challenges with a growth mindset. It's not about what happens to you; it's about what you bring to the situation in knowledge, skills, and attitude. Partners and supporters are willing to help, and you just have to keep trying. I hope my story gives you hope and motivation.

Speakers

Mustafa Sharif

Director, Rochester International Youth Organization

As a child of an immigrant family in the United States, Mustafa Sharif understands firsthand the struggles and overwhelming frustration associated with pursuing higher education in a new country, navigating a novel educational system with little to no parental guidance, and actively... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 107 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:30pm CDT

Poetry Out Loud

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

Suite 102 - Lower Level

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. High school students (grades 9-12) memorize and recite great poetry, preparing 2-3 poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology to perform at competition. Winners can move on to regional, state and national competitions. Poetry Out Loud provides students with a unique outlet to develop their voice in a supportive environment.

In this course:
-We will share our advice on how to start and run your own local chapter of Poetry Out Loud.
-We will discuss options on how to structure a course including activities that engage students in collaborative creative expression.
-We'll practice performance techniques that have led our own students to the state competition.

Speakers

Lisa Higgs

Poetry Out Loud co-coach, Rochester Community Education

Lisa Higgs, co-coach for Rochester Poetry Out Loud, is a recipient of a 2022 Minnesota State Arts Board grant providing creative support for individual artists. Her third chapbook, Earthen Bound, was published by Red Bird Chapbooks in 2019. Her poetry has been published widely, and her reviews and interviews can be found at the Poetry Foundation, Kenyon Review Online, the Adroit Journal, and the Colorado Review. Higgs is a grant writer for the Rochester Repertory Theatre... Read More →

Mandy Ruggeri

Poetry Out Loud co-coach, Rochester Community Education

Rochester native Mandy Ruggeri has been involved in the local fine arts community for nearly 4 decades. Her passion for performance in theatre and dance began in her youth, with involvement in many local theatre groups. As an adult, she has coached Mayo Spirits Fall Performance dance... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 102 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:30pm CDT

Supports and Strategies for Working with Neurodiversity in the Educational Setting

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

Suite 108 - Lower Level

The presentation will focus on building understanding of neurodivergence and how to better support neurodiverse individuals across ages (early childhood through adulthood). Topics being covered include adapting programs to meet diverse needs, supporting social communication differences, understanding sensory differences, and offering practical tools for basic behavior management strategies, transition supports, and sensory toolkits.

Speakers

Maja Katusic

Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, Mayo Clinic

Dr. Maja Katusic is a board-certified Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, and chair of the DBP division at Mayo Clinic Children’s. Her clinical focus includes expertise in comprehensive medical evaluation and management of children from infancy... Read More →

Annie Redlin

Registered Nurse, Mayo Clinic

Annie Redlin is a registered nurse with 16 years of experience, including 14 years in pediatrics and the past 11 years specializing in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. She is certified in PEERS® for Preschoolers and has additional training in PEERS® for Adolescents and the Early... Read More →

Kelly Rentfrow

Clinical Social Worker, Mayo Clinic

Kelly Renfrow MSW LICSW is a dedicated social worker with more than six years of experience and a strong background in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, where she worked for over five years. Her professional focus centers on supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental and mental... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 108 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

2:45pm CDT

"Avoiding Power Struggles" - Managing behavior through connection and empathy

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

Suite 107 - Lower Level

All behavior is purposeful, meaningful, and communicative. In this hour, we will provide insight into the unmet needs which drive behavior while offering solutions for responding to disruptive or destructive behavior.

Key Takeaways: Share your calm. Focus on underlying need.

Speakers

David Sabotta

Clinical Training Specialist, Fernbrook Family Center

I am an LPCC with 8 years of experience as a therapist, 16 years in the field of mental health. My areas of expertise include neurodiversity, delinquent youth, and LBGT issues.

Sarah Trom

Director of Special Operations, Fernbrook Family Center

Sarah has been working mental health for 20 years across a variety of programs directly serving children, families, and adults. Sarah now works as an educator, trainer, and supervisor for staff across our agency.

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 107 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

1:30pm CDT

Eff The Vape: Youth Advocates Take Action to Protect Their Peers Against Big Tobacco's Harm

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

Suite 107 - Lower Level

Fact: Youth are vaping. Fact: Youth find it extremely difficult to quit. Youth say vapes are easy to obtain, easier to start, and extremely easy to get hooked. Learn how one youth group is boldly pushing Big Tobacco out of their lives and communities.

Outcomes:

Identify key strategies for building and sustaining a youth coalition.
Describe how the E-cigarette Prevention Initiative Youth Action Council (EPIYAC) is helping reduce youth vaping through yotuh-led prevention efforts.
Recognize the mutual benefits of meaningful youth engagement for both youth and adult partners.

Speakers

Pa Houa Moua

Population Health Specialist, Olmsted County

Pa Houa ‘PH’ Moua is a Population Health Specialist at Olmsted County Public Health Services. She has worked on the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant for over seven years specializing in commercial tobacco policy and systems that protect public health. PH was... Read More →

Christa Seymour

Public Health Nurse, Olmsted County

Christa Seymour is a Public Health Nurse at Olmsted County, located in southeast Minnesota, on the School Age Services team. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and from Johns Hopkins University with her Master’s Degree in Public... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 107 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

2:45pm CDT

Build a Partnership with the Master Gardener Volunteer Program

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

Suite 107 - Lower Level

The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program aims to share research-based horticulture knowledge to the public through projects with local partners and other community outreach opportunities. This presentation will discuss the statewide Master Gardener Volunteer Program, provide examples of community collaboration in Olmsted County such as free educational programming for adults and youth using the garden as an outdoor classroom, and inspire you to connect with Master Gardener Volunteers in your local area.

Speakers

Emily Whitcomb and Carol Wells

Master Gardener Volunteer, University of Minnesota Extension

Emily and Carol have been Master Gardener Volunteers since 2021 and co-lead the management of the S.M.A.R.T. Garden. The S.M.A.R.T. Garden is a demonstration garden located at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) Heinz Center Building and in partnership with RCTC and the... Read More →

Thursday October 22, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 107 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Youth

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

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

11:15am CDT

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