Spring 2025 Student Wellness Summit: Full Schedule

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12:00pm AKDT

Managing Conflict to Support Student Wellness

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

In this session, we will look at how empathy, communication, and Alternate Dispute Resolution strategies can help teams work through challenges , de-escalate and validate emotions, while staying focused on student wellness needs.

Speakers

Eric Anderson

Assistant Director of Special Education, San Juan Unified School District

Working for San Juan Unified for the last 9 years, Mr. Anderson has served our students as a Special Education Teacher, Program Specialist, Program Administrator and now one of the Assistant Directors of Special Education. Mr. Anderson has supported district efforts in Student Wellness... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

12:00pm AKDT

Motivational Interviewing: Navigating Resistance to Inspire Meaningful Change

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

School social-emotional faculty would greatly benefit from learning about motivational interviewing. This evidence-based technique equips staff with the skills to recognize a student's readiness to change and effectively address ambivalence and resistance. By using motivational interviewing, faculty can engage not only students of all ages but also their teachers and parents in a supportive and empathetic manner. This collaborative approach helps navigate uncertainties and build intrinsic motivation for positive change, addressing academic, behavioral, and mental health challenges, and fostering a more supportive and responsive school environment. This workshop is designed for beginners and those new to motivational interviewing.

Speakers

Ken Rugg

Psychologist, SJUSD Student Support Center

Before going to college, Ken served in the Air Force and worked as a Russian Linguist. After college, he taught 4th grade for three years and fifth grade for one year. He refers to these as the four hardest years of his life. Teaching is the most challenging job there is. Ken then... Read More →

Alexander Meyerzon

Ed Rel Mental Health Therapist, SJUSD Student Support Services

Alexander Meyerzon is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in suicide prevention and dialectical behavior therapy for individuals with a history of repeated hospitalizations, chronic mental health issues, and safety-interfering behaviors. Currently serves on the... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

12:00pm AKDT

Small Groups: The Ins, Outs and Otherwise

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

In this session we will cover creating and running groups, from start to finish. This includes data review, referrals, and student selection. From there, we will discuss different ways to plan, schedule, and run weekly groups. Additionally, we will cover the challenges of behavior management systems in a group dynamic, while also providing different curriculum options. The information covered will help you confidently run groups that expand your impact and connection with students.

Speakers

Joyce Long

School Counselor, San Juan Unified School District

After receiving a Masters in School Counseling from Sac State, Joyce started working for San Juan Unified School District in 2012. With 12 years experience working in elementary and secondary, she continues to expand her work around individual and group counseling, while building... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

12:00pm AKDT

Unlocking the Secrets to Supporting Newcomer Families: A Journey of Empathy, Understanding, and Connection

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

Imagine being in a new country, facing a new language, new culture, and a brand-new way of life. Now imagine being the one who helps bridge that gap. This presentation is a chance to dive deep into the world of newcomers and explore cultural differences. You’ll leave with actionable insights, new perspectives, and a toolkit for making a real difference in the lives of families who are navigating one of the most challenging transitions of their lives.

Speakers

Wagma Akbar

Sch/Comm Refugee Specialist, San Juan Unified School District

Wagma Akbar works as a School Community Refugee Specialist in San Juan Unified School District, where she supports newcomer families and students once they are enrolled. She is a mom of three beautiful kids, one daughter and two sons, all school age, and she has a caring and supportive... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 12:00pm - 12:50pm AKDT

1:00pm AKDT

Navigating School-Based Mental Health Referrals in San Juan Unified

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the various Behavioral and Mental Health Services available in San Juan Unified. Participants will be guided through the current mental health service models, as well as important considerations and best practices prior to making referrals for students. In addition, the workshop will cover a discussion of Special Education Educationally Related Mental Health Services and how they are similar and different from general education supports. This would be valuable information for all staff who are involved in making Tier III referrals.

Speakers

Dominic Covello

Director, Student Support Services, San Juan Unified School District

Dominic has been an educator for over 25 years. During this time, Mr. Covello was a classroom teacher for over 10 years with specialties in reading, writing, differentiated instruction, and teaching students with disabilities. Following his time in the classroom, Dominic has spent... Read More →

Eric Anderson

Assistant Director of Special Education, San Juan Unified School District

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

1:00pm AKDT

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: Resources, Strategies, and Conversations for Inclusive Schools

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

This session will provide an overview of the current resources and supports available in our district for LGBTQ+ youth, including the processes in place to support gender-expansive students. We will also create space for an open conversation about the challenges and concerns educators face in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Join us to learn, share, and collaborate on strategies to foster a more inclusive and affirming school environment.

Speakers

Amy Day

Teacher on Special Assignment, San Juan Unified School District

Amy Day is a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Equity & Student Achievement Department, where she has served for the past two years. In this role, she supports district and department equity initiatives and supports.Before joining the Equity Department, Amy spent 15 years teaching... Read More →

Lori Vine

Coordinator, SJUSD Equity & Student Achievement

I am currently the Coordinator for the Equity & Student Achievement Department, where I have served for the past nine years. In this role, I support staff, students, and the broader San Juan community in understanding and implementing culturally responsive and equitable practices... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

1:00pm AKDT

Supporting our Neurodivergent Learners in an Educational Setting

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

You will leave the workshop with an understanding of the relationship between amygdala hijack, neurodiversity, and executive functioning. Including specific evidence-based strategies that address each of these neurological components.
Content will include:
1) definitions and explanations of each concept
2) how these elements interact with each other
3) practical approaches that account for these neurological factors

Speakers

Melissa Allen

School Counselor, San Juan Unified School District

Melissa Allen has been in Education since 2001 and a counselor in the district for the last 4 years. She is currently in her second year working towards her LMFT. She is an avid learner, and loves all things brain based and human behavior. She is an empath and believes in balance... Read More →

Edward Tracy

School Counselor, San Juan Unified School District

Edward Tracy graduated with a BA in Psychology At CSUS and also graduated with a MS in Counseling.He has been a counselor For San Juan Unified School District for 11 years and is also a High School Football Coach at St Mary's High School. He has a strong passion towards Neurosciecne... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

1:00pm AKDT

Supporting Undocumented Students & Families

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

This workshop is designed to learn about ways to support immigrant students and families facing unique challenges and uncertainty due to fears of increased immigration enforcement in our community. Join us to learn essential information on the rights of undocumented students, district protocols in the event of immigration enforcement in schools, available district and community resources, and strategies to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

Speakers

Luis Cruz Solache

Coordinator of Family Engagement, San Juan Unified School District

Luis Cruz Solache is a Coordinator of Family Engagement in the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department and leads the development of capacity building family engagement programs created with the goal of supporting parents and guardians to feel confident and empowered as equal... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 1:50pm AKDT

2:00pm AKDT

Choice Theory and Self-Care: Empowering Professional Boundaries

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

Burnout and overwhelm are all too familiar for those who work in the mental health realm. As "helpers" we tend to take on multiple tasks and find that we are not setting the proper boundaries that allow us to have a better work-life balance. In this 50-minute workshop we will discuss how self-care is a choice and why purposefully taking time for yourself can benefit your health and happiness and impact those around you. Outcomes will include an understanding of how prioritizing self-care can enhance your mental and physical wellbeing as well as how to implement self-care strategies into your daily life to achieve balance and better life satisfaction.

Speakers

Edward Tracy

School Counselor, San Juan Unified School District

Melissa Allen

School Counselor, San Juan Unified School District

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

2:00pm AKDT

Empowering Mental Health Support Staff: Navigating SARB, Attendance Interventions, and the McKinney-Vento Program

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

This session will address the intersection of student attendance, mental health, and homelessness. There will be an overview of chronic absenteeism, chronic truancy and the District's Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) process. We will also explore mental health interventions to improve attendance, and provide a comprehensive overview of the McKinney-Vento program, helping attendees better support students experiencing housing instability.

Speakers

Megan Robinson

Supervisor: McKinney-Vento and Attendance Improvement, San Juan Unified School District

With a few years of experience in the McKinney-Vento and Attendance Improvement Department in San Juan, Megan has dedicated her career to ensuring that students facing barriers to attendance and housing instability receive the support they need. Throughout her time at San Juan, Megan... Read More →

Ashley Sandoval

School Community Worker (McKinney-Vento), San Juan Unified School District

Ashley Sandoval is a dedicated professional with four years of experience in San Juan Unified School District, where she has spent the past two years focused on supporting students and families through the McKinney-Vento program. In this capacity, Ashley is committed to addressing... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

2:00pm AKDT

Fostering Community and Connection: Using Circles in School-Based Mental Health

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

This training equips school-based mental health staff with foundational restorative practices to foster healing, accountability, and stronger relationships within the school community. Participants will explore strategies such as restorative conversations, circles, and trauma-informed approaches to support students in resolving conflicts and building resilience. By integrating these practices into their work, mental health professionals can help create a more supportive and emotionally safe school environment that promotes student well-being and growth. This session will benefit any school staff working with students in small or large groups.

Speakers

Kelly Bonaventure

Psychologist, SJUSD Special Education

Kelly Bonaventure (she/her) has worked as a school psychologist for the past 12 years. Kelly currently works at Starr King TK-8 and La Vista Center. She has taught a variety of PDs in the district, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Suicide Prevention (SOS), and Restorative... Read More →

Lori Vine

Coordinator, SJUSD Equity & Student Achievement

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

2:00pm AKDT

The Language of Behavior: Understanding Behavior as Communication

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

This training will equip school-based mental health staff with the skills to analyze student behavior through a functional lens. Participants will explore the key functions of behavior, common triggers, and how to differentiate between behavior as communication versus misconduct. The session will also cover classroom strategies for developing effective interventions that promote positive student outcomes.

Speakers

Sean Bollinger

Behavior Support Specialist, SJUSD Student Support Center

Sean Bollinger (he/him) is a Behavior Support Specialist and former special education teacher for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Sean currently supports students across the district with tier 2 and 3 supports, and organizes and coaches school PBIS teams. Sean... Read More →

Ken Rugg

Psychologist, SJUSD Student Support Center

Carolina Cordova

Board Cert Behavior Analyst, San Juan Unified School District

Carolina Cordova is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, passionate about building community through Applied Behavior Analysis, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based interventions that support emotional learning and flexible behavior of our students.

Samania Young

Board Cert Behavior Analyst, San Juan Unified School District

Samania Young is a dedicated and experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) currently working in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) department at San Juan Unified School District. With over a decade of experience in the field, Samania has worked in a variety of educational... Read More →

Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:50pm AKDT

Spring 2025 Student Wellness Summit

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