We are so excited to welcome our school-based mental health teams for the 26/27 school year! All of our sessions are inspired by the Henrico CARES plan, a visionary initiative designed to create an enhanced system of mental health care that adapts to the evolving needs of HCPS’ students and families. By working together, we can create a seamless, adaptive network of care that addresses mental health needs at every age and stage honoring HCPS’ commitment to fostering inclusive, safe and supportive educational environments for all.
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We are excited to welcome back the HCPS School-Based Mental Health team for the 26/27 school year! Please use this time to visit our many guests and resources.
Do you have a plan for what you will do when a student doesn’t comply with your request the first time? Second time? How about the third time? Do you go home tired and exhausted from frustration? This presentation will guide you in developing a thorough, preventative plan for handling issues from low level distractions to serious/chronic behaviors. This is a practical, hands-on presentation filled with concrete steps you can use the next day to help students and yourself.
Amie Dean, M.ED., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, where she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Room 1212
Join the Tiered Intervention School Counselors (TISC) for An engaging and informative session focused on current local, state, and national trends in adolescent substance use. Participants will explore warning signs and behavioral indicators that may signal substance use concerns in students, as well as the short- and long-term effects substances can have on the developing brain. The session will also highlight practical prevention, coping, and emotion regulation strategies that counselors can use to support students, along with available school- and community-based resources for intervention and referral. Participants will leave with increased awareness, practical tools, and actionable strategies to strengthen student support and promote overall wellness within their schools.
What do school counselors need to get their programs off the ground – administrators! What do administrators need to fill the gaps for student support – school counselors! The two go hand in hand. Through the strategic use of data to close gaps in student outcomes, collaboration between the school counselor and school administrator yields improved results for student academic achievement, attendance, and social behavior.
Dr. Amy Baltimore is a former missionary kid who grew up experiencing first hand what it is like to serve the needs of children with deep developmental trauma. With an undergraduate degree in musical theater and a masters degree in school counseling, she began her career by leaning into her passion... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Room 1213
Parents often come to IEP, 504, eligibility, and other school meetings carrying significant stress, frustration, fear, or disappointment. This training provides strategies to prevent conflict from escalating, respond effectively when emotions run high, and maintain productive communication even during difficult conversations.
Jeanne Hollingshead, LCSW, has more than 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in the areas of mental health, foster care, and adoption. She specializes in strengthening parent-child relationships and supporting families affected by trauma, foster care... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Room 1401
Join us for the NCYI Resource Fair, an opportunity to explore evidence-based curricula, intervention resources, books, and materials designed to enhance student support programming across HCPS. Participants will have the opportunity to browse available resources and select materials that align with the needs of their students, schools, and programs. We encourage participants to come prepared to explore new tools, discover innovative resources, and identify materials that will strengthen their work with students throughout the school year. Each staff member will receive a $100 voucher to purchase approved resources and curriculum materials. To ensure a smooth and equitable process, staff should wait until their assigned session time before claiming and utilizing their voucher.
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Gym
Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education. When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Room 1215
This required training provides school-based staff with an overview of HCPS suicide screening procedures, response protocols, and recent updates from the VDOE. Participants will review division expectations related to risk identification, screening practices, documentation requirements, parent notification, safety planning, and referral processes. The session will also highlight recent legislative and VDOE guidance updates impacting school-based suicide prevention and intervention efforts. Through discussion and case-based examples, staff will strengthen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting student safety and ensuring compliance with state and division requirements.
School culture impacts every aspect of the learning environment for students and for staff. While addressing a school’s culture can be challenging, it is critical for implementing systemic change. This presentation will share a variety of strategies to address school culture through the lens of self-awareness, inclusivity, and intentionally creating a safe environment for all students and staff.
Melisa Marsh, Ph.D. currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Piney Grove Middle School. She has over two decades in education, having served in roles of a Georgia State High School Counselor and Department Chair, Supervisor of Counseling/Advisement/Crisis Response, and School Counseling and Advisement... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Rom 1216
What is the schooling experience like for neurodivergent students? What might it feel like in a neuro-normative society to learn that your child is neurodivergent? How can we reduce or eliminate common barriers that neurodivergent students experience in school? What does it look like to incorporate student and family strengths into support efforts? Dr. Harris addresses these questions and more using personal narratives and professional insights to facilitate increased empathy, understanding, and self-efficacy of participants.
Dr. Paul C. Harris is scholar-practitioner committed to building a just world where all are seen, heard, and valued. He has 20+ years of experience as K-12 school counselor, teacher, administrator, and professor. He is currently an associate professor in the counseling and special education department a... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:05am - 10:05am EDT Room 1214
School counselors are often expected to demonstrate impact while balancing competing demands, managing student needs, and supporting schoolwide priorities. This interactive session will equip counselors with practical advocacy skills to strengthen program planning, align counseling services with school improvement goals, and elevate the visibility of their work. Participants will explore how to use data to identify student needs, uncover service gaps, and advocate for equitable, student-centered programming grounded in the ASCA National Model. Through real-world examples, collaborative discussion, and actionable strategies, counselors will leave with tools to strengthen intentional time use, enhance program effectiveness, and position their counseling programs as essential drivers of student success and school improvement.
Do you have a plan for what you will do when a student doesn’t comply with your request the first time? Second time? How about the third time? Do you go home tired and exhausted from frustration? This presentation will guide you in developing a thorough, preventative plan for handling issues from low level distractions to serious/chronic behaviors. This is a practical, hands-on presentation filled with concrete steps you can use the next day to help students and yourself.
Amie Dean, M.ED., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, where she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 1212
Join the Tiered Intervention School Counselors (TISC) for An engaging and informative session focused on current local, state, and national trends in adolescent substance use. Participants will explore warning signs and behavioral indicators that may signal substance use concerns in students, as well as the short- and long-term effects substances can have on the developing brain. The session will also highlight practical prevention, coping, and emotion regulation strategies that counselors can use to support students, along with available school- and community-based resources for intervention and referral. Participants will leave with increased awareness, practical tools, and actionable strategies to strengthen student support and promote overall wellness within their schools.
What do school counselors need to get their programs off the ground – administrators! What do administrators need to fill the gaps for student support – school counselors! The two go hand in hand. Through the strategic use of data to close gaps in student outcomes, collaboration between the school counselor and school administrator yields improved results for student academic achievement, attendance, and social behavior.
Dr. Amy Baltimore is a former missionary kid who grew up experiencing first hand what it is like to serve the needs of children with deep developmental trauma. With an undergraduate degree in musical theater and a masters degree in school counseling, she began her career by leaning into her passion... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 1213
Parents often come to IEP, 504, eligibility, and other school meetings carrying significant stress, frustration, fear, or disappointment. This training provides strategies to prevent conflict from escalating, respond effectively when emotions run high, and maintain productive communication even during difficult conversations.
Jeanne Hollingshead, LCSW, has more than 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in the areas of mental health, foster care, and adoption. She specializes in strengthening parent-child relationships and supporting families affected by trauma, foster care... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 1401
Join us for the NCYI Resource Fair, an opportunity to explore evidence-based curricula, intervention resources, books, and materials designed to enhance student support programming across HCPS. Participants will have the opportunity to browse available resources and select materials that align with the needs of their students, schools, and programs. We encourage participants to come prepared to explore new tools, discover innovative resources, and identify materials that will strengthen their work with students throughout the school year. Each staff member will receive a $100 voucher to purchase approved resources and curriculum materials. To ensure a smooth and equitable process, staff should wait until their assigned session time before claiming and utilizing their voucher.
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Gym
Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education. When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 1215
This required training provides school-based staff with an overview of HCPS suicide screening procedures, response protocols, and recent updates from the VDOE. Participants will review division expectations related to risk identification, screening practices, documentation requirements, parent notification, safety planning, and referral processes. The session will also highlight recent legislative and VDOE guidance updates impacting school-based suicide prevention and intervention efforts. Through discussion and case-based examples, staff will strengthen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting student safety and ensuring compliance with state and division requirements.
What is the schooling experience like for neurodivergent students? What might it feel like in a neuro-normative society to learn that your child is neurodivergent? How can we reduce or eliminate common barriers that neurodivergent students experience in school? What does it look like to incorporate student and family strengths into support efforts? Dr. Harris addresses these questions and more using personal narratives and professional insights to facilitate increased empathy, understanding, and self-efficacy of participants.
Dr. Paul C. Harris is scholar-practitioner committed to building a just world where all are seen, heard, and valued. He has 20+ years of experience as K-12 school counselor, teacher, administrator, and professor. He is currently an associate professor in the counseling and special education department a... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 1214
School-based mental health professionals spend their days caring for students and school communities. This training highlights the importance of caring for yourself through mindfulness, stress management, boundary setting, and wellness practices that support long-term effectiveness and personal well-being.
Licensed Mental Health Professional, Henrico County Public Schools
A former School Social Worker, Rose has worked in schools since graduating with their Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2019. Rose has been passionate about working with children and families since taking their first psychology clas... Read More →
Licensed Mental Health Professional, Henrico County Public Schools
Karem Negrón Vega is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Counseling and Superv... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 1402
Join the Tiered Intervention School Counselors (TISC) for An engaging and informative session focused on current local, state, and national trends in adolescent substance use. Participants will explore warning signs and behavioral indicators that may signal substance use concerns in students, as well as the short- and long-term effects substances can have on the developing brain. The session will also highlight practical prevention, coping, and emotion regulation strategies that counselors can use to support students, along with available school- and community-based resources for intervention and referral. Participants will leave with increased awareness, practical tools, and actionable strategies to strengthen student support and promote overall wellness within their schools.
What do school counselors need to get their programs off the ground – administrators! What do administrators need to fill the gaps for student support – school counselors! The two go hand in hand. Through the strategic use of data to close gaps in student outcomes, collaboration between the school counselor and school administrator yields improved results for student academic achievement, attendance, and social behavior.
Dr. Amy Baltimore is a former missionary kid who grew up experiencing first hand what it is like to serve the needs of children with deep developmental trauma. With an undergraduate degree in musical theater and a masters degree in school counseling, she began her career by leaning into her passion... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:25am - 12:25pm EDT Room 1213
Parents often come to IEP, 504, eligibility, and other school meetings carrying significant stress, frustration, fear, or disappointment. This training provides strategies to prevent conflict from escalating, respond effectively when emotions run high, and maintain productive communication even during difficult conversations.
Jeanne Hollingshead, LCSW, has more than 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in the areas of mental health, foster care, and adoption. She specializes in strengthening parent-child relationships and supporting families affected by trauma, foster care... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:25am - 12:25pm EDT Room 1401
Join us for the NCYI Resource Fair, an opportunity to explore evidence-based curricula, intervention resources, books, and materials designed to enhance student support programming across HCPS. Participants will have the opportunity to browse available resources and select materials that align with the needs of their students, schools, and programs. We encourage participants to come prepared to explore new tools, discover innovative resources, and identify materials that will strengthen their work with students throughout the school year. Each staff member will receive a $100 voucher to purchase approved resources and curriculum materials. To ensure a smooth and equitable process, staff should wait until their assigned session time before claiming and utilizing their voucher.
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:25am - 12:25pm EDT Gym
Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education. When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:25am - 12:25pm EDT Room 1215
This required training provides school-based staff with an overview of HCPS suicide screening procedures, response protocols, and recent updates from the VDOE. Participants will review division expectations related to risk identification, screening practices, documentation requirements, parent notification, safety planning, and referral processes. The session will also highlight recent legislative and VDOE guidance updates impacting school-based suicide prevention and intervention efforts. Through discussion and case-based examples, staff will strengthen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting student safety and ensuring compliance with state and division requirements.
What is the schooling experience like for neurodivergent students? What might it feel like in a neuro-normative society to learn that your child is neurodivergent? How can we reduce or eliminate common barriers that neurodivergent students experience in school? What does it look like to incorporate student and family strengths into support efforts? Dr. Harris addresses these questions and more using personal narratives and professional insights to facilitate increased empathy, understanding, and self-efficacy of participants.
Dr. Paul C. Harris is scholar-practitioner committed to building a just world where all are seen, heard, and valued. He has 20+ years of experience as K-12 school counselor, teacher, administrator, and professor. He is currently an associate professor in the counseling and special education department a... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:25am - 12:25pm EDT Room 1214
School counselors are often expected to demonstrate impact while balancing competing demands, managing student needs, and supporting schoolwide priorities. This interactive session will equip counselors with practical advocacy skills to strengthen program planning, align counseling services with school improvement goals, and elevate the visibility of their work. Participants will explore how to use data to identify student needs, uncover service gaps, and advocate for equitable, student-centered programming grounded in the ASCA National Model. Through real-world examples, collaborative discussion, and actionable strategies, counselors will leave with tools to strengthen intentional time use, enhance program effectiveness, and position their counseling programs as essential drivers of student success and school improvement.
Do you have a plan for what you will do when a student doesn’t comply with your request the first time? Second time? How about the third time? Do you go home tired and exhausted from frustration? This presentation will guide you in developing a thorough, preventative plan for handling issues from low level distractions to serious/chronic behaviors. This is a practical, hands-on presentation filled with concrete steps you can use the next day to help students and yourself.
Amie Dean, M.ED., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, where she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm EDT Room 1212
Join us for the NCYI Resource Fair, an opportunity to explore evidence-based curricula, intervention resources, books, and materials designed to enhance student support programming across HCPS. Participants will have the opportunity to browse available resources and select materials that align with the needs of their students, schools, and programs. We encourage participants to come prepared to explore new tools, discover innovative resources, and identify materials that will strengthen their work with students throughout the school year. Each staff member will receive a $100 voucher to purchase approved resources and curriculum materials. To ensure a smooth and equitable process, staff should wait until their assigned session time before claiming and utilizing their voucher.
Wednesday August 19, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT Gym
Do you have a plan for what you will do when a student doesn’t comply with your request the first time? Second time? How about the third time? Do you go home tired and exhausted from frustration? This presentation will guide you in developing a thorough, preventative plan for handling issues from low level distractions to serious/chronic behaviors. This is a practical, hands-on presentation filled with concrete steps you can use the next day to help students and yourself.
Amie Dean, M.ED., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, where she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Room 1212
What do school counselors need to get their programs off the ground – administrators! What do administrators need to fill the gaps for student support – school counselors! The two go hand in hand. Through the strategic use of data to close gaps in student outcomes, collaboration between the school counselor and school administrator yields improved results for student academic achievement, attendance, and social behavior.
Dr. Amy Baltimore is a former missionary kid who grew up experiencing first hand what it is like to serve the needs of children with deep developmental trauma. With an undergraduate degree in musical theater and a masters degree in school counseling, she began her career by leaning into her passion... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Room 1213
Join us for the NCYI Resource Fair, an opportunity to explore evidence-based curricula, intervention resources, books, and materials designed to enhance student support programming across HCPS. Participants will have the opportunity to browse available resources and select materials that align with the needs of their students, schools, and programs. We encourage participants to come prepared to explore new tools, discover innovative resources, and identify materials that will strengthen their work with students throughout the school year. Each staff member will receive a $100 voucher to purchase approved resources and curriculum materials. To ensure a smooth and equitable process, staff should wait until their assigned session time before claiming and utilizing their voucher.
Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education. When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Room 1215
This required training provides school-based staff with an overview of HCPS suicide screening procedures, response protocols, and recent updates from the VDOE. Participants will review division expectations related to risk identification, screening practices, documentation requirements, parent notification, safety planning, and referral processes. The session will also highlight recent legislative and VDOE guidance updates impacting school-based suicide prevention and intervention efforts. Through discussion and case-based examples, staff will strengthen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting student safety and ensuring compliance with state and division requirements.
What is the schooling experience like for neurodivergent students? What might it feel like in a neuro-normative society to learn that your child is neurodivergent? How can we reduce or eliminate common barriers that neurodivergent students experience in school? What does it look like to incorporate student and family strengths into support efforts? Dr. Harris addresses these questions and more using personal narratives and professional insights to facilitate increased empathy, understanding, and self-efficacy of participants.
Dr. Paul C. Harris is scholar-practitioner committed to building a just world where all are seen, heard, and valued. He has 20+ years of experience as K-12 school counselor, teacher, administrator, and professor. He is currently an associate professor in the counseling and special education department a... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Room 1214
School-based mental health professionals spend their days caring for students and school communities. This training highlights the importance of caring for yourself through mindfulness, stress management, boundary setting, and wellness practices that support long-term effectiveness and personal well-being.
Licensed Mental Health Professional, Henrico County Public Schools
A former School Social Worker, Rose has worked in schools since graduating with their Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2019. Rose has been passionate about working with children and families since taking their first psychology clas... Read More →
Licensed Mental Health Professional, Henrico County Public Schools
Karem Negrón Vega is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Counseling and Superv... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Room 1402
Do you have a plan for what you will do when a student doesn’t comply with your request the first time? Second time? How about the third time? Do you go home tired and exhausted from frustration? This presentation will guide you in developing a thorough, preventative plan for handling issues from low level distractions to serious/chronic behaviors. This is a practical, hands-on presentation filled with concrete steps you can use the next day to help students and yourself.
Amie Dean, M.ED., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, where she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT Room 1212
What do school counselors need to get their programs off the ground – administrators! What do administrators need to fill the gaps for student support – school counselors! The two go hand in hand. Through the strategic use of data to close gaps in student outcomes, collaboration between the school counselor and school administrator yields improved results for student academic achievement, attendance, and social behavior.
Dr. Amy Baltimore is a former missionary kid who grew up experiencing first hand what it is like to serve the needs of children with deep developmental trauma. With an undergraduate degree in musical theater and a masters degree in school counseling, she began her career by leaning into her passion... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT Room 1213
Join us for the NCYI Resource Fair, an opportunity to explore evidence-based curricula, intervention resources, books, and materials designed to enhance student support programming across HCPS. Participants will have the opportunity to browse available resources and select materials that align with the needs of their students, schools, and programs. We encourage participants to come prepared to explore new tools, discover innovative resources, and identify materials that will strengthen their work with students throughout the school year. Each staff member will receive a $100 voucher to purchase approved resources and curriculum materials. To ensure a smooth and equitable process, staff should wait until their assigned session time before claiming and utilizing their voucher.
Are you an educator feeling stuck in a rut? Do you yearn for a sense of purpose in your work? “Passion. Purpose. Position” – a call to action for educators to unleash their unique gifts and transform their communities. Join Ashley for an inspiring keynote session where you’ll discover how to harness your passion, find your purpose, and position yourself as a change agent in education. When you identify your strengths and align them with your goals, you’ll truly discover the impact you can have in your school and beyond, and leave a legacy with every individual you encounter. Become transformed and motivated to make a difference in the lives of your students, staff, and community.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ashley Wright has been an educator since 2008. She graduated from Sam Houston State University and currently serves as a certified school counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT Room 1215
This required training provides school-based staff with an overview of HCPS suicide screening procedures, response protocols, and recent updates from the VDOE. Participants will review division expectations related to risk identification, screening practices, documentation requirements, parent notification, safety planning, and referral processes. The session will also highlight recent legislative and VDOE guidance updates impacting school-based suicide prevention and intervention efforts. Through discussion and case-based examples, staff will strengthen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in supporting student safety and ensuring compliance with state and division requirements.
What is the schooling experience like for neurodivergent students? What might it feel like in a neuro-normative society to learn that your child is neurodivergent? How can we reduce or eliminate common barriers that neurodivergent students experience in school? What does it look like to incorporate student and family strengths into support efforts? Dr. Harris addresses these questions and more using personal narratives and professional insights to facilitate increased empathy, understanding, and self-efficacy of participants.
Dr. Paul C. Harris is scholar-practitioner committed to building a just world where all are seen, heard, and valued. He has 20+ years of experience as K-12 school counselor, teacher, administrator, and professor. He is currently an associate professor in the counseling and special education department a... Read More →
Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT Room 1214
School counselors are often expected to demonstrate impact while balancing competing demands, managing student needs, and supporting schoolwide priorities. This interactive session will equip counselors with practical advocacy skills to strengthen program planning, align counseling services with school improvement goals, and elevate the visibility of their work. Participants will explore how to use data to identify student needs, uncover service gaps, and advocate for equitable, student-centered programming grounded in the ASCA National Model. Through real-world examples, collaborative discussion, and actionable strategies, counselors will leave with tools to strengthen intentional time use, enhance program effectiveness, and position their counseling programs as essential drivers of student success and school improvement.
