School-Based Mental Health Conference 2026

School counselors are uniquely positioned to shape whether students experience school as a place of belonging, possibility, and support. This session introduces participants to the “Warm Demander” approach, a culturally responsive framework that balances high expectations with empathetic support. Participants will explore how warm demander practices can intentionally or unintentionally emerge in school counseling, influencing how counselors build trust, affirm student strengths, challenge barriers, and support student growth and achievement. Aligned with HCPS’ Culturally Responsive Education Model (CREM) and ASCA Student Standards, this session invites participants to reflect on how counselor beliefs and interactions shape access, opportunity, and student outcomes while engaging in case studies and practical strategies that strengthen equity-centered practices and elevate student voice, agency, and belonging.

School counselors are uniquely positioned to shape whether students experience school as a place of belonging, possibility, and support. This session introduces participants to the “Warm Demander” approach, a culturally responsive framework that balances high expectations with empathetic support. Participants will explore how warm demander practices can intentionally or unintentionally emerge in school counseling, influencing how counselors build trust, affirm student strengths, challenge barriers, and support student growth and achievement. Aligned with HCPS’ Culturally Responsive Education Model (CREM) and ASCA Student Standards, this session invites participants to reflect on how counselor beliefs and interactions shape access, opportunity, and student outcomes while engaging in case studies and practical strategies that strengthen equity-centered practices and elevate student voice, agency, and belonging.

School counselors are uniquely positioned to shape whether students experience school as a place of belonging, possibility, and support. This session introduces participants to the “Warm Demander” approach, a culturally responsive framework that balances high expectations with empathetic support. Participants will explore how warm demander practices can intentionally or unintentionally emerge in school counseling, influencing how counselors build trust, affirm student strengths, challenge barriers, and support student growth and achievement. Aligned with HCPS’ Culturally Responsive Education Model (CREM) and ASCA Student Standards, this session invites participants to reflect on how counselor beliefs and interactions shape access, opportunity, and student outcomes while engaging in case studies and practical strategies that strengthen equity-centered practices and elevate student voice, agency, and belonging.

Step inside the work of Henrico County Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team through a creative, behind-the-scenes “HCPS Cribs” experience. This session offers an engaging look at how FACE supports students and families through intentional engagement, relationship-building, and strategic partnerships.  Participants will explore the structures and services that make up FACE, including school-based roles, resource navigation, and the guiding frameworks that shape the work—such as building trust, bridging opportunities, and boosting access. The session will also highlight how partnerships and collaboration expand support for families while centering wellness and responsiveness to community needs. Through real examples and an interactive “tour” of the work, attendees will walk away with practical strategies and a fresh perspective on how to align supports, strengthen partnerships, and ultimately work smarter to support the whole child and their family.

Step inside the work of Henrico County Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team through a creative, behind-the-scenes “HCPS Cribs” experience. This session offers an engaging look at how FACE supports students and families through intentional engagement, relationship-building, and strategic partnerships.  Participants will explore the structures and services that make up FACE, including school-based roles, resource navigation, and the guiding frameworks that shape the work—such as building trust, bridging opportunities, and boosting access. The session will also highlight how partnerships and collaboration expand support for families while centering wellness and responsiveness to community needs. Through real examples and an interactive “tour” of the work, attendees will walk away with practical strategies and a fresh perspective on how to align supports, strengthen partnerships, and ultimately work smarter to support the whole child and their family.