Announcing NAPSA’s2016 Annual Conference

October 30-November 2, 2016Sheraton Station Square

Pittsburgh, PA

Conference Speakers:

Drew Bergman is a junior at Drexel University, majoring in Business Marketing. While Drew is a successful full-time student with a bright future ahead, this was not always the case. Drew’s early teenage years were filled with tremendous sadness resulting from a severe case of depression. In 7th grade when his parents decided to separate, Drew began to use coping skills that were detrimental to his well-being, and he began to self-harm. For a brief time, he was able to hide his depression and cutting and continue to perform as an outstanding athlete and solid student. However, Drew’s depression continued to intensify, and it was not until his sophomore year of high school that Drew experienced a turning point in his recovery when he attempted suicide for the second time.

As things began to improve for Drew, he delivered a speech at his high school about his battle with depression, hoping to increase mental health awareness among his peers. The reception to his presentation was remarkable and sparked Drew’s desire to engage other students and to continue to be a mental health advocate and public speaker. Drew acknowledges that his recovery is a journey with peaks and valleys. He is grateful to Minding Your Mind for giving him the opportunity to reaffirm his resilience and inner strength while allowing him to inform others that they are not alone in facing their struggles and that recovery is indeed possible.

Drew is a 2014 recipient of the Need in Deed Community Partner Award. He was a presenter at the national SADD conference and was one of the keynote speakers at the Pennsylvania State PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Conference where he presented to 1,000 educators and school counselors.

******Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg is a pediatrician specializing in Adolescent Medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine.He also serves Philadelphia’s homeless youth as Director of Health Services at Covenant House Pennsylvania. The theme that ties together his clinical practice, teaching, research and advocacy efforts is that of building on the strength of teenagers by fostering their internal resilience. His goal is to translate the best of what is known from research and practice into practical approaches parents, professionals and communities can use to prepare children and teens to thrive.

His research over the last two decades has focused on facilitating youth to develop their own solutions to social problems and to teach clinicians how to better serve them. He co- developed the Teen-Centered Method, a mixed qualitative/quantitative methodology that enables youth to generate, prioritize, and explain their own ideas. Dr. Ginsburg has more than 125 publications, including 34 original research articles, clinical practice articles, five books, a multimedia textbook for professionals, and internet-based and video/DVD productions for clinicians, parents and teens.

Dr. Ginsburg has received over 30 awards recognizing his research, clinical skills, or advocacy efforts. These include The Young Investigator Award and a visiting professorship from The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, The Lindback Award for distinguished teaching from The University of Pennsylvania, and The Humanism in Medicine Award given to the Penn faculty member who “demonstrates the highest standards of compassion and empathy in the delivery of care to patients.” He has been named one of Philadelphia magazine’s “Top Docs” nine times.

Dr. Ginsburg lectures widely to national and international parent and professional audiences. His most recent books are, "Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings," and “Raising Kids to Thrive: Balancing Love with Expectations and Protection with Trust”, both published by The American Academy of

Pediatrics (AAP) as well as “Letting Go with Love and Confidence: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Self-Sufficient Teens,” published by Avery, Penguin Press. The AAP has also published a multimedia toolkit “Reaching Teens: Strength-Based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development” that offers up to 65 continuing education credits for youth serving professionals.

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Dr. Larrissa Henderson is currently the Director of Pupil Services for the Oak Ridge Public Schools, Oak Ridge, TN. Her role as the Director of Pupil Services cover many, varied responsibilities such attendance, 504, Title IX, VI compliance officer, health services , immigrant, migrant, homeless, court liaison for  the Oak Ridge Schools and the list goes on.   Dr. Henderson has also served as Interim Assistant Superintendent as the system searched for candidates.  Her achievements and awards include:  Who’s Who in American Education, WIVK Teacher Center Leader in Learning, B.E.S.T. Award from the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Woman of Distinction Award from the Oak Ridge YWCA and Bronze Woman of the Year nominee and Woman of the Year 2014 by the local chapter of the Eastern Star.   She has served as president of the Oak Ridge chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Oak Ridge chapter of the Kiwanis.  She is also is involved in many professional organizations.

Her educational experience spans 43 years. Dr. Henderson’s degrees include BS in Elementary Education, MS in Reading Education, Ed. S in Administration and Supervision, doctorate in Leadership Studies – all conferred from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge. 

****** Dr. Mary Margaret Kerr is a graduate of Duke University and American University, Mary Margaret Kerr is Professor and Chair of Administrative and Policy Studies, and Professor of Psychology in Education and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh.  Also licensed as a superintendent, Dr. Kerr served Pittsburgh City Schools for several years as its Director of Pupil Services.  In 1995, Dr. Kerr was appointed by the California federal court to reform all special education services for over 82,000 students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  With C. Michael Nelson, she authored Strategies for Addressing Behavioral Problems in the Classroom, now in its 6th edition.  In 2009, she authored School Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Dr. Kerr is the recipient of the Jean Winsand Distinguished Woman in Education and the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award.

******Dr. Paula McCommons received her B.A. in psychology from Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. She studied in London for six months, while interning in a psychiatric day hospital serving youth and adults. She received her M.Ed. in Educational Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh where she later received her Ed.D. in Educational Administration. Dr. McCommons is a nationally certified counselor with specialties in school and career counseling. She is also a PA licensed professional counselor, certified guidance counselor and post-secondary student personnel specialist.

During her tenure as director, she has served on the executive leadership board for PAYSPI (PA Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative), visit www.payspi.org, where she has worked closely with representatives from many disciplines and professional organizations within the state to update and execute the state suicide prevention plan. This work has included facilitating the development of regional county task forces and the passage of Act 71 requiring school districts to develop comprehensive suicide prevention efforts. Dr. McCommons also assists in the technical support STAR-Center provides to the PA SAMHSA grant team on Suicide Prevention in Schools and previously on the PA SAMHSA grant on suicide prevention in primary care.

Dr. McCommons also serves as a behavioral health liaison for the UPMC/WPIC County Student Assistance Program. As a member of the state-mandated Student Assistance Program, for one of Pittsburgh’s largest public high schools and a high achieving suburban high and middle school, she is responsible for providing individual screenings of at-risk students, offering on-going support for referred students and for assisting families in accessing appropriate referrals both in and out of school. At school, she serves on the core teams, provides consultations for faculty and parents, and offers specialized behavioral health presentations upon request. As needed, she also provides postvention services.

******Dr. Brian Rabian is Director of the Penn State Psychological Clinic, where he oversees psychiatric and psychological services for children, adults, and families. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from The George Washington University in 1992, and was a faculty member at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1993 to 2001, serving as Director of Clinical Training from 1998-2001. He joined Penn State in 2001. His primary research and clinical interests focus on childhood anxiety and stress.

******Dr. Beshon Trusty-Smith has spent the past 19 years of her professional career using the transformative power of education to change the lives of young people and their families. She has partnered with school districts in New York City, Washington D.C., and Baltimore, to provide leadership and guidance on comprehensive and strategic initiatives that improve student attendance, strengthen academic achievement, and cultivate overall school climates that are conducive to positive engagement, lifelong learning and safety. Dr. Smith currently serves as the Executive Director for Delaware and Maryland with the Center for Supportive Schools (CSS), where she provides strategic vision and leadership for growth in both states, while ensuring that CSS provides the highest quality of resources and supports to partnering schools and districts. 

******Dr. Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach is the Director of Government Relations for the National Association of School Psychologists and the co-chair of the National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP).  Kelly works collaboratively with public policy makers, professional organizations, educational and health professionals, and elected officials to advocate for policies and practices that support the needs of the whole child, improve student and school success, and increase access to school psychologists and other specialized instructional support personnel.   Prior to joining the NASP staff in 2011, Kelly spent seven years practicing as a school psychologist in Loudoun County Public Schools (VA).  Kelly earned her BA in Psychology from the

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her MA and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from Appalachian State University, and her PhD in Education Policy from George Mason University..

******Ira Weis, Esquire is an attorney engaged in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his J.D. degree from Duquesne University School of Law. He has represented school districts and other public employers in Western Pennsylvania since 1973. His firm, Weiss Burkardt Kramer, LLC, serves as Solicitor for a number of school districts throughout Western Pennsylvania including the School District of Pittsburgh. The firm has developed policies addressing child abuse, the rights of LGBT students and social medial issues including the establishment of employee student boundaries. He has previously served as Solicitor for Allegheny County. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Education in the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies. Mr. Weiss has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2005 to the present and received the 2008 Presidents Award for the Career Achievement in School Law from the Pennsylvania School Boards Solicitors Association. He also received the Distinguished Achievement in Law Award from the University of Pittsburgh Tri State School Study Council in 2012.

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Conference AgendaSunday, October 30, 2016

12:00 PM-5:00 P.M. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

2:00-5:00 P.M. Opening Session –Keynote Speaker

Dr. Paula McCommons – “Suicide Prevention Efforts in Schools: A Review of Resources and Recommendations”

In this interactive workshop we will explore the six components (policy/protocols, training, screening, parent education, student education and postvention) of suicide prevention for schools as outlined by SAMHSA in

their toolkit for high schools. The outcomes and products of recent SAMHSA grants focusing on school suicide prevention efforts will be highlighted. Participants are encouraged to share their own state's/school districts suicide prevention efforts. We will conclude with a few experiential activities to showcase emotional regulation strategies and resiliency building activities for ourselves and the youth we serve.

5:30 – 7:30 P.M. President’s Reception –Fountain View RoomSponsored by Edmentum

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Monday, October 318:00 A.M-3:00 P.M. Registration

8:30 - 10:00 A.M. Keynote Speaker Ira Weiss – “Title IX & Employee Boundaries/Student Relationships”

Mr. Weiss will address the significant legal challenges facing Pupil Services Administrators.  The preliminary topics would include challenges presented by the recent enactment of ESSA and homeless students, Title IX and transgender issues as well as a legal review of significant developments. Following the opening remarks, there would be a panel style presentation with materials provided. Other timely issues and topics will be addressed.

10:15 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. Session TwoDrew Bergman - “Battling Depression and Increasing Mental Awareness”

This moving presentation will focus on positive behavior interventions and supports to increase mental health awareness. It describes how Drew reaffirmed his resilience and inner strength. In his presentation, Drew informs others that they are not alone in facing their struggles and that recovery is indeed possible.

11:30 A.M. – 12:45 P.M. Lunch on your Own 12:45 - 2:15 P.M. Session ThreeDr. Brian Rabian - “The Developing Brain: Impact of Early Experiences and the

Role of Interpersonal Support in the Development of the Resilient Child"”

The program will address how early adverse experiences in a child's life can contribute to later risk factors, some of which have implications for a child's success in school, and how the development of healthy relationships within the school and between the school and surrounding community can aid in the development of resilient students and set them on a course for future success. This talk focuses on the power that teachers and

other school personnel have in shaping children inside and out, and on the resilience often needed in adults to push for these important relationships, even when they are met with resistance.

2:30 - 3:45 P.M. Session FourDr. Beshon Trusty-Smith - “Focusing on the E in Student Engagement:

Everyone, Every Level, Every Time”

Student engagement has been identified as one of the most robust indicators of a student’s academic trajectory. When students are successfully engaged in school, they recognize the important role school plays in their lives and are more likely to attend school daily, exhibit less behavioral distractions and work harder to academically excel. This workshop will identify the opportunities and key strategies offered to educators at every level, to successfully engage students, make meaningful connections and achievement desired outcomes and results.

4:00-5:30 P.M. Session Five

Dr. Larrissa Henderson – “Homelessness”

Homelessness is the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are most often unable to acquire and maintain regular, safe, secure and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence."  When people think of homelessness, they picture adults.  However, the largest number of homeless people is children – mostly school age children.  Dr. Henderson will discuss some ways to identify homeless children within your community and school district and what the law requires us to do.

6:45 – 9:15 P.M. Scenic Networking Dinner Cruise (Optional)

Sponsored by Ombudsman*

*The dinner cruise is a $60 value. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, Ombudsman,

NAPSA can offer the buffet dinner cruise for $25 per person.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Tuesday, November 1

8:30 - 11:30 A.M. Keynote SpeakerDr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg - “Reaching Teens: Strength-Based Communication

Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development”

This talk focuses on preparing professionals to APPLY the key foundational principles of Positive Youth Development, Resilience Building Strategies, and Trauma-informed practices.  It will apply to all youth but will focus on those who have had to navigate challenging environments.  Young people who have endured adverse childhood experiences may have lifelong effects on their brain, health, and behaviors.  However, they are also equipped with a different kind of credential – deep sensitivity and compassion.  The power of caring adults in their life cannot be exaggerated.  Caring adults can work with youth in a way that nurtures their strengths rather than triggers their earned reactivity.  This talk will focus on the importance of healthy, healing connections and strategies that restore control to young people from whom it may have been taken away. 

12:00 - 1:30 P.M. NAPSA Luncheon & Business Meeting

Sponsored by eSped (Included in conference fee)

1:45 - 3:00 P.M. Session TwoDr. Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach - “Government Relations NASISP”

In December 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), legislation that replaces No Child Left Behind, into law. ESSA significantly reduces the authority of the Secretary of Education and gives States and local jurisdictions substantial control over: the implementation of academic standards; the design and enforcement of state accountability and school improvement systems; and how to allocate federal funds. ESSA recognizes the critical value of specialized instructional support personnel (formerly known as pupil services personnel). Importantly, ESSA mandates the involvement of SISP in the development and implementation of specific school improvement initiatives. Participants in this session will: 1) understand the history and rational behind the change in terms from ‘pupil services personnel’ to ‘specialized instructional support personnel’; 2) review the key components of ESSA, with a focus on the role of specialized instructional support personnel; 3) learn key actions they can take in the coming months to ensure that states and districts prioritize the availability of effective and comprehensive student learning support services that are fully integrated into state and district efforts to improve student outcomes.

3:15 - 4:30 P.M. Session Four

“Networking with Your Colleagues”This session provides an opportunity to brainstorm with colleagues on timely issues, as suggested by conference attendees at registration.

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Wednesday, November 2

8:00-8:30 A.M. Breakfast Buffet/ Prizes

8:45-11:45 A.M. Keynote SpeakerDr. Mary Margaret Kerr – “Thinking Differently About Budget and Other Constraints: Practical Ways

to Support Students during Difficult Times”

This two-part session offers lessons learned about how to overcome obstacles in leading pupil services programs during financial and staffing downturns. In Part 1, participants will uncover small but insidious obstacles that drain staff time, money, and good will from their student support initiatives. Real-life problems will include funding cuts, lackluster partnerships, contentious parent interactions, poor race relations, staff burnout, school crises, and failed prevention programs. These typically lead to front-page headlines, litigation, parent outcry, and staff turnover. With some practical, low-cost steps (supported by field research), leaders can rethink harness their resources and re-energize their staff and other stakeholders. Part 2 will take participants through actual district-based cases, so they can adopt these strategies with ease. All participants will learn about free resources to assess and support their efforts, while saving valuable time.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬A special thank you to VLN Partners for sponsoring all conference

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Join your Colleagues at the Sheraton Station Square_______________________________________________________

NAPSA 2016 will meet your needs offering unmatched quality in a personal environment.

Register Now!

President’s Reception on Sunday Business Luncheon on Tuesday Breakfast on Wednesday

Above are included in your registration.

Registration fee for members have not increased since 2008

Take advantage of early registration rates and utilize FY16 funds!

CEU’s available through Ashland University♦♦♦♦♦

Offering Reasonable Room Rates

**Hotel Reservations**

The Sheraton Station Square Pittsburgh is offering a special rate of $139. To insure the NAPSA room rate, it is important to place your reservations by Friday October 7, 2016. The Sheraton has created a personalized NAPSA website to make your reservations at: https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/NAPSAannualconference. The other option is to call 412-261-2000 and identify you as a part of the NAPSA group. A limited number of rooms are reserved so, make your reservations as early as possible.

Transportation For those who are flying, the best method to travel to the hotel is to use the Supper Shuttle.  The price is $28.  You can go online and make the reservation at

www. supershuttle .com .  The phone number is 800-258-3826.  Please use this service.  A taxi cost $45.