MSSCA Annual Conference

SESSIONS

More sessions will be added soon!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

SESSION 1 - 11:00am-12:00pm

Canopy Anywhere – A Hope-Filled Solution for Student Mental Health

This presentation will educate the audience about a digital solution for student mental health piloted in the Madison Co. School District. The results of the pilot are compelling and will be shared during this presentation as well as details about the Canopy Anywhere platform. Canopy is currently working with the MS Development Authority to provide this solution to public schools statewide for FREE in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year. Information will be given on how schools can access this solution for their students.

Sean Brewer
Canopy Children's Solutions

Staying In The Know with MACRAO

This panel discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of the college admissions process, financial aid opportunities, and ACT policies specific to our Mississippi Institutions (public four-year, private four-year, and community colleges). Attendees will hear about the most up-to-date changes on college admissions policies in Mississippi, financial aid updates, scholarship requirements, and specifically how colleges and universities will use the new ACT updates in their scholarship criteria.

Shannon Grimsley
Assistant Director of External Training & Partnerships
Woodward Hines Education Foundation

Vaping Me Crazy!

Vapes are not just being used by adults trying to quit smoking. Some people mistakenly believe that was the purpose behind its invention, but that is categorically false. In fact, more than 70% of these devices are purchased by youth 20 years of age and younger because kids were actually the intention of this product. This session will prove that. Many of these devices have become drug delivery systems. It is critically important that all school administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses, SROs, parents, and communities know what is happening in this issue. This workshop will absolutely shock those attending. The most current and relevant information is presented in a way where audience members will be able to not only understand the seriousness of this issue, but also be able to articulate it and deliver these facts to their youth, their families, and their communities in informative and engaging ways.

Michael DeLeon
Steered Straight

Polyvagal Theory: Creating Safety in the Classroom

This session introduces school counselors to Polyvagal Theory, a groundbreaking framework for understanding the connection between the nervous system and emotional regulation. By exploring the science behind the autonomic nervous system, attendees will learn how to identify students' physiological states and respond effectively to their emotional needs. We will discuss practical strategies for incorporating Polyvagal Theory into school settings, offering tools to support both students and educators in creating trauma-informed, safe, and calming classroom environments. Counselors will gain insights on how to guide teachers in recognizing stress signals and implementing calming techniques that foster resilience, engagement, and a positive learning experience. Learn how this theory can be a transformative resource for building emotionally supportive school communities.

Anna Ramsey
Barksdale Missions

SESSION 2 - 1:20pm-2:20pm

Transforming Trauma-Informed Techniques into the Classroom

This workshop is designed to equip educators with trauma-informed strategies for managing challenging behaviors in the classroom. Drawing from the principles of the H.E.A.R.T. Framework, which has been successfully applied in the context of foster and adoptive parenting, Megan M. Hamm will adapt these techniques to a classroom setting. The workshop will focus on understanding how trauma impacts student behavior, recognizing the role of brain science in emotional regulation, and applying compassionate strategies to create a supportive learning environment. The ultimate goal is to empower educators and school counselor to respond to student behavior with compassion, reduce classroom disruptions, and foster positive relationships with students.

Megan Hamm
Time for A Change Counseling LLC

From Prison to Purpose

A cautionary tale unlike any you have ever heard. This session will have you on the edge of your seat. Anyone who works with youth will use this story and its lessons to inspire kids. Our speaker takes you on a journey from Trauma (which he has coined as the first gateway drug), through addiction, to incarceration, to redemption. He is now the #1 booked youth presenter in America. Telling kids to “Never Give Up” is more believable and well-received when it’s attached to a real-life story. This is that story.

Michael DeLeon
Steered Straight

Elementary Leadership Group

This session showcases how a student leadership program in an elementary setting could work school wide. From positive behavior rewards to student mentorship, a leadership group could be a counselor’s best friend! Learn how to create and implement a program that works for your elementary school. Leadership groups highlight many standards from ASCA’s Student Standards for Mindsets and Behaviors and ASCA’s leadership standards for counselors.

Constance Belew
School Counselor

Jennifer Solomon
Desoto County

SESSION 3 - 2:50pm-3:50pm

Play for the Win

While there are various forms of play therapy, I will specifically focus on the use of play therapy in schools. School-based play therapy is developmentally appropriate for elementary-aged children and can be successfully implemented with students who may come from diverse backgrounds and have varying needs. Mississippi's children face complex mental health needs. According to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, nearly 35,000 of Mississippi's children and youth have severe and persistent mental health needs which can impact every aspect of their lives. Unfortunately, many of these needs go unmet due to a lack of resources, provider shortages, and the stigma around mental health services. Unmet mental health needs can impact children’s academic achievement, behavior, and self-esteem. This presentation will focus on play-based learning as well as partnering with school districts to develop Play Labs within their schools.

Amanda Winburn
Associate Professor
School of Education, Department of Educational Leadership & Counselor Education
University of Mississippi

Brian Wesley Harrington
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Leadership & Counselor Education
University of Mississippi

Fourth and One: How to Help Gifted Students Win the Scholarship Game

School counselors must have a game plan to run interference for students to be able to afford college as tuition increases yearly. Over the past five years, the graduating seniors at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science have been fortunate enough to accept between $7.5 and $10 million a year in scholarships. We want to share what we’ve learned to help other gifted students across the state blitz the rising cost of higher. This program will equip attendees with knowledge about various scholarship opportunities that they can take back to their schools and sack the competition. After hearing about QuestBridge, Jack Kent Cooke, Gates, Ron Brown, etc., you’ll be able to line up in the victory formation. Participants will also be encouraged to brainstorm ways to convey this information to their students. Help your students avoid throwing Hail Mary’s by coming to our presentation!

Heath Stevens
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

Shelle Bates
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

Rebecca DeSantis
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

Friday Night Lights, Everyday Equity: Advancing Access & Belonging for All

In a climate where DEI language has become politically charged, school counselors must still advance equity through actionable, inclusive practices. This interactive session reframes traditional DEI concepts using the lens of Access and Belonging, aligning with the ASCA National Model and MTSS frameworks. Participants will explore how to create inclusive environments using evidence-based, tiered interventions across the academic, career, and social/emotional domains. Examples will be tailored for elementary, middle, and high school levels, with hands-on opportunities to apply strategies in small team “coaching huddles.” Learn how to “call the right plays” to build supportive school climates that help every student feel seen, supported, and ready to succeed.

Bernell Elzey
Antioch University
Louisiana School Counselor Association

SESSION 4 - 4:00pm-5:00pm

Reality, Reimagined: Bring Virtual College Tours To The Classroom

Learn how you can provide virtual college tours to your students of Mississippi's 2 and 4-year institutions and top careers in your classroom. Get2College will demonstrate the use of virtual reality headsets made available for use to Mississippi high schools for free through GEAR UP MS. Learn how to request and borrow the headsets as well as how to effectively guide your students through the virtual college tour process.

Brandi Lyndall
Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Get2College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Center

How School Counselors Can Help Lead School-Wide Social Emotional Learning

The session will discuss how school counselors can help lead the way in school wide social emotional learning initiatives. The presenters will offer two different approaches used to tackle the challenges.

Stacy Michel
Terry High School
Hinds County Public School District

Kris Sullivan
Utica Elementary/Middle School

Taking Your Time Outs: A Game Plan for Self Care

The work of school counseling is demanding and intense. Many days we leave our schools mentally and emotionally depleted. In this session I will highlight research about caring for ourselves while we give our all for our students. The purpose of this session is to equip counselors with everyday strategies to keep in their self care game plan. I will introduce four facets of self care: (spiritual) gratitude, (logistical) daily routines, (environmental) decluttering, and (relational) boundary setting. Each attendee will participate through conversation with peers and by completing the “My Game Plan” activity we will do all together. My goal is for each attendee to return to their schools with a useful and personalized step by step plan for overwhelm.

Meredith Quinn
Tishomingo County Schools

AI-Powered School Counseling: Modernizing Your Program

We’ve all used tools like ChatGPT to draft an email, but what’s the next play? Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the new game-changer for school counselors and education. As AI swiftly integrates into daily life, we find ourselves in a world increasingly shaped by kids who are already exploring and using these tools, often without any guidance.

In this session, school counselors will be challenged to take a leading role in teaching students how to handle AI’s rapid advances with agility, confidence and safety. Explore how you can use AI to enhance communications, streamline processes, and support students’ social, emotional and academic growth. From using AI chatbots to role-play difficult social situations to creating innovative career exploration tools, this session will inspire you to push boundaries and think beyond the basics. Together, we’ll discover how counselors can harness AI’s potential to empower students while ensuring they navigate this fast-moving digital landscape safely.

TAKEAWAYS:

Explain how AI tools can transform more than administrative tasks, revolutionizing how we connect with and support students.
Strategize how to teach students to use AI responsibly and ethically.
Explore real-life examples of how AI tools, like Pickles the Chatbot, can support role-playing social scenarios, improve communication, and engage students in career exploration.
Identify actionable ideas to integrate AI tools into your counseling program in ways that foster responsible use and meaningful growth.
List strategies to ensure students navigate AI safely and responsibly in their daily lives.

Hanna Kemble-Mick
2025 School Counselor of the Year® Finalist
School Counselor
Topeka, KS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

SESSION 5 - 9:20am-10:20am

Understanding Career & Technical Education- CTE - Pathways to Success

Career Technical Education provides students with academic, technical, and employability skills needed for success in the workforce. This session will HUDDLE UP the team and dive into what CTE is, it's benefits, and how it prepares students for in-demand careers. Participants will engage in interactive activities, real world examples, and discussions on how CTE connects education with career readiness.

Rochland Showers
Brookhaven Technical Center

Ignite the Game: A Plan to Unite Social Circles and Empower Reluctant Stude

Some students naturally thrive, while others remain skeptical or disconnected. Every student carries an inner light - their unique talents, voice, and power to make a difference. When students feel isolated, that light can dim, leading to struggles like loneliness, violence, or even suicide.
In this session, we’ll explore how to engage hesitant students, break down social barriers, and foster connections that help every student recognize and share their light. Through discussions and real-world examples, we’ll examine how isolation fuels violence and suicide, and how creating a positive, inclusive environment can disrupt this cycle.

When each student shines, they make it easier for others to step out of the shadows. Together, we can create a school where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to help others shine. Let’s work together to build a brighter, more connected future for all students!

Kelly Richards
ThriveWay

Equitable School Counseling: Trauma-Informed and Restorative Practices

This session explores equity in school counseling by addressing how exclusionary discipline harms BIPOC students and overlooks trauma. Counselors will examine the links between ACEs, intergenerational trauma, and behavior through an equity lens. Participants will gain trauma-informed, culturally responsive strategies within an MTSS framework, including restorative justice, SEL, and strength-based interventions, to foster inclusive and equitable discipline practices that can be immediately implemented.

Delarious Stewart
East Texas A&M University

Bernell Elzey
Antioch University
Louisiana School Counselor Association

LaVelle Hendricks
East Texas A&M University

SESSION 6 - 10:40am-11:40am

Empowering Futures: The Role of School Counselors in CS Education

School counselors are key to helping students explore career pathways, yet many lack exposure to the vast opportunities in computer science (CS). This interactive session equips counselors with practical strategies, engaging activities, and ready-to-use resources to guide students toward CS-related careers.

Amanda Taylor
Assistant Director of External Training & Partnerships
Woodward Hines Education Foundation

MTSS in Action: Redefining Support Through Evidence-Based Approaches

Are you looking to be more intentional with your MTSS approach, or unsure where to begin? School counselors are leaders, collaborators, advocates, and change agents within Comprehensive School Counseling Programs (CSCPs), using MTSS to meet students’ academic, career, and social/emotional needs (Goodman-Scott & Ockerman, 2019).

In MTSS in Action: Redefining Support Through Evidence-Based Game Plans, presenters will team up to share strategies aligned with the MTSS framework designed to help you win big for your students. The session kicks off with a concise overview of MTSS, its tiered structure, and the role of school counselors in driving systemic change. Each student will then present real-world applications across the three domains of student development offering game-winning strategies for successful implementation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, you’ll leave this huddle with fresh insights, actionable strategies, and a stronger playbook to support student success in your school community.

Brian Wesley Harrington
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Leadership & Counselor Education
University of Mississippi

Elisabeth Heistell
University of Mississippi

Grace McKissick
University of Mississippi

Dr. Kenya Bledsoe
University of Mississippi

College Access on Wheels: Taking It To the Streets

In this interactive session, we will explore the innovative concept of the Get2College Mobile College Access Center. This mobile center will travel to Mississippi communities, providing essential resources and support to students who may face barriers in accessing traditional college services.

Participants will learn about the various one-on-one student services offered by the mobile center. Services offered will mimic the traditional Get2College services, such as college planning and financial aid assistance.

And Guess What??? The Get2College Mobile College Access Center will be on-site for you to visit!!

Catch us before we hit the road-Empowering students one mile at a time!

Daniela Griffin
Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Get2College

The Power of Perception: Elevate Your School Counseling‘s Visibility and Value

In today’s world, perception is everything. The way others perceive your school counseling program can significantly influence its success, support and sustainability. This session is designed to empower school counselors to take control of the narrative, ensuring their program is seen, heard and valued within their schools and communities. It’s time to elevate your program from being merely visible to becoming an indispensable pillar of support and growth in your school.

You'll learn strategies to:

Highlight your program’s impact through intentional branding.
Communicate your vision and value to key stakeholders like administrators, families and staff.
Use storytelling, visuals and data to highlight success and build trust.

Hanna Kemble-Mick
2025 School Counselor of the Year® Finalist
School Counselor
Topeka, KS

SESSION 7 - 12:50pm-1:50pm

Enhancing School Counseling Practices with Tech Tools 2.0

This informative session aims to equip school counselors with practical techniques for effectively integrating technology tools into their daily practice. By exploring tech strategies tailored for various audiences—including students, parents, community partners, faculty, and staff—counselors will learn how to strengthen communication, enhance stakeholder engagement, and increase efficiency. Leveraging technology not only supports data collection and analysis but also fosters collaborative teamwork, improves information sharing, and ultimately allows counselors to spend more meaningful time supporting students’ academic and personal growth.

Ebonie Butler-Cheeks
Forest Hill High School

Monica Dickerson
Forest Hill High School

Shonda Henderson
Forest Hill High School

Tackling Tough Emotions: Building Belonging Through Tiered SEL Supports

Social and emotional development is foundational to student success, but it requires more than just good intentions—it demands strategy. This interactive session equips school counselors with the tools to “tackle tough emotions” using a tiered approach to SEL grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and a lens of access and belonging. Attendees will learn how to implement and adapt SEL interventions across elementary, middle, and high school settings, with attention to student identity, safety, and inclusion. Through breakout activities and case studies, participants will design SEL game plans for Tier 1 (universal instruction), Tier 2 (targeted groups), and Tier 3 (individual supports) that strengthen student resilience, belonging, and emotional wellness.

Bernell Elzey
Antioch University
Louisiana School Counselor Association

Tobias Robertson, LPC, NCC
Doctoral Candidate, University of Holy Cross at New Orleans
Behavior Health Provider, DePaul Community Health

Selective Mutism - Working Beyond Shy

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that affects children, characterized by their inability to speak in certain social situations while being able to communicate in familiar environments, such as their home. It typically manifests between ages 2-6 and occurs in approximately 1 in 140 children. Diagnosis is based on DSM-5 criteria and involves comprehensive assessments. Treatment approaches in clinical settings often include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy, focusing on gradual exposure to speaking situations. In schools, creating a supportive environment is crucial, involving individualized education plans (IEPs) and collaboration with speech-language pathologists and school counselors. Practical strategies for teachers include using visual aids, encouraging peer interactions, and reinforcing communication attempts. Early intervention and collaboration between parents, clinicians, and educators are vital for effective support, fostering empathy and understanding within the school community to help children overcome selective mutism.

Whitney Gray
Rankin County School District

Genevieve Garrett
Peace of Mind Consulting

SESSION 8 - 2:10pm-3:10pm

Addressing Anxiety In the Classroom

Deanna Ford
Onslow County Schools
Jacksonville, NC

How Do School Counselors Adapt to Leadership Styles of School Principals

This engaging session will highlight and teach counselors, how to navigate leadership styles based on the styles of different principals. Counselors will learn various leadership styles and roleplay what each one looks like in their respective buildings.

Dr. Sonya Mars
Claiborne County School District

Using Individual Success Plans to Draft Tomorrow’s MVPs

Every student has the potential to be an MVP—and school counselors are the coaches who help them get there. This session dives into how Individual Success Plans (ISPs) can be a game-changing tool to identify student strengths, set meaningful goals, and create personalized pathways to achievement. Learn how to implement ISPs to guide academic planning, career exploration, and personal development. Whether you're building confidence, boosting motivation, or helping students overcome obstacles, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to support every student’s journey toward success. Suit up and get ready to unlock your students’ MVP potential!

Kimberly Ray
Oak Grove Middle School

Reboundaries and Resilience: Enhancing Skills that Foster Boundary Recognition, Determination and GRIT!

How do we accomplish the great task of teaching our kids the BIG LIST of everything they need to know and succeed in life when they believe that all of their needs are being met through screen time? How do we teach our kids online safety? How do we allow technology to add to our children’s life as opposed to taking from it?How do we create an environment where kids genuinely “want it” more than we want it for them? In her research-based session, Julia takes a look at how creative world-class parents and educators are answering these questions and helping children thrive with strength and confidence in their ever-changing world!

Julia Cook
Children's Author, Counselor, Parenting Expert

SESSION 9 - 2:50pm-3:50pm

Make Financial Aid Part of Your High School Counseling Game Plan

For students, the stress of figuring out how to pay for college can equal that of playing in the big championship game or tournament. But high school counselors can help students develop and execute a winning game plan for paying for college. Get2College will share the latest updates on the FAFSA and federal aid. The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will share the resources counselors need to help students access the financial aid available from the State of Mississippi through programs like HELP, MTAG, MESG, and the FAITH,Scholarship.

Jennifer Rogers
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid

Kiersten Dufour
Get2College

How Career Tech Works: Building Student Success Through Collaboration

This session will provide an in-depth look at how Career and Technical Education (CTE) operates within the Kosciusko-Attala School District. Led by the Career Tech administrator and student services team, the session will showcase the collaborative approach between administration, counseling, and support personnel to guide students toward career readiness, skill development, and postsecondary planning. Attendees will learn how career tech programming aligns with academic goals and workforce needs, as well as how students are identified, supported, and encouraged to thrive in CTE pathways. Strategies for successful school-wide collaboration and student engagement will be shared, along with real-world examples and data. Whether you’re new to CTE or looking to enhance your existing program, this session will offer practical tools and insights.

Tracy Burnley
Kosciusko Attala Career Tech Center

From Test Coordinator to Student Advocate

School Counselors across the nation have been diligently advocating for years to change the roles of school counselors to match ASCA's guidelines. Every district and often each school in that district has a different idea of how a school counselor should spend their time within the school: residency, enrollment, MTSS chair, 504 coordinator, records, assessment, transcripts, specials teacher, risk assessments, responsive and preventative services... just to name a few. High stakes testing is still an area in which school counselors have the ability to make major impact in the lives of students... if their skillset is used appropriately. This session will provide an opportunity for participants to evaluate their current role within their own school; hear about what one school counselor does to help students during testing season; and brainstorm ways that they can be advocates to for their own students and our profession as a whole.

Kristel Thrash

Are You Doing Enough? Is Your School Counseling Program Comprehensive?

This session will discuss the framework of a comprehensive school counseling program. Participants will explore how the use of data and collaboration impacts positive student outcomes. Participants will engage in reflective practices on current school counseling programming and effectiveness in meeting the needs of the population they serve.

Tajuana Williams
DeSoto County Schools

Wednesday, October 1

SESSION 10 - 8:00am-9:00am

Understanding the Impact of Parental Abandonment on Student Well-Being

This session explores the profound emotional, behavioral, and academic effects of parental abandonment and rejection across elementary, middle, and high school students. Attendees will gain insight into how fatherlessness, motherlessness, and long-term parental absence contribute to anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, identity struggles, and academic decline. Drawing on current research and real-world case studies, this presentation will equip school counselors with the tools to identify symptoms early, create safe spaces for student expression, and implement SEL-based interventions tailored to each developmental stage. Participants will also learn how to build a trauma-informed support system within their schools that fosters resilience, connection, and healing for students impacted by abandonment.

Clayton Barksdale
West Mississippi Education Consortium

Data Investigation

Discuss ways that DATA helps you use your time wisely
Provide DATA to advocate for your program
Identify ways that DATA helps school counselors be effective.

Kim Crumbly
Counselor Accents

Laura Rankhorn
Counselor Accents

Inclusion, Access, and Participation for Students with Exceptionalities

Creating an inclusive school environment requires intentional strategies to ensure students with exceptionalities have equal access to all tiered supports. This interactive session will examine common barriers that limit access and participation in a comprehensive counseling program for these students. The session offers practical solutions to enhance engagement in both classroom lessons and small group counseling. Participants will explore ways to build upon existing counseling programs, develop new strategies, and develop meaningful interactions between students with exceptionalities and their general education peers. Through case studies, discussion, and hands-on activities, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster a truly inclusive counseling program.

Jayme Branagh
Empowering Ink

AI for School Counselors: The Mississippi AI Network (MAIN) Approach

Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education—and how school counselors can lead the way. This session introduces the evolving role of AI in supporting academic advising, career readiness, and social-emotional learning. Attendees will explore practical, age-appropriate, and ethical strategies for integrating AI into counseling practices. The session also spotlights free AI education resources and professional development opportunities from the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN)—the nation's first and only statewide AI initiative—available to all educators and students across Mississippi.

Kollin Napier
Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN)

SESSION 11 - 9:10am-10:10am

Resilience and Mental Toughness

Teaching resilience to our students is vital because it equips them with the skills to navigate challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and thrive in the face of adversity. This ultimately fosters mental well-being and success in all areas of life. Mental toughness education is one of the best ways to increase awareness and encourage self-help seeking behavior. It is a mental state that enables students to remain focused, resilient, and adaptable when facing challenges. It gives students a strong foundation that allows them to become happy, healthy, and highly functioning adults.

Kimberly Russell
Rankin County School District

Jill Parker
Rankin County School District

Navigating Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in School Counseling: Upholding Care, Professionalism, and Leadership

School counselors play a pivotal role in students' lives by offering social and emotional support and assisting with academic and post-secondary planning. School counseling has complex ethical and legal responsibilities that require careful navigation to ensure students' well-being and adhere to professional standards. This conference session, "Navigating Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in School Counseling: Upholding Care, Professionalism, and Leadership," offers an in-depth exploration of these challenges and equips school counselors with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold their duties with integrity.

The session will focus on critical issues at the intersection of ethics and law, including confidentiality, informed consent, student rights, mandatory reporting, and multiculturalism. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will engage with real-world scenarios using the ASCA Ethical Decision-Making Model to understand better how to apply ethical principles and legal frameworks in their daily practice.

Dr. Kenya Bledsoe
Assistant Professor
The University of Mississippi

Better Together: Collaborating for Student Success

This engaging session explores the dynamic collaboration between school counselors and school social workers in fostering student well-being and success. Whether you're a counselor worker or school leader, this session will provide practical tools to strengthen interdisciplinary teamwork and improve outcomes for all students.

Veronica Green
Natchez Adams School District

Jasmine Coulston
Natchez Adams School District

Teach a Teacher to Fish: Supporting Students by Empowering and Inspiring Teachers

Discuss ways to train teachers about the “why” of various student behaviors
Provide teachers and staff with practical, empowering strategies to address behavior
Identify and remove systemic barriers that hinder a safe and caring school environment and culture.