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10th Annual Wellness Together Conference has ended
Audience: District Administrators clear filter
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Thursday, September 10
 

7:30am PDT

Exhibit Hall & Networking
Thursday September 10, 2026 7:30am - 5:00pm PDT
Exhibit Hall - Ballroom 20 CD

Thursday September 10, 2026 7:30am - 5:00pm PDT
Exhibit Hall - Ballroom 20 CD
  Networking

7:30am PDT

Registration
Thursday September 10, 2026 7:30am - 5:00pm PDT
Ballroom 20 Lobby

Thursday September 10, 2026 7:30am - 5:00pm PDT
Ballroom 20 Lobby
  Registration

9:00am PDT

Main Session #3
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
  Main Session

9:15am PDT

Keynote: CA Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
Dr. Shirley N. Weber is California’s first Black Secretary of State and has spent decades advancing education, equity, and civil rights. Her extensive career in education and public service has included strengthening educational access, campus climate, and state accountability. Learn more here.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Shirley Weber

Dr. Shirley Weber

California Secretary of State
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
  Main Session

9:15am PDT

Keynote: Chris Gethard
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB

Renowned comedian, author, and mental health advocate Chris Gethard brings his signature blend of humor and vulnerability to the main stage, sharing insights on human connection, resilience, and navigating mental health struggles.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Gethard

Chris Gethard

Comedian, Actor, and Author, Wellness Together
Chris Gethard is a comedian, podcaster, author, actor, and former television host. He’s been an active performer for over two decades. His work expanded to include mental health advocacy and activism after the release of his 2017 HBO special Career Suicide, in which he detailed... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
  Main Session

9:15am PDT

Keynote: Dr. Zainab Okolo
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
Zainab Okolo explores how today’s changing policy landscape is shaping youth mental health and education. Through an inspiring message of purpose and possibility, she’ll show how each of us, regardless of role or title, can help create meaningful change for young people.
Speakers
avatar for Zainab Okolo, Ed.D., LCMFT

Zainab Okolo, Ed.D., LCMFT

Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy & Government Relations, The Jed Foundation
Dr. Zainab Okolo is a seasoned expert in higher education policy and mental health, dedicating her career
to breaking down barriers for students, enabling them to thrive academically and lead fulfilling lives.
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
  Main Session

10:30am PDT

Laughing Together
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
33 A
Improvised comedy has placed many legendary actors in television shows and movies - but it all started as social work. Laughing Together brings improv back to its roots, providing schools with workshops that allow participants to connect through the power of improvised play, bond through laughter, feel the joy of failure, practice unconditional support, and teach ways to communicate ideas simply and clearly. During our workshop, audience members will have a chance to play games and look at the many ways comedy is a Trojan horse that increases social health.

Continuing Education Session Information:

Course Syllabus | Speaker Resume | Session Flyer | Course Attendance | Course Evaluation

Upon completion of the course, attendance form, and evaluation, you will receive a Confirmation of Attendance Certificate through email. If you do not receive your Confirmation of Attendance Certificate within ten business days, please contact [email protected]

This course meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of Continuing Education Credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Wellness Together, Inc., Provider #141369, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Wellness Together maintains responsibility for this course and its content.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Gethard

Chris Gethard

Comedian, Actor, and Author, Wellness Together
Chris Gethard is a comedian, podcaster, author, actor, and former television host. He’s been an active performer for over two decades. His work expanded to include mental health advocacy and activism after the release of his 2017 HBO special Career Suicide, in which he detailed... Read More →
Laughing Together Flyer pdf
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
33 A
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Lighthouse Talk: Adult Resilience First: The Missing Link in Student Mental Health
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
Join us for a dynamic 12-minute Lighthouse Talk, designed to showcase bold ideas, innovative practices, and inspiring stories shaping the future of student mental health and wellness. This presentation is one of four featured during this one-hour block. Due to the fast-paced format, there will be no formal Q&A, but we encourage you to connect with the speaker directly after the block to continue the conversation.
Speakers
avatar for Meri McCoy-Thompson

Meri McCoy-Thompson

Executive Director, Dovetail Learning
Meri McCoy-Thompson is the Executive Director of Dovetail Learning, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening resilience and well-being in adults, youth, and children. Her work focuses on the often-invisible skills that help people stay grounded under pressure, work well together, and... Read More →
WTC10 Adult Resilience First The Missing Link in Student Mental Health pdf
All Protective Patterns Introductory Handouts with CTA 221201 260527 pdf
Seize the Space Jumbo Postcard pdf
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Lighthouse Talk: Self-Care Accountability Buddies: A Collaboration Across the Pacific Ocean
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
Join us for a dynamic 12-minute Lighthouse Talk, designed to showcase bold ideas, innovative practices, and inspiring stories shaping the future of student mental health and wellness. This presentation is one of four featured during this one-hour block. Due to the fast-paced format, there will be no formal Q&A, but we encourage you to connect with the speaker directly after the block to continue the conversation.
Speakers
WJ

Wendy J Lum

Workforce Development Hub Director, University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Lighthouse Talk: The Invisible Self: Taking a Look Inside The Classroom
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
Join us for a dynamic 12-minute Lighthouse Talk, designed to showcase bold ideas, innovative practices, and inspiring stories shaping the future of student mental health and wellness. This presentation is one of four featured during this one-hour block. Due to the fast-paced format, there will be no formal Q&A, but we encourage you to connect with the speaker directly after the block to continue the conversation.
Speakers
KH
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Lighthouse Talk: Values, Identity & Youth Mental Wellness
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
Join us for a dynamic 12-minute Lighthouse Talk, designed to showcase bold ideas, innovative practices, and inspiring stories shaping the future of student mental health and wellness. This presentation is one of four featured during this one-hour block. Due to the fast-paced format, there will be no formal Q&A, but we encourage you to connect with the speaker directly after the block to continue the conversation.
Speakers
avatar for Rudy Regalado

Rudy Regalado

Community Education Manager, PRO Youth
Hello! I serve as a community education manager at PRO youth. For the past eight years, I have worked in the nonprofit sector, supporting young people and reaching their goals. I pulled a masters degree in educational leadership from Sacramento state I have mentor youth supported... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 C
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Making Wellness a Priority: Leadership Moves that Support Student Wellness Efforts
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
31 C
In this session, attendees will learn about San Diego Unified's journey in developing a districtwide wellness goal, the challenges they faced, the steps they took to ensure student voice stayed at the center of their efforts, and the ongoing refinements that are necessary given the complexities of defining and measuring "student wellness." Attendees will have the opportunity to analyze the leadership moves that were leveraged to support districtwide efforts and apply them to their own context to assist in the development of wellness goals that are actionable, attainable and impact the wellness of students and their surrounding communities.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Dewitt

Nicole Dewitt

Deputy Superintendent, Instruction, San Diego Unified School District
Nicole DeWitt began working in public education in 2002,  joining the San Diego Unified in 2017 as the Principal of Scripps Ranch High School. Prior to becoming a site administrator, she served as a Spanish and English classroom teacher, AVID instructor, English Learner Coordinator... Read More →
WTC 2026 Breakout Session Leadership & Wellness pdf
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
31 C
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Rooted in Purpose, Driven by Possibility: The COELSC Story and What It Means for California School Counselors
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 D
What does it look like when county office leaders across California unite to advance the school counseling profession — with purpose, passion, and possibility at the forefront?

COELSC — County Offices of Education Leadership for School Counseling — is a statewide network of California County Office of Education (COE) administrators who provide leadership, technical assistance, and professional development for school counseling programs and services across K-12 districts. Founded in November 2017 by a coalition of Southern California COE administrators and state leaders in school counseling, COELSC was built on a singular conviction: that school counselors across California deserve a unified, data-informed, and equity-centered system of support.

Grounded in the ASCA National Model and the California Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, COELSC provides county-level leaders with a collaborative infrastructure to consult, coordinate, and advocate — from supporting districts with supervision and training needs to providing input to the California Department of Education (CDE) and the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credentialing workgroup.

This session invites school counselors, district coordinators, and county office leaders to learn how COELSC is working statewide to elevate the school counseling profession, strengthen MTSS alignment, and drive policy advocacy on behalf of California students. Participants will explore how county-level collaboration translates into on-the-ground impact — and how they can connect with and leverage COELSC in their own professional communities.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Tanya Bulette

Dr. Tanya Bulette

Coordinator, PK-12 School Counseling Services, San Diego County Office of Education
Tanya Bulette, Ed.D., serves as the Coordinator for PK-12 School Counseling Services at the San Diego County Office of Education, where she supports and advocates for school counselors across 42 districts. In this role for the past seven years, Tanya has led countywide initiatives... Read More →
LN

Lori Narahara

College and Career Engagement Specialist, Tulare County Office of Education
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
30 D
  Breakout

10:30am PDT

Under Construction™: Adolescent Brain Development in Real Classrooms
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
32 A-B
Under Construction™: Adolescent Brain Development in Real Classrooms is a highly interactive session translating adolescent brain science into practical, educator‑ready strategies that improve behavior, engagement, and learning. The session begins by addressing a common challenge in middle and high schools: adolescent behavior is often misunderstood and punished rather than interpreted through a developmental lens shaped by brain maturation, stress sensitivity, and evolving executive functioning.

Participants are introduced to the BUILD™ Model—Belonging, Understanding risk‑reward systems, Impulse buffering, Learning through errors, and Dignity‑preserving accountability—as a framework for aligning instruction, discipline, and MTSS supports with how the adolescent brain develops. Brain myth‑versus‑fact polls engage participants in debunking common misconceptions and building shared understanding of impulse control, decision‑making, and emotional regulation.
Using real‑world school scenarios, participants engage in facilitated, small‑group problem solving to apply the BUILD™ framework to classroom responses, discipline decisions, and policy alignment while maintaining accountability and safety. Structured discussions explore how misaligned policies can unintentionally escalate adolescent behavior.

The session concludes with guided application and reflection, ensuring participants leave with ready‑to‑use tools, including a Decision‑Making Delay Tool, Risk‑vs‑Reward Interview Guide, and a Brain‑Aligned Discipline Planning Sheet. Grounded in evidence that brain‑aligned approaches improve self‑regulation and decision‑making, this session equips educators to respond to behavior with clarity and purpose while supporting mental well‑being as a foundation for learning.

Continuing Education Information

Course Syllabus | Speaker Resume | Session Flyer | Course Attendance | Course Evaluation

Upon completion of the course, attendance form, and evaluation, you will receive a Confirmation of Attendance Certificate through email. If you do not receive your Confirmation of Attendance Certificate within ten business days, please contact [email protected]

This course meets the qualifications for 1.0 hours of Continuing Education Credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Wellness Together, Inc., Provider #141369, is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor Continuing Education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Wellness Together maintains responsibility for this course and its content.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Tiffany Chaney

Dr. Tiffany Chaney

LPC S, PSC, Climate & Culture Specialist, Harris County Department of Education
At the heart of everything I do is a deep commitment to children. I believe every child deserves champions who see their strengths, nurture their potential, and help them navigate life's challenges. As a School Climate and Culture Specialist, I work to build school communities where... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Michelle B. Calhoun, LPC-S, PSC

Dr. Michelle B. Calhoun, LPC-S, PSC

Climate and Culture Specialist, Harris County Department of Education
The Adolescent Brain and Student Success Participant Slides pdf
Tools Adolescent Brain Development Tools.docx pdf
Under Construction Flyer pdf
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
32 A-B
  Breakout

11:30am PDT

Off Site Lunch
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:30am - 1:15pm PDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:30am - 1:15pm PDT
  Networking

1:15pm PDT

Main Session #4
Thursday September 10, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20 AB

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
  Main Session

1:20pm PDT

Growing Up Now: Identity, Resilience, and Belonging - How Families, Communities, and Culture Shape the Next Generation
Thursday September 10, 2026 1:20pm - 2:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20 AB

Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs, Dr. Lisa Damour, and Dr. Nicole Stelter explore how identity, family, culture, and community shape young people’s emotional development and sense of possibility. This timely conversation offers practical, hopeful ways to foster resilience and belonging amid today’s complex challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Nicole Stelter

Dr. Nicole Stelter

Blue Shield of California
avatar for Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs

Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs

Sociologist and Author of the New York Times Bestseller, The Three Mothers
Anna Malaika Tubbs is a New York Times bestselling author and multidisciplinary expert on current and historical understandings of race, gender, and equity. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Masters in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge in addition to... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Lisa Damour

Dr. Lisa Damour

Clinical Psychologist, Bestselling Author, & Scientific Consultant for Disney-Pixar’s Inside Out 2
Dr. Lisa Damour is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert on adolescent development and student mental health. For more than two decades, she has worked directly with young people and families while translating psychological research into... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 1:20pm - 2:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20 AB
  Main Session

2:30pm PDT

EMPOWER Youth: Evidence-based and Scalable Approaches for Addressing Mental health for young people in non-clinical settings
Thursday September 10, 2026 2:30pm - 4:45pm PDT
32 A-B
Led by Dr. Laura Bond and Emma Katherine Hill from Harvard’s Global Mental Health Lab, this session provides an accessible mental health skills training designed for anyone who works with children. Attendees will gain practical tools to cultivate empathy, facilitate collaborative problem-solving, and master conflict de-escalation strategies. Designed for non-clinical providers, this workshop equips everyday educators and mentors to confidently support youth navigating subclinical mental health challenges.

Please note: This is a 2-hour breakout session with a 15-minute break at 3:30 PM.
Speakers
BS

Britney Stone, MA, LMFT

Senior Director, Outreach & Engagement, Wellness Together
avatar for Emma Hill

Emma Hill

Research Assisstant, Harvard Medical School
avatar for Laura Bond

Laura Bond

Harvard Medical School, Harvard Medical School
Laura Bond, PhD, MA, is the Program Director at the Mental Health for All Lab. Laura's research is focused on task-shared mental health interventions, particularly in underserved communities. 
Our website:https://mentalhealthforalllab.hms.harvard.edu/

... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 2:30pm - 4:45pm PDT
32 A-B
  Breakout
 

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