10th Annual Wellness Together Conference: Full Schedule

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10:30am PDT

Under Construction™: Adolescent Brain Development in Real Classrooms

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

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

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 →

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

Audience Community Partners & Nonprofits, District Administrators, Education Leaders, Policy & Advocacy Professionals, Mental Health Professionals, Teachers & Instructional Leaders
Continuing Education Tracks BBS Continuing Education

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

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

Audience Community Partners & Nonprofits, Education Leaders, Mental Health Professionals, Parents & Caregivers, Teachers & Instructional Leaders, District Administrators, HR Staff, Human Resources Professionals, Policy & Advocacy Professionals, School Site Admin

10th Annual Wellness Together Conference

10:30am PDT

Dr. Tiffany Chaney

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

2:30pm PDT

Britney Stone, MA, LMFT

Emma Hill

Laura Bond

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