SESSION ONE:
TRACK: Student Enrichment
1A: Math Enrichment: Beyond Bigger Numbers
How can we foster higher-level thinking and mathematical growth in students who are advanced beyond their grade level? Can we achieve this while keeping them engaged, making learning enjoyable, and enriching their overall mathematical experience?

Math enrichment is often seen as just working with bigger numbers or progressing faster through the curriculum. However, true enrichment goes beyond that, delving deeper into mathematical concepts and encouraging students to articulate their thinking. This session will offer practical tools and activities to support advanced math students, both in the general classroom and through pull-out programs. We’ll explore games, non-routine problems, and strategies to develop logical thinking.
Audience: Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Learning Support staff, Curriculum Coordinators and Department Chairs
Meet the Presenter: 
Amanda Smith, Lower School Learning Support (Math Enrichment)- Grades 1-4, St. Edmund’s Academy
Amanda is the Lower School Academic Support teacher at St. Edmund's Academy in Pittsburgh, where she primarily supports students with math enrichment in small group settings. With 12 years of teaching experience across grades K-4, she uses homeroom teaching experiences and collaborates with colleagues to help students extend their mathematical understanding beyond the standard curriculum.

TRACK: Student Enrichment
1B: A Journey From Support to Independence: Transforming Student-Led Conferences
Student-Led Conferences can empower students to take ownership of their learning journey and develop skills supporting long-term learning growth. Join this workshop to learn a refreshed approach for activating this valuable experience in your classroom, division, or school. Presenters will anchor the workshop content in research-based techniques and concepts while honoring practicality and time constraints. Whether you are new to Student-Led Conferences or looking to revamp your approach, this workshop will provide actionable strategies to inspire student growth and independence in a dynamic, engaging environment. Presenters will highlight resources, Wakelet (an online portfolio tool), and ideas to inspire your community.
Audience: Heads of School, Assistant/Associate Heads of School, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists, Learning Support staff, Deans of Students, Curriculum Coordinators and Department Chairs
Meet the Presenters: 
Carole Paterson, Middle School Science Teacher, SEL Coordinator, Advisor, Valley School of Ligonier
Carole Paterson holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from St. Lawrence University and a Master's in Independent School Leadership from Vanderbilt University. In 2004, she earned her teaching certification from Saint Vincent College and spent seven years teaching high school environmental science. Carole’s career took a new turn when she joined an independent school faculty, transitioning to teach science to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Carole works with TinkerCast and TinkerClass, where she shares her expertise on Podject-Based Learning tools to inspire and support fellow educators. Passionate about experiential education, values-based and holistic student development, and Carole continues to engage and motivate her students in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Reneé Moore, Upper School Technology Teacher, Valley School of Ligonier
With 25 years in education, she has taught in both public and private schools, working with students from PreK through 8th grade. Reneé has a passion for effective technology integration and helping students and educators use digital tools to enhance learning. Outside of school, she enjoys reading murder mysteries and spending time with her amazing family.

TRACK: Student Enrichment
1C: Deepening Engagement Through Arts Integration and Project-Based Learning
This presentation is about finding ways to integrate the arts and project-based learning into the elementary and middle school classroom. Using performing and visual arts based techniques to enrich lessons gives students voice and choice in the classroom and provides a wealth of engagement. Providing real world experiences through project based and thematic learning allows students the opportunity to be fully engaged in the classroom.
Audience: Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors
Meet the Presenter:
Alison Kitchin, Kindergarten teacher, Shady Side Academy
Alison Kitchin is an experienced educator who has taught in public, private, and charter schools in three states and a variety of settings. For the last six years she taught in an arts integration elementary school in Florida where she taught first, fourth, and fifth grade and discovered how much the addition of the arts in everyday lessons can engage and enrich students.

TRACK: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners
1D: Making the Classroom Neurodivergent Friendly
Strategies for creating inclusive, supportive environments that cater to the diverse needs of students, particularly those with ADHD, Autism and other complex neurotypes will be discussed. The presentation will discuss neurodiversity outside of diagnosis. The majority of the presentation will focus on practical approaches. Flexible learning spaces that go beyond traditional seating arrangements will be explored. I will also discuss how to implement these spaces, common issues that may arise, and how to use positive behavior support to troubleshoot issues. Creating clear structure and predictability to help create routines and decrease anxiety will be discussed. Also covered will also discuss various types of communication beyond verbal expression and how to make these accessible to students. Lastly, we will discuss the social and emotional components that work to ensure an inclusive and safe classroom for all brain wirings. Presentation will feature hands-on and interactive discussion.
Audience: Early Childhood teachers and Division Directors, Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists, Learning Support staff
Meet the Presenter: 
Cassandra Dunphy-Lieb, Counselor, Elliot Counseling
Cassandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ issues. She herself is Autistic and combines her personal experience with professional expertise to advocate for others in the community. Currently, Cassandra works as a full-time outpatient therapist at Elliot Counseling in Pittsburgh. Previously, she has worked as a school-based therapist through UPMC, assistant director of Quest, a therapeutic summer program for neurodivergent children and teens, and as a mental health specialist for Kentucky Avenue School in Shadyside. Though no longer working in schools, Cassandra maintains a passion for helping educators better understand their neurodivergent students.

TRACK: Mental Health and Wellness
1E: Cultivating Student Belonging and Engagement
This workshop takes a deeper dive into the science of learning and development introduced in the keynote address. Research from many fields, including the learning sciences, psychology, and neuroscience, confirms what good educators have always believed - that supportive environments and strong connections are necessary in order for students to demonstrate curiosity, interest, optimism, and a passion for learning. But this type of environment does not happen by accident – it takes intentionality and effort. Participants in this workshop will explore the ways in which we can cultivate meaningful relationships, honor students’ dignity and uniqueness, increase their sense of belonging, and ultimately maximize motivation and engagement in the learning process.
Audience: Heads of School, Assistant/Associate Heads of School, Lower School teachers, advisors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists, Learning Support staff, Deans of Students, Curriculum Coordinators and Department Chairs
Meet the Presenters:
Amy Moritz, Education and Outreach Program Manager at the PA Office of Attorney General
Amy has a diverse background and has worked in a variety of sectors for the past 28 years. Amy received her B.S. in Art Education and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from Penn State University. She holds her PA Educational Specialist II certification, a certificate in Chemical Dependency Prevention and Treatment and is both a bullying prevention trainer and a certified Lifelines suicide prevention trainer. She has offered professional development, consulting, and coaching services for educators across the country and has presented at numerous state and national conferences. Her areas of expertise include workplace culture/climate improvement, strategic school transformation and process improvement, trauma-sensitive practices, and future-ready skill development/emotional intelligence.
Michelle Gwinn Nutter, Director of Public Engagement at the PA Office of Attorney General
Michelle provides training and technical assistance for schools and community organizations. She is a nationally recognized speaker and frequently serves as a facilitator for the Student Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together (SPIRIT) Program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service. She is a certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program trainer and a certified Partners Against Hate trainer. She assists schools in the prevention of, and effective response to, bullying, cyberbullying and bias-related tension incidents. Michelle received her B.A. Degree in English Education from Messiah College and a M.S. in Education Law. Michelle participated in the 2016 White House Bullying Prevention Summit and the 2016 Federal Bullying Prevention Summit.

SESSION TWO:
TRACK: Student Enrichment
2A: How Convenience is Stifling Our Children: What Can Schools Do?
Join us as we discuss: The Future of the Human Species Is the evolution of the human species one of self-actualization, or rather, one of making the world a more convenient place for us to exist?
Modern society's persistent drive toward convenience and simplicity has led to a recent decline in various forms of intelligence. It is essential for us to engage in discussions about the purpose of education, aiming to strike a balance between appropriately utilizing tools that simplify life and avoiding conveniences that may lead to a degradation of our abilities.
Our collective conversation will highlight and prioritize the five types of intelligence: intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, and physical. With AI, AGI, and ASI on the brink of becoming integral to our daily lives, this conversation is both timely and relevant.
Audience: Heads of School/Assistant and Associate Heads of School, Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists
Meet the Presenter:
Jonathan Strecker, Head of School, Valley School of Ligonier
Jonathan Strecker is a distinguished educator, writer, and captivating speaker renowned for his expertise in educational philosophy, complexity learning, developmental values, and vision formulation. With a passion for unlocking human potential, Strecker delves into the intricate dynamics of personal and professional growth, inspiring individuals to embark on their journey to exceptionalism.

TRACK: Student Enrichment
2B: Interactive Learning: Enhancing Student Engagement with Padlet, Wakelet, & Book Creator
In this interactive session, discover how Padlet, Wakelet, and Book Creator can transform student engagement, organization, and creativity across all learning levels. Whether you're supporting students with executive functioning challenges, providing enrichment opportunities, or fostering student-led learning, these tools offer flexible and accessible ways to enhance academic success. Participants will explore hands-on activities, collaborative strategies, and real-world applications that empower all learners. Walk away with practical ideas and the confidence to integrate these digital tools into your learning environment.
Audience: Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors
Meet the Presenter:
Reneé Moore, Upper School Technology Teacher, Valley School of Ligonier
With 25 years in education, she has taught in both public and private schools, working with students from PreK through 8th grade. Reneé has a passion for effective technology integration and helping students and educators use digital tools to enhance learning. Outside of school, she enjoys reading murder mysteries and spending time with her amazing family.

TRACK: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners
2C: The Imperative Need for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Independent Schools
As we learn more about the prevalence of neurodiverse learners in the population at large, independent schools must find ways to build capacity in their communities to welcome and support them. Universal Design for Learning is a proactive approach for supporting all learners and the best chance for creating inclusive environments for all. The presentation will be a reflection on our current school wide initiative and our plans for continuing the initiative in the future.
Audience: Heads of School/Assistant and Associate Heads of School, Early Childhood teachers and Division Directors, Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists, Learning Support staff, Deans of Students, Curriculum Coordinators and Department Chairs
Meet the Presenter:
Joanna Newlin, Director of Student Services, Falk Laboratory School
Joanna Newlin currently serves as the Director of Student Services at Falk Laboratory School. Her early career was as an elementary Montessori teacher for students in mixed-age classrooms. When her own children were young, Joanna worked as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant for children with autism. She moved to Falk as a Learning Specialist in 2012, and in 2019, upon earning her EdD, Joanna became the Middle School Division Director before moving into her current position. As a lifelong educator and as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Joanna is committed to helping students thrive in inclusive communities.

TRACK: Mental Health and Wellness
2D: Rumination and Hot thoughts: How to positively impact anxiety in our Children and Adolescents through cognitive tools
This presentation will describe one aspect of our wellness curriculum-which is to give theory and strategies to our students who struggle with anxiety. While sensory tools are always helpful, we have discovered that strategies to reduce rumination, learn cognitive reframing, and cognitive distractions are crucial for reducing anxiety for the long run -particularly in our independent school environment. Our curriculum was inspired by Jessica Minahan's work on the thought processes of anxiety. We will discuss how we teach this theory and practice K-12 and how we provide strategies to our Department of Academic Support's work with students. We will be sharing sample lessons, resources and practical strategies.
Audience: Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists, Learning Support staff, Deans of Students
Meet the Presenter:
Karen Boyer, Director of Health and Wellness-LS/MS counselor, The Ellis School
Karen Boyer, MSW, LCSW has been the School Counselor at The Ellis School for 13 years. Before Ellis, she worked in private practice, adoption, and in community-mental health. With 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, and 15 years working in schools, she has a specific interest in emotional regulation and social cognition through brain-based theory and practice -and collaborating with educators and families. She is the mom of four adult children-two in college. She enjoys living an active life with her husband Tom.

TRACK: Mental Health and Wellness
2E: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students in These Difficult Times
Did you know that having just one accepting adult in an LGBTQIA+’s child’s life can reduce their risk of harming themselves by 40%? Be that adult! LGBTQIA+ students need our support more than ever. Let’s come together and discuss practical ways that we as educators can show up for our most vulnerable students even during this divisive time.
Audience: Lower School teachers and Division Directors, Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors, School Counselors and Psychologists, Learning Support staff, Deans of Students
Meet the Presenter:
Katie Pless, LS teacher, Winchester Thurston School
Katie Pless is a second grade teacher at Winchester Thurston. She has been teaching for 19 years in a variety of age levels. She is committed to her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion and has been privileged to continue that work at WT.