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Audience: Emerging clear filter
Monday, October 26
 

10:15am PDT

All Bodies are Good Bodies: Building Weight-Inclusive Spaces to Protect Youth Development and Wellbeing
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Exposure to weight stigma, especially during the delicate time of adolescence, can have lifelong consequences. Youth today navigate relentless messages that their bodies are not “good enough”. This workshop helps youth-serving professionals to create safer, more inclusive spaces that better align with their organizational values and where all young people can thrive. Beginning with the history of weight stigma and its roots in anti-Black racism, participants will learn to identify the ways that youth encounter weight stigma day to day, from casual comments between peers to social media influences, and from health care to the locker room.
Speakers
MS

Maayan Simckes (she/her)

Epidemiologist and Consultant, Wellspring Public Health Strategies
Dr. Maayan Simckes is an epidemiologist with over 15 years of public health experience, including ten in the Pacific Northwest. She earned her PhD and MPH in epidemiology and solves complex health problems through practical, innovative, and collaborative solutions. Dr. Simckes leads... Read More →
RE

Robyn Evans (she/her)

Nurse Practitioner, Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital
Robyn Evans ARNP is a bilingual nurse practitioner with over 25 years experience in Adolescent Health with a long-standing focus on the care of marginalized youth. Her clinical practice focuses on decreasing the physiological and psychological effects of eating disorders on children... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

Reimagining Resilience: Understanding Trauma & Creating Safer Environments
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
As our communities and education system are more stressed, BELONG Partners
supports the critical need for us to come together and connect in ways that build resilience and
center young peoples’ (and all peoples’) needs. Our time will be spent not only learning about the
impact of trauma on our developing brains and bodies but will also focus on restorative, and
antiracist strategies that create environments for young people to truly thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Aaron Norikane (he/him)

Aaron Norikane (he/him)

Facilitator, BELONG Partners
Aaron Norikane (he/him) has been pushing to transform our education systems (both in schools and in our communities) for young people in the Seattle area for over 30 years. As a facilitator with the BELONG Partners team working with schools and community orgs all over South King County... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Building Knowledge Together: Data Equity from Early Learning to Early Adulthood
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Practitioners are often asked to collect data for funders rather than to build
knowledge for their own practice. This session reframes that relationship, treating every measure
as a mutually cultivated choice about what matters. We trace those choices across four phases of
the cycle of inquiry, each grounded in a current program: a community co-designed wage pilot for
engagement and co-design, a holistic measurement effort for data collection, a postsecondary
access program for mixed methods and learning cycles, and a housing pilot for storytelling.
Together, these examples surface what it takes to build data practices that hold rigor and humanity
at once. Rather than offering a finished framework, this session treats the room as a working
group: practitioners will discuss these examples, name what has strengthened trust and belonging
for the youth they serve, and contribute approaches worth exploring. Participants leave with
practical strategies and open questions to carry back into their own programs.
Speakers
DP

Diana Parades (she/her)

Evaluator, King County
Diana Paredes is an Evaluator on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team, supporting youth development and community development programs. She brings a background in applied research and evaluation focused on equitable development, civic engagement, and leadership... Read More →
VQ

Vanessa Quince (she/her)

Senior Evaluator in Youth Services, King County
Vanessa Quince is a Senior Evaluator in Youth Services on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team. She specializes in mixed-methods evaluation, integrating participatory approaches to center community voices and assessing outcomes, with a cross-sector background... Read More →
LG

Leah Grodinsky (she/her)

Senior Evaluator, King County
Leah Grodinsky is a Senior Evaluator on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team, supporting youth development and out-of-school time strategies. She brings a cross-sector background spanning youth-serving direct service, community-based environmental and food systems... Read More →
LD

Lauren Dinsmore (she/her)

Senior Evaluator, King County
Lauren Dinsmore is a Child Care Programs Evaluator on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team supporting the Children, Youth, and Young Adults Division. She brings experience evaluating programs that advance maternal and infant health equity, having worked on Solano County's Black... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

Serving Youth & Adolescents of Color Through Connection, Cultural Awareness, and Mental Health Support
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth often navigate layered stressors connected to
identity, community experiences, systemic inequities, and emotional wellbeing. These experiences can
directly impact behavior, academic engagement, relationships, and mental health outcomes. This
workshop examines how professionals can better serve youth by building authentic connections,
recognizing underlying stressors, and responding with culturally aware and supportive practices.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical application, participants will gain tools to
strengthen trust, support emotional regulation, and create environments where youth feel seen,
valued, and supported.
Speakers
TW

Toni Williams (she/her)

Mental Health Therapist
Toni brings extensive experience in K–12 education as both an educator and building leader, supporting students, families, and school communities through a lens of equity, belonging, and growth. With a background in mental health and youth development, Toni has worked to break down... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Design Organizations Where Hope Thrives: Creating the Conditions for Belonging and Impact
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Hope is more than optimism. Research shows it is a powerful driver of motivation,
well-being, and goal attainment for both young people and adults. Yet, hope does not emerge in
isolation. It grows in environments where people experience belonging, trust, meaningful
relationships, and pathways toward possibility. This interactive workshop explores how leaders can
intentionally create organizational conditions that cultivate hope and support relationship-rich
environments. Drawing on KBD Collaborative's 5 Key Drivers of Organizational Impact, Hope
science, and MENTOR Washington's Hope Rising collaboration, participants will explore strategies
that strengthen team culture, relational trust, staff well-being, and program effectiveness.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas to foster hope, belonging, and impact for both young
people and adults.
Speakers
avatar for Jolynn Kenney (she/her)

Jolynn Kenney (she/her)

Executive Director & Hope Ambassador, MENTOR Washington
Executive Director by day. Professional hope-instigator by night. Leads MENTOR Washington corralling mentoring professionals like a benevolent chaos wizard, and will absolutely ask you to “just real quick reimagine the entire system” before lunch. Fueled by coffee, justice, and... Read More →
avatar for Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Facilitator & Managing Partner, KBD Collaborative
As Managing Partner for KBD Collaborative, Sheely draws upon two decades of experience in youth development, advancing racial equity, adult learning theory, nonprofit management, and cultural responsiveness to support equitable system building. Sheely is a facilitator, educator, leader... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

Inspiring Action: Crafting Stories with Purpose
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Whether you're writing a grant proposal or sharing a social media post, stories are one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your organization's mission and impact—but not all stories are created equal. While some stories inspire audiences to think or act differently, others leave audiences unsatisfied, unmoved, or unsure of what to do next. In this workshop, we'll go through a step-by-step process for creating stories that resonate, build trust, and compel your audience to act. Participants will define their own storytelling goals and opportunities, explore ethical considerations, and practice using the 3 C's of storytelling (Challenge, Choice, Change) to craft stories with purpose.
Speakers
LS

Luca Savotsky (he/they)

Marketing Manager, School's Out Washington
With 12+ years of experience in non-profit marketing and communications, Luca (he/they) offers expertise in values-based storytelling, strategic branding and visual design, and social media management. Luca earned his Master of Communication in Communities & Networks degree from the... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Playworks Group Management
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Lay the foundation for creating a safe, healthy, and respectful environment. Utilize proactive group management strategies to set students up for successful group behavior, focusing on building rapport, attention getters and signals, rules and consequences and more. Playworks supports K-5 students at recess. This session is directed toward recess staff, and out of school time staff who support play at their site.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Timms (she/her)

Taylor Timms (she/her)

Associate Program Director, Playworks
Taylor was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Criminal Justice Degree. Taylor decided to take a proactive approach to working with youth. She was determined to make a change in education and the way society views our youth; specifically... Read More →
avatar for Casey Gackle (he/him)

Casey Gackle (he/him)

Partner Experience Manager, Playworks
From Tacoma, Washington, Casey began his journey with Playworks in November of 2022 as a Program Specialist in the Pacific Northwest Seattle area. Casey has his B.A. in Business Administration and a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Western Washington University. During... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Mindsets Matter: exploring fixed, growth and benefit mindsets
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Why does mindset matter?
Join us for this dynamic workshop to discover three different mindset frameworks. Explore how to help youth and your team develop a sense of purpose, and how to cultivate a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and learning. Examining our mindsets allows us to support young people, and your team to center non-judgmental and strengths-based perspectives towards growth supports. Leave with practical tools for supporting youth success in all areas of their lives.
Speakers
avatar for Sevan Bussell (they/them)

Sevan Bussell (they/them)

Training Content Manager, School's Out Washington
Sevan designs workshops for in-person, virtual and SOWA's self-guided platform. They apply an accessibility lens to their work and ensure that people who attend our workshops can fully engage.

Sevan has been in the youth development field for over 14 years and working with adult learners for over 18 years. Their time in direct service was spent supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities. Their work at SOWA is informed by those same passions; suppo... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Skills for Theatre, Skills for Life: incorporating social and emotional learning into the classroom through drama games and activities
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Theatre is for everyone! In this hands-on workshop, we will be using the transformative power of the arts to bring fun into the classroom. Through theatre games with a focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) we will explore concepts while doing! By intentionally incorporating SEL into the classroom we offer students an opportunity to cultivate empathy and
examine their self-awareness. SEL studies have shown positive outcomes that tie socialization to the promotion of emotional understanding and empathy. These activities are suitable for ALL educators and classrooms/afterschool programs, and will provide tools and activities to:
• Cultivate empathy and community care within the classroom.
• Incorporate practices that support humanity.
• Foster student engagement and a brave space.
Speakers
avatar for Janet Cole Hamilton (she/her)

Janet Cole Hamilton (she/her)

Senior Education and Outreach Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Janet has been with KIDSTAGE since 2006. She developed her own, “Skills for Theatre… Skills for Life” through acting, directing, forming a theatre company, serving on boards for arts organizations, and time in corporate America working with freelance artists, graphic designers... Read More →
BS

Blaire Smith (she/her)

Education Programs Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Blaire is a Washington based theatre artist and drama educator, who is excited to return to Village Theatre KIDSTAGE as the education programs manager! Although she calls Seattle home, she has shared her love of theatre on stages all over the world. She enjoys all aspects of theatre... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Youth Power in Practice: How Young People Are Leading Social Change Across Washington
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
In 2025, Allen Family Philanthropies awarded grants to 10 organizations across Washington that are working to mobilize young leaders across Washington to support their work to strengthen youth leadership, civic engagement, and youth organizing in communities from Thurston County, to Seattle, to Spokane. In this session, you'll hear directly from a few of them about their different approaches, shaped by the communities they serve and the issues their young people care about. Together, they're answering the same core questions through their work: what does youth power actually look like in practice, and what does it take to build it with young people?
Come hear what's worked, what hasn't, and what these organizations have learned along the way.
Speakers
avatar for Olivia Thai (she/her)

Olivia Thai (she/her)

Program Officer, Youth Development, Allen Family Philathropies
Olivia Thai, born and raised in Kennewick, WA, leads youth development strategy and grantmaking with Allen Family Philanthropies. She holds a degree in Sociology and a Master's in Social Work focused on administration and policy practice, both from the University of Washington. Prior... Read More →
CS

Chetan Soni

Executive Director, Washington Youth Alliance
East African Community Services provides culturally-rooted youth and family wraparound programs that empower refugee and immigrant communities across South Seattle and King County.
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Creating Ripples of Opportunity: Financial Aid Strategies that Advance Equity and Access
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
In this workshop presented by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we will discuss Washington state financial aid programs, statewide efforts, and how to support students applying for state financial aid. We will give you a sneak peek into the new Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). In addition, we will explore systemic
barriers to financial aid equity and present strategies for facilitating student access. Participants will leave with free customizable resources they can use to develop their own financial aid access strategies.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Winstead (she/her)

Christina Winstead (she/her)

Associate Director, College Access Initiatives, Washington Student Achievement Council
Christina Winstead serves as the Associate Director for College Access Initiatives at the Washington Student Achievement Council, where she advances equity-focused strategies that expand educational opportunity and support learners across pathways. With more than 25 years of experience... Read More →
avatar for Kathie Pham (she/her)

Kathie Pham (she/her)

Program Associate for College Bound Outreach, Washington Student Achievement Council
Kathie Pham serves as a Program Associate for College Access Initiatives at the Washington Student Achievement Council, where she draws on over 15 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. She focuses on program management, communications, and equipping counselors and college... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Flowing Together: Coalition Clinics for Building Collective Power
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Young people thrive when organizations, families, schools, and community partners work together with shared purpose. Building authentic partnerships requires trust, shared leadership, and practical strategies for navigating change.

Drawing on 12+ years of coalition-building at the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC), this interactive workshop uses Coalition Clinics—small-group problem-solving sessions based on real partnership challenges. Participants will explore scenarios focused on building trust, sharing power, sustaining engagement, navigating conflict, and aligning diverse partners around common goals.

Using practical coalition-building tools, they will map stakeholders, examine power dynamics, and develop strategies to strengthen collaboration. Participants will leave with adaptable frameworks for building resilient, equitable partnerships that center youth, families, and community voice.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Huizar (she/her/ella)

Liz Huizar (she/her/ella)

Executive Director, Southeast Seattle Education Coalition
Liz Huizar is the Executive Director of the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC). She has dedicated her career to advancing education justice for communities historically excluded and underserved by formal systems. Liz brings years of experience working at the intersection... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Flow by Design: Creating the Conditions Where People and Teams Thrive
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
What if thriving teams aren't built by changing people, but by creating the conditions where people can do their best work? This interactive workshop introduces a practical, researchinformed framework for designing environments where trust, psychological safety, shared purpose, meaningful participation, and collective intelligence can emerge. Drawing on insights from organizational psychology, systems thinking, leadership, and real-world experience in communitybased organizations, participants will explore how the conditions surrounding a team shape learning, collaboration, innovation, and well-being. Through reflection and practical tools, participants will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate belonging, strengthen collaboration, and create environments where people—and the communities they serve—can thrive.
Speakers
BW

Bill Wells (he/him)

Leadership Development, Youth Development and Human Services, Allocentric Consulting
Bill has spent over two decades serving in leadership roles where he has helped others build and practice psychological safety. He began his career working with disadvantaged youth which provided him with insights into the importance of humility, empathy, and adaptability. These guiding... Read More →
DV

Darla Vidger (she/her)

Leadership Development, Allocentric Consulting
Darla Vidger is a seasoned leadership development facilitator and coach with a passion for reimagining leadership in a way that leverages the latest research in brain science and social anthropology to reveal how we think and work best together. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Political... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Art With, Not About: Building Ethical Art-Making and Storytelling Practices
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
This workshop equips educators (arts and non-arts alike) with strategies for sociallyconscious art-making and storytelling for high-school aged youth. Through examining ethical considerations in place-based art, we'll explore how to respectfully engage with subject-matter and break down the power dynamic that can exist when creating artwork about others or subject matter outside the artist’s personal experience. During the workshop, participants will engage with challenging topics like cultural appropriation and power and privilege and consider activities for youth to learn and shape the narrative of what makes an "ethical" artist or storyteller. Participants will leave this session with activities that honor the humanity and dignity of an artist's subjectmatter and the confidence to support youth in shaping their own narratives and applying an ethical lens to their storytelling.
Speakers
JE

Jae Eun Kim (they/them)

Visual Arts Program Developer, foundry10
Jae Eun Kim (they/them) is an arts educator and creative project manager who strives to fill gaps in arts access for youth and community partners through program development, network support, and community building. They have previously used their curriculum development, facilitation... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Designing Our Own Learning (DOOL): Building Belonging, Invigorating Student Voice and Practicing Shared Power
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Join middle school youth and educators, as they share insights from DOOL, a schoolbased program that builds inclusive communities, shifts power-dynamics and inspires communitycentered change. This is an engaging, interactive, and inspiring workshop that models shared power and youth leadership. Prepare to leave with new tools that can help you to transform your youth program communities and systems for the better.
Speakers
avatar for Alan Wong (he/him)

Alan Wong (he/him)

Facilitator, BELONG Partners
Alan Wong (he/him) is a lifelong Seattleite who has dedicated his life to helping youth, educators, and communities to grow. Alan began his career in education, working as a reading tutor at Sanislo Elementary, in the very same South Seattle neighborhood where he grew up. Over the... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
 
Tuesday, October 27
 

9:45am PDT

A Kinder Inner Voice: Self-talk Strategies for Self-Care
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Has negative self-talk sabotaged how you feel about yourself and impacted how much self-care you engage in? How can we notice and change how we speak to ourselves? Together we will explore some strategies to create healthier self-talk habits. We will also look how stress responses such as fight, flight and freeze impact how we think and feel and respond in the moment. We will use reflection and large group imagining to connect these concepts to sustainable self-care practices for youth workers.
Speakers
avatar for Sevan Bussell (they/them)

Sevan Bussell (they/them)

Training Content Manager, School's Out Washington
Sevan designs workshops for in-person, virtual and SOWA's self-guided platform. They apply an accessibility lens to their work and ensure that people who attend our workshops can fully engage.

Sevan has been in the youth development field for over 14 years and working with adult learners for over 18 years. Their time in direct service was spent supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities. Their work at SOWA is informed by those same passions; suppo... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

9:45am PDT

Meditation & Stretches
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Join us for a 30-minute meditation and stretch session to ease into the 2nd day of Bridge. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing. 
Speakers
avatar for Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Meditation and Spiritual Guide
After 20 years as a gym owner and fitness trainer, built up stress and anxiety could no longer be ignored. I went on a search for teachers, guides, and therapists to help alleviate the pain. I found Sound Bath Meditations soothed the nervous system, entraining the brainwaves to calm... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)

9:45am PDT

Bingo, But Different
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Join us for an untraditional game of Bingo! Together, we’ll explore the benefits of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and put it into practice through a fun, hands-on activity. Get ready to learn, connect, and discover new ways to support yourself and others!
Speakers
YB

Yolanda Benton (she/her/they)

Youth Program Manager, Safe Streets
Yolanda Benton is a Youth Program Manager currently supporting vulnerable populations in the Parkland, Tillicum, and Salishan neighborhoods of Pierce County. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she has built a diverse background working with youth and families in a range of... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:30am PDT

Stronger Together: Building Strategic Partnerships to Support School Behavioral Health – The Kids Mental Health Pierce County Approach
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Children and youth behavioral health needs continue to grow in complexity, requiring coordinated, cross-system responses that extend beyond the school setting. This session highlights how Kids Mental Health Pierce County is leading a community-driven approach to strengthen school behavioral health through strategic partnerships.
Participants will explore how schools, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and other key partners can move from siloed efforts to aligned, system-wide collaboration. Using realworld examples, this session will illustrate practical strategies for building relationships, improving access to services, and advancing a “no wrong door” approach for youth and families.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Mangum, LICW (she/her)

Ashley Mangum, LICW (she/her)

Director Kids Mental Health Pierce County, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Ashley serves as Director of Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, where she leads a state-funded initiative to build a coordinated, responsive behavioral health system for children, youth, and families. Her work ensures young people receive... Read More →
VA

Vanessa Adams (she/her)

Program Coordinator, Kids Mental Health Pierce County

Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:30am PDT

The Journey of Transcreation: SOWA Case Study - Adapting the School Age Basic Training into Spanish
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
This session shares the journey of transcreating the School Age Basic Training into Spanish, from the initial needs assessment to the development of the final product launching in Fall 2026. Presenters will offer an honest look at the multilingual collaborative process, highlighting the successes, challenges, detours, and key realizations that shaped the work. Participants will learn how decisions were made, how diverse perspectives informed the adaptation, and why transcreation was chosen over direct translation. Through this case study, attendees will gain insight into the complexities and opportunities of adapting training content across languages and cultures, as well as the commitments made to support inclusiveness, cultural responsiveness, and racial equity throughout the project.
Speakers
PM

Paola Mizrahi Kaplan (she/her/ella)

Spanish Childcare and School Age Program Owner and Director, Jump On Languages
Paola Mizrahi Kaplan is an education leader, social worker, researcher, and entrepreneur originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She has more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, family engagement, mental health, and community-based programs. As Founder and Executive... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:30am PDT

Moving Beyond Labels
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Young people engaged in high-risk or harmful behaviors are often defined by labels rather than understood through the lens of trauma, attachment, and missed developmental experiences. As an educator and social worker, I recognized a gap in mental health programming for adolescents who were struggling and created a curriculum to respond to their needs. Rather than viewing behaviors as problems to control, I learned to see them as communication and opportunities for connection.

This interactive workshop focuses primarily on adolescents (ages 12–18) and explores how our own experiences, assumptions, and biases influence the way we show up for youth. Participants will learn how adaptive, trauma-informed practices can transform programming, strengthen relationships, and create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for responding to emerging needs and building programs that honor the humanity of both youth and staff.
Speakers
avatar for Elisia Sanchez (she/her)

Elisia Sanchez (she/her)

Social Worker, Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Organization
Elisia Sanchez is a dedicated social worker with deep roots in youth advocacy, mental health, and racial equity. With a Master of Social Work from Baylor University and a BA in Social Welfare from the University of Washington, Elisia has served in diverse roles supporting at-risk... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:30am PDT

De-escalation Strategies: Return to Baseline
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Every group of humans has moments when they are regulated and moving forward together, and moments when some or all of them are dysregulated for whatever reason and just "can't even!" Intended for all student ages, this workshop will lead participants through:
* Defining and recognizing regulated behavior in students
* Pre-emptive and classroom management strategies to maintain regulated behavior
* De-escalation strategies for when students begin to become dysregulated
* Follow-up processes to allow student community to move forward

Through small-group and full group activities and discussions, we will demonstrate strategies in action to help you keep your students be their most successful selves.
Speakers
avatar for Janet Cole Hamilton (she/her)

Janet Cole Hamilton (she/her)

Senior Education and Outreach Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Janet has been with KIDSTAGE since 2006. She developed her own, “Skills for Theatre… Skills for Life” through acting, directing, forming a theatre company, serving on boards for arts organizations, and time in corporate America working with freelance artists, graphic designers... Read More →
avatar for Maurianna Zingarelli (she/her)

Maurianna Zingarelli (she/her)

Hiring Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Maurianna “Mauri” Zingarelli has 18 years of teaching and facilitation experience across Western Washington. With the mission to create inclusive environments and brave spaces, she has worked with over 15,000 students in the creative arts and has led professional development for... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

The River of Liberation: Connecting Past, Present, and Future Through Healing and Action
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
What if liberation is not a destination—but a river?

In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to The RISE to Liberation, a framework that connects history, wellness, and systems navigation as tools for individual and collective transformation.

Through immersive storytelling, shared visual experiences, creative reflection, dialogue, and experiential activities, participants will journey from past to present to future. They will explore how history can build action and resilience by learning from the knowledge, choices, and resistance of those who came before us; how the Eight Dimensions of Wellness can support collective care and healing; and how understanding the systems around us can help us thrive while navigating barriers.

Participants will engage in a shared immersive visual experience and interactive activities designed to spark reflection and action, asking: How does what we see, remember, and imagine influence how we lead, heal, navigate systems, and create change?

Together, we will explore what it means to be like water—to adapt without losing ourselves, move through barriers, and create new pathways toward healing, resilience, and liberation.

Participants Will Leave With:
  • An understanding of The RISE to Liberation framework and its three liberation tools.
  • Historical knowledge and strategies for using the resilience of those who came before us to inform action in the present.
  • Collective care and healing strategies grounded in the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
  • Systems-navigation tools to help identify barriers, find pathways forward, and thrive.
  • Practical tools, strategies, and resources to use personally and professionally.
  • Ideas and resources to share with their communities, extending the impact beyond the workshop.
  • A vision for action toward more liberated and thriving communities.

Speakers
avatar for Theresa Az'Lee Romance (she/her)

Theresa Az'Lee Romance (she/her)

Founder & CEO, BRAVE and The RISE to Liberation
Theresa Az'Lee Romance is the Founder and CEO of BRAVE (Building Resilience Awareness & Variations of Excellence) and Founder of The RISE to Liberation, two organizations dedicated to advancing healing, liberation, leadership, and opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Soothing the Nervous System Sound Bath Meditation
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Crystal quartz and metal bowls are musical instruments that emit vibrations and frequencies attuned to brain waves that calm the mind and the central nervous system. The body replenishes and regenerates cells and organs when it is given an environment of deep rest, sleep, and nourishment.

Wear comfortable clothing, you may end up laying on the floor during the session. If you are able to, bring a small pillow to make your session comfortable. You are also welcome to sit in a chair or on the floor, whichever is the most relaxing for you.
Speakers
avatar for Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Meditation and Spiritual Guide
After 20 years as a gym owner and fitness trainer, built up stress and anxiety could no longer be ignored. I went on a search for teachers, guides, and therapists to help alleviate the pain. I found Sound Bath Meditations soothed the nervous system, entraining the brainwaves to calm... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

All Means All: Using Differentiation to Increase Access & Inclusion
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Through play and peer learning, educators will be empowered with strategies to differentiate instruction and build inclusive environments where each and every TK-8 grade student thrives. Explore growth mindset, apply strategies to real-world scenarios, and engage in “Pause & Play” activities that model inclusion. Leave with practical tools and resources to support staff and students, ensuring all learners are seen, supported, and set up for success.
Speakers
avatar for Claire Finders (she/her)

Claire Finders (she/her)

CEO & Founder, AllSet Education
Claire Finders is on a mission to empower all with excellent education. With more than a decade of experience in teaching, special education, school leadership, and enrichment operations, she has a strong track record of driving cultural change, fostering community engagement, and... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Ask, Listen, Empower: Shifting from Control to Connection
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Join Mizzen Education for an interactive workshop that invites participants to move beyond directive, compliance-based communication and embrace the power of leading with facilitative communication with youth. Participants will explore how small shifts in intentional language can strengthen relationships, amplify youth voice, and create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute.

Through ideation, reflection, discussion, and practice, participants will learn to listen deeply, collaborate boldly, and design interactions with intention that nurtures connection, adaptability, and shared ownership with youth. Leave with simple, effective, and immediately implementable tools and frameworks designed to create more responsive, engaging, and youth-centered experiences, just by shifting communication.
Speakers
avatar for Hailee Moehnke (she/her)

Hailee Moehnke (she/her)

Community Engagement + Experiences Manager, Mizzen Education
Mizzen Education is a completely free platform offering 1500+ plug-and-play lesson plans for grades K-12 across 10 content areas, at your fingertips. Plus, find free team collaboration tools to keep program planning simple! Whether you're at a camp, classroom, community center, or... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Stayer (she/her)

Kristin Stayer (she/her)

VP of Engagement + Educator Experiences, Mizzen Education
Kristin Stayer, Mizzen’s VP of Engagement + Educator Experiences, is dedicated to creating inspiring experiences for youth learning and staff development.

Kristin previously served as the National Manager of Curriculum and Content Development for After-School All-Stars, empowering students for 21st-century learning. Prior, she spent a decade at Park Place Community Center in Anderson, Indiana, addressing educational, health, and food... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Beyond the Circle: Expanding Your Multi-Modal Toolkit for Deeper Reflection and Debriefing
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Reflection is the bridge between an event and a developmental milestone, yet many programs rely solely on verbal discussions that can exclude certain learners. In alignment with "The Art of Being Water," this session provides a fluid, multi-modal toolkit designed to reach every participant through artistic, tactile, and movement-based debriefing. Participants will explore the WSU 6-Step Activity Framework—from framing to real-world transfer—to ensure learning is a deliberate, repeatable outcome. We will dive into a curated "toolbox" featuring activities like Play Dough Sculptures, Group Poems, and Slam Dunk Suggestions. Attendees will learn to scaffold sharing and use brief "micro-debriefs" to maintain a group’s pulse. Every participant will receive a physical Toolkit containing reflection cards, object bags, and the WSU 103 activity guide to immediately elevate their program’s impact.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Brandt (he/him)

Brian Brandt (he/him)

Professor, Youth Development, Washington State University
Professor Brian Brandt is an Associate Professor of 4-H Youth Development with over 30 years of experience supporting youth programs through engaging experiential education. Maintaining the "heart of a child," he believes play is a powerful tool for building active, resilient teams... Read More →
JD

Jeff Dickmann (he/him/his)

Camp Long with Seattle Parks and Recreation
Jeff Dickmann is an educator, youth development professional, and play advocate from Seattle, WA. His 20 years of experience span early childhood education, summer camps, and challenge courses. This experience, combined with his degrees from Prescott College (Masters in Adventure... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

The Power of Home, How Place-Based Programs Build Upon the Strengths of Youth, Family, and Community
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Affordable housing is a platform for education, equity, and community resilience. Mercy Scholars is a place-based program that works alongside families and youth by providing resources and support that will help students succeed. An essential piece of our work is in collaboration with schools and community partners; building a web of support that allows students to explore their identities and passions. This empowers youth to shape their own futures, allowing for generational transformation.

In this session, we will cover three Mercy Scholars program areas, including student support, parent engagement, and community partnerships.

Student Support: How to create a historically responsive lesson plan

Parent Engagement: How to incorporate and celebrate family brilliance

Community Partnerships: How to leverage the experts around you
Speakers
DW

Delaney Wright (she/her)

Youth Initiatives and School Liaison, Mercy Housing Northwest
Delaney Wright is a community-focused professional who serves as a Youth Initiatives and School Liaison with Mercy Housing Northwest. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from Southern Nazarene University and is dedicated to supporting youth and families through meaningful... Read More →
BH

Brittney Hutchinson (she/her)

Resident Services Manager I, Mercy Housing
Brittney Hutchinson is a Resident Services Manager with Mercy Housing, where she works to support residents and strengthen communities through programs, resources, and relationship-building. Her career has focused on serving children, youth, and families in housing and educational... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
 
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