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Type: Youth Development Programming clear filter
Monday, October 26
 

10:15am PDT

Belonging Before Leadership: Creating Communities Where Every Young Person Can Lead
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
What becomes possible when adults and young people share leadership instead of simply sharing space? This interactive workshop explores how meaningful youth-adult partnerships strengthen belonging, engagement, and resilience for young people while helping organizations adapt and grow through change. Drawing from experiences in schools, student leadership programs, and statewide youth initiatives, participants will examine what current research and practice tell us about adolescent development, agency, and connection. Together, we will identify practical strategies for creating environments where youth and adults learn, lead, and make decisions together. Designed for professionals working with middle and high schoolaged youth, this session offers tools that can be adapted across schools, expanded learning programs, and community organizations.
Speakers
GB

Greg Barker (he/him)

Managing Director, WSPEF, Association of Washington Student Leaders/Washington School Principals Education Foundation
Greg Barker serves as Managing Director of the Washington School Principals' Education Foundation (WSPEF), where he works to expand leadership development, student voice, and belonging opportunities for young people across Washington State. He collaborates closely with school leaders... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Multi-Sector Partnerships   Youth Development Programming

10:15am PDT

Belonging: The Impact of Difference
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
It is human and deeply rooted in us all to want to belong. Not surprisingly then, that when we first step into a new group, it is our differences that often bubble to the surface, sometimes manifesting difficult emotions and behaviors. Spotting this kind of pattern is part of how we show up fully for our students — as we support them with new vantage points that see, embrace and celebrate differences.
Speakers
SB

Sheryl Blessing (she/her)

Sheryl Blessing, a former parks and recreation supervisor and a youth development professional with over 22+ years of experience, is a community leader who managed public facilities and recreational programs. Sheryl specializes in youth engagement and staff management and coaching... Read More →
BH

Bao Huong Doan (she/her)

Bao Huong Doan is a passionate youth work professional committed to creating meaningful opportunities and experiences that empower young people to grow, connect, and thrive. With a background in Special Education and Psychology, she brings a relationship-centered approach to youth... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

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
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:15am PDT

Playworks Group Management
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

10:15am PDT

LGBTQI+ Inclusive and Affirming Programs: Using an Intersectional Lens
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
 LGBTQI+ people have always been here and come from all races, religions, geographies, and lived experiences. Currently the LGBTQI+ community in all its diversity is experiencing backlash. Now is not the time to back away from creating welcoming and inclusive programs. This session will help youth workers and advocates understand how to support healthy youth development and resiliency with strategies that work. Content will include data sharing, small
and large group work, and case studies to address the complexity of youths' lived experience and how to support them.
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Flynn (she/her)

Tracy Flynn (she/her)

Trainer, Facilitator, Coach, Welcoming Schools
Tracy Flynn, M.Ed., (she/her) has 30 years of experience as a leader in local and national health, child welfare, and education institutions. Tracy’s mission is to provide training and coaching to build healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. Her expertise includes... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

10:15am PDT

Fixing our Fixed-Math Mindsets!
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
There is a trend in our society of having a negative, fixed mindset surrounding mathematics. This view is prevalent in learners of all ages, and is reinforced in how math is commonly discussed. When educators see themselves as ‘bad’ at math and vocalize that mindset (even with positive intentions), that negativity can add to students’ mathematical insecurity and impact their approach to the subject. We are passionate about empowering all learners to become problem solvers and to see themselves as mathematicians. To make this shift, we need to reframe our language around math, and utilize more accessible and engaging math activities. We are excited to share some evidence-based content and techniques that you can implement in your learning spaces to empower students, staff, and yourself to become confident mathematicians. With the right tools and mindset, we can all be problem solvers!
Speakers
avatar for Annelise Strobel (she/her)

Annelise Strobel (she/her)

Site Coordinator, Wenatchee School District After School Programs
I have been involved in the after school sector for, going on, 5 years now with varying degrees, but I really found a connection with AmeriCorps. Through my service I gained experience in leading in the after school sector and in the classroom sector as a math aid. In my years I have... Read More →
avatar for Jordan Koch (she/her)

Jordan Koch (she/her)

Enrichment Coordinator, Wenatchee School District After School Programs
I have worked as a math educator for over 10 years, with experience in a variety of teaching settings. Across each setting, and through my own experiences as a former student, there is a strong trend of learners feeling insecure about their mathematical abilities. I am passionate... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Workforce and Systems Building

12:45pm PDT

KC CONNECT: Restorative Responses to Harm
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Step into a Peace Circle and experience how restorative practices transform the way we respond to harm. In this interactive session, you will sit in circle, hold the talking piece, and practice the core elements of circle keeping so you can keep circles in your own school or program. Through a hands-on activity, you will examine the difference between accountability and punishment and rethink what it means to repair harm rather than simply punish. You will leave with
practical circle keeping tools, a framework you can apply immediately, and a felt sense of how circles work. Designed for educators and youth-serving professionals who want restorative options that build community, strengthen relationships, and keep young people connected.
Speakers
FR

Fergie Rodriguez (she/her)

Youth Development Program Manager, Dispute Resolution Center of King County
Fergie Rodriguez is the Youth Development Program Manager at the King County Dispute Resolution Center, where she brings four years of experience in youth development with a focus on restorative practices, including peer mediation and Peace Circles. She now leads this work through... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Moon (she/her)

Sharon Moon (she/her)

Restorative Practices Liaison and Staff Mediator, Dispute Resolution Center of King County
Sharon Moon joined the Dispute Resolution Center in August of 2014 and has worked in youth development for 9 years. She is a circle keeper, trainer, facilitator, and mediator. Sharon loves using experiential exercises and games to build community, confidence, and skills in KC CONNECT... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Self and Community Care   Youth Development Programming

12:45pm PDT

Inclusive Facilitation: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Can Participate and Thrive
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
A highly practical session for facilitators and direct service staff, this training focuses on inclusive facilitation strategies that support diverse learners, encourage youth voice, and respond skillfully to moments of disconnection or harm.

Session Objectives
  • Use practical strategies to encourage participation from all learners.
  • Learn how to use experiential activities and discussions to bridge engagement and participation. 
  • Support youth voice and give participants meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Speakers
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is a multifaceted strategist, facilitator, systems builder, movement organizer, and change agent committed to advancing social justice and community empowerment. She brings over 20 years of expertise in designing and leading transformative change across sectors, including... Read More →
avatar for Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Director
Be The Change Consulting, LLC. (BTC) is a woman owned and people of color operated, capacity-building firm located in Oakland, California. Over the past 15 years, BTC has developed a highly interactive process for capacity building and technical assistance.  We pride ourselves in... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming

12:45pm PDT

Mindsets Matter: exploring fixed, growth and benefit mindsets
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming

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
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming

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
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming   Emerging Issues

12:45pm PDT

Creating Ripples of Opportunity: Financial Aid Strategies that Advance Equity and Access
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

Tuning In: Building Feedback Loops and Amplifying Youth Voice
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
In this session, teaching artists and ensemble directors from Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA) will share practices that build belonging and leadership: student-led feedback loops that shape program design, assistant teacher roles, and community agreements. Participants will reflect on how these strategies can translate to their own expanded learning programs, regardless of content area. Focused on school-age youth in grades 3–12. YAMA is an after-school orchestra program serving youth in the Yakima Valley fosters cognitive and social development through high-intensity ensemble-based music training, widening access to the arts, and growing confident leaders throughout their community. By centering youth voices and designing intentional structures that invite students into leadership, YAMA creates a space where young people feel genuinely seen, heard, and in charge of their own experiences.
Speakers
EK

Ella Kim (she/her/hers)

Ensemble Leader & Development Manager, Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA)
Ella Kim (she/her) is a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and educator who believes in embracing the process—creatively, socially, and collaboratively. As a Violin Teaching Artist, Ensemble Director, and Development Director at Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA), she helps young people... Read More →
AP

A.S. Pualani (he/him/his)

Program Director & Ensemble Director, Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA)
Alex "AP" Pualani (he/him) believes that studying an instrument and finding your voice are interconnected and parallel processes. As a member of the founding team of Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA), AP embodies and champions this philosophy in all of the teaching he does at YAMA, from... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming

2:30pm PDT

Engage IRL: Building Student Belonging Through Meaningful Engagement
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Strong student engagement does not happen by accident. It is built through intentional relationships, equitable access, meaningful opportunities, and strong school-community partnerships. This session will showcase Spokane Public Schools' approach to increasing engagement by connecting students with extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, leadership experiences, and community organizations through the EngageIRL initiative. Participants will explore how student voice, engagement data, and cross-sector partnerships guide programming that increases belonging while reducing barriers for historically underrepresented students.
Speakers
avatar for Aaliyah Ashley-Meek

Aaliyah Ashley-Meek

Aaliyah Ashley-Meek is an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools with a background in youth development, college and career readiness, athletics, and expanded learning. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Services from Western Washington University and master's degree... Read More →
AJ

Austin Johnson

Engagement Navigator, Spokane Public Schools
Austin Johnson is an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools with a background in social work, youth mentorship, athletics, and community engagement. Originally from Walla Walla, Washington, Austin grew up in foster care before being adopted and moving to Spokane in the fourth... Read More →
CM

Crystal Medina (she/her/ella)

Athletics & Activities Engagement Navigator, Spokane Public Schools
Crystal Medina is an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools, where she is passionate about connecting students and families to meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. Originally from Central Washington, Crystal moved to Eastern Washington University as a first-generation... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

Art With, Not About: Building Ethical Art-Making and Storytelling Practices
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

2:30pm PDT

Beyond Four Walls: Mapping Multidimensional Ecosystems and Black Girl-Led Geographies of Belonging
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Drawing on doctoral research with high school Black girls (ages 13–18) in Worcester, MA, this interactive workshop explores how Black girls act as architects of their own belonging across out-of-school-time (OST) programs and city spaces. Participants will examine "underground geographies of belonging" such as the informal networks of care, safety, and community Black girls create beyond institutional boundaries. Using a Black girl-centered mapping tool, attendees will analyze how belonging is shaped across micro (relationships), meso (organizations), and macro (city systems) levels. Rather than introducing a new model of belonging, this workshop centers the methods Black girls already use to create it and explores how organizational design, evaluation practices, and belonging metrics can be grounded in Black girls' existing ways of knowing, being, and building community. Participants will leave with a framework for rethinking how organizations define, measure, and cultivate belonging from the ground up.
Speakers
TT

Tiana (Tee) Freeman (she/her)

Doctoral Candidate, Youth Development Consultant and Practitioner
Tiana (Tee) Freeman is an advanced doctoral candidate whose research centers on Black girlhood, creative geographies, and spatial ecosystems of belonging in Worcester, MA. Her work examines how Black girls generate belonging through the ways they move, occupy, and transform space... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

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
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity
 
Tuesday, October 27
 

9:45am PDT

Developing Evaluation Frameworks: Youth-led Community-wide Impacts of Out-of-School STEM Programs
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
This workshop brings together funders and evaluators with out-of-school time (OST) program leadership to collaborate on a vision for designing, funding, and evaluating youth-led projects that bring wide-ranging impacts to their broader communities - expanding the focus of program efficacy from the individual learner to the communities and places they are situated within.

This session will workshop possibilities for evaluating community-wide impacts of youth-led OST STEM programs. We will begin with an introduction of our own research from a nationwide look at OST STEM programs pursuing community-level outcomes. In this overview, we will provide examples of programs from across the United States describing their projects as pursuing goals at community-scale. A goal of this session will be to connect like-minded programs, funders, and evaluators that are doing, or seeking to do, more work at community scale. We will ask participants (e.g., funders, evaluators, program providers) how their own work falls within preliminary categories our research team has developed, and if existing themes are sufficient or require expansion and/or refinement. Participants will co-develop a draft evaluation framework to elevate this kind of work and assist programs with describing their impacts that move beyond the individual learner.
Speakers
EA

Emily Anderson (she/her)

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Washington
Emily is a PhD student in the Learning Sciences and Human Development program at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her research interests are centered on community education, artificial intelligence in education and its impact on adolescent development. As the Founder of Evo... Read More →
EH

Emily Howard (she/her)

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Washington
Emily Howard is a Ph.D. candidate and Graduate Student Research Assistant in Learning Sciences whose research focuses on ethical and community-engaged approaches to data science education. She earned her M.Ed. in Learning Sciences from the University of Washington and previously spent... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

9:45am PDT

Walking Hart’s Ladder: Strengthening Authentic Youth and Adult Partnerships for Lasting Engagement
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Youth-adult partnership is often treated as the ultimate goal—but is it always the most appropriate way to work with youth? In alignment with the theme "The Art of Being Water," this interactive session invites participants to explore the fluidity of Hart’s Ladder of Youth Engagement. We will move beyond the rhetoric of "youth voice" to examine the full continuum of involvement, from adult-led to shared leadership. Through an experiential "gallery walk," participants will physically navigate the eight rungs of the ladder, identifying where their programs currently sit and how to move intentionally toward more authentic engagement. Drawing on field examples from Tacoma to the Pacific Islands, we will explore how to match challenge and responsibility to developmental readiness. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of reflective exercises and action plans to reduce tokenism and foster equitable, high-impact partnerships in their programs.
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 →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

9:45am PDT

Bingo, But Different
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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
  Youth Development Programming   Self and Community Care

9:45am PDT

Make Belonging a Daily Practice: Simple, Off-Screen Games for Busy Programs
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
In busy after-school programs, belonging cannot depend on long planning time or highly trained staff. This hands-on workshop will show how simple, off-screen games can become daily belonging practices for elementary and middle school students, especially grades 1–8. Participants will explore practical ways to use short, low-prep activities to build connection, curiosity, teamwork, and appreciation for differences. Together, we will look at how games can support staff who are juggling limited prep time, changing schedules, and mixed-age groups, while still creating joyful, inclusive moments for young people. Attendees will leave with activity design principles and ready-to-use ideas they can adapt for their own programs.
Speakers
NY

Negar Yaghoobi

CEO, Enrilo
Negar Yaghoobi is the founder of Enrilo and creator of Belonging Games, a plug-and-play enrichment system for after-school programs. Trained as an IT engineer, she has spent more than a decade designing products at the intersection of youth wellbeing, belonging, play, and practical... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Workforce and Systems Building

10:30am PDT

Being Water in Practice: Supporting Newcomer Students & Families Through Adaptability, Access, and Belonging
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
This workshop explores how school and expanded learning systems can better support newcomer students and families through adaptability, language access, and intentional relationship-building. Grounded in real experience as a Newcomer Student Family Liaison, the session highlights practical strategies for removing barriers, strengthening family engagement, and creating systems that foster belonging. Participants will examine how youth development principles
and culturally responsive practices can be applied to improve communication, trust, and collaboration with multilingual families. The content focuses on K–12 students, with an emphasis on newcomer and multilingual youth across elementary and secondary levels. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to create more equitable, responsive, and human-centered systems.
Speakers
avatar for Milagros Alarcon Casafranca (she/her)

Milagros Alarcon Casafranca (she/her)

Language Access Coordinator, Puyallup School District
Originally from Peru, Milagros has spent over 14 years bridging language and cultural gaps with heart and purpose. She holds a degree in International Business from San Martín University and continued her education at Spokane Community College.

As a certified interpreter and notary in Washington State, Milagros is deeply passionate about making multilingual communication accessible and inclusive. Her commitment has earned her the Excellence Award for Staff Support in the Puyallup School District, along with a nomination... Read More →
avatar for Nataliia Ledchak (she/her)

Nataliia Ledchak (she/her)

Newcomer Student Family Liaison, Puyallup School District
Nataliia Ledchak is a Ukrainian/Russian Interpreter and a Newcomer Student Family Liaison with the Puyallup School District, where she supports multilingual students and families in building strong connections to school systems and expanded learning opportunities. With a background... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

Finding the Current: How Black Male Mentor-Educators Build Trust, Brotherhood & Belonging
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Educators and case managers know that shared racial or cultural identity alone does not guarantee a strong mentoring relationship. What turns a classroom into a space of trust and brotherhood is something more specific, and it shows up in small, repeatable practices. This session draws on a multi-year, mixed-methods evaluation of a culturally responsive Black studies elective and mentorship program, including a collaborative program evaluation and an in-press, peer-reviewed qualitative study, to name those practices. Findings identify the relational and programmatic elements, including individualized care coordination, identity-affirming curriculum, and consistent relational routines, that young people and their mentor-educators credit with building trust, brotherhood, and engagement, along with the conditions of school and district leadership required to sustain this work. Participants will leave with evidence-based strategies they can adapt within their own culturally responsive mentoring programs.
Speakers
avatar for Kristian Jones (he/him)

Kristian Jones (he/him)

Assistant Professor, University Of Washington
Dr. Jones’ program of research examines how youth mentoring can be utilized to promote positive outcomes for Black youth. As part of his commitment to serving diverse youth, families and communities, his scholarship examines how community-based interventions, such as mentoring... Read More →
SC

Shelby Cooley (she/her)

Data and Evaluation Lead, King County
Shelby Cooley leads the evaluation team at King County's Children, Youth and Young Adults Division, where she oversees internal evaluation, community collaborative research, and accountability reporting on regional investments in child care, youth development, and reconnection to... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

Moving Beyond Labels
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

Why Grief Matters and how we might respond
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Understanding why grief matters helps inform how we support young people who are grieving. This interactive workshop explores the impact grief can have on youth and examines ways professionals can move beyond discomfort to engage in meaningful, supportive conversations. Participants will gain practical, creative, and accessible tools that foster connection, helping young people feel seen, understood, and supported in their grief experiences. Through hands-on activities and discussion, participants will learn strategies that can increase youth self-awareness, build resilience, and help them identify strengths they can draw upon when facing adversity. The workshop will also provide tools and approaches that can be shared with caregivers to strengthen support beyond professional settings.

Designed to be engaging, experiential, and immediately applicable, this workshop emphasizes both the how and the why behind each activity. Participants will learn the purpose and intention of the tools presented, enabling them to adapt activities to meet the unique needs of the youth and families they serve. While especially relevant for direct service professionals, managers and organizational leaders will also gain valuable insight into supporting grieving children and strengthening griefinformed practices within their programs and organizations.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Duke MSW (she/her)

Lisa Duke MSW (she/her)

Bridges Supervisor, Bridges Center for Grieving Children, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Lisa Duke, Supervisor, Bridges Center for Grieving Children & Director of Camp Erin Pierce County.  I have been fortunate to work with the families at Bridges and Camp Erin since 2012.  Grief education is a significant aspect of my career, providing workshops and webinars to professionals... Read More →
PJ

Paulette Juarez

SW student

ML

Mat Ledin

Family Support Coordinator, Bridges Center for Grieving Children

PB

Paula Blanchard

Bridges Volunteer
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

The Water We Don't See: Building Belonging Across Race, Culture, Ability, and Identity
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Many youth-serving organizations serve increasingly diverse communities, yet not every young person experiences the same sense of belonging. When young people feel seen, valued, and included, outcomes improve across engagement, well-being, leadership, and learning. This interactive workshop explores how race, culture, disability, language, socioeconomic status, and lived experience shape belonging. Drawing on experiences working with youth in the United States and Nigeria, participants will learn to identify barriers to belonging, conduct a belonging audit, and implement equitable, inclusive practices. Through case studies and reflection, attendees will leave with practical tools to create environments where every young person can participate, contribute, and thrive.
Speakers
EP

Eseosa Paula Ajala (she/her)

Executive Director, The Esther Foundation
Eseosa Ajala is an educator, youth development practitioner, and Founder and Executive Director of The Esther Foundation. Her work spans childcare, after-school programs, mentoring initiatives, faith-based programs, and community-based education in both the United States and Nigeria... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

10:30am PDT

De-escalation Strategies: Return to Baseline
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming   Self and Community Care

2:30pm PDT

All Means All: Using Differentiation to Increase Access & Inclusion
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming

2:30pm PDT

Ask, Listen, Empower: Shifting from Control to Connection
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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
  Youth Development Programming

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
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming

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
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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)
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

Flow Forward: Help Youth Build Identity, Belonging, and Career Pathways
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Young people do not begin preparing for their future when it is time to fill out a job application. It starts much earlier. It starts with helping them understand who they are, where they belong, what they are capable of, and what possibilities exist beyond what they may see around them every day.

Flow Forward is an interactive workshop focused on helping middle and high school youth connect identity, belonging, life skills, and career exposure to their future. We will explore practical ways youth development professionals can help young people recognize their strengths, build confidence, expand what they believe is possible, and begin connecting everyday experiences to education, leadership, training, and career pathways.

Participants will also take part in reflection, small-group discussion, and a hands-on pathway-mapping activity that can be adapted and used with the young people they serve. My goal is for participants to leave with more than information. I want them to leave with practical strategies and tools they can actually take back to their programs and use.

Speakers
SD

Sophia Downs (she/her)

Brighter Horizons Career & Development Services
Sophia Downs, also known as Simply Sophia, is a Certified Career Coach, Certified Master Life Coach, Missouri Rule 17 Mediator, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and workforce development leader. She is the founder of Brighter Horizons Career & Development Services and Executive Director... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity
 

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Monday, October 26
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Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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