Attendee Registration

7:30 am Registration Opens
7:30 am – 8:30 am  Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:30 am – 9:45 am
Welcome and Conference Kick-Off | Ben Pringer, Past Chairman, Missouri Coordinated School Health Coalition (MCSHC) 
CONFERENCE KICK-OFF | Kelli Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 
GENERAL SESSION
Empower Your Village | Crystal Burgan, AWARE, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
“I keep hearing it takes a village to raise a child….so, do they just show up? … Or, is there like a number to  call?”
Spoiler alert – there is more than one number to call. Join staff from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a high-level overview of the 10 WSCC components and learn how to navigate to a variety of corresponding free state agency resources for school personnel. The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model was designed with the child at the center and places the student at its core. The intention is for each student to be healthy, safe, supported, challenged, and engaged. Connecting student health with academic success through integrated systems is an ongoing process that requires cross-functional team effort. This session highlights the intentional, collaborative, interagency work at the state with tangible takeaway resources to support healthy schools.

9:45-10:00 AM Break

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
When a Student Experiences Psychosis | Jennifer Gerlach, MSW, Early Psychosis-Missouri 
Psychosis has been called the most common problem that nobody talks about. As many as 1 in 10 people will have one or more psychotic experiences in their lifetime (Monshouwer et al., 2023) with some going on to develop serious mental illness. Yet, many schools are unprepared for supporting a youth experiencing early serious mental illness. In this talk, we will explore what psychosis is and how schools can encourage youth affected by it. Jennifer will speak from her own lived experience as someone who has experienced psychosis as well as her clinical experiences as a clinician. 

Implementing a School-Based Strategy to Improve Oral Health | Kelsey Siegel, Registered Dental Hygienist, Office of Dental Health, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS); Dione Snitker, Public Health Program Associate, Office of Dental Health, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS)
This presentation will demonstrate the use of evidenced-based preventive dental services, including the Preventive Services Program (PSP), that can be used to help prevent dental caries. Topics covered will include oral health reviews, fluoride varnish application, community water fluoridation, and basic oral health education. Additionally, the presentation will cover the basic guidelines for how to begin and implement a PSP event and Missouri oral health data.

Recharge to Thrive: Sleep, Learning and Resilience |Dr. Matt Symonds, Executive Director, Missouri Society of Health & Physical Educators (MOSHAPE)
This session explores how sleep impacts our behavior, learning, and emotional regulation—and why supporting healthy sleep habits builds stronger, more resilient learners and educators. Practical tips for improving sleep will also be shared.

Missouri’s New Local Wellness Policy Guidance and Best Practices in Implementation | Aline Bishazi, Nutrition Analyst, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE); Laura Beckmann, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 
This presentation will provide information on Missouri’s Local Wellness Policy Guidance and best practices for implementation. Participants will learn how they can be an integral part of the process in creating change to improve policies, practices and programs to enhance wellness and non-academic barriers to learning within their schools. Resources will be provided to strengthen existing structures and accountability measures in support of health-related priorities identified within the school community.

11:15 am – 12:15 pm Luncheon with Exhibitors
12:15 pm – 12:30 pm BREAK
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Oops, They Ate What?! Classroom Poisons, Curious Kids, and the Poison
Center’s Lifesaving Help Line |Amanda Ruback, MSN, RN, CSPI, Missouri Poison Center Did you know that the most dangerous thing in your classroom might look like a snack or a toy? Curious kids are quick, and accidents happen in the blink of an eye. This eye-opening session will uncover the surprising poisons children can get into—from colorful cleaners to everyday classroom supplies. You’ll learn how to spot the signs of poisoning and what to do in those critical first moments, with real-life stories and interactive scenarios. Most importantly, you’ll discover how the poison center is your go-to partner—ready to guide you step-by-step through any poisoning emergency. Let’s work together to make our schools safer, smarter, and ready for anything!

Strengthening Communities: The Benefits of Collaboration Between Federally Qualified Health Centers and School Districts | Jennifer Maddox, MHA, BSN, RN, NCSN, Director of Health Services, Columbia Public Schools; Jake Rettke, Program Director, Clarity Healthcare; Megan Kruse, MSN, CPNP-PC/AC, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
This presentation explores the powerful impact of partnerships between Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and school districts. By working together, these institutions can improve access to primary care, behavioral health services, and preventive health education for students and families—particularly in underserved communities. Attendees will learn about the key benefits of collaboration, including improved student health outcomes, reduced absenteeism, and stronger support networks that enhance both educational and health equity.

Adult Responsibility for Child Safety: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in Missouri | Kiki Saragnese, Director, Prevention and Outreach, Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MO-NACA); Randi Hemme, Program Specialist, Prevention and Outreach, Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MO-NACA)
1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. This means that whether you work with youth, are a parent, or are simply a member of a community, it is highly likely that someone you know or care for has experienced or is currently experiencing child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is not a distant possibility; it is an unfortunate reality that will persist unless we take action to prevent it. The good news is it can be stopped. This session will provide an overview of how to overcome the stigma and shame associated with the topic, tools for engaging in open conversations, and information on the programs offered by Missouri Network Against Child Abuse to empower individuals and organizations to prevent, recognize, and respond to child abuse.

Recipe for Success: Checklist to Support Tobacco-Free Students | Christy Inskip, Youth Tobacco Use Prevention Specialist, Tobacco Prevention & Control Program, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (MODHSS)
The Tobacco Industry’s latest inventions, digital vapes and nicotine pouches, are contributing to higher tobacco use rates among youth. To support students to live tobacco and vape-free lives, they need tobacco and vape-free environments, treatment if they are already addicted, and supportive discipline. The Tobacco and Vape-free School Checklist can help schools and community partners identify policy strengths and gaps. This interactive session will cover how to use the tool to collaboratively leverage strengths and fill gaps to successfully support tobacco and vape -free students.

1:30 – 1:45 pm Break 
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Show Me the TACT | Maureen Cunningham, Brain Injury Association of Missouri
Many concussed students return to the classroom with symptoms that can be supported through academic suggestions that do not require an IEP or 503. By supporting concussed students in the classroom, they can be in school to learn, enjoy friendships, and manage schoolwork expectations. Get Schooled on Concussions Teacher Acute Concussion Tool (TACT) provides evidence and clinically-based academic suggestions that can immediately be implemented to support any concussed student in return to learn. This FREE, easy-to-use, and practical tool saves teachers and you time. It is free to every school in Missouri. Come learn how to use the TACT. One-on-one technical assistance to implement the TACT within your District or school is available through a Get Schooled on Concussions for Missouri Task Force member.

Supporting Your Schools District’s Suicide Prevention and Response Efforts | Katie Epema, MEd, BSW, Director, School-Based Mental Health, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE); Lindsay Ball, RN, MSN, NCSN, Nixa Public Schools
Have you ever wondered any of the following? What is my role in suicide prevention? What must a district’s suicide prevention policy include? How can reentry processes support students? What resources are available to Missouri’s school districts to support their suicide prevention, intervention/crisis response, and postvention support efforts? If so, join staff from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Nixa Public Schools for answers to these questions and more!

Neosho Vibes: Where Wellness, Fun and Community Unite! | Chelsey Davenport, Wellness Liaison, Neosho School District; Samantha Beeson, Counseling & Support Coordinator, Neosho School District
Join a team from Neosho School District as we discuss our Student Mental Wellness Day. We will walk you through the process of putting our ideas into action. Our unique event was a collaboration between student groups, community resources, and wellness staff. Our goal was to celebrate students, engage the community, and take the time to just chill.

Staff Wellness Zones: Fostering Resilience for School Staff | M. Leanne White, Ed.S., Director, Healthy School Initiatives, Saint Louis Public Schools; Denise Strehlow, BJC HealthCare; Erica Oliver, BJC Healthcare
School districts and health care systems share similar goals to improve the wellness of the school as well as community of the school. The schools and health care teams can collaborate to support their shared goals. Attendees will be introduced to the tools utilized by the St. Louis Public School (SLPS) district and BJC Health’s School Outreach team to create a healthier school environment, learn about the positive outcomes of Staff Wellness Zones and how to develop and support this type of collaboration for long-term impact. The SLPS Academics In Movement (AIM) Healthy School Initiative was established in 2012 with the focus on creating comprehensive, equitable programs, project, and processes to create healthier school environments, developing wellness spaces for school staff, connecting teachers to self-care opportunities and building resiliency. The district’s collaboration with the BJC SOYD team provides support through consultation with school staff, program planning, and action to improve mental and physical wellness. This includes connecting schools to health system resources, delivering health education programs for students and professional development trainings for staff. Additionally, supporting the process of creating space for staff to practice self-care, resilience and manage stress on site is a sustainable option to assist with burnout, improve retention, and foster a supportive environment. The creation of Staff Wellness Zones supports resilient workplace culture and the diverse personal needs of staff. Promoting a culture of care and valuing wellbeing introduces opportunity to increase workplace satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and improve quality of services delivered to students. 

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm BREAK
3:00 – 4:00 pm CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Local, Inclusive and Fresh. A Coalition-Building Approach to Employee Wellness | JoAnn Greenwell, Director, Community and Staff Engagement, Pattonville School District; Eric Armbrecht, Professor, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Employee wellness programs can thrive when they are designed with inclusivity and engagement in mind. This session highlights a coalition-building approach that empowers school districts to create wellness cultures rooted in building leadership. Session participants will explore practical strategies to (1) include all staff in wellness opportunities, regardless of role or schedule, (2) generate demand for wellness activities and (3) measure impact. Examples from education, manufacturing, transportation and corporate office settings are compared. Be prepared to learn about successes and wellness activity ideas from fellow participants. This session can inform priorities and plans for district wellness committees, human resources professionals, and others who are concerned about worksite health promotion.

It Takes a Village: Strengthening Students and Families Through Community Collaboration | Heidi Strickler, PhD, LCSW-S, CEDS-S, CART, CTLS, United Healthcare; Joanne Fish, PhD, Jefferson College
In this session participants will describe the four levels of the Missouri Model of Trauma-Informed Care, including at least two distinguishing qualities of each level, and explain how each level applies within a school setting. They will identify at least three barriers to engagement for each of the following stakeholder groups: children, parents/caregivers, community members, and school staff, in the context of building a trauma-informed education system. Participants will describe three actionable steps for fostering resilience or promoting positive childhood experiences in schools for each stakeholder group: parents/caregivers, community members, and school staff. Participants will then begin to consider how to create a culture of resilience within their organizations/schools and draft an initial plan. 

Ready to Respond: Implementing Mental Health First Aid in Missouri Schools | Amy Bartels, M.Ed., Project Manager, Mental Health First Aid; Tina Edholm, EdS, Mental Health Training and Outreach Specialist, Mental Health First Aid
Educators often notice when students are struggling but may overlook their own stress while supporting others. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) prepares school staff to recognize and respond with confidence when a youth may be experiencing a mental health challenge–while prioritizing their own need for self-care. More than 5,500 Missouri educators have completed MHFA through Mental Health First Aid Missouri. This session shares how schools have applied key MHFA principles, highlights participant feedback, and offers strategies for strengthening self-care practices.

Using ECHO to Build Resilient School Communities | Lisa R. Wilson, MSN, RN, AGNP-BC, Missouri Telehealth Network/Show-Me ECHO; Deb Cook, RN, AE-C, Retired School Nurse, Kennett Public Schools; Jennifer Maddox, MHA, BSN, RN, NCSN, Director, Health Services, Columbia Public Schools
This session will highlight how Show-Me ECHO supports schools across Missouri in addressing complex student needs that often create barriers to learning. Autism Behavior Solutions in Schools ECHO provides strategies for school nurses, teachers, counselors, and school staff to manage challenging behaviors, while the Asthma ECHO equips school nurses and other health care professionals with tools to improve asthma management and reduce absenteeism. Together, these programs demonstrate how ECHO builds resilience in both students and school systems by connecting school staff with specialists and peers for collaborative problem-solving.

4:15 pm – 5:15 pm CLOSING SESSION
Reviewing Missouri Youth Health Data | Maddison Geller, MPH, Chronic Disease Epidemiologist, Missouri Department to Health and Senior Services (MODHSS)
CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors priority health behaviors and experiences among students nationwide and helps to understand and address the challenges faced by today’s youth. During this session we will highlight data from the most recent Missouri Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and look at data trends across our state. We will also showcase our new health data website and demonstrate how to build a youth health report using YRBS data.