56th Annual PSCA Conference Workshops

Thursday, December 1, 2011 – 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Special Topics in Mental Health

Dr. Todd Whitman, Assistant Professor, Shippensburg University
This double session will provide relevant information on various mental health issues
facing school counselors in an educational panel discussion format. Language to help
understand the pending DSM-5 and how the disorders fit into this diagnostic manual will
be discussed. Basic but updated information about mood disorders and diagnostic
implications will be presented. Counseling methods and effective treatment
components for the psychiatric disorder with the largest mortality rate, Anorexia
Nervosa, will be presented. Attendees will also learn more about Reactive Attachment
Disorder and its effects in the school setting. Finally, a solution focused approach to
addressing Self Injury in the schools will be presented. Attendees will also have a
chance to ask the panel questions.
This session will continue during 2nd Skill Builder Session 9:15-10:15 am

Counselor Care in a Diverse World: Managing the Complexity

Dr. Joseph E. Peters, Professor of Psychology, Geneva College
Today’s diverse, complex world poses significant coping challenges to counselors and
students. In caring for others, counselors often forget self-care. This program will
provide attendees with a comprehensive model of human functioning and a review of
effective stress reduction techniques. The model and techniques are applicable to
counselors and counselees.

Becoming an Accomplished School Counselor: NBPTS Process for School Counselors

John M. Richford, Adjunct Instructor, Bloomsburg University
Kathy S. Jones, National Board Certified Counselor
For the third year, PSCA participants will be introduced to the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards Portfolio Process by two PA certified National Board
Counselors using hands on activities and case analysis.

Nourishment for Kids: Lunchbox Lessons for Life Success

Lindsey Smith, The Real You
This program focuses on the emotional, social and physical well-being of children.
Children are often faced with challenges, pressures and stressors beyond their coping
abilities. These challenges can negatively impact our students’ mental and physical
health. It is important that we “feed” them with positivity, success, relationships/support,
coping skills, healthy eating habits and energizing physical activity. This powerful and
upbeat presentation provides the necessary tools to help children deal with outside
issues in their lives, giving them wise choices for healthy living.
Career Café: Serving Career Standards through Community Connections
Danielle Schultz, School Counselor, Camp Curtin School, Harrisburg
Natasha Nayduch, School Counselor, Camp Curtin School, Harrisburg
Anna Smith, School Counselor, Robert Reid Elementary, Middletown
Looking for a creative and fun way to fit career standards into your counseling program?
Build excitement about careers through community members sharing their career
journeys. Participants will learn how to start a Career Café, create community
partnerships, and expose students to a variety of career opportunities while having fun!

Delivering Elementary Guidance Curriculum in a Cyber environment

Crystal Bowe, Pittsburgh Guidance Rep., PA Leadership Charter School
Bridget Sladek, Guidance Representative, PA Leadership Charter School
As younger students become more tech savvy, school counselors need to adapt to new
ways of utilizing online resources as a means of delivery for classroom guidance lessons.
This presentation will provide information for school counselors on developing
interactive and meaningful standards-based guidance lessons for elementary students to
access virtually.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 – 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Special Topics in Mental Health
Dr. Todd Whitman, Assistant Professor, Shippensburg University
This double session will provide relevant information on various mental health issues
facing school counselors in an educational panel discussion format. Language to help
understand the pending DSM-5 and how the disorders fit into this diagnostic manual will
be discussed. Basic but updated information about mood disorders and diagnostic
implications will be presented. Counseling methods and effective treatment
components for the psychiatric disorder with the largest mortality rate, Anorexia
Nervosa, will be presented. Attendees will also learn more about Reactive Attachment
Disorder and its effects in the school setting. Finally, a solution focused approach to
addressing Self Injury in the schools will be presented. Attendees will also have a
chance to ask the panel questions.
This session is a continuation from the 1st Skill Builder Session

Shaping Your Students’ Futures with Diverse Career Choices

Clint Page, Retired School Counselor, Norwin High School
Nicole Nolfi, Director of High School Operations, Triangle Tech
This is an interactive workshop featuring a panel discussion with representatives from
two-year career schools. We will discuss the benefits of two-year career training, the
value of career training schools, and some of the daily job duties performed in these
careers that may be unknown to parents and students.

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: A Way to Polish Your School Environment
Gina M. Gordon, School Counselor, Blackhawk Intermediate School, 2011 RAMP Award
winner
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed to improve peer relations and
create a positive, safe school environment. This session will provide participants with an
overview of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Research supporting the
program, data reflecting its implementation, and resources relevant to school counselors
will be shared.
Cheap and Easy! Counseling on a (Shrinking) Budget
Stephanie Steigerwalt, School Counselor, Kutztown Area School District
How do you meet your growing caseload with your shrinking budget? In this session,
counselors will learn some quick and easy techniques that get maximum results with a
minimum budget. Join us on this foray into the school supply closet and come away
with tools you can start using right away without spending a dime.

The Basics of Supervision for School Counselors

Dr. Kimberly J. Desmond, Counselor Educator, Indiana University of PA
Stephanie A. Stahl, Graduate Student, Indiana University of PA
The counseling profession supports the need for training in counselor supervision.
CACREP and ASCA have developed standards for the training of supervisors. Supervision
is an integral aspect of training effective school counselors. Attendees will be provided
with tips and recommendations to enhance their role as supervisors.

“Mega Men” and “Girl Power”-How to Facilitate Social Skills Groups for Elementary-Aged
Boys and Girls
Lezlie DelVecchio-Marks, School Counselor, Shaler Area School District
Nicholas Christy, Family Therapist, Unity Family Services
Learn how to facilitate two groups for elementary school students. Participants in the
“Girl Power” group learn how to appreciate themselves and their bodies at a young age.
Topics include self-esteem, body image, relational aggression, problem-solving skills, and
emotional management techniques. Participants in the “Mega Men” group learn
friendship-making skills, assertiveness training, emotion management, dealing with
bullying/teasing, and good sportsmanship. Copies of materials from these groups will be
distributed to attendees.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

School Counselors as American Red Cross Volunteers: Service Beyond the School Walls
Judith Schmitz, Elementary Counseling Coordinator, Methacton School District and
Adjunct Instructor, West Chester University
Have you ever thought about volunteering for the American Red Cross? School
counselors are a natural match for becoming Disaster Mental Health volunteers. Find
out how you can become involved with the Red Cross and learn about the training
needed. Hear experiences with volunteering nationally and locally, and see how
volunteer service can enhance your school counseling skills and program.

Why Do Kids Do What They Do?

Regina Birrenkott, Senior Director-Prevention Programs,
Mendez Foundation, Florida
If you’ve asked yourself this question time and again, then this interactive presentation is
for you. Good character is not formed automatically; it is developed over time through a
sustained process using social and emotional learning. This presentation will explore
evidence-based lessons in conflict resolution, anger management, respect for self and
others and effective communication. Learn why kids do what they do and what we can
do about it!
Counselor Training on Identifying Problems of Substance Use in the Schools
Heather Gregan, Substance Abuse Counselor, Life Management Inc Rehab After Work
and School
This workshop is designed to help counselors develop skills for identifying and assisting
students with problems of substance use by educating on the progressive nature of
addiction, how to recognize symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal and how to refine
assessment skills in order to make appropriate referrals.

Understanding the Diversity of Grief

Terri Bowling, Education and Outreach Coordinator and Child Grief Specialist, Highmark
Caring Place
This skill building session will offer counselors insight into the grieving child. Learning
topics include grief from a developmental perspective, the introduction of the grief spiral,
diversity in grieving, the importance of listening, and how to stay connected once you
have identified a grieving child.

I Am a Graduating Parenting Teen: Now What?

Dr. Kimberly J. Desmond, Counselor Educator, Indiana University of PA
Jim Ellermeyer, Graduate Student, Indiana University of PA
Due to the high rates of teen pregnancy in the United States it is imperative for school
counselors to support, educate, and advocate for pregnant and parenting teens in
pursuit of their career choices and goals. This presentation will introduce a program
designed to foster the career development of pregnant and parenting teens.

SOAR Programs of Study

David C. Garnes, BCTE CTE Education Advisor, Division of Adult and Postsecondary CTE,
PA Department of Education
This session will provide an overview of the Students Occupationally and Academically
Ready (SOAR) Programs of Study (POS) Initiative. Information on the process and
procedures to implement POS will be explained by utilizing the Pennsylvania
Department of Education (PDE) website and the newest information on the SOAR
Statewide Articulation Opportunities with Perkins-Allocated Postsecondary Institutions.

Friday, December 2, 2011 – 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Get Great at Google! A Technology Tool for Efficient Counseling Communication
Sima Misquitta, School Counselor, Baldwin High School
Learn to create a Google Group for your school, enroll members, write messages, and
send e-blasts to your school population. This free program is easy to learn, easy to use,
and advertisement-free. Reach hundreds of students, parents and faculty members
within minutes. Send notices, reminders, information, and opportunities via email. This
is not a chat group.

Using Students' Self-Perceptions to Enhance Achievement and Well-Being

Samantha P. Straub, School Counselor, The Grier School
Middle school students' self-perceptions play a critical role in shaping their academic
achievement and personal well-being, yet their self-perceptions are largely kept private.
This workshop focuses on ways school counselors can obtain student self-perceptions
about relevant
executive functions, learning skills and psychological resources and use them to address
students' needs.
Wellness in School: Shaping the Mind, Body, and Spirit of our Students
Danielle J. Bingaman, Elementary School Counselor, Big Spring School District
Jocelyn A. Kraus, Secondary School Counselor, Big Spring School District
The Big Spring School District Counseling Department surveyed parents, staff and
students to evaluate and determine areas of strength and need of our students. This
data allowed us to redesign and refocus our curriculum to take a more mindful approach
to the wellness of our entire student body. This presentation will examine our students’
needs, briefly review a wellness theory and provide ready-to-use resources to address
wellness in your school.

Special Topics in Special Education

Facilitator: JoAnne Norris, Elementary School Counselor/Special Education Department
Head, Taylor Elementary School, Columbia Borough School District
Panelists: Kandi Fickes, Middle School Math Teacher; Tina Warfel, Special Education
Teacher; Catherine Rounsley-Maxwell, Gifted Education Teacher K-12
Through a panel discussion, learn what inclusion is and what we need to know about it
so we can consult with teachers and parents as we advocate for all of our students, both
general and special education. Learn what the different definitions of inclusion are,
what the law requires, what the court cases have decided, what research says, and what
are some of the recommendations and strategies.

STEM: Fueling the Future

Jerry Ellner, National Director for High School Relations,
Universal Technical Institute
Are your students taking enough high level math, science, engineering and technology
courses to compete in the global workplace? The National STEM initiative encourages us
to focus more emphasis on these subjects. How can we do this? In this interactive
workshop learn how to incorporate more STEM into your high school guidance
curriculum and to provide your teachers with new, fun ideas that will help students see
the relationship between their courses and future career pathways.

Diversity Trends in Education

Sumana Misra-Zets, Director of College and Community Diversity Initiatives, Community
College of Allegheny County
This workshop will inform participants of the national and global trends impacting
elementary and secondary education, such as student demographics, assimilation issues,
enrollment & retention, faculty recruitment, curriculum development, student services
and institutional policies. The workshop will also focus on the current and potential
impact of these trends on school counselors.

Friday, December 2, 2011 – 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.

DANCE WITH ME: Marketing Counselor Services through Empathy Building Skills
Christiana Perez White, School Counselor, Aliquippa Elementary School
The presenter will discuss the insights gained as she developed and implemented unique
empathy skills-building counseling interventions at the school and individual levels. The
topics of discussion include: Antidote intervention to peaceful conflict resolution, and
practical intervention supported by scientific research findings.
STEM Careers 101
Tim Dawson, Director of Admissions & Enrollment Systems,
Harrisburg University
The US Department of Commerce projects the number of Science, Technology,
Engineering & Math occupations to grow by 17% by the year 2018. Biotechnology,
Nanotechnology, Geospatial Technology: What are these high growth science &
technology fields and what is the preparation students need to be successful in college?
Counselors will come away with a better understanding of some of the latest science &
technology fields. With each program, the type of student that would succeed and the
high school preparation needed for the college degree will be presented. Counselors
will be able to identify opportunities to expose students to some of these cutting edge
science & technology fields beyond the standard pre-medicine and computer science
interests.

Career Portfolios: Effective Implementation Practices

Dr. Jeanette Carter, Director of Outreach for K-12, Pennsylvania College of Technology
and Chair, PA’s Career Development Leaders Network
The development of a career portfolio for every student is key to effective
implementation of the career education and work standards. Resolving issues of the
content of the portfolio (what are you including in the portfolio) and the implementation
method (paper, online, in the cloud) are tempered by the personnel and budgetary
expenses associated with each method of implementation. Explore promising practices
and learn of methods that can work in your district. Come prepared to share some of
your own experiences – both good and bad.

Beyond Bibliotherapy: Creative Storytelling Techniques for Elementary School

Counselors
Dr. Sandra J. McSwain, Professor, Clinical Coordinator Elementary/Middle School
Counseling Program, Kutztown University
Bibliotherapy is an effective technique frequently used in counseling and guidance
sessions. In this session, you will learn to create your own metaphorical stories designed
for specific issues and problems! Storytelling techniques, such as mutual storytelling and
story boards, will be presented. Handouts will be provided.

Empowering the Bystander: A Chorus of Voices

Ginger Chelik, School Counselor, Pocono Mountain School District
Kari Eiklor, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Jenn Rojek, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Amanda Schott, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Lauren Tenbus, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Empowered to take a stand for the victims, the formerly silent bystanders could be the
key to the reduction of bullying incidents. Peer influence is a powerful force, and one
voice can cause a chain reaction to inspire a chorus of voices saying: “It is not OK
anymore!”
Friday, December 2, 2011 – 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
School Counseling Supervision: Boosting the Brilliance of Collaboration
Julie A. Cerrito, Elementary School Counselor, Berwick Area School District
Lindsey M. Nichols
This presentation will provide practicing school counselors, serving as site supervisors,
opportunities to gain skills in transforming counselor trainees, analogous to so-called
“diamonds in the rough”, into precisely cut, polished, brilliant gems, highly sought-after
in the profession. Clarity in working effectively with faculty and clinical supervisors will
be emphasized.

Siblings are Special – Supporting the Diverse Needs of Non-Disabled Siblings

Barbara Micucci, School Counselor, Upper-Merion School District,
2010 ASCA School Counselor of the Year
Avery Carter, Graduate Student, West Chester University
This workshop focuses on supporting a diverse group of learners who have a sibling
with a disability. You will hear research as well as practical ideas for developing SAS
groups and system-wide activities for supporting these often overlooked youths. This
workshop shows ways to involve all stakeholders.

Basics of Crisis Intervention

Dr. Rick A. Myer, Professor, Duquesne University
Crisis intervention is part of the daily lives of school counselors. Most of the training is on
the job through trial and error. This presentation addresses the basics of crisis
intervention. The discussion will include a brief discussion of tasks school counselors
need to accomplish for effective crisis intervention and crisis management issues.

Creating and Implementing Diversity Training for an Entire School District

Lisa Ruzzi, School Counselor, Lower Merion School District
Dr. Jeanne Stanley, Watershed Counseling and Consultation Services
Rebecca Wagner, School Counselor, Lower Merion School District
Stephanie Brett, School Counselor, Lower Merion School District
What began as one elementary school counselor’s desire to support a student who was
transgendered, transformed an entire district into embracing the creation and
implementation of a sociocultural diversity training for all 1,600 employees of the Lower
Merion School District. Presenters will describe the process and offer specific insight and
action strategies for participants to use in their own school district.

Friday, December 2, 2011 – 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Transitioning to the Professiorate: Recommendations for School Counselors
Dr. Todd Whitman, Assistant Professor, Shippensburg University
This presentation will provide information for school counselors who wish to explore
earning a doctoral degree and working in higher education as a faculty member in
counselor preparation programs. Important logistical necessities, program requirements,
learning modalities, degree types, and other pragmatic considerations will be addressed.
Adolescent Sexuality and Mandated Reporting for School Counselors in Pennsylvania
Richard Joseph Behun, School Counselor, Vincentian Academy
Dr. Eric W. Owens, Director of Counseling Services, Vincentian Academy
This program will examine sexual behaviors and sexual health of adolescents,
contraceptive regulations and abortion law concerning minors, sex crimes affecting
minors as stated in the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, and the requirements and procedures
of mandated reporting for professional school counselors as described in the
Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Act.

TLK 2 Me: Effective Communication Skills for the Tech Savvy Teen
Dr. Jennifer Barna, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Marywood University
Stephanie Jennings, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Kimberly Laiso, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Nina Pero, Graduate Student, Marywood University
Erica Moser, Graduate Student, Marywood University
With the explosion of electronic communication, students overuse texts, Facebook, and
IM’s to express themselves, share feelings, and resolve conflicts. Therefore, students’
ability to effectively communicate weakens, causing interpersonal conflict at school and
eventually the workplace. Facilitators will share an intervention and a detailed handout
to address this concern.

Appraising the Diverse needs of Student Athletes: Polish their Knowledge through a Life
Skills Workshop
Colleen Tortorella, School Counselor, Gateway High School
Student athletes are often unrecognized as what they are; unique and diverse
subcultures in our schools. Attending this session will give you some insight to
challenges faced by student athletes and how you can directly support them to be better
students while honoring their athletic goals. As their counselor, having knowledge of
the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA and numerous other athlete resources empowers you to be
more confident in this area as you advocate for all students while paying special
attention to barriers that may impede student success. Encouraging the understanding
the language of eligibility can help you keep the Student in the Student Athlete!