SESSION I
(9:00 – 10:00)
Program #1
ACT Update – Fall Educator’s Workshop Series (Repeated in Session II)
The session will review updates to the ACT for the 2011-2012 school year including the registration process, new mobile applications, becoming a test center, and recent ACT growth in the Northeast region. Attendees will also be introduced to ACT's new College and Career Readiness Information System, a no-cost, web-based reporting system that provides real-time access to ACT data and information for schools and districts. Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Katie Warmington, Consultant, ACT, Inc.
Program #2
Hoping and Coping: Strengths-Based Counseling Interventions
This presentation will introduce an eclectic strengths-based model for counseling, prevention, and consultation. Highlights will encompass an overview of strengths-based counseling research and implications for counselors and other clinicians in educational, rehabilitation, mental health, and organizational settings. Counseling techniques for identifying and amplifying client/student assets as well as strategies for applying psychometric instruments in a strengths-based model will be discussed. Participants will develop skills in such areas as motivational interviewing, developing solution-building questions, and collaborating with ancillary family, agency, and collegial support systems. Interactive experiences, group discussion, and video vignettes will be included. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Presenter: David Drassner, Ph.D, Psychologist/Consultant-Private Practice Rockland County, NY
Program #3
Supporting Your Own Magnificence: Strategies for Preventing Burnout
This workshop is designed primarily for female counselors (but open to all expo participants) to increase awareness about the causes and signs and symptoms of counselor burnout. Participants will strategize how to keep appropriate boundaries so that demands from work and family do not interfere with maintaining time for self. The physical and psychological consequences of burnout will be covered as well as cognitive and behavioral strategies for preventing and/or ameliorating burnout. Application: All participants but particularly women
Presenter: Dr. Merle Keitel, Professor, Graduate School of Education, Fordham University
Program #4
The Transformational Power of Hope in Career Counseling With Urban Minority Youth
The significant stress that urban minority youth experience when attempting to successfully reach developmental milestones within a “high risk” environment reverberates to the counselors that work with them. Counselors providing career counseling with urban minority youth may experience elevated stress levels, which can lead to lowered job satisfaction and ultimately burnout. Having a feeling of work hope may help counselors feel more positively about what they are doing and reach higher levels of job satisfaction and performance. Work hope can be a transcendental experience, in which counselors with high hope levels embody and relate to their students in a positive future-oriented way that in turn, influences the levels of hope they experience. Participants will learn about work hope and its potential contribution to career counseling programs with urban minority youth. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenters: Dr. Jennie Park-Taylor, Angela Vargas and Marissa Diaz, Fordham University
Program #5
How to Implement the Comprehensive School Counseling Model in the Real World
As schools and districts begin to implement the Comprehensive Model, they are looking for concrete, practical examples of how this can be done locally. Presenters will describe how a Guidance Plan can be easily and quickly reviewed, mapped and aligned to standards, and how their programs can be updated through implementation of the Comprehensive Model. Presenters will also supply attendees with examples from school districts that have recently implemented the Model. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenters: Robert Rotunda, Ed.D. Past President, New York State School Counselor Association, Adjunct Assistant Professor, NYIT. Other NYSSCA Board members TBA.
Program #6
SUNY 2011-12 Update
Discover what you need to know to expedite the processing of your students' applications to SUNY. This year SUNY is recommending that students self-report their academic records online. What does that mean? How does that work? Get answers to those questions, as well as information about changes to SUNY’s online application for admission, and how to create a transfer plan for prospective community college students. New and updated recruitment materials will also be shared. This workshop is designed to give you timely information for the fall 2012 application season. Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Cheryl Perrillo, Interim Assistant Provost for Enrollment Services
Program #7
Bred, Groomed, and Educated for Perfection – Not Enough! How to Create a Unique and Compelling Application?
From activities to essays to recommendations, transcripts and standardized test results are only the beginning of the steps in the application process for selective college admissions. Without inventing a cure for cancer or writing one’s first published novel at fifteen, how do counselors and students create great applications that reflects each student’s special qualities. Counselors join together to discuss effective recommendations, guidelines on essay writing, suggestions for using the Common Application as an instrument for enhancing applicants’ stories, and ideas for winning approaches to application supplements (one of the hidden keys to admissions). This workshop will focus on tools for creating dynamite applications with practical suggestions for counselors and students. Experienced counselors are invited to bring their best practices to the table as well. Application: High School Counselors
Moderator: Michael Courtney, Associate Director of College Counseling, SAR High School; David Weisbord, Associate Director of Admissions, Columbia University; Director of College Counseling, The Frisch School
Program #8
Will You Have Enough Monety to Retire- Workshop (Repeated- Session VI)
As you know, we are living through extraordinary challenging times in our economy. The uncertainties of the stock market and the many economic obstacles we face make it more difficult than we have ever seen to plan a financially successful retirement. In this workshop you will learn proven strategies for retirement planning. Topics to be presented include how to effectively manage your 403b, 457 plans and other investments, how to maximize your Pension and Social Security benefits, reduce your taxes and how to protect your investments from rising nursing and home health care costs when you have retired. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenter: Michael Brenner, retired Guidance Counselor, VP of Family Wealth & Pension Management
Program #9
Student Life at CUNY
The City University of New York is the nation's leading urban public university serving more than 480,000 students at 24 colleges and institutions in New York City. The University’s 24 institutions including 11 four-year colleges, seven community colleges, and the William E. Macaulay Honors College at CUNY offer more than 1,750 academic programs.There is a strong emphasis on student life; it is rewarding and fulfilling!. Housed in the greatest city in the world, CUNY offers an incredibly wide variety of ways for students to enrich their lives outside the classroom. We invite you to learn about the student clubs, internships, study abroad, community service, athletics, and housing that make CUNY’s undergraduate experience unforgettable. Application: High School Counselors
Presenters: Clare Norton, CUNY Director of Recruitment; Zak Ivkovic, Executive Director, CUNY Athletic Conference
Program #10
Developing, Organizing and Maintaining High School Advisory and Peer Leadership Programs
This presentation will cover the following facets of advisory program development at the high school level: establishing a faculty committee to spearhead efforts to get the program started, obtaining support from all constituencies/stakeholders and responding to resistance, designing a model that meets school community needs, managing logistical challenges, coping with growing pains, and responding to constructive criticism and program evaluation. Some of the unique features of these programs that will be discussed include: sharing of advisory group leadership responsibilities among a faculty member and two or more peer leaders, the different focuses of programs developed for different grade levels, the selection and ongoing training of peer leaders, and the advisory programs’ effects on the school culture. Complete syllabi for programs as well as other handouts will be available to all workshop participants. Application: High School Counselors
Presenters: Arthur G. McCann, Ph.D., Chair of the Counseling Department and Director of the School Counseling Program at Mercy College and Robert Stevenson, Ph. D. , Associate Professor of the Counseling Department at Mercy College
SESSION II
(10:05 – 11:05)
Program #11
ACT Update – Fall Educator’s Workshop Series
The session will review updates to the ACT for the 2011-2012 school year including the registration process, new mobile applications, becoming a test center, and recent ACT growth in the Northeast region. Attendees will also be introduced to ACT's new College and Career Readiness Information System, a no-cost, web-based reporting system that provides real-time access to ACT data and information for schools and districts. Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Katie Warmington, Consultant, ACT, Inc.
Program #12
What School Counselors Need to Know and Be Able to Do About Accountability
School counselors are key players in the success of every student. With the understanding that the Annual Professional Performance Plan (APPR) will soon be required for school counselors, let’s discuss how we can demonstrate our contributions to student success. Data informed practice can be used to connect the work of 21st century school counselors to the goals of school improvement and ensure that the significance and importance of what school counselors do is also understood and valued. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenter:Robert Rotunda, Ed.D. Past President, New York State School Counselor Association, Adjunct Assistant Professor, NYIT
Program #13
Career Cruising: Relevant Web-based Career Guidance from Middle through High School
Career Cruising is a comprehensive and engaging web-based career exploration and planning system used in over 18,000 schools, colleges, libraries, and employment centers across North America. This session will provide an overview of how North Rockland Central School District uses Career Cruising to help students identify their careers in middle school and then make relevant post-secondary connections in high school. Attendees will also see Career Cruising’s new Course Planner and Application Planner modules in action and gain an understanding of how these tools can assist students and counselors through a purposeful 4-year planning and college application process. Application: Middle and High School Counselors
Presenter: Cindy Wong, Consultant, Career Cruising
Program #14
Financial Awareness and Readiness for College
The early bird gets the worm. A dream without a plan is just a wish. Measure twice, cut once. Whatever the adage, the message is clear - life requires some preparation. School Counselors can help their middle school students and families prepare for college by introducing key principals of personal finance and the clear benefits of saving for college now, while they still have time to make an impact. This session will provide an entry-level look at financial literacy concepts and various college savings options, including New York's 529 College Savings Program. It will also introduce and discuss successful programs that other districts have embraced to better prepare their students for the transition to college. A representative from Upromise Investments, the Program Manager for New York’s 529 College Savings Program, will share resources that you can use to engage students and parents to help them learn, prepare and achieve their dream of higher education. Application: Elementary and Middle School Counselors
Presenter: George Makras, New York’s 529 College Savings Programs
Program #15
Individual vs. Group Crisis: Implications for School Counselors
Crisis is no longer an unusual pattern in today’s schools. As was presented at this conference last year, the task of developing a response and training key personnel to implement it too often follows only after the event. It is not unusual for counselors to be given the task of developing the response and providing staff and others with emergency training on how to implement it. To do this requires some very specific knowledge on the part of a counselor. One of the first points is to identify if the crisis is an individual one for a student, or if this is part of a group crisis. Of course, one student can be in both categories but it is important to identify the situation for each student in order to be able to respond appropriately. This workshop will examine the role of the counselor in such a situation. We will compare and contrast the two situations for students (and faculty) in crisis and will suggest possible methods that can be used by counselors in such situations. Application: Elementary, Middle School and High School Counselors
Presenters: Arthur G. McCann, Ph.D., Chair of the Counseling Department and Director of the School Counseling Program at Mercy College; Robert Stevenson, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Mercy College
Program #16
Identifying and Addressing Adolescent Self-Injury in the School Setting: Strategies for School Personnel
The tendency for adolescents to cope with emotional pain by harming themselves physically has reached epidemic proportions, to the point that students may no longer be running to you when they hear a friend is self-injuring; they expect people to cope with their pain with such maladaptive means. Luckily, many school personnel develop relationships with students where they become a critical part of a support network. As a result, however, adults in a school setting face crises quite frequently. This workshop will address the etiology and underlying dynamics of the chronic, seemingly addictive, and contagious nature of self-injury. Learn strategies for motivating adolescents to involve their parents, begin treatment, and change their behavior in both the short- and long-term. Techniques proposed can help self-injuring adolescents to postpone self-injury, identify sources of distress, and choose appropriate alternatives. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenter: Jennifer Walker, Psy.D., School psychologist, Scarsdale Public Schools, private practice, Co-President of Rockland Cty Psychological Society
Program #17
The SUNY Educational Opportunity Program: All You Need to Know to Advise Students
With more than a forty year history, the State University of New York’s, Educational Opportunity Program has provided college access to academically and economically disadvantaged students who wish to be educated within the State University system. This session will provide a general overview of the Educational Opportunity Program to include income and academic eligibility; the admissions process; support services; financial aid; advising EOP applicants; advocacy; and enrollment management. Common misconceptions about the Educational Opportunity Program will also be addressed. Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Evonne Hamler-Cadet; Associate for Opportunity Programs
Program #18
Will You Have Enough Money to Retire?– Small Group Session
In addition to the workshop on ‘Will You Have Enough Money to Retire?’, the Small Group Session is an opportunity to have your individual questions answered about how to safely manage your investments, maximize your pension and social benefits, plan your retirement, reduce taxes, and protect your investments from rising nursing home and health care costs. Application: All Counselors
Presenter: Michael Brenner, retired Guidance Counselor, VP of Family Wealth & Pension Management
Program #19
Roundtable Discussion: College Admissions 2012 – Join a Lively Discussion on Predictions on What is to Come
With Harvard and Princeton adopting Restrictive Early Action, will there be a significant impact on selective admissions? Should these policies be considered under the radar Early Decision commitments? How are high school counselors handling subsequent applications? Does the restrictive nature preclude applications to state schools that have traditionally been considered rolling? On another hand, with the price of a college education escalating beyond believable bounds, applications per student swelling, predictions of class yield increasingly statistical uncertainties, family anxiety about the process out of control, and the informational divide between the advantaged and disadvantaged broadening, it is time to sit back and reflect with some of the wisest minds in the field on our predictions for the future. Join us for a robust discussion on these compelling topics. Application: High School Counselors
Presenters: Moderator: Penny Oberg ,Collegiate School; Panelists: Danielle Wright, Princeton University; Darryl Jones, Gettysburg College; Marcia Landesman, Yale Universiy; Dave Mendelowitz, Scarsdale High School, NY
Program #20
Child/Adolescent Grief and Bereavement
School personnel are often the first gateway for questions regarding how to talk to a child about death, and what the appropriate action is regarding children and funeral services. In this lecture, we will discuss the development of children's understanding of death and dying, how to define death for children, the four tasks to grieving, and how to understand the signs/symptoms of childhood/adolescent grief. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Presenter: Dr. Rene Exelbert, Private Practice, Rockland County
Program #21
Guidance Counselor’s Legal Update-2011
This presentation will seek to update “everyday” legal issues facing teachers and counselors such as zero tolerance, mandated reporting, privacy rights, student personnel files, and free speech; as well as safety, bullying, violence, drugs and alcohol as well as selected communication strategies, emotional, social, and instructional challenges including the “test prep phenomenon” schools, parents, and staff face each and every day. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors & College Personnel
Presenter: Walter J. Sullivan, Ph.D.; Director of the Center for Educational Policy & Practice at the College of New Rochelle; Associate Professor of Education, Graduate School, College of New Rochelle, Former Superintendent of Schools
SESSION III
(11:05 – 12:05)
THE EXPOSITION ARENA
The Exposition Arena will be held in the large Main Hall of the County Center. It will offer counseling professionals a veritable piazza or concourse of professional resources. There will be consultants, model programs, guidance association representatives, exhibits of computer software, guidance books, materials and products, community agencies, CUNY representatives, SUNY representatives, private college representatives.
SESSION IV
(12:10 – 1:10)
Program #22 (Extended Session 12:10-
Update from the College Board - Fall Counselor Workshop
Come hear the latest information about what is going on at the College Board! This interactive session will explore specific College Board initiatives such as CollegeEd and Springboard, give you the latest information on the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP programs, provide you the most up to date information on all our professional development opportunities, and share information on the Board’s interactive web tools that help you guide your students to college success. Come with questions and join us for what is sure to be a lively session! Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Matthew F. Zarro, Educational Manager, K-12 Services, Middle States Regional Office, The College Board
Program #23 (Extended Session 12:10-
What Administrators Expect of the Intern and New School Counselor
This workshop is designed to prepare both the school counseling intern and the recent graduate for entry into professional school counseling. School counselors in their first year on the job are invited to attend and share their experiences. A panel presentation will be followed by an open discussion and interaction between prospective school counselors in attendance and the panel. The crucial role of the school counseling internship will be discussed. Professional and multicultural competencies and skills required of the effective school counselor from the perspectives of a School Superintendent, a Director of Guidance, a School Counselor and a Counselor Educators will be described. Application: New and Prospective School Counselors: Elementary, Middle & High School
Panelists: Dr. Scott McGowan, Senior Professor, Dept. of Counseling and Development, Long Island University/CW Post; Michael Kenny, Director of Guidance, New Rochelle High School; Dr. Michael Yazurlo, Superintendent, Tuckahoe School District; Pia Sanchez, Port Washington Middle School
Program #24
Will You Have Enough Money to Retire? Small Group Session
In addition to the workshop on ‘Will You Have Enough Money to Retire?’, the Small Group Session is an opportunity to have your individual questions answered about how to safely manage your investments, maximize your pension and social benefits, plan your retirement, reduce taxes, and protect your investments from rising nursing home and health care costs. Application: All Counselors
Presenter: Michael Brenner, retired Guidance Counselor, VP of Family Wealth & Pension Management
Program #25
Building an LGBTQ-Accepting Guidance Office
(Sponsored by the Westchester Putnam Rockland Counseling Association)
What do you need to know and do to be able to inform your lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) students that you are there to understand, accept, support and advocate for them? Join us to find out. In addition to presenting GLSEN research statistics about GLBT youth in schools, important terms and definitions, concrete ways to make yourself and your office a visible support, we will try to answer your specific counseling questions. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Moderator: WPRGA official; Mary Jane Karger, L.M.S.W., Co-Chair of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network); Malerie Simon, M.Ed., John Jay H.S. Guidance Counselor and GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Advisor.
Program #26
SUNY 2011-12 Update
Discover what you need to know to expedite the processing of your students' applications to SUNY. This year SUNY is recommending that students self-report their academic records online. What does that mean? How does that work? Get answers to those questions, as well as information about changes to SUNY’s online application for admission, and how to create a transfer plan for prospective community college students. New and updated recruitment materials will also be shared. This workshop is designed to give you timely information for the Fall 2012 application season. Application: High School Counselors
Presenter: Cheryl Perrillo, Interim Assistant Provost for Enrollment Services
Program #27
School Counseling Interventions for the Student with Bipolar Disorder
This talk is a follow-up to last year's presentation, which was an overview of emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. The student with Bipolar Disorder presents many challenges in the school setting. They may have been incorrectly diagnosed and/or medicated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which leads to a worsening of their symptoms. These students can be extremely disruptive to others while also struggling internally. This presentation will address the important role of the school counselor in the following: designing schedules which accommodate the student's special "biorhythms"; managing a student's return from a hospitalization; addressing social issues due to erratic behavior; crisis intervention including suicidal behavior; talking to parents about college related issues, etc. Application: Elementary, Middle School and High School Counselors
Presenter: Dr. Beth Weiner, a clinical psychologist, is the Director of the Counseling, Psychology and Therapy Programs at Long Island University's Westchester Graduate Campus
Program #28
Counseling Challenges with Students who have Special Needs
(Sponsored by the Connecticut Association for Students with Learning Disabilities)
There are ten vital ingredients that can help students succeed in post secondary education and beyond.Students with Invisible Disabilities present special issues for Guidance Personnel. Effective counseling in Middle School and High School is essential in helping prepare these students - who have learning disabilities and attention deficits - to effectively navigate pre and post-secondary education and beyond. This workshop will present ten vital ingredients in the counseling process that have proven to be effective with this population. While these strategies primarily address students with LD and ADHD, they can also be helpful for students with many other types of disabilities. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Moderator: Beryl Kaufman, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association for Students with Learning disabilites; Dr Marijanet Doonan, Director of The Mentor Connection, a consulting service that assists students who have special needs at all levels
Program #29
Financial Aid 101 - Understanding the Basics of College Financial Aid
Meeting college costs is a growing challenge to students and their families. In this session for novice counselors, you will learn about the federal and state financial aid programs and the application processes. Members of the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAAA) will present an introduction to financial aid including topics such as: determining dependency status; understanding how financial aid offices award aid; finding financial resources to help cover the cost of education; and handling special circumstances. You will get the financial aid facts that you need to help your college bound students. Application: High School Counselors
Presenters: Joseph Gorman, HESC; Debra Bouabidi,Dir.of Financial Aid, Rockland CC ; N.Y.S. Financial Aid Admini Assoc. members from Metro area colleges & representatives from the U.S. Department of Education
Program #30
Mindfulness Skills for Counselors: Implications for work with students and colleagues
This presentation will provide an understanding of mindfulness meditation and techniques and practical uses of such techniques in a school or therapeutic setting. Several examples of meditation and mindfulness skills will be presented. The importance of personal use of the skills will be discussed as a tool for increasing awareness and intention when working with students and colleagues. Counselors will also learn to teach techniques to children and adolescents who struggle with difficulties such as inattention, emotion dysregulation, anxiety, anger, and impulsive behaviors. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenter: Tracey Polizzi, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist with private practice in Stony Point, NY, Certified School Psychologist
Program #31
Trouble on Campus: The Incidents of Campus Violence, Substance Abuse, and Disciplinary Infractions are Growing as American students View Excess As a Rite of Passage.
To what extent is campus culture degenerating into a work hard, play recklessly one where students are out of control, often anxious and depressed, and clearly feeling entitled to a hedonistic lifestyle. Are they seeking to belong or are they so over extended that they resort to self-medication? How do we curve the Animal House vision of the college experience to bring campuses back to safe havens? The recent deaths on campuses including of local students attending Cornell University and Indiana University are enough to frighten all of us to action? Come and learn from college and high school psychologists, student deans and support staff about the epidemic of social, emotional and disciplinary challenges colleges and students are encountering today. Application: High School Counselors & College Personnel
Moderator: Marjorie T. Jacobs, SAR High School, Panelists: Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, Syracuse University; Dr. Ernie Collobolleta, Scarsdale High School -Dean for Student Life – Barnard College
Program #32
Understanding the Bully: Learning to Break the Cycle of Violence
Overall 13.2% of youth and adolescents surveyed reported having been physically bullied within the past year, and about 19.7% have reported having been teased or emotionally bullied. Children are often hesitant to report bullying due to fears of repercussion, feelings of shame, and belief that an intervention will make the problem worse or others will not be able to help. It becomes clear that all adults — whether they are teachers, administrators, clinicians, or parents — must become aware of how to effectively work with bullies and incidents of bullying. In this workshop, participants will learn to Identify types of bullies, understand the intentions of bullies (conscious and unconscious), recognize how adults help to create bullies (consciously and unconsciously), develop greater confidence and competence in interacting with the bully thus breaking the destructive cycle. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors & College Personnel
Presenter: Amelio A. D’Onofrio, PhD, Clinical Professor & Director, Psychological Services Institute, Fordham University
SESSION V
(1:15 – 2:15)
Program #33
Update From the Attorney General: Protecting Students From Internet Predators, Cyberbullying and Fraud
The Internet has opened a new world filled with wonderful opportunities, but it has also provided criminals and predators with access to personal information about ourselves and our children. The Internet has also become a means for some children to torment, threaten, harass and embarrass other children. Learn about tools developed by the Attorney General’s Office to help children safely enjoy their digital life. Also learn about ways to avoid the latest scams and frauds targeting children. Application: Middle and High School Counselors
Presenters: Gary S. Brown, Assistant Attorney General-in-Charge of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's Westchester Regional Office
Program #34
Federal and State Financial Aid Updates
What new financial aid issues will your students face in the upcoming year? Get the latest information on student financial aid from representatives of the U.S. Department of Education and New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). Presenters will cover regulatory updates as well as changes to the application processes for both the federal financial aid programs and the New York State TAP program. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers from the presenters and NYSFAAA financial aid administrators. Application: High School Counselors
Presenters: Joseph Gorman,HESC; Debra Bouabidi, Dir.of Financial Aid, Rockland CC ; N.Y.S. Financial Aid Admini Assoc. members from Metro area colleges & representatives from the U.S. Department of Education
Program #35
Homework and Student Achievement: The Role of the School Counselor
The longstanding debate regarding the relationship between homework and student achievement has recently heated up with the distribution and screenings of the documentary "Race to Nowhere." Emotions and opinions are running high on both sides of the fence. This presentation and discussion will examine the pivotal role that the school counselor can play in developing policies and practices that integrate existing research with school based data, while taking the concerns of all stakeholders into consideration. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Presenter: Dr. Christopher Carroll, New York Institute of Technology
Program #36
Culturally Alert Counseling
Due to the increasing ethnic diversity of our communities, counselors must be prepared to be more culturally alert in order to provide effective and appropriate counseling services to students of diverse backgrounds. Counselors must also be prepared to be school leaders and advocates for these students by sharing their knowledge of what is culturally appropriate with teachers and administrators with whom they work. This workshop with provide counselors with some background to begin the process of becoming culturally alert counselors who are adept at servicing ALL students. Application: Elementary, Middle and High School Counselors
Presenter: Fredericka R. Butler, School Counselor, Fox Lane Middle School; Adjunct Professor, Long Island University Graduate Center, Purchase, NY
Program #37
Adolescent Development: Brain, Body, and Behavior
The adolescent years are filled with exciting and sometimes, tumultuous transitions. Understanding the bio-psychosocial changes adolescents undergo can give school counselors a cutting-edge framework to utilize when developing school counseling programs. In all forms of deliveries (classroom lessons, groups, and individual sessions), school counselors can be more effective when they consider the context of the teenager and use data to support their specific interventions. This presentation, packed with the latest research findings in adolescent development, will also help school counselors to collaborate with administrators, teachers and parents while they are advocating for students. Application: Middle School and High School Counselors
Presenter: Terence Houlihan, Iona Prep High School
Program #38
Will You Have Enough Money to Retire? Workshop
As you know, we are living through extraordinary challenging times in our economy. The uncertainties of the stock market and the many economic obstacles we face make it more difficult than we have ever seen to plan a financially successful retirement. In this workshop you will learn proven strategies for retirement planning. Topics to be presented include how to effectively manage your 403b, 457 plans and other investments, how to maximize your Pension and Social Security benefits, reduce your taxes and how to protect your investments from rising nursing and home health care costs when you have retired. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenter: Michael Brenner, retired Guidance Counselor, VP of Family Wealth & Pension Management
Program #39
The Career Development of Urban Middle School Girls: A Unique Experience
Urban middle school girls face significant hurdles and stressors that are related to their sociocultural context. Such issues include, but are not limited to, the expectation to follow traditionally female-dominated occupations and the pressure to maintain passive and submissive roles within their personal and professional lives. Such influences have the potential to hinder young girls’ career exploration by inhibiting their sense of autonomy and independence and limiting their exposure to career options. This presentation seeks to identify the relevant issues faced by urban middle school girls and to explore some culturally competent practices that career, school, and guidance counselors may consider when working with this population. Application: Elementary, Middle & High School Counselors
Presenters: Angela P. Vargas, M.Ed., Emma Fialkov, B.A., and Lynelle Torres Chang, B.S. - Fordham University, Graduate School of Education
Program #40
Searching to Play in the NCAA College Admissions and the Student Athlete
Athletics and the college admissions process have a long-standing relationship that is at times confusing and misunderstood. The current state of college admissions and the student-athlete is complicated and requires all members of the student's support system to work as a team to accomplish this important task. The key players in a student-athletes college admissions process are: the student, parents, school counselor, coach and the college admissions officer. With so many players involved in such a complicated and important process, it is imperative that everyone understands the game plan and what their individual roles will be. This workshop will point out the way that the student-athlete and the support team can move through this process with ease and confidence. Then every decision made will be in the best interest of the student. Parents, counselors and coaches will be able to help the student-athlete make the best possible choice through various pressures and interests. Application: High School Counselors
Presenters: Sharon Brennan, Southern Connecticut State University; John MacPherson, Director of Guidance, Christ the King Regional High School
