Loading…
Venue: Redbird E clear filter
Tuesday, May 5
 

10:45am CDT

Making Peace Circles Work: A Tiered MTSS Framework for Everyday Classrooms and Student Needs
Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
This session introduces a district's journey in developing and using Community, Academic, and Restorative Peace Circles as a tiered, developmentally responsive approach that encourages building relationships, supporting learning, and strengthening school communities within daily practice and MTSS frameworks.
Participants will:
  1. Learn about peace circles as a continuous practice of care within daily school routines and MTSS frameworks.


  2. Explore simple, time-efficient peace circle structures that fit within the school environment.


  3. Examine the use of peace circles across roles and settings to build relationships and respond to academic and social emotional needs.


  4. Consider sustainability practices through shared structures.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Allen

Lisa Allen

Director of Student Services, Valley View School District
Lisa Allen is the Director of Student Supports with over 35 years of experience in education focused on removing barriers to student success and strengthening whole-child systems of care. In her role, she provides district-level leadership across social-emotional learning, behavioral inter... Read More →
avatar for Joanna Hanson

Joanna Hanson

Student Services Coordinator, Valley View School District 365U
Joanna Hanson is a Student Services Coordinator in Valley View School District 365U with 27 years of experience in education. She holds a Master’s degree in Trauma and Resilience in Public Settings, and her work is grounded in the belief that learning happens best in environments where adults a... Read More →
avatar for Dena Hasselberg

Dena Hasselberg

Student Services Coordinator, Valley View School District 365U
Dena Hasselberg is a school psychologist with over 24 years of experience in student services and systems leadership. She currently serves as the Student Services Coordinator for Valley View School District, where she leads initiatives in general education, special education, Section 504, threat... Read More →
Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Redbird E

1:15pm CDT

Run Your Best Life
Tuesday May 5, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
"Run Your Best Life"  Are you ready to pursue your dreams and design your best life? Whether you struggle to maintain focus, feel stuck in mediocrity despite 
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Matkovich

Matthew Matkovich

High School Counselor, Consolidated High School District 230
Matt Matkovich is a nationally recognized motivational speaker who has inspired audiences across the country since 2013 with raw energy, powerful storytelling, and an unwavering belief in human potential. Once comfortable with playing it safe, Matt chose discomfort, discipline, and... Read More →
Tuesday May 5, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Redbird E

2:30pm CDT

Resilient Supportive Schools Illinois: A Framework for Climate, Connection, and Academic Growth
Tuesday May 5, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
What if we could use real-time school data to strengthen classroom climate and improve student outcomes? This 60-minute session introduces the Resilience Supportive Schools Illinois (RSSI) framework. This free, statewide resource helps schools integrate trauma-responsive strategies, social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health supports, and equitable practices into each school day.  
Participants will explore how a positive school climate and relationship-centered classroom management can foster student engagement, mitigate behavioral issues, and enhance academic achievement. The session will include brief overviews of research, educator stories, and the four RSSI pillars, followed by a hands-on walkthrough of a data-informed tool designed to support schoolwide improvement planning.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to enhance climate and wellness in their classrooms, along with access to the RSSI app, which simplifies planning and connects teams to aligned, research-based resources. Whether you're a classroom teacher, administrator, or support staff member, you'll gain tools to help students thrive academically and emotionally.
Speakers
avatar for Aleza Berube

Aleza Berube

Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services, Stress and Trauma Treatment Center
Aleza Berube (she/her) is the Director of Outpatient and School-Based Services. She grew up in Southern Illinois and returned home in 2021 to be closer to her family. Aleza has worked with school systems in Illinois and Texas for the last 15 years as a teacher, a school counselor... Read More →
avatar for Crissy Mombela

Crissy Mombela

Director, Programs & Initiatives, Partnership for Resilience
Crissy Mombela is the Director of Programs and Initiatives for the RSSI REACH initiativethrough the Partnership for Resilience, where she fosters collaboration and leads efforts tostrengthen trauma-responsive, community-centered education across Illinois public schools.With over twenty-five... Read More →
Tuesday May 5, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Redbird E
 
Wednesday, May 6
 

9:45am CDT

Beyond the Circle: Restorative Practices in Schools
Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Join us for an overview of how restorative practices fosters a sense of belonging and supports student well-being in our schools. You will learn about the continuum of restorative practices and the importance of employing these practices at the classroom and schoolwide level. The presentation will also touch on practical tools and strategies to create a positive school culture where every student feels valued and connected. 
Speakers
MN

Ms. Nikki Golden

Special Education Teacher, Community High School District 99
Ms. Nikki Golden is a dedicated Special Education Teacher with an expansive professional range, having served students in both early elementary and high school settings. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a prominent leader on the Equity and Inclusion Council, where she helps shape policies that... Read More →
KM

Kathleen Meeks

Social Studies Teacher, Community High School District 99
Ms. Kathleen Meeks is a veteran social studies teacher and community organizer dedicated to moving beyond traditional reform toward deep systemic repair and renewal. Drawing on her 15 years of experience in public schools and two Master’s degrees in Culture and Society and Teaching English Learn... Read More →
DK

Dr. Karen Strunk Taylor

Associate Principal for Students and Staff, Community High School District 99
Dr. Karen Strunk Taylor brings over 30 years of experience in public education to her work. Her diverse career spans roles as a special education teacher, department chair, and Dean of Students. She currently serves as Associate Principal for Students and Staff, where she developed a deep expertise in n... Read More →
Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird E

11:00am CDT

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management in Your School
Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The speaker(s) will discuss their efforts to bring BTAM to a traditional law enforcement agency. The program will also cover establishing BTAM teams in your school, where to start and how to get buy in from your staff and community.
Speakers
avatar for Keith Cox

Keith Cox

Threat Mitigation Unit/ BTAM Bureau Chief, Illinois State Police
Lieutenant Keith Cox has been a member of the Illinois State Police (ISP) since 2001. He is currently assigned to the Division of Criminal Investigation, Threat Mitigation Unit, as the Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Team (BTAM) Bureau Chief. He previously served in the... Read More →
Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird E
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.