On March 11, CASDA worked alongside the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center, Capital Region BOCES, University at Albany School of Education, and Russell Sage College to offer the Resilient Schools Conference at the Troy Campus of Russell Sage. It was a fantastic gathering of forward-thinking leaders who shared fresh ideas on how to drive the transformation we aspire to achieve in our schools. With a focus on fostering resilience in students, educators, and schools, the conference covered critical topics such as mental health, equity, innovative teaching practices, and community engagement.
The event featured a keynote address by research-practitioner and author of One Trusted Adult: How to Build Strong Connections & Healthy Boundaries with Young People, Dr. Brooklyn Raney. She set the tone for the day with her dynamic, thought-provoking keynote, sparking many meaningful conversations.
The conference also featured 12 breakout sessions including:
• NYS Office of Mental Health’s Capital Connect Grant Program- a grant funded suicide prevention program available to local districts
• Rensselaer County’s Project AWARE Staff sharing their work on building student resiliency
• Throughline Learning- Integrating SEL and MTSS-I in Your School
• Sessions for district administrators, building leaders, PPS team members, teacher leaders, and more!
Participants left with practical tools and insights to create supportive, inclusive environments that help students thrive despite challenges. Because of the success of this collaboration, CASDA will be working with the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center, Capital Region BOCES, University at Albany School of Education, and Russell Sage College to bring educators, mental health professionals and school leaders together for "Elevate to Regulate: Building Emotionally Intelligent Schools" in March 2026. The conference will feature a powerful keynote address by Dr. Ebony Green and dynamic breakout sessions led by experts from the NYS Office of Mental Health, Cartwheel Care, and more.
Stay tuned to www.casdany.org for more information.