Conference Speakers and Presentation Material
Embedded Files
Current Trends in Data & NSNA Business
Current Trends in Data & NSNA Business
State Data Team & NSNA Board of Directors
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Building Connections For Supportive Learning Environments
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Building Connections For Supportive Learning Environments
Josie McDonnell, SEL Supervisor, Omaha Public Schools
Josie McDonnell is the Supervisor for Social Emotional Learning at Omaha Public Schools, where she enhances emotional wellness across the district. Prior to this role, she began her career as a history teacher and then spent 10 years as a school counselor at the middle and high school levels, gaining valuable insights into the social-emotional needs of both students and adults. Josie holds master’s degrees in school counseling and school administration, equipping her to work at the systems level to promote social-emotional wellness. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, focusing on helping both adults and students feel supported in expressing their emotions and learning to co-regulate during overwhelming moments. Josie believes her work is about building community and connection to effectively support students and educators.
The Role of the School Nurse in Mental Health
The Role of the School Nurse in Mental Health
Megan Lytle, Health Services Coordinator, Lincoln Public Schools
Megan Lytle has Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Nursing and is a Coordinator for Health Services at Lincoln Public Schools. Megan is a strong advocate for student-centered care using multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and social-emotional tools in the health office. Megan's professional interests focus on emotional regulation, trauma-capable care, and mentoring. Megan is also on the Board of Directors for NSNA and the conference planning committee co-chair.
School Health Profile Data
School Health Profile Data
Jessie Coffey, Director, Whole Child Program, Nebraska Dept of Ed.
Breakout Panels
Breakout Panels
Participants will have the option to attend one of three breakout sessions to best fit their interest!
Elementary School Nursing
Secondary School Nursing
K-12 School Nursing
Infectious Disease & Prevention
Infectious Disease & Prevention
Dr. Alice Sato, Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's Nebraska
Dr. Alice Sato is an Associate Professors in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She also serves as Hospital Epidemiologist for Children’s Nebraska and is a member of the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit team. Her areas of interest include disease prevention (including vaccination and school health), care of immunocompromised patients, science communication and diagnostics. She frequently collaborates with the Community Health and Advocacy team at Children’s Nebraska, school health experts at Nebraska ICAP and Nebraska DHHS. She has been faculty for AAP’s Managing Infectious Disease in Schools course, served as medical editor for the NICE Book on infection prevention in schools, and authored chapters and created educational resources on school health.
Transformative Conversations: Navigating Tough Conversations with More Ease
Transformative Conversations: Navigating Tough Conversations with More Ease
Ryan Bouda, LEAP Training & Coaching
Ryan Bouda is a dynamic speaker, coach, and trainer with years of experience taking individuals to their next level of greatness. He has spoken to thousands of people on cultivating leadership, building teams, and improving communication. Ryan holds a master’s degree in leadership development, is certified in Everything DiSC® and Conversational Intelligence®, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Psychology. His passion is helping people grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose by empowering them to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Ryan has worked with companies such as NASA, HCA Healthcare, Nebraska Medicine, Methodist, and Habitat for Humanity.
Digital Habits Education
Digital Habits Education
Kati Morse LeBreton, Redhead Method: Social Media Education
Kati Morse LeBreton is "the redhead" behind The Redhead Method, a custom digital habits education for all ages. By combining years of academic research, over a decade of experience, and her unique flair for storytelling, Kati has educated thousands as they develop positive digital habits and build healthy relationships with their devices. The Redhead Method is for anyone with the internet, covering topics like mental health and brain development, online safety and cyberbullying, romantic and family relationships, conflict resolution, and more. Participants will gain the tools they need to confidently navigate the ever-changing digital space; learning and laughing in an environment that only Kati can create. Welcome to The Redhead Method!
{Presentation material will not be available from this speaker}
Dental Health in Nebraska
Dental Health in Nebraska
Ashley Aubrey, Creighton University & Dr. Charles Craft, State Dental Health Director
Dr. Craft graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry in 1980 and immediately joined the U.S. Public Health Service as a Commissioned Officer assigned to the Indian Health Service in Alaska. For 20 years he served Native American patients in village clinics, regional centers and base hospitals throughout remote regions of the state and he was promoted to the rank of 0-6 Captain.
In 2000, he moved to Southeast Asia where he was the Chief Dental Officer for the International SOS Medical Company and the Dental Consultant for the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Continuing his service as a Reserve Officer, he was directly detailed to the Department of Defense for more than 30 stability operations and humanitarian assistance medical missions in over 15 foreign counties as part of the Global War on Terror. He served with all branches of the military and deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom with the U.S. Army Special Operations Task Force to the southern Philippines in 2007 and the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division to southern Afghanistan in 2008.
He is the founder of the East meets West Dental Program in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1995. Over the past 25 years, this international humanitarian relief organization has provided free and modern dental care services to more than 175,000 underserved children living in the post war central provinces and impoverished rural hamlets while also working with more than 1,500 dental volunteers and students from countries around the world.
Dr. Craft has received numerous professional awards during his transpacfic career including the Outstanding Service Medal from the U.S. Surgeon General, the Meritorious Service Medal from the Department of Defense and the Royal Sahametri Knight Medal from the Prime Minister of Cambodia. He is the recipient of the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Distinguished Service Award and was honored with the American Dental Association’s Humanitarian Award in 2019. He joined the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and became the State Dental Health Director in April 2014.
School Medicaid
School Medicaid
Dawn Sybrant & April Saathoff, Dept. of Health & Human Services
Dawn holds a Bachelor in Science degree with majors in Sociology and Human Services Counseling and a minor in Psychology from Wayne State College. A large portion of her career has been spent working in the developmental disabilities field for private non-profit agencies. Dawn has worked for DHHS for a combined 20 years across several Divisions including the Children and Family Services (including four years as a contracted employee through other agencies), Public Health, and Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC). Dawn has extensive knowledge and experience regarding the provision of services for juveniles with criminal concerns and their families as well as services related to mental health, substance abuse and individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.
Since joining the MLTC team 8 years ago, Dawn has served as the MDS Automation Coordinator and is currently the MLTC Administrator II for Nursing Facilities, oversight of Nursing Facility Level Of Care contracts for admission to nursing facilities, PACE (program for the all-inclusive care for the elderly), Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DDs), School Based Services, and Early Development Network. Dawn also oversees the newly implemented program providing follow-up to nursing facility residents with a Level II Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) for residents requiring specialized services who have a PASRR condition of serious mental illness, intellectual disabilities or a related condition.
April earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Peru State College graduating Sum Cume Lade in her class. April has worked for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for 10 years, mostly working in the Developmental Disabilities division. Most recently she worked as a Qualified Developmental Disabilities professional at Beatrice State Developmental Center before transferring to Medicaid and Long-Term care in November of 2024.
April has a strong passion for helping children with developmental disabilities. School Based Services has been an opportunity for April to combine her professional experience working with people with developmental disabilities with her personal passion for helping families navigate raising a special needs child. As the new School Based Services Program Coordinator, April has the ability to combine her professional knowledge with her personal passion advocating for children with health care needs and ensuring they have access to needed health services.
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