Chris Aland began his career as an elementary school teacher before transitioning into school counseling at Folsom High School. His passion for supporting students and improving educational systems led him to serve as a Vice Principal and later as a Principal within the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
For the past twelve years, Chris has worked with the Sacramento County Office of Education, first as the Director of Court and Community Schools, then overseeing Reentry Programs. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Counseling Network, where he leads a community of practitioners dedicated to enhancing school counseling programs through professional development and consultation. His work focuses on equipping schools and districts with the tools and strategies needed to foster student success and well-being across the region.
Lyndsay Morris, M.Ed. teaches the skills of being human—how to focus, how to calm, how to connect, and how to thrive. A former teacher and school counselor, she founded Generation Wellness to bring simple, brain-based, trauma-informed practices into schools, families, and communities around the world.
Lyndsay has trained over 500,000 educators, students, and parents in practical tools that strengthen learning, relationships, and well-being. Her Regulate, Connect, Reflect Framework makes neuroscience easy to understand and apply, helping people reduce stress, build resilience, and foster genuine connection in less than five minutes a day.
Featured in MSN, TES Magazine, and Newsful, Lyndsay is known for turning complex science into simple, actionable strategies that create more peaceful and connected schools.
Session 1 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
How to Teach So They Actually Engage, Learn, and Retain
As Senior Director of Professional Learning for Hatching Results, Terri Tchorzynski leads a team of nationally recognized trainers and consultants who work with school counselors and administrators across the country to develop comprehensive, data-informed programs that are centered on supporting the needs of ALL students. Prior to Terri’s current role with Hatching Results, she served 18 years in education as both a high school English teacher and school counselor. As a practicing school counselor, she led her department in becoming one of the first schools in the state of Michigan to become a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) and was named by the American School Counselor Association as the 2017 National School Counselor of the Year. As Terri travels the country to support the development of comprehensive school counseling programs, she continues to fuel her passions for both career development and the state of school counseling in Michigan as most recently having served as an Advisory Panel Member for the US Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education, as well as the President of the Michigan School Counselor Association.
Session 4 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
Dream Team in Action: Tools and Strategies for Administrators and School Counselors to Strengthen Collaboration and Elevate Student Success
Dr. Cameron is the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Sacramento State, where she leads the academic mission of a university deeply connected to its students, community, and region. An innovative and people-centered leader, she is committed to expanding opportunity, advancing equity, and strengthening student and community well-being through education, science, and technology.
Her career spans counseling, teaching, research, and senior executive leadership, shaping a holistic view of success that recognizes learning, mental health, and innovation as deeply interconnected. In her leadership roles, Dr. Cameron has championed initiatives that strengthen academic quality, support faculty and staff, expand student success and well-being efforts, and leverage science and technology to address complex societal challenges.
Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Cameron earned her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Bradley University, where she was a Division I volleyball student-athlete. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Her academic and professional journey reflects a sustained commitment to social justice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership development.
Dr. Cameron’s scholarly and professional work focuses on equity, professional learning, and systems-level change, with an emphasis on creating environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes in the power education can play in strengthening lives and communities when it supports the whole person, integrates mental health, and provides access to a strong liberal arts foundation, science, technology, and creativity.
Aubrey Rose Manongsong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has served as a SCOE School-Based Mental Health and Wellness Clinician for the past 6 years. Aubrey has been in the mental health field as a clinician for 13 years, 9 of which as a licensed clinician. Prior to her role as a SCOE Clinician, Aubrey provided therapy at 2 different Sacramento County community-based mental health agencies that provided mental health services for children, youth, and families.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 6 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
School Counselors and On-Site Clinicians - Working Collaboratively and Effectively
Former high school English teacher, MA in language and literacy. Current outreach coordinator for Center for College and Career Readiness.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 6 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
College Readiness: Tools and Resources from Sac State
Darice Ingram serves as the Director of Engagement and Implementation for the Northern California region, driving efforts to close equity gaps by building partnerships with school districts and communities to ensure our work is centered on the needs and experiences of students, families, and educators. Before joining CCGI, she spent 13 years working for California State University, East Bay, and she co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to connecting K-12 school districts, community, parents, businesses, and students to resources that increased college access, retention, and graduation rates of underserved students. Darice earned her bachelor's degree in business management and administration from the University of Phoenix and her Master of Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.
Session 1 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
CCGI
Dana Salas has served as an Outreach Specialist for the ScholarShare Investment Board (SIB) since January 2016. SIB is the seven-member board, chaired by the California State Treasurer, responsible for the administration and oversight of ScholarShare 529, California’s 529 college savings plan, and the California Kids Investment Development and Savings Program (CalKIDS), the statewide children’s savings account program.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 5 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
How California Invests for Students: Resources Available for All
Deborah Camacho, MS, brings more than 35 years of experience in performance, workplace health, safety, and injury prevention.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition and a Master of Science in Sports Performance, grounding her work in both science and applied practice.
With 15 years of corporate business experience and 18 years at Schools Insurance Authority, a recognized leader and gold standard among Joint Powers Authorities in risk management and member services, Deborah understands workplace challenges from both operational and human perspectives. As an Employee Entrance Evaluation (EEE) Technician and workshop facilitator, she partners with school districts to improve productivity, strengthen communication, reduce liability, and prevent injuries before they occur.
Deborah is known for delivering dynamic, real-world training that bridges performance science with practical workplace solutions—equipping organizations to build safer, healthier, and more resilient teams.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 4 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
Move More, Feel Better: Simple Exercises for Busy People
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 5 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
Rejuvenate: Small Moments, Big Impact
Guadalupe Delgado serves as the Director of the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) at the Sacramento County Office of Education. With over 25 years of experience in college access programs and student financial aid, she is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for low-income, first-generation college students.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego, and a master's degree from San Diego State University.
A proud first-generation immigrant, Guadalupe is the eldest of three siblings and moved to the United States at the age of eight. She is also a devoted wife and mother of two adult children, both of whom have followed in her footsteps as educators.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 6 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Partnering for Student Success: Building Collaborative Support Systems
Jennifer Gama is the Assistant Director for three UC Davis Educational Talent Search (TRIO) grants, where she oversees program operations serving 1,700 students annually and leads a dynamic team of advisors. With more than 20 years of experience in college access, she supports the implementation of student-centered services across fifteen schools in Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties, partnering closely with schools and their communities to promote college and career readiness. As a proud CSUMB Upward Bound (TRIO) alumna, Jennifer brings an equity-driven lens to her leadership and program operations, grounded in lived experience and a deep commitment to expanding access to higher education.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 6 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Partnering for Student Success: Building Collaborative Support Systems
Jill Thom has served in public education as a science teacher, site administrator, and at the district level. Her outside roles as an instructional trainer, WASC chair, and daughter of a teacher provides for a wide range of experiences that support opportunities for students and growth for educators. She is committed to all students and adults learning!
Session 2 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
Beyond the Sit-and-Get: Research-Based Strategies for Active Learning
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 5 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
Scheduling for Equity: Analyzing the Data, Proactively Avoiding FPM & OCR Findings
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 6 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Transforming Spreadsheets Into Powerful Visuals that Highlight Growth and Success
Joyce Long has been a counselor in San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD) for 16 years. She has spent most of her career supporting students and families in K-8 schools. Through individual, group and family counseling, partnered with college and career readiness class lessons, Joyce has provided a comprehensive school counseling program, creating a positive impact on student achievement.
Session 3 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Running small groups - The Ins, Outs, and Otherwise
Dr. Loretta Whitson is a trailblazing force in education, known for her visionary leadership and relentless advocacy for school counselors. As the founder and executive director of the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), the nation’s largest state school counseling organization, she has transformed the profession in California.
Dr. Whitson’s leadership has been instrumental in doubling the number of K-12 school counselors in the state, reducing student caseloads from an overwhelming 1,000-to-1 ratio to just over 400-to-1. Her work has strengthened the profession’s role in student success, forging crucial connections with legislators and decision-makers to expand school-based mental health services and college and career readiness programs.
Before her tenure at CASC, Dr. Whitson spent 25 years in Monrovia Unified School District as a school counselor and district administrator, pioneering innovative programs that integrated school and community mental health services. She also shaped future educators as an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Educational Counseling Program at the University of La Verne.
A respected voice in California politics, Dr. Whitson continues to influence education policy, ensuring school counselors are recognized as essential to student achievement. Her legacy is one of empowerment—elevating the profession and improving outcomes for students across California.
Session 3 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Systems Change, Student Well-Being, and the Evolving Role of School Counselors
Lyn Poll holds a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and is currently a Prevention Services Coordinator at Schools Insurance Authority (SIA). With over 30 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Lyn is dedicated to creating programs that encourage schools to prioritize wellness. Her interactive and energetic approach creates a fun, educational environment that helps to promote prevention and well-being within educational organizations.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 4 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
Move More, Feel Better: Simple Exercises for Busy People
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 5 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
Rejuvenate: Small Moments, Big Impact
Maria joined CalABLE in 2023 and plays a key role in providing assistance, information, and education about the CalABLE program. A major focus of her work is reaching Spanish‑speaking individuals and families, ensuring they have access to clear relevant information about how CalABLE can support financial independence for people with disabilities. Since joining the program, Maria has contributed to Spanish‑language outreach efforts, supported the development of bilingual educational materials, and strengthened community engagement across the State. She is dedicated to raising awareness about CalABLE and is committed to ensuring that more people have access to the tools and resources that can improve their quality of life.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 5 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
How California Invests for Students: Resources Available for All
Nicole Gallo has worked as a School Counselor for 17 years, primarily working with elementary and middle school students. She is passionate about supporting students and their families as a whole. Her professional journey in education has been guided by a deep commitment to student success and well-being across all levels of academic, behavioral, and social emotional learning.
Session 3 - 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Running small groups - The Ins, Outs, and Otherwise
Nicolette Gonzaba is a passionate advocate for students, with over 14 years of experience as a school counselor and program specialist. As the School Counselor Program Specialist for Stockton Unified for the past 9 years, Nicolette has spearheaded innovative initiatives to support the academic, social-emotional, and college/career needs of diverse learners. For the past 7 years, she has been the president of the union that represents school counselors, advocating tirelessly for her colleagues and the resources they need to help students thrive. Nicolette's dedication to her craft has led her to present at multiple prestigious conferences, including the California Association of School Counselors, National School Counselor Leadership Conference, and Educating for Careers where she shares effective strategies for student advocacy and empowerment.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 4 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
Lessons Learned & Progress Made: Year 1 of the Discovery Pathways Program
Dr. Sharyn Gardner is currently the Director of Undergraduate Studies at Sacramento State and also a Professor of Management. Before joining Sacramento State in 2005, she spent two years at The College of New Jersey, and prior to her graduate studies, Dr. Gardner gained extensive experience in management during her eight years in industry. During that time, she opened five business locations and was responsible for all operations; managed various operational projects related to corporate strategy; and was the regional training manager in the Southern California region. Dr. Gardner’s experience in industry and academia help inform all her work supporting student success.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 4 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
Lessons Learned & Progress Made: Year 1 of the Discovery Pathways Program
A first-generation college student, Sheree Meyer graduated with a BA in English from Stony Brook University and then went on to receive a MA and Ph.D. in English from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. She joined the faculty in the Department of English at Sacramento State in 1991 where she taught both composition and literature courses, and early in her career became involved in coordinating First Year Programs and other student success efforts. Dr. Meyer served as Chair of the English Department (2004-2010), Dean of Undergraduate Studies (2010-2016), and then became Dean of the College of Arts & Letters (2016-2024). Having recently retired as Dean and returned part-time to the faculty, she is committed to two major projects: 1) creating a Discovery Pathways Program for Undeclared students; and 2) working with faculty, staff, and students in reimagining General Education. In her “spare time,” she is the president of the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera and secretary of the Board of Directors of Blue Line Arts. She is celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary this year and hopes that retirement will allow her to spend more time with her 8 year old granddaughter.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Session 4 - 10:20 am - 11:35 am
Lessons Learned & Progress Made: Year 1 of the Discovery Pathways Program
Meet Tawny Reinhardt, a trailblazer driving edtech innovation at Sacramento County’s Office of Education. Boasting a dynamic nine-year teaching background in cutting-edge 1:1 middle school classrooms, Tawny's passion for technology-infused learning has consistently propelled her pedagogical journey. A graduate of USC with a degree in English, Tawny further honed her expertise with a multiple-subject credentials from San Jose State and a Master's degree in educational technology from Cal State Fullerton. Her career has led her through the landscapes of both Apple-distinguished and Chromebook-fueled K-8 districts, also earning her stripes as a Google Certified Educator. Tawny's innovative classrooms have developed a rich tapestry of experiences that enabled her to transition into a pivotal role during the virtual teaching era of the pandemic. In 2022, she pivoted from her cherished middle school classroom to a coaching role in EdTech, a decision she regards with immense gratitude. As the EdTech Coordinator at SCOE, Tawny has become a catalyst for change, delivering dynamic training on best practices and fostering innovation through EdTech. As a founding member of the Teacher Innovation Network, she champions free virtual EdTech professional development, solidifying her status as a visionary leader in the ever-evolving landscape of digital education.
Session 2 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
From Hours to Minutes: The "Instant Social Story"
Session 5 - 12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
From Hours to Minutes: The "Instant Social Story"