Speakers and Presenters

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.

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.

Andreanna Murphy is celebrating her 27th year in education. She started her career as a middle school science teacher and has worked as a middle school and high school counselor. For the past eight years, she has worked as a District Head Counselor for the San Diego Unified School District. She has led programs in social emotion, academic and career learning. As a parent of school-aged children, former teacher and current school counselor, Andreanna has a comprehensive approach to improve student learning and engagement. She strongly believes in the importance of developing the whole child and encouraging others in education to do the same. 

Cara Bartell has spent nearly ten years at the College Board partnering with educators across California and the western U.S. states to expand student access to college and career opportunity. As Senior Director of K–12 State and District Partnerships, she works closely with school counselors, district leaders, county offices, and state education agencies to strengthen the systems that support students on their postsecondary journeys.

A central focus of Cara’s work is empowering counselors with the tools, data, and partnerships they need to guide students toward rigorous coursework, college readiness milestones, and informed postsecondary choices. She collaborates with local leaders to align K–12 strategy with college and career pathways—ensuring that access to opportunity is not left to chance, but intentionally designed into schools.  Through strong counselor connections and cross-system collaboration, Cara supports the College Board’s mission to connect students to college success and opportunity—helping build a more prepared, confident, and economically resilient generation of learners.

Former high school English teacher, MA in language and literacy. Current outreach coordinator for Center for College and Career Readiness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jarrett Klein has spent over two decades working at the intersection of psychology, wellness, and human development. His training spans sport psychology, clinical psychology, and whole-person wellness, and he is the author of a book on wellness (Being Well: A Guide for Enhancing Happiness & Peace of Mind, 2012). He began his career in the fitness industry in New York City and San Francisco, later founding Integration: The Center for Lifestyle Wellbeing. His work has included creating and leading youth and older-adult health programs, building mental health and wellness supports for YouTube content moderators, managing countywide Mental Health First Aid trainings, and serving as Director of Health and Wellness for Sonoma County’s Boys & Girls Club. He currently works with the Hanna Center, providing Trauma-Informed Care trainings and practical wellness education. He is also the instructor of Health & Wellness for AMDA, College of Performing Arts. Lastly, he's a very proud cat dad to Calvin and Winnie.

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.

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!  

Jillyan McKinney currently serves as the Coordinator of Inclusive Practices at SCOE, where she leads initiatives that foster inclusive learning environments and promote academic and social-emotional success for all students, particularly those with disabilities and those from underserved and under-resourced communities. She is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience advancing inclusive practices as a classroom teacher in the PK-12 system. Her career spans public, nonprofit, and international sectors, and brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and practical expertise to the transformative work of systems change. Jillyan holds a master's degree in education with a specialization in culturally responsive pedagogy. 

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. 

Kristin Wright is the Executive Director of Inclusive Practices at SCOE. Wright previously served as the California State Director of Special Education at the California Department of Education (CDE). Wright also served as the Education Policy Advisor for Special Education, Homeless, and Foster Youth at the California State Board of Education and Education Programs Consultant at the California Department of Education. In addition to her experience in education, she also served as the Assistant Director at Volunteers of America, working with homeless programs in Sacramento County. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a special education teaching credential, and a master’s degree in special education, all from California State University, Sacramento.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Patrick Chen is the District Head Counselor for San Diego Unified School District, where he supports the High School Comprehensive School Counseling Program and oversees the Tobacco-Use Prevention Education program. An immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Patrick is deeply committed to expanding educational access and opportunity for all students. He has served as a high school counselor and resource counselor supporting students experiencing homelessness, foster youth, military-connected students, and newcomers. As a consultant with C4C, Patrick advocates for equitable access to computer science education for underrepresented and underserved students.

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.

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.

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.