The Speakers

I started as a paraprofessional behavior interventionist in Madison school district 2008-2011. After graduating BYU-I in 2011 spent time as a community behavioral interventionist for Journeys, and as the lead behavioral intervention professional for Riverside service group DDA working with adults until 2015. In 2016 received my MA in leadership psychology from The Chicago School of Psychology and finished at Journeys in 2017 as a clinical supervisor. From 2017-2020 I was the head coach for Washington State Universities mens lacrosse team. From 2020-present I have been the lead behavior professional and school counselor for Monticello Montessori public charter school. I spend my off time as head coach for Idaho falls lacrosse 2012-2017, 2021/2022, Pocatello lacrosse coach 2023-2024, and currently club president and head coach for Rexburg Crusaders lacrosse. Finishing my MA in school counseling from Walden University 6-5-2025

Maddie Burton, MA, LPC, LMHCA, NCC (she/her) is a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education at Idaho State University with an emphasis in School Counseling and has completed her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. In her counseling experience, Maddie has worked in schools as a clinical mental health counselor and as a school counselor grades K-12 with diverse populations utilizing creativity, play, and art techniques for individual, group, and family counseling. Her research interests include school counseling issues, persons with disabilities in counselor education and intersectionality with disability identity.

LaDessa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She currently serves as Clinical Programs Manager at BPA Health and has led state-wide initiatives, including Idaho's Substance Use Disorder and Youth Suicide Prevention programs. A seasoned trainer and speaker, LaDessa has presented nationally on topics such as co-occurring disorders and vicarious trauma, including at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Roundtable on Women and Trauma.

My professional journey has been driven by a deep passion for working with children, particularly those facing the toughest challenges. With over 14 years in education, I've served as a Principal, District Administrator in School Safety and Social Emotional Learning, Instructional Coach, and classroom teacher. I am certified as a Trauma-Informed and Resilient-Focused Trainer, Community Resilience Model Trainer, and Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator, enabling me to bridge research and practice in fostering resilience for both children and educators.

As the creator and leader of The Resilient Schools Project, which is dedicated to removing barriers and promoting resilience across Idaho's schools, I have been able to foster growth and create sustainable change for school communities. My experience spans from large urban districts to small charter schools, giving me a unique perspective on diverse educational needs.

I hold a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Boise State University, an Educational Specialist Degree from Idaho State University, and am pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Education. My work focuses on addressing gaps in youth mental health support and equipping professionals with the tools to create meaningful change.

Traci is a school counselor and loves helping children face their critical issues and watching them become more confident; Leena is a school psychologist who enjoys working with children that have severe emotional and behavioral difficulties and loves seeing them grow.

Their mission is to help create emotionally happy and healthy kids. With their Healing Children organization, they are bridging the gap between mental health and education by working with students and teachers to implement strategies that are research-based and effective in the teaching environment. Through these relationships, lifelong healing can occur.

Brenna graduated her undergraduate degree in Education from NNU. She has 9+ years of high school teaching and coaching experience, has experience in real estate, and also worked as a lifeguard at a small local pool and in retail at a specialty footwear store. In 2023, she transitioned out of the classroom to continue teaching for CapEd Credit Union. today, she teaches all ages and all stages of life financial literacy. She is a wife and mother of two wonderful boys.

Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She has been supporting gifted, twice exceptional, and special needs children for 20 years in both mental health and educational services. Sarah has experience helping clients with both mental health and behavioral challenges. 

Aeriel Henwood, LMSW is the Member Services Manager for BPA Health currently managing the Service Navigation Department and Wraparound Intensive Care Coordination program. She has been with BPA Health for 8 years, with a total of 10 years as an LMSW working in various fields including community programs, direct client care, utilization management, program development and implementation. She is passionate about simple and easy access to services and empowering people to take action and increase their well-being. 

Dusti Huddleston, LCSW, is currently the Clinical Director at Avery's House adolescent residential treatment center in Boise, Idaho. Dusti was born and raised in north Idaho and received a bachelor's in social work from Boise State University in 2016 and a master's in social work from Portland State University in 2017. Dusti has experience working in a multitude of social work settings, including providing outpatient therapy in schools, working in residential treatment centers with teens, and working in community crisis intervention and response. Dusti has advanced her social work degree through many professional certificates. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and is a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT). 

Dr. Johnson has served as the VP of Research for Riverside Insights since 2021. Prior to that, she was a Professor of Early and Special Education at Boise State University and the CEO of Lee Pesky Learning Center. Her research focuses on the development and application of cognitive, social emotional, and academic assessments to achieve more equitable and improved outcomes for all learners.

Dr. Stephanie Kneedler, NCSP, is an Assessment Consultant with Western Psychological Services (WPS). She is a nationally certified school psychologist with practice experience in diverse urban and rural educational settings, serving students across all age groups. Dr. Kneedler has expertise in educational and psychological assessment and advocacy for culturally sustaining practices in schools. Currently, Dr. Kneedler serves on the board of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists. Nationally, she is the western region representative for the National Association of School Psychologists' Assistance to States Committee and a key member of the IDEA Reauthorization Committee.

Brian Knight, LCSW, is the Clinical Director of the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline (ICSH). He has worked in behavioral health in Southwest Idaho since 2010 and previously led clinical and community programs at Human Supports of Idaho. At ICSH, Brian has helped reform Idaho’s crisis response system by strengthening clinical quality at the 988-call center, crafting procedures to implement Mobile Response Team dispatching across Idaho and coordinating with regional crisis teams. He also developed policies to comply with Idaho Senate Bill 1329 on Parental Rights while maintaining meaningful support for youth in crisis and serves on the Idaho Clinical and Training (ICAT) Subcommittee, which provides oversight and implementation support for the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) system of care.

Jessica Lecertua is a seasoned counselor offering more than 13 years’ experience in an online setting. She currently serves as the Counselor Administrator for the Idaho Virtual Academy and is considered a subject matter expert and leader in the application and advocacy of counseling. As a Board Director for the Idaho School Counselor’s Association, she translates that passion into work that expands understanding and practice of the field in Idaho. This is achieved through direct work and public speaking on a variety of topics, including suicide prevention, ethics, online practice, solution-focused/asset-based approaches, and the role of an effective counselor.

Theo Miron is an Assessment Consultant with Pearson and both a Nationally Certified

School Psychologist and licensed school psychologist in the state of Texas. He consults

with school districts across the northwestern U.S. on topics of psychological and psycho-

educational assessment.

Theo earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. John’s University (MN) and

his master’s and specialist’s degrees in school psychology from Minnesota State

University Moorhead.

Before starting with Pearson, he spent over 18 years working as a school psychologist in

Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX. Theo is also licensed foster care provider in Texas and has

enjoyed volunteering for Special Olympics as a basketball coach.

Dr. Nielsen has practiced as a Licensed Psychologist in southeast Idaho since 2016. He specializes in pediatric neurodevelopmental assessment, and is Clinical Director of Testing Services with Ascend Mental Health Center in Idaho Falls.

Dr. Nielsen earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology through Spalding University in Louisville, KY and completed a predoctoral internship focused on early childhood assessment. He also provides regular training lectures for local family medicine residents, psychiatry residents, and community partners.

Mindy OldenKamp is the Program Manager for the Recovery Coach Training Academy. She has spent the past twenty years of her career focused on developing training curriculum and community programs, having served in non-profit, government, and private agency roles. She is passionate about developing people and the communities in which we live.

Quinn Perry is the Deputy Director for the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) where she has worked for eight years as the Association’s legislative advisor and policy strategist. She also directs ISBA model school policy services and works with her team to develop Idaho’s citizen school board members into strategic and effective leaders that benefit students. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Communication and legislative advisor for the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association. She was born and raised in Wyoming and received a BA from Boise State University in Communication & Public Relations. She is a 2019 recipient of the Idaho Business Review’s “Accomplished Under 40”, the 2025 recipient of the “Champion of Education” award by the Idaho Education Association and was recognized by her own association as a “Friend of Public Education.”

Jenny Ponzuric is a School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist, and Educational Consultant.  She has been part of the field of school psychology for over 25 years, providing direct services to schools, families, and students.  She presents on various topics, including learning disabilities, executive functioning, and report writing skills.  She is a past president of the CA Association of School Psychologists and the Ventura County Association of School Psychologists. Jenny has also earned her Post-Graduate Certificate in School Neuropsychology.

Kelli Rich is a dedicated family nurse practitioner (FNP-C) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and a passion for empowering families and youth through education and prevention. With extensive experience in healthcare and a strong focus on mental health, adolescent well-being, and lifestyle medicine, she is committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed, healthy choices.

As the founder and driving force behind the Save My Family initiative, Kelli has worked tirelessly to bring evidence-based education to parents, students, and educators on critical issues such as mental health, social media impact, substance use prevention, and adolescent brain development. Her engaging, down-to-earth approach makes complex topics accessible and relatable, helping teens and families navigate today's challenges with confidence.

With a background in family medicine, school nursing, and lifestyle medicine, Kelli brings a holistic perspective to health, emphasizing the power of prevention, resilience, and informed decision-making. She is passionate about strengthening communities and ensuring that every young person has the knowledge and support they need to build a strong, successful future.

Martina Velic is the Director of Admissions at Cottonwood Creek Behavioral Hospital. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in the state of Idaho.

Leena is a school psychologist who enjoys working with children that have severe emotional and behavioral difficulties and loves seeing them grow. Traci is a school counselor and loves helping children face their critical issues and watching them become more confident;

Their mission is to help create emotionally happy and healthy kids. With their Healing Children organization, they are bridging the gap between mental health and education by working with students and teachers to implement strategies that are research-based and effective in the teaching environment. Through these relationships, lifelong healing can occur.

Brenda Willson, Executive Director of FYIdaho, is a native Idahoan and Boise State University graduate.  With over 25 years of experience as an Idaho educator, trainer, speaker, and in behavioral health and substance use advocacy, she has collaborated with families and stakeholders to improve awareness, access, and sustainability of care. Brenda has played a key role in launching adolescent programs, expanding rural healthcare access, and developing successful partnerships. She founded PINE (Partners in Networking Excellence), chairs the Region 4 Behavioral Health Board, and serves on multiple advisory boards. Additionally, Brenda has presented throughout the nation on a variety of topics including prevention, creating community connections, mentoring and innovative educational programming, to engaging others in effecting positive change in the continuum of care in Mental Health and Substance Use. Passionate about building authentic relationships, she remains dedicated to enhancing support for families, youth, and communities.

Greg Wilson has been the Chief of Staff at the Idaho Department of Education since January 2023. He is a fifth-generation Idahoan, a graduate of Gonzaga University, and holds a master’s degree in government from Georgetown University.

Greg has worked in state government and politics for over a decade and currently serves as chief of staff for Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. He has also served as senior policy advisor for education to Governor Brad Little, where he worked on K-12 and higher education policy. Prior to that, he was chief of staff to then-Lieutenant Governor Little, working closely on the gubernatorial transition after his election as governor.

In addition to his career in state government, he formerly served as a military intelligence officer in the Idaho Army National Guard.

Greg's wife, Daniella, is a school psychologist in the Vallivue School District.  They have two children, seven and ten years old. Greg enjoys reading history, traveling with family, and watching and coaching baseball.

Lynsey Winters Juel currently serves as the Program Manager for Project ECHO Idaho, where she designs and oversees programs for healthcare and K-12 audiences. Her work emphasizes innovative, data-informed solutions to improve community health outcomes and expand access to care.

Lynsey holds a Master of Public Administration from Boise State University and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Willamette University. Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to thoughtful collaboration and meaningful community engagement.

Dr. Becky Wolery, PsyD, LCSW, is a psychologist and clinical social worker with extensive experience in mental health care. She is the founder and executive director of Insight Counseling & Therapy and recently founded Insight Matters, Inc., an organization focused on supporting youth and educators with an emphasis on mental health awareness, alcohol and drug prevention, and crisis prevention. Dr. Wolery is also the creator of Dear Dr. Becky, a platform designed to provide mental health support to the broader population. Known for her compassionate approach and expertise in trauma-informed care, she is dedicated to fostering resilience and promoting positive change in the mental health field.

Dr. Alejandro Zamora is the Co-Superintendent and Middle/High School Principal for Wilder School District.  His community-oriented focus is inspired by years of social work practice.  He is actively engaged in the community through various boards and commissions.  Dr. Zamora earned a Ph.D. in ed leadership and a Master of Social Work, plus numerous classes and certifications in school counseling, school building administration, and school superintendency.