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School Counselors Making an Imprint on Future Generations (GSCA 2026 Annual Conference)

November 11–13, 2026

Augusta, Georgia

"Manage" your School Counseling Program

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Hamilton (75)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

This session will provide best practices in managing your school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model. Participants will leave with strategies for successful program maintenance and development.

Presenters

Aaron Oberman, The Citadel
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

School Administrator

Session Summary

This session highlights the development and implementation of a districtwide comprehensive school counseling program (CSCP) aligned with the ASCA National Model. Participants will learn how to apply strategies and interventions that support and strengthen CSCP programs that align with ASCA Core Expectations of promoting equity and ensuring consistent, data-informed services across schools. Presenters will share strategies for leveraging leadership, collaboration, and accountability to support student academic achievement, social/emotional development, and college and career readiness.

Presenters

Sherry Ferguson, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Nicole Hamilton , Gwinnett County Public Schools
Lauren Wilson, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Kimberly Geer, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Taylor Brost, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Tierney Langdon, Bay Creek Middle School l/GCPS
Target Audience

Middle/High School

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

School Administrator

Session Summary

Today’s students are expected to make informed academic and postsecondary decisions, yet many lack confidence and opportunities to self‑advocate. This session explores how school counselors can use Major Clarity as a student‑centered career exploration tool to drive engagement, leadership, and ownership of learning. Participants will gain practical strategies for integrating career exploration into counseling programs, classroom guidance, and individual planning to amplify student voice and support purposeful academic and career decision‑making.

Presenters

Staci Kimmons, Edmentum
Roberta Jones, Edmentum
Karen Winn, Edmentum
Target Audience

Middle/High School

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

Counselor Educator/Supervisor

Session Summary

School counsleors frequently address behavior, peer conflict, and emotional dysregulation without a structured framework for teaching decision-making skills. This session introduces a practical, repeatable approch that helps students build emotional awareness, set boundaries, and make intentional choices. Participants will experience model activities and leave with ready-to-use strategies that can be implemented in classroom lessons, small grouos, and individual student support.

Presenters

Witni Jackson, Kuna Consulting

From Theory to Impact: The Real Skills School Counselors Need to Change Student Lives

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Cumming (50)
Target Audience

New Counselor/Graduate Student

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

Graduate programs prepare school counselors with theory, but the realities of the profession require additional skills. This session explores critical gaps between training and practice, including managing emotional demands, responding to crises, and navigating complex school dynamics. Participants will gain practical, real-world strategies to strengthen their effectiveness in supporting students’ social-emotional and mental health needs. Attendees will also reflect on their purpose and leave equipped to make a lasting impact on student lives.

Presenters

Jewell Jackson, University of Georgia

Leading Through the Social Media & Youth Mental Health Crisis

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Oglethorpe E (200)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

Across the country, counselors are seeing the effects of social media on student attention, behavior, and mental health long before the first bell rings. Yet common responses—phone bans and monitoring software—fail to address the root cause: engagement technologies designed to capture attention. This session explores how these systems shape student behavior and how counselors can support by focusing on prevention and behavior change, building student agency to develop healthier habits from within.

Presenters

Jane Kim, KindEd

Leading with Purpose: Strengthening The School Counselor in Me

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Lamar A (125)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

Counselor Educator/Supervisor

Session Summary

Participants will apply 4 of the 7 Leader in Me Habits to strengthen advocacy and leadership. Before the end of training, school counselors will identify proactive practices, prioritize high-impact counseling work, and use win-win communication strategies to support student success and professional boundaries.

Presenters

Toni Dickerson, Gwinnett County Public Schols
Veronica Johnson, Clarke County School District

Let Them: A Counselor’s Guide to Boundaries, Control, and Personal Growth

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Walsh (75)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

Students today face increasing academic, social, and emotional pressures—and often look to school counselors to solve problems for them. This session reframes that role through the Let Them Theory, helping counselors balance support with student independence. Learn how to foster resilience, strengthen decision-making skills, and build authentic connections by knowing when to step in and when to step back. Walk away with practical, student-centered strategies that empower growth while reducing counselor burnout.

Presenters

Nicholas Wozniak, SCCPSS

Make a Lasting Imprint by Anchoring Interventions in a Student's Meaning

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Oglethorpe A (80)
Target Audience

Middle/High School

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

Elementary

Session Summary

Move beyond "one-size-fits-all" packages to create interventions that truly resonate. This session introduces a diverse resource matrix designed to deepen impact by anchoring support in a student’s unique values and sources of meaning. Participants will learn to leverage internal strengths and explicit belief systems to design personalized strategies. Join us to explore how shifting from prescribed protocols to meaning-based design can leave a permanent, positive imprint on every student’s educational journey.

Presenters

Ken Jackson, Decatur HS/UGA

Make an Imprint: Creatively Using Data to Make School Counseling Visible

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Lamar C (125)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

In this session, presenters share real one-page results reports from school counseling interventions that demonstrate how increased direct service to students improves outcomes. Participants will learn how to create flashlight reports, analyze results, and use data as an advocacy tool with administrators. The presentation highlights how sharing data in concise ways can support role clarity, expand student access to counseling services, and reduce non-counseling duties.

Presenters

Amy Grasso, Georgia Cyber Academy
Danielle McCarthy, Georgia Cyber Academy
Patricia Beebe, Georgia Cyber Academy
Jennifer Susko, Georgia Cyber Academy

Making an Imprint on Tomorrow: Strengthening Matriculation Through Rising 9th Grade Tours

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Oglethorpe H (80)
Target Audience

High School

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

This session will highlight how rising 9th-grade tours create meaningful early "imprints" on students by fostering active engagement, reducing transition anxiety, and supporting developmental needs. With a focus on experiential learning and responsive environments, this session will demonstrate how intentional matriculation activities help students build confidence, connection, and readiness for high school, ultimately shaping stronger pathways for future generations.

Presenters

Torrye Isom, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Cary Settles, Gwinnett County Public Schools

Planning and Executing a Successful Career Day

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Lamar B (80)
Target Audience

Elementary

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

School Administrator

Session Summary

This interactive workshop equips elementary school counselors with a practical, step-by-step framework for designing, coordinating, and delivering a meaningful Career Day experience. Participants leave with ready-to-use tools, templates, and a phased planning roadmap they can implement immediately at their schools.

Presenters

DeeAnn Clarington, Henry County School District

Resilience in Action: SEL & Mental Health

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Oglethorpe G (80)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary

Are your students equipped with tools to thrive inside and outside the classroom? Explore how school counselors can shape resilient, emotionally healthy students through intentional SEL and mental health practices. This session highlights practical, evidence-based interventions that promote emotional regulation, coping skills, and overall well-being across K–12 settings. Participants will gain ready-to-use strategies, culturally responsive approaches, and tools to strengthen school-wide SEL efforts, improve student outcomes, and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Presenters

Gwendolyn Martin, Dr. Gwen's Counselor Cafe LLC

School Counselor to LPC 101

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Estes A (150)
Target Audience

All Levels

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

All Levels

Session Summary
This session provides school counselors with a practical overview of transitioning from school counseling to clinical practice. Attendees will examine logistical and professional elements, including malpractice insurance, documentation practices, and ethical considerations across frameworks. Participants will also review the different career pathways: private practice, group practice, and third-party platforms. Attendees will leave this session with increased clarity and confidence in expanding their clinical identity.

Presenters

Cindy Murphy, University of Georgia & Private Practice
Reagan Washington, The University of Georgia and Gwinnett County Public Schools
Target Audience

Middle

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

New Counselor/Graduate Student

Session Summary

Middle school is a critical time for building self-awareness, communication, and self-advocacy skills that support future academic and career success. This session will provide school counselors with practical strategies and engaging activities, including role-play, communication prompts, digital portfolios, and student-led goal setting, to help students recognize strengths, express needs, and seek support. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools that increase confidence, engagement, and informed career pathway exploration before high school.

Presenters

Alisha Freeman, Buford Middle School

University System of Georgia Resources and Updates 2026

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EST 
Oglethorpe D (200)
Target Audience

High School

Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)

Counselor Educator/Supervisor

Session Summary

With 25 colleges and universities across the state, the University System of Georgia (USG) provides a wide range of opportunities for students to participate in dual enrollment while in high school and to continue their education after high school graduation. Join this session to learn more about the USG, our resources that can help empower students and their families to make informed decisions about theirpostsecondary education in Georgia, and what's new in 2026.

Presenters

Sarah Wenham, University System of Georgia
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