Loading…
or to bookmark your favorites and sync them to your phone or calendar.
arrow_back View All Dates
Saturday, February 8
 

8:15am MST

Networking Breakfast
Saturday February 8, 2025 8:15am - 9:00am MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 8:15am - 9:00am MST
Courtyard Marriott Cedar City 1294 S Interstate Dr, Cedar City, UT 84720

8:15am MST

Registration Attendee Check-in
Saturday February 8, 2025 8:15am - 9:00am MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 8:15am - 9:00am MST
Courtyard Marriott Cedar City 1294 S Interstate Dr, Cedar City, UT 84720

9:00am MST

Opening Session and Keynote Address
Saturday February 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

9:00am MST

Making Sense of Mental Health – Inspiring Connection and Support
Saturday February 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This engaging keynote addresses the critical importance of mental health in schools, providing a dynamic and creative approach to fostering emotional well-being among students, educators, and communities. Through a blend of powerful storytelling, short edutainment films, and interactive conversations, participants will explore essential mental health topics such as depression, anxiety, suicide awareness, body image struggles, and overcoming PTSD.
The session focuses on breaking the silence surrounding mental health by dismantling stigma and empowering individuals to prioritize psychological safety in school environments. Participants will gain practical tools for creating open, supportive cultures, along with strategies for effective communication, building resilience, and encouraging peer and staff engagement.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding and addressing stigma in school settings.
- Empowering communities with actionable tools for supporting mental health.
- Enhancing communication skills and fostering meaningful connections.
- Developing sustainable plans for creating a culture of well-being in schools.
Whether you’re an educator, counselor, or student leader, this keynote will equip you to inspire change, promote mental health awareness, and build environments where everyone can thrive.
Presenter
avatar for Brian Higgins

Brian Higgins

Executive & Creative Director, Mental Healthy F.i.T.
Brian Higgins is a creative imagineer and mental health advocate incorporating film, stand up comedy, visual arts and events to create community through creative communication. Using creative expression through film, comedy, art and storytelling to shine spotlights on our shadows... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce
  Prevention

10:00am MST

Networking Break
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:00am - 10:15am MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:00am - 10:15am MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

10:15am MST

Block 1
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

10:15am MST

Cracking the Code: FERPA, Data Sharing, and Connecting OST Programs with the School Day
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Unlock the mysteries of FERPA! This interactive trivia session will dive into what FERPA is, who it affects, and how schools can share student data with Out-of-School Time (OST) programs while staying within legal boundaries. You’ll gain valuable insights, real-world examples, and brand-new resources from UAN to help bridge the gap between your OST program and the school day—ensuring seamless collaboration and data-sharing in full compliance with FERPA. Plus, participate in live trivia and knowledge-testing games throughout the session for a chance to win exciting prizes! Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your program, strengthen partnerships with schools, and have fun while learning!
Presenter
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Cedar/Glen

10:15am MST

Merging Generations in the Workplace
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
This session is designed for leaders, managers, and educators who work with youth and multi-generational teams. Participants will explore strategies to leverage the unique strengths of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
Through real-world examples and actionable insights, attendees will discover how to bridge generational divides, align diverse perspectives, and create innovative environments where all team members feel valued and motivated.
By understanding generational dynamics and communication styles, you’ll gain practical tools to enhance teamwork, reduce conflict, and inspire shared success. Join us to transform workplace challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and unity.
Presenter
avatar for Jillian Orr

Jillian Orr

CEO, Catalyst
Jillian Orr is the founder and owner of Catalyst, a company dedicated to supporting non-profits by offering free workshops on reducing staff turnover and effectively managing Gen Z employees. With extensive experience in hiring, training, and development, Jillian has honed her expertise... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Kolob

10:15am MST

Guiding Growth: Using SEL and Data to Empower Adolescents
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Join us in an interactive workshop for professionals who support adolescents ages 10-19 to learn the fundamentals of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) and the key benefits for both individuals and communities. Participants will be familiarized with and receive a copy of "Social and Emotional Learning in Practice: A Toolkit of Practical Strategies and Resources” by the University of Minnesota. We will explore how to use data to make improvements, and learn about accommodations when implementing SEL to better meet the needs of all adolescents, particularly adolescents with disabilities or IEPs.
Presenter
avatar for Esteban Benites-Moreno

Esteban Benites-Moreno

Health Program Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services
Esteban Benites-Moreno (He/Él) has a degree in Health Education & Promotion from the University of Utah. He is a health program specialist with a focus on teen pregnancy prevention & social and emotional well-being through the Adolescent Health Program within the Utah Department... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Bryce
  Prevention

11:15am MST

Networking Break
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:15am - 11:30am MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:15am - 11:30am MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

11:30am MST

Block 2
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

11:30am MST

Through Their Eyes: A Dyslexia Simulation, and Scripted Solutions for Literacy Success
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Afterschool professionals will step into the world of a struggling reader with a powerful dyslexia simulation that builds empathy and understanding. This presentation will deliver three actionable strategies to help afterschool staff close the literacy gap and support struggling readers with confidence. Attendees will walk away with practical tools they can implement immediately and discover how a structured, evidence-based curriculum can amplify their efforts. Experience the challenge, embrace the strategies, and leave inspired to make a lasting impact.
Presenter
avatar for Amanda Powell

Amanda Powell

CEO, Close the Gap LLC
Amanda is the CEO of Close the Gap-She is dedicated to empowering after school staff to close the literacy gap with the tools and knowledge necessary to support struggling readers. Through scripted curriculum, staff training and on-going coaching, she provides after school staff with... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Kolob

11:30am MST

Create Perspective
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Looking for an engaging, creative activity that fosters connection, emotional growth, and teamwork? Create Perspective is the perfect workshop to inspire after-school programs. Designed to inspire students’ imaginations, this session uses visual arts and storytelling to explore empathy, relationships, and emotional awareness.
Through hands-on projects, participants use images and symbols to express themselves while building essential life skills like communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Mindfulness and positive psychology are woven into every activity, helping enhance focus, develop self-esteem, and implement healthy boundaries.
What you can expect:
  • Inspiring projects that drive engagement and creativity.
  • Practical tools for self-expression, wellness, and communication.
  • Evidence-based self-care strategies.
  • Activities that promote communication skills and foster a sense of community.
This workshop is designed to be fun, empowering, and impactful. This is a wonderful opportunity to express your stories, build confidence, and connect with others in meaningful ways!
Presenter
avatar for Brian Higgins

Brian Higgins

Executive & Creative Director, Mental Healthy F.i.T.
Brian Higgins is a creative imagineer and mental health advocate incorporating film, stand up comedy, visual arts and events to create community through creative communication. Using creative expression through film, comedy, art and storytelling to shine spotlights on our shadows... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

12:30pm MST

Lunch
Saturday February 8, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Lunch will be a Taco Bar with choice of carne asada or chicken, served with Spanish rice, and choice of pinto, black, or refried beans. Also served with sliced seasonal fruit, fiesta salad, corn and flour tortillas, house salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and churros. 
For those who requested a gluten free or vegetarian option, there will be a ticket in your name badge to ensure a meal is provided to you at lunch service.
Important Notice:
Event Staff will be resetting the linens between 1:15-1:30, we encourage attendees to exit the ballroom and continue visiting or eating in the Hotel lobby/Bistro area. 

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

1:30pm MST

Block 3
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

1:30pm MST

Building Better Bonds
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Strong student-staff connections are the foundation of a successful program. Let's share strategies to foster meaningful relationships with youth and create positive environments where they feel valued and understood. By strengthening these connections, you'll not only enhance engagement but also proactively address and reduce problem behaviors. Join us to learn and share tools and techniques that you can apply immediately in your program.
Presenter
avatar for Megan Shaw

Megan Shaw

School Age Program Manager, Neighborhood House
Megan has worked at Neighborhood House since 2012. Megan began her twenty-plus year career at the Boys & Girls Club after being inspired by the adult mentors in her life who showed passion for helping youth and families succeed. She strives to provide the best environment, opportunities... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Cedar/Glen

1:30pm MST

Lesson Planning in 3 Easy Steps
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Plan an afterschool activity with this three-pronged approach of visualizing inputs, outputs and outcomes easily and painlessly (sometimes called "the Logic Model")! We will walk through a mock activity together and illustrate how to engage students in planning, leadership, skill-building and reflection.
Presenter
avatar for Colin Crebs

Colin Crebs

CCQS Afterschool and Contracts Specialist, DWS Office of Child Care
Colin is the product of quality afterschool in Utah. In 2005 he joined the YouthCity Teen Program in a production of "Shakespeare in the Park'' and liked it so much he became a Youth Facilitator the next year. He's been involved in working with kids and education ever since. He graduated... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Bryce

1:30pm MST

Understanding and Supporting Families Impacted by Adoption, Kinship, and Foster Care
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Helping afterschool professionals understand the needs of children and families impacted by adoption, kinship, and foster care is a critical first step to providing services to meet their unique needs, strengths, and challenges. Participants will learn common issues related to adoption, kinship, and foster care and available resources aimed at supporting these types of families. Walk away with information and resources that can be immediately used to support children living in adoptive, kinship, and foster homes in your afterschool programs.
Presenter
avatar for Tara Romney Barber

Tara Romney Barber

Adoption and Clinical Programs Director, Children's Service Society of Utah
Tara Romney Barber is currently the Adoption and Clinical Programs Director at Children’s Service Society of Utah (CSS). She is passionate about helping children and families impacted by adoption, kinship- and foster-care discover their strengths and increase their resiliency. Her... Read More →
avatar for Alyssa Craven

Alyssa Craven

GRANDfamilies Program Director, Children's Service Society of Utah
Alyssa Craven is the GRANDfamilies Director at Children’s Service Society of Utah. She has worked with the GRANDfamilies program since 2014. She enjoys working with both caregivers and youth in the program, as well as community partners who share the same passion of strengthening... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Kolob

2:30pm MST

Networking Break
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

2:45pm MST

Block 4
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

2:45pm MST

Transformative Teaching: Incorporating Movement-Based Experiential Life Coaching in the Classroom
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
This session is designed for movers and non-movers, anyone passionate about inspiring and uplifting others. If you're ready to uplevel physically, mentally, and spiritually, this presentation is for you!
Attendees will explore how to guide youth through personal growth, resilience, and empowerment using a unique approach that integrates life skills with physical activity, creative expression, and mental wellness. You will walk away with actionable strategies to foster positive environments that inspire confidence, self-awareness, and perseverance in the young people you work with.
Additionally, you will learn about the internationally recognized PSI Life Coaching through the Arts Certification. This certification equips you with:
- Integration of Executive Functions of the Brain to enhance leadership and decision-making
- Instructional Strategies that connect and inspire learners
- Classroom Management techniques to foster positive environments
- Philosophy & Psychology behind life coaching methodologies
- Guided Experiential Learning Models for practical applications
- Trauma-Informed Coaching Practices to guide individuals through healing
- Sample Lesson Plans, Exercises, & Activities for real-world implementation
- How to Facilitate Experiential Life Coaching for life-changing impact
Presenter
avatar for Shaun Parry

Shaun Parry

Executive Director / Founder, Promethean Spark International
Shaun Parry is the executive director and founder of Promethean Spark International, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching life skills to impoverished youth worldwide through dance, yoga, and fitness. Shaun created the Promethean Spark methodology and trains coaches globally. He has received... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Kolob

2:45pm MST

Unlock the Superpower of Self Care
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Join us to gain insights into the workings of your brain and the sensations in your body during times of stress. Learn strategies that will empower you to make meaningful shifts towards a more balanced life. Together, we will explore the calm of mindfulness, the resilience of thought control, the healing power of laughter, and the essential nature of caring connections. Unleash the potential of self-care as a superpower, creating a cycle of well-being that radiates positively to those around you. Through the act of caring for others, you strengthen your own well-being.
Presenter
avatar for Debbie Rees

Debbie Rees

Retired Educator, Retired Educator
Debbie Rees is an educator with 25 years experience in the Cache County School District. Prior to retirement, she had transitioned into managing mental health, and social-emotional learning at a district level. Fueled by her passion for teaching, and recognizing a need for more resources... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Bryce

2:45pm MST

STEM Everywhere
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Each day we come across small yet powerful opportunities to engage in STEM. STEM is not just a lesson we teach twice a week, it is something embedded into our daily lives. The purpose of this session is to learn how to encourage life long learning through natural STEM opportunities and through our STEM lessons.
Presenter
avatar for Kristen Knoche

Kristen Knoche

OST Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network
Kristen graduated from UVU with a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication. She has enjoyed advocating for youth with multiple organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, UVU PREP, GEAR UP, Community Action’s childcare, and the Provo School District Afterschool Program... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Cedar/Glen
  STEM

3:45pm MST

Networking Break
Saturday February 8, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

4:00pm MST

Block 5
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Glen/ Cedar / Bryce

4:00pm MST

World Café | Afterschool Conversations
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
The concept behind a World Café is straightforward enough. After all, why do you go to a café? To meet friends, share a bit of knowledge, perhaps get to know them better. You'll get the chance to casually engage with your peers in small groups and focus on different aspects of afterschool programs. This sessions enables attendees to share different experiences, viewpoints and to discover something new. Potential conversations around, managing behaviors, family engagement, alignment, relationships, and more.  
Presenter
avatar for Kristen Knoche

Kristen Knoche

OST Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network
Kristen graduated from UVU with a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication. She has enjoyed advocating for youth with multiple organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, UVU PREP, GEAR UP, Community Action’s childcare, and the Provo School District Afterschool Program... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Cedar/Glen

4:00pm MST

Leadership Basics
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Do you want to run a seamless program with strong outcomes for kids while you and your team are growing together? This session will guide current and up-and-coming leaders through essential practices in communication, effective planning, and general best practices in building strong relationships and establishing the best team. Attendees will leave with strategies that can be implemented right away.
Presenter
avatar for Ben Trentelman

Ben Trentelman

Executive Director, Utah Afterschool Network
Ben Trentelman has been serving youth and communities in various capacities since 2002. He entered the afterschool field in 2006 where he has run afterschool programs all along the Wasatch Front for three different organizations and operated eight afterschool programs, impacting thousands... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Kolob

4:00pm MST

Why, Oh, Why Do They Do That?
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Let's get curious about the function of the behavior!
What could the youth be communicating to you? When we understand that all behavior is communication, we can better serve the youth in our care. This interactive session dives into the "why" by exploring the four functions of behavior: escape, attention, access to tangibles, and sensory/automatic. Participants will gain a problem-solving framework to address undesirable behaviors. Whether you are new to working with youth or want to add to your current knowledge, this session will equip you with tools to better understand and guide the youth you serve.
Presenter
avatar for Verlina Adame

Verlina Adame

School-Age Child Care Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network
Verlina’s passion for children started in her home and led her to accept a position as a lead preschool teacher at a local childcare center. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) and soon began working as an assistant director of a licensed child care program, and later... Read More →
Saturday February 8, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Bryce
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -