​​12:30pm – 1:15pm

Lunch with Welcome Speakers

 

1:30pm – 2:45pm

Concurrent Sessions

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1. Restorative Practices Circles- A Community Building Tool

Gregg A Scheiner, MS Restorative Practices, MBA, BA, Restorative Practices Trainer, LIDRC- EAC Network

Circles are a versatile Restorative Practice communication process that develops communication and problem-solving skills. The Circle Process allows all participants to have a voice and to heard(Pranis 2008) as they collaboratively develop deeper understanding and create a solution to an issue being presented . You will participate in an abbreviated circle and will be provided with a handout on the stages of the circles and being a circle keeper.

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2. How to Create a National Best Practice Community for Children and Youth (OCFS Topics: 2,3)

Tom Roach, Mayor, City of White Plains
Dr. Joseph Ricca, Superintendent of Schools, White Plains School Public Schools
David Chong, Commissioner, White Plains Public Safety
Wayne Bass, Commissioner, White Plains Recreation Department

The City of White Plains has garnered recognition as one of America's Best Cities for Children and Youth due to its comprehensive framework aimed at supporting young people through a diverse array of services and initiatives. This achievement is underscored by its notable achievements such as having low juvenile justice rates and a high school graduation rate, both of which reflect the success of its collaborative approach across various sectors.

An upcoming panel discussion featuring key leaders including Mayor Tom Roach, Public Safety Commissioner David Chong, Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, and Recreation Supervisor Wayne Bass signals a deliberate effort to achieve national recognition as a Best Practice City for Children and Youth. The discussion will focus on several critical areas:

Program Effectiveness: Evaluating the impact of existing programs such as recreational activities, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education initiatives, and college/career readiness programs on youth outcomes. This will provide insights into what works well and where improvements can be made.

 

Collaborative Partnerships: Exploring the role of partnerships across different sectors (government, education, public safety, etc.) in contributing to the city's success in supporting children and youth. These partnerships are crucial for leveraging resources and expertise to create comprehensive support networks.

 

Community Engagement: Discussing the importance of volunteer opportunities and community involvement in enhancing youth services and outcomes. Engaging the community fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards youth development.
 

Future Initiatives: Identifying new strategies or expanding existing ones to further enhance outcomes and sustain positive progress. This includes discussing innovative approaches that can address emerging challenges and opportunities.

 

The panel discussion aims to serve as a platform for sharing insights, exchanging information, and supporting efforts in other municipalities to build and strengthen effective youth development programs. By highlighting White Plains' model and strategies, the discussion hopes to inspire and guide other communities in their endeavors to create supportive environments for children and youth.

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3. Teacher PAI: Integrating Academics, Interest-based Activities and Social-Emotional Learning Using Artificial Intelligence and the Community Change Pedagogy (OCFS Topics: 1,3)

Ammon Archie, Director, Professional Development, Community Change/CareerVisions/Professor A.I.

 

This workshop explores the innovative integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance education by combining academics, interest- based activities, and social-emotional learning (SEL). This workshop will delve into how AI can personalize and adapt learning experiences, fostering autodidactic learners who thrive in classroom, school, and community settings. Participants will gain insights into the Community Change Pedagogy framework, learning how to leverage AI tools like Teacher PAI to create dynamic, engaging, and supportive educational environments. This holistic approach aims to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to cultivate self- directed, emotionally intelligent students ready to succeed in diverse real-world c contexts.

 

4. Hidden In Plain Sight: An Interactive Prevention Education Experience for Parents/Guardians (OCFS Topics: 2,4)

Kimberly James, Coalition Coordinator & Prevention Specialist, B.S. Psych, Student Assistance Services Corporation
Richard Julius, LCSW, CASAC, Senior Counselor, Family Coordinator, Student Assistance Services Corporation

​

The Hidden in Plain Sight presentation was designed for parents and professionals to highlight trends associated with alcohol, vaping, marijuana and prescription drugs. This includes the set up a mock teen’s “room”. Participants walk through the “room” and write down any items they think may be related to underage drinking/drug use. We will discuss the items in the kit as well as the emerging drug trends among youth that are represented in the "bedroom". 

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We will also be briefly discussing our Escape The Vape Kits. An interactive, informative, and engaging activity that educates students on the cognitive effects of youth e-cigarette use, the manipulative history of Big Tobacco marketing.

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5. Roundtable Discussion: Youth Voice

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3:00pm – 4:15pm

Concurrent Sessions

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1. Roundtable Session: Youth Leadership Programs (OCFS Topic: 3)

Facilitators: Bill Caudill, Director, Steuben County Youth Bureau

Jennifer Villa, Director of Youth Services, Yonkers Youth Bureau

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Join us to share and learn! Youth leadership programs help young people develop leadership skills, self-awareness, and the ability to act as change agents in their communities. Leadership development initiatives also come in all shapes and sizes.  Join us for this roundtable discussion where we will share leadership programming successes, challenges, and have the opportunity to learn from each other.

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2. Advocacy By the Numbers: The Power of Data (OCFS Topic: 5)

Angel Gray, Program & Policy Manager, Westchester Children's Association

Limarie Cabrera, Director of Data, Operations & Finance, Westchester Children's Association

This presentation will equip participants with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively advocate for their causes and advance their missions through the integration of data-driven approaches, increased understanding of the legislative process, and refinement of communication strategies.

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3. Community Coalitions: Effective Strategies and Practices to Increase Youth Involvement in Substance Prevention & Education (OCFS Topics: 1,2,3)

Kimberly James , B.S.Psych, Coalition Coordinator/Prevention Specialist, Student Assistance Services Corporation

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We plan to discuss the role of a community coalition and share some strategies used to engage youth and families through collaborations with community organizations such as our local youth bureau.​

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4. Positive Youth Development: How to Effectively Implement in Programs for Funders (OCFS Topics: 1,2,3)

Speakers TBA​

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Dinner on Your Own

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

 

8:30am - 10:00am

Keynote Presentation: Ordinary is Extraordinary        
Matt Matkovich & Phil Januszewski, M&P Productions, LLC (Learn More)

Matt and Phil of M&P Presentations bring a unique, entertaining, and highly energetic approach to reflecting on their own personal lives and appreciating how the ordinary moments in life are absolutely extraordinary!  Through audience participation and solid examples of those who choose to make a difference in the world, the audience will be reminded of how important they are to their world and the ones around them. By focusing on proud moments, having self-confidence, and maintaining a positive mental attitude, we all can see how "Ordinary is Extraordinary."   

 

10:15am - 11:30am

Concurrent Sessions

 

1. Youth Based Conflict Coaching , Youth Solving  Issues (OCFS Topics: 1,2,3,4)

Gregg Scheiner, MS- Restorative Practices, Restorative Practices Practitioner and Outreach Coordinator

​

Youth Based Conflict coaching is a one-on-one process to develop the party’s conflict understanding, interaction strategies, and/or interaction skills. Three basic goals. Help them: 1. Understand and analyze their conflict from self and other perspective. 2. Identify preferred direction for relationship and conflict situation. 3. Develop specific skills to enact the preferred direction.

2. Orange County Think DIfferently: Embrace, Empower, Include (OCFS Topic: 3)             

Christine Smallin, Director of Developmental Disabilities, Orange County Department of Mental Health- OCTD (Think DIfferently)
Berny Vega, Parent, Orange County Think Differently
Rachel Wilson, Executive Director, Orange County Youth Bureau
TBA, Self-Advocate

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This workshop by Orange County Think Differently (OCTD) provides a comprehensive approach to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) for youth with disabilities, promoting a community where everyone can fully participate, be valued, and achieve their dreams. Focus areas include restructuring programs involving youth to be more inclusive, partnering with organizations dedicated to youth with disabilities, and highlighting OCTD’s mission and accomplishments. The workshop also discusses current initiatives to enhance accessibility through partnerships with various county departments and community organizations, implementing free or low- cost strategies for inclusive practices, and creative ways to allocate funding. Attendees will learn about OCTD’s operational model, the importance of partnerships, resources and guidance for implementing similar initiatives in their communities. This collaborative effort includes nonprofit and governmental agencies, schools, the Orange County Youth Bureau, and various Orange County departments. The workshop aims to empower professionals with the tools to create more inclusive programs and inspire them to start their own Think Differently initiatives within their counties and local communities.

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3. The M&P recipe

Matt Matkovich & Phil Januszewski, M&P Productions, LLC

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Through their years of professional speaking, Matt and Phil’s lives have continued to improve because of the positive messages they present on and consistently attempt to live out every day.  Come prepared to be inspired by the simple points of focus that can make all of our lives more meaningful, successful, fulfilled, and fun. The “M&P Recipe” will leave your audience hungry for a happier and healthier you.

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4. Empowering a Healthier Generation (OCFS Topics: 1,2,3)

Meaghan Mullally-Gorr, Director of Health & Wellness, Sullivan 180

 

Sullivan 180 has intentionally focused our attention toward youth. The Empowering a Healthier Generation (EHG) Program is the flagship program of Sullivan 180.

 

Empowering a Healthier Generation engages Sullivan County, NY School Districts in promoting health and wellness among students, staff, parents, and their communities.

 

The goal of Empowering a Healthier Generation is to create a grassroots movement that will change policy and environments; while demonstrating that individuals and families have an important role to play in building a culture of health for themselves and the next generation. Efforts focus on access to healthy food and physical activity as well as social and emotional wellness.

 

Since the program launch in 2021, Sullivan 180 has welcomed Healthier Generation Advisors representing all Sullivan County public school buildings and Sullivan BOCES.

 

Healthier Generation advisors receive an annual stipend from Sullivan 180 to serve as liaisons and coordinators for the Healthier Generation work in their school building.

 

In addition, they are eligible to apply for grants to support and implement initiatives that advance the wellness goals of their schools.

 

Together we have built the Empowering a Healthier Generation Council, made up of School District Wellness Coordinators, Healthier Generation Advisors, and organizations that offer resources to the schools and the community.

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5. The FISH Philosophy...Building & Energizing Effective Teams

Steven Andrews, Youth Bureau Director, Otsego County

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This presentation is modeled around the John Christensen's FISH philosophy which explores four simple practices anyone can use to be successful. These practices will inspire leaders to create cultures that keep employees invested, strengthens trust, teamwork and engagement which is the foundation that teams needs to excel.

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11:45am - 1:00pm

Concurrent Sessions

1. Better Together! The Importance Of Community And Belonging (OCFS Topics: 1,2,3)

Jennifer Villa, Director of Youth Services, Yonkers Youth Bureau

​

Loneliness and social isolation is a national epidemic. Now, more than ever, we are seeing the effects this is having on everyone - youth and adults. In these times, programming that focuses on creating communities is critical. A sense of belonging reduces feelings of isolation and stress and contributes to overall well-being. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss fun and engaging techniques used in our most successful programs to create loving communities that allow youth and adult participants to feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. Let’s learn how working together can have a meaningful and long lasting impact.

2. Social Justice for Youth Program Community Youth Court

Connie Jones-Hairston, MS, MPA, MSW, Youth Court Program Director, White Plains Youth Bureau
Angela Mathews, Youth Court Assistant, White Plains Youth Bureau
Emily Portillo, Student, White Plains Youth Bureau
Genesis Avelar, Probation Officer, Westchester County Probation Department

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The benefits of diversion programs like Youth Court and the goal of reducing recidivism. Youth Court focuses on Restorative Justice, which seeks to increase the respondent's awareness of the harm they caused and give them an opportunity to repair that harm by way of a second chance. Youth Court connects the respondent's back to the community. The White Plains Youth Court partners with local agencies like the WPPD, Westchester Probation Department, County Attorney's Office and the collaboration has reduced recidivism in the community and has brought the program national attention.
 

3. The FISH Philosophy...Building & Energizing Effective Teams

Steven Andrews, Youth Bureau Director, Otsego County

​

This presentation is modeled around the John Christensen's FISH philosophy which explores four simple practices anyone can use to be successful. These practices will inspire leaders to create cultures that keep employees invested, strengthens trust, teamwork and engagement which is the foundation that teams needs to excel.
​

4. Hidden In Plain Sight: An Interactive Prevention Education Experience for Parents/Guardians 

Kimberly James, Coalition Coordinator & Prevention Specialist, B.S. Psych, Student Assistance Services Corporation
Richard Julius, LCSW, CASAC, Senior Counselor, Family Coordinator, Student Assistance Services Corporation

​

The Hidden in Plain Sight presentation was designed for parents and professionals to highlight trends associated with alcohol, vaping, marijuana and prescription drugs. This includes the set up a mock teen’s “room”. Participants walk through the “room” and write down any items they think may be related to underage drinking/drug use. We will discuss the items in the kit as well as the emerging drug trends among youth that are represented in the "bedroom". 

​

We will also be briefly discussing our Escape The Vape Kits. An interactive, informative, and engaging activity that educates students on the cognitive effects of youth e-cigarette use, the manipulative history of Big Tobacco marketing.

​

5. Marketing on a $0 Budget (OCFS Topic: 5)
Matt Matkovich & Phil Januszewski, M&P Productions, LLC

​

Matt and Phil introduce a “behind the scenes” look at M&P’s successful social media marketing and campaigning strategies on a $0 budget.  This workshop introduces the information, skills, and resources needed to have any group/business gain public support and awareness through the free outlets of online social media. Be ready to get hands-on by creating your own photo and video media, as well as a baseline for customizing and planning your own social media campaign.  Whether you are a self-employed, self-promoting professional or working for a company that doesn't have a budget for full-time marketing employees, M&P want to show you the professional no-cost tricks, tips, and tidbits to get people noticing all of the good you are doing in this world

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1:00pm

Adjournment