Presenter Bios

Bios

Presenter

Bio of Presenter(s)

Christopher Wolfel is an optimist. He is committed to influencing people to be positive in all situations, taking challenges and issues, and creating opportunities through creative solutions. Chris has dedicated his life to service. He has spent over 20 years working for Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 as a special education teacher, educational administrator, and currently the executive director. Chris has provided training, workshops, and speaking engagements at local and statewide events in areas of behavior management, disability awareness, family engagement, and educational leadership. Chris is from a family with strong values that have taught him to live life respecting others. His faith drives him to help others be better through listening, teaching, supporting, and coaching.

Dr. Wolfel, IU 20 Executive Director

Accelerated Learning: Closing Achievement Gaps with an Integrated System of Support

Dr. Dana Milakovic serves as the Mental Wellness and Trauma Specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), as well as the lead for the Social Emotional Wellness State System of Support. Dr. Milakovic is a mental health and trauma specialist with experience in school mental health, community mental health, pediatric neuropsychology, school administration, and school psychology. In her current role, she is focused on strengthening schools by applying neuropsychological research to mental health integration in schools, trauma-informed schools, school climate, substance use disorders, and improving mental wellness for students and school staff across Pennsylvania. Prior to her work at PDE, Dr. Milakovic spent over 17 years working on behalf of youth with special needs as a community mental health evaluator, school psychologist, and administrator.

Dr. Dana Milakovic

Mindfulness Projects in the Scranton School District and Howard Gardner MI Charter School

Bio of Presenter(s):

Phillip Sallavanti has over forty years of experience working in the human services field. Phillip’s mindfulness journey began 26 years ago.He studied Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the Mindfulness Center, Thomas Jefferson University Medical Center in Philadelphia. He has studied under the tutelage of Gina Biegal (Stressed Teens) and Dr. Amy Saltzman (The Still Quiet Place)

qualifying him to teach children from Kindergarten through college age. Phillip has recently studied with Dr. Judson Brewer, Director of Mindfulness Research at the Mindfulness Institute, Brown University Medical Center. Phillip is qualified to teach Dr. Brewer’s

Freedom From Habits, which is available in three apps. Craving to Quit Smoking, Eat Right Now and the latest app Unwinding Anxiety. Phillip has also completed courses on Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness with David Treleaven.

Phillip has been Working closely with teachers and administrators through the Northeast Intermediate Unit 19, providing workshops, classes and training for several school districts in Lackawanna County. He has also provided workshops and classes for the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance Conference (CPA), Allied Services, Office of Youth and Family Services, Dickinson Center, Behavioral Health Services of Somerset, Bedford Counties, and Lackawanna county. The Pennsylvania Counselors Association, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services (DATS), The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC), The Wright Center, Lackawanna College students and staff, Keystone College, University of Scranton, Marywood College, Wilkes College, Elm Park Church, Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), Employment Opportunities & Training Center (EOTC), Serenity Wellness, and Teen Parents.

For more information, contact Phillip at [email protected].

Presenter(s):

Phillip Sallavanti of Calm of NEPA and representatives from the Scranton School District and Howard Gardner MI Charter School

How To Select an SEL Curriculum

Bio of Presenter(s):

Ron has been employed at CIU 20 for the past 26 years. He has been trained in school climate as a Regional Coordinator, has worked extensively with school threat assessment, and has been trained in several SEL/EBT approaches. Ron has a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology and is both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Presenter(s):

Dr. Ron Prator CIU20

What Educators Need to Know About SEL and Educational Equity

Bio of Presenter(s):

Amy Moritz, M.Ed.: Amy began her career in education as a school counselor but, in recent years, transitioned from working directly with students to providing services to professionals who support those students. In 2019, Amy launched Moritz Consulting. She offers professional development, consulting/coaching services and business development support to educational institutions. Her areas of expertise include social and emotional learning / emotional intelligence, school climate improvement and strategic school transformation.

Amy Moritz received her B.S. in Art Education and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from Penn State University. She holds her PA Educational Specialist II certification and a certificate in Chemical Dependency Prevention and Treatment. She is an OLWEUS Bullying Prevention trainer, a certified SAP trainer, a certified Lifelines Suicide Prevention trainer, and a certified PQAS trainer.

Michelle Nutter: Michelle Gwinn Nutter, a PA-certified teacher, is the Civil Rights Outreach Specialist/Education and Outreach Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG). Michelle returned to the OAG in 2018 after a 13-year hiatus during which she served as the Manager for the Center for Safe Schools from 2005 through 2018. During her first assignment with the OAG, she was a Civil Rights Investigator, working extensively with schools, communities and law enforcement departments to raise awareness and provide effective interventions related to organized hate groups/hate crimes, school-based harassment, bullying prevention, racial tension reduction, and First Amendment issues. Ms. Nutter also serves as a Senior Educational Equity Consultant for the Center for Education Equity@MAEC one of four regional technical assistance centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide training and technical assistance on diversity, equity, inclusion and civil rights law compliance to schools throughout the region.

Presenter(s):

Amy Moritz and Michelle Nutter

Staff Wellness Supports in the Carbondale Area School District Bio of Presenter(s) Meg Duffy is currently the Principal of the Carbondale Area Elementary School. She has experience at all three levels-elementary, middle school and secondary. My academic background includes a Bachelors Degree in Art Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Cabrini College. I also have several credits in counseling to assist in my daily role as an administrator. I currently am an adjunct professor for Wilkes University teaching a Literacy Leadership course and have also taught curricular courses for Marywood College.

Presenter(s):

Meg Duffy, Principal of the Carbondale Area Elementary School and mental health support team representatives

School Climate and PAYS (Identify Global Concerns)

Bio of Presenter(s)

Sue Kuhl, Educational Consultant, Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18

Presenter(s): Sue Khuhl

Social and Emotional Learning Through Yoga and Mindfulness Practices Featuring the NEIU Learning Campus and The Carbondale Area School District

Bio of Presenter(s):

Established in 2016, Yoga West is all about inspiring educators and students to be happier and healthier in daily life through a welcoming and accessible approach to yoga and mindfulness. The growth of a Yoga in School Program has been at the forefront of the Yoga West mission. Health science research suggests that yoga and mindfulness programs can improve academic performance by reducing stress, decreasing behavior referrals and increasing time-on-task.

About Kelly Evans, Lead Facilitator and Proprietor

Certified Children Yoga Teacher

Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher

Certified at the 500 Hour Level with the Kaivalya Yoga Method

Certified at the 500 Hour Level with the Himalayan Institute

Certified Yin Yoga Teacher

Certified Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist

Recognized by Yoga Alliance as a Continuing Education Provider

As a teacher, Kelly encourages self-acceptance while helping her students strive to reach their personal best. Her conviction that yoga can spark health and fulfillment is at the heart of her teaching. Kelly has been working in schools since 2014.

Presenter(s): Kelly Evans, Yoga West and representatives from the NEIU Learning Campus and Carbondale Area School Dist

Presenter(s):

BHARP - Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania

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Restorative Practices - Calming Rooms in School

Bio of Presenter(s):

The Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania (BHARP) was established in the fall of 2006 and is comprised of County MH/ID Administrators, Human Service Directors, along with Drug and Alcohol Single County Authorities from 24 counties in north central PA. BHARP is a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation which provides monitoring of the North Central State-Option Behavioral HealthChoices Contract.

In April 2015 a team of BHARP staff and BHARP member county staff, with the consultative support of the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and System of Care Partnership, came together to develop a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) System of Care Grant (SOC) application. In July 2015 the grant host county program, Columbia/Montour/Snyder/Union County joinder, received notification that the grant was funded. Again, in 2019 the Columbia/Montour/Snyder/Union County Joinder was awarded a four year, four-million-dollar SAMHSA Expansion and Sustainability Grant. With this grant, Tier One SOC Counties have hit the ground running with projects such as Calming Rooms, Students Preserving Mental Health (SPM), Parenting with Love and Limits (PLL) and Stand Together to name just a few of the county projects. The collective goal of the counties is to change the culture in Pennsylvania, support a trauma informed Commonwealth, develop well-oiled on the ground county teams with vast community connections to support youth and families and to assist young people in developing lifelong emotional regulation skills. The BHARP and SOC Counties continue to expand and include Tier One System of Care Counties: Bradford/Sullivan, CMSU, Cameron/Elk, Clarion, Potter, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Tioga, and Wayne Counties as well as Tier Two Counties: Centre, Clearfield/Jefferson, Forest/Warren, Huntingdon/Mifflin/Juniata, Greene and McKean Counties.

Presenter(s):

BHARP - Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania

Beyond Bullying: Preventing and Responding to Protected Class Bullying and Harassment

Bio of Presenter(s):

Michelle Gwinn Nutter, a PA-certified teacher, is the Civil Rights Outreach Specialist/Education and Outreach Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG). Michelle returned to the OAG in 2018 after a 13-year hiatus during which she served as the Manager for the Center for Safe Schools from 2005 through 2018. During her first assignment with the OAG, she was a Civil Rights Investigator, working extensively with schools, communities and law enforcement departments to raise awareness and provide effective interventions related to organized hate groups/hate crimes, school-based harassment, bullying prevention, racial tension reduction, and First Amendment issues. Ms. Nutter also serves as a Senior Educational Equity Consultant for the Center for Education Equity@MAEC one of four regional technical assistance centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide training and technical assistance on diversity, equity, inclusion and civil rights law compliance to schools throughout the region.

Presenter(s):

Michelle Nutter

Relationships First, Everything Else Second

Bio of Presenter(s):

Amy Moritz, M.Ed. Amy began her career in education as a school counselor but, in recent years, transitioned from working directly with students to providing services to professionals who support those students. In 2019, Amy launched Moritz Consulting. She offers professional development, consulting/coaching services and business development support to educational institutions. Her areas of expertise include social and emotional learning / emotional intelligence, school climate improvement and strategic school transformation.

Presenter(s):

Amy Moritz

Compassion Resilience

Bio of Presenter(s):

Cara Devine, Educational Consultant, Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18

Tina Gelso, Educational Consultant, Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18

Presenter(s):

Cara Devine, Educational Consultant LIU18

Tina Gelso,

Educational Consultant LIU18

Adopting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Scranton School District

Bio of Presenter(s):

Eliza Vagni, NEIU Director of Educational Programs and Services

Presenter(s):

Eliza Vagni, NEIU 19 Director of Educational Programs and Services and members of Scranton School District district-level SEL Core Team

IU20 Showcase

Bio of Presenter(s):

Dr. Carolyn M. Krotowski, Colonial Academy - Carolyn M. Krotowski, Ed.D., is the Principal of Colonial Academy. The Academy provides educational/treatment-oriented alternative placement for identified at-risk children serving Alternative Education, Emotional Support, Life Skills Support, Autism and Partial Hospitalization students. With over 18 years in school administration, Carolyn has adopted the principles of alternative means to discipline. Her focus at the Academy is to maintain a trauma responsive school that provides students with therapeutic interventions that meet their individual needs

Presenter(s):

IU 20- Dr. Carolyn Krotowski, Principal Colonial Academy

No Time for Compassion Fatigue: A Short Discussion

Bio of Presenter(s):

Leah Harry Galkowski. Currently employed by the Center for Schools and Communities as a Safe School Coordinator and has worked with the Center since 1999. Ms. Galkowski is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice and a minor in Spanish. Ms. Galkowski was previously employed by the Department of Public Welfare in the Office of Children Youth and Families as a program specialist. Prior to that, Ms. Galkowski held several positions within the York County Children & Youth Agency. She was an intake investigator, Emergency Services Supervisor and supervisor of a satellite office.

Ms. Galkowski is currently a certified Olweus Bullying Prevention trainer and has worked with this research-based program since 2001. She works directly with Pennsylvania Schools in planning and implementing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program as well as conducting presentations on incorporating bullying prevention across curriculum. Ms. Galkowski is also an Olweus Technical Assistance Consultant. In this capacity she assists new trainers in implementing the program in schools and completing their certification.

In her capacity at the Center for Safe Schools, Ms. Galkowski is also a certified trainer in the Safe Dates Curriculum, a Teen Dating Prevention, research-based curriculum. She is also a trainer for the I Can Problem Solve, social-emotional learning curriculum developed by Myrna Shure.

Ms. Galkowski completed the Social Emotional Character Education course..

Michelle Kern.Michelle Kern is a Safe Schools Coordinator with the Center for Safe Schools, a program at the Center for Schools in Communities. Previously, Michelle worked in Adams County at the local Communities that Cares organization. She spent 4 years coordinating the Keystone Crisis Intervention Team. AmeriCorps alumni, Michelle holds a Masters in Applied Sociology from Northern Arizona University and a certificate in trauma-informed care from Bryn Mawr College.

Presenter(s): Leah Harry Galkowski and Michelle Kern from the Center for Schools and Communities

The Resilient Educator: Strategies for Finding Work-Life Synergy

Bio of Presenter(s):

Presenter(s):

Amy Moritz

Practical Strategies for a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom

Bio of Presenter(s):

Courtney Fenner and Joana Spinelli serve as Training and Consulting Staff within the IU20 Professional Learning Department. Their collective work and interests focus on equitable access and creating positive school experiences for students through the statewide Assistive Technology, Inclusive Practices, and Learning Environment and Engagement initiatives.

Presenter(s):

IU20 TaC

Courtney Fenner

Joana Spinelli

How to Speak Up and Respond to Biased Language

Bio of Presenter(s):

Presenter(s):

Michele Nutter

Navigate 360

Bio of Presenter(s):

Navigate360 is the leader in holistic safety and wellness solutions. Our revolutionary model spans the full spectrum of safety, including threat detection and prevention, mental health and wellness, and safety management and preparedness – backed by research and developed by industry experts. We provide the tools necessary to save and enhance lives.

Presenter(s): Navigate 360 Presenter: Navigate 360 Representatives

The Key to Success in Comprehensive School Safety: Climate and Culture!

Bio of Presenter(s):

Mr. Fox has profound experience in education and initiatives for both schools and childcare organizations. With a firsthand perspective as an instructor for fourth, sixth and seventh grades, and a school Principal for 18 years, Mr. Fox also held positions as the Director of the Center for Safe Schools throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has served as a Command Level Fire Battalion Officer. His certifications are extensive and consist of a BSED in education, MSED in Educational Administration, and a school superintendent qualification. As well, he is a graduate of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, certified as an Incident Safety Officer through the PA Department of Health, holds executive qualifications through the National Incident Management System and the Homeland Security Incident Command System, is nationally certified in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), National Association of School Psychologists Prevent-Reaffirm-Evaluate-Provide-Respond-Examine (PREpARE) - qualified to lead school district crisis response, and fully certified through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on physical site safety and behavioral health-school climate assessments. Mr. Fox has tremendous experience leading schools and community organizations through strategic, long term, cultural transformation. Mr. Fox has created security drill programs – from discussion-based to multi-day operational scenarios. He possesses experience leading strategic planning and providing resources for schools across Pennsylvania and the nation. In addition, he holds the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress-National Pro-Board Certifications of Fire Officer II, Firefighter II, and emergency services instructor. Additionally, Fox was accepted into the final phase of the prestigious FEMA Master Exercise Practitioner Program.

Presenter(s):

Randy Fox, Cardinal Point Security

Bonus Session

Trauma 101

Bio of Presenter(s):

Cara Devine, Educational Consultant, Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18

Tina Gelso, Educational Consultant, Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18

Cara Devine, Educational Consultant LIU18

Tina Gelso,

Educational Consultant LIU18