Imagining a Resilient Future in the Schools Conference
The world is evolving rapidly, creating various challenges for children, teachers, and schools regarding mental health and attendance. Changing school dynamics and a global pandemic have led to new opportunities and threats to student’s social and emotional health. Significant consequences result from unaddressed mental health struggles and missing school, including reduced academic achievement, increased risky behaviors, and long-term struggles with social-emotional development.
This professional development workshop aims to provide school-based professionals with resources to support their students in addressing their mental health needs. Starting with assessment practices, participants will learn to identify and implement interventions based on identified needs to support students better. By working collaboratively, school-based professionals can lead families, schools, and communities toward ensuring the success of students facing mental health problems, particularly those who struggle with school attendance.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Amy Jane-Griffiths
Dr. Zack Maupin
Panel Speakers
Dr. Francis Dizon
Dr. Dizon has worked 19 years in Special Education and Child Welfare and Attendance in the K-12 setting as a school psychologist and in district administration. Dr. Dizon earned his Bachelor's from the University of San Diego with a double major in Psychology and Speech Communications. Dr. Dizon then continued his education at Loyola Marymount University to earn his Master's in Educational Psychology and a Master's in Counseling, obtaining his PPS credentials in School Psychology and Counseling. After working as a school psychologist for a few years, Dr. Dizon later pursued his Ph.D. in Education with a specialty in School Psychology at Chapman University where he also teaches part time in their School Psychology graduate program. Dr. Dizon holds his LEP and certification as a Diplomate for the American Board of School Neuropsychology. Currently, Dr. Dizon is the Executive Director of Pupil Support Services, overseeing the Special Education and Student Services Departments in the Alvord Unified School District. His passion on the Special Education side is best practices in psycho-educational assessment and on the Student Services side, his passion is a focus on other means of correction and alternative disciplinary practices.
Dr. Cora Palma
Dr. Palma is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP 3887). She is an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University for School Psychology and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) students and the Director of Mental Health Services for a California school district. Dr. Palma is also a certified CSTAG trainer (Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines; the gold standard for school-based threat assessments). Prior to this, Dr. Palma was a practicing school psychologist for over 15 years, primarily working in underresourced communities in Los Angeles, and was the Director of the F.A.S.T. program at The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She earned her Master’s degree, school psychologist credential, and national certification (NCSP) in 2009, has been a Licensed Educational Psychologist since 2019, and earned her Ph.D. in Education and School Psychology in 2021. Her research and expertise include child development, mental health disorders, trauma-informed practices, developmental trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), resilience, crisis intervention/prevention/response, and restorative practices in the school setting.
Dr. Rebecca Pianta
Dr. Rebecca Pianta is a champion for equity and a passionate advocate for the school counseling profession. She served on the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) and California Association of School Counselors Board of Directors. With over 18 years of experience in education, Dr. Pianta has been a school counselor at all levels, district lead counselor, administrator, and adjunct professor. As Coordinator of Counseling and Student Support in her former District, Dr. Pianta oversaw the District-wide comprehensive school counseling program and led the development of the District Cultural Proficiency Strategic Plan. Due to her diligent leadership, twelve schools earned the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. In 2019, she was recognized as California School Counselor Advocate of the Year. Currently, Dr. Pianta is the Coordinator of College and Career Readiness supporting 200 school counselors with implementing culturally sustaining comprehensive school counseling programs. She is also an ASCA Lead RAMP Reviewer and serves as the Director of Equity and Diversity for the California Association of School Administrators Region 17.