2025 Summer Symposium: Full Schedule

10:15am CDT

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Stress and intense emotions like anxiety, anger, and shame weigh on students and staff alike. Plus, many students seem to be lacking the frustration tolerance needed for academic success. While there are no quick fixes for life’s complex challenges, this hands-on workshop will provide an SEL toolbox refill…with a few takeaways for the child inside us all.

Speakers

Jessica Sinarski

Founder, BraveBrains

Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH is an author, educator, and the founder of BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world, translating neuroscience into action steps for kids and adults alike. Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Ziock Ballroom B

Breakout #1

12:15pm CDT

My Cruising Altitude

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT

Ziock Ballroom B

In order to Celebrate Resillence, we must understand that success is born of challenges. Every day we wake and with pure will, push against the constant weight of gravity to rise above. We defy odds with persistence and meet the turbulent ascent of our being with an expectation of grace and contentment. Wherever that journey may take us, we strive to find the best of ourselves and maintain a life in balance…our cruising altitude.

Speakers

Heidy LaFleur

Founder, CEO, Heidy with a Why, Inc.

Heidy LaFleur is a vibrant and common sense leader with an explosive passion for helping people understand trauma, the life-changing impact of true leadership & the critical importance of social emotional learning. She is a forever teacher, former school principal and most importantly... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ziock Ballroom B

Breakout #2

global Y

1:30pm CDT

Thrive & Adapt: Executive Function Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Ziock Ballroom B

This session is led by the executive function experts of The Goalden System. As former educators Krissy and Kate are aware of the demands of overcoming obstacles and incorporate their understanding into this mindset-shifting presentation. Experience an interactive session and learn about what executive function skills are, how they help us thrive, and how improving these skills can support a more resilient community. Executive function skills are life-long foundational skills that can help empower individuals and improve overall well-being. By incorporating executive function skill development into community support structures, school districts and community agencies can become more aware of their own needs, identify resources and develop a toolbox of strategies that build confidence and resiliency.

Speakers

Krissy Metzler

Co-Founder & Coach The Goalden System, The Goalden System

Krissy Metzler (M.A. Special Education), co-founder of The Goalden System, is a Chicagoland native who served as a high school English and writing teacher prior to becoming an executive function coach. Throughout her journey in the classroom, embedding executive function skills was... Read More →

Kate Wade

Co-Founder & Coach The Goalden System, The Goalden System

With a background in educating students throughout the country, Kate Wade (M.Ed. Education Psychology) has honed her ability to communicate educational principles and support individuals in advancing their executive function abilities. Kate and Krissy Metzler (M.A. Special Education... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Ziock Ballroom B

Breakout #3

global Y