Loading…
Jump Start 2026
arrow_back View All Dates
Friday, October 9
 

7:30am MDT

Exhibit Hall
Friday October 9, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT
Visit the Exhibit Hall on the 1st and 2nd floors! Find your Exhibitor Bingo card in your bag and start collecting signatures from our exhibitors. We have some amazing prizes up for grabs!
Once your card is complete with all exhibitor signatures, turn it in at the registration desk for your chance to win.

Friday October 9, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT
First and Second Floor

7:30am MDT

Registration Attendee Check-in
Friday October 9, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT
Registration is located on the 2nd floor, outside of the Grand Ballroom. Enjoy breakfast and network with your colleagues before the conference begins.
Friday October 9, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT
Ogden Eccles Conference Center 2415 Washington Blvd Ogden, UT 84401

7:30am MDT

Networking Breakfast
Friday October 9, 2026 7:30am - 9:30am MDT
 Join us in the Grand Ballroom for Breakfast.
Friday October 9, 2026 7:30am - 9:30am MDT
Grand Ballroom

9:00am MDT

Opening Session and Keynote Address
Friday October 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Join us at 9:00 am as we kick off Jump Start 2026! We are excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Dr. Matt Zakreski, as we begin two inspiring days of learning, connection, and growth for afterschool professionals.
Friday October 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Grand Ballroom

9:10am MDT

OPENING SESSION | Dr. Matt Zakreski | Riding Out the Storm: Managing Emotional Intensity in Students
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Today’s students are marked by their intensity, particularly their emotional intensity. These emotional outbursts can be very disruptive and dysregulating to the students, as well as their peers, parents, teachers, and
community supports. Drawing on years of psychological experience, Dr. Zakreski will walk participants through several different trouble areas (i.e., peer relations, failure, social outings) and give concrete strategies on how to manage those feelings and behaviors at home, at school, and in the community.
Friday October 9, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am MDT
Grand Ballroom

10:30am MDT

Exhibitor Exploration and Networking Break
Friday October 9, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Visit the Exhibit Hall on the 1st and 2nd floors! Find your Exhibitor Bingo card in your bag and start collecting signatures from our exhibitors. We have some amazing prizes up for grabs!
Once your card is complete with all exhibitor signatures, turn it in at the registration desk for your chance to win.
Friday October 9, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
First and Second Floor

11:00am MDT

Fostering a Communal Vision
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Effective leadership requires more than just communicating a mission—it demands team ownership. Learn how to transform your team into influential thought partners by building a communal vision. In this session, we will explore practical tools and strategies to cultivate a culture where team members contribute to program direction, share constructive feedback, and take true accountability for your organization's mission.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Trentelman

Ben Trentelman

Executive Director, Utah Afterschool Network
Ben Trentelman has dedicated his career to serving youth and communities since 2002, with a focus on afterschool programming since 2006. He has led eight afterschool programs across Utah's Wasatch Front, impacting thousands of youth through high-quality learning experiences that integrate... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 101

11:00am MDT

Ask, Listen, Empower: Shifting from Control to Connection
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Explore how small, intentional shifts away from directive, compliance-based strategies to open-ended, curious facilitative communication approaches can strengthen staff-youth relationships, amplify youth voice, and create environments where young people feel encouraged and empowered to contribute to their learning and development. Appropriate for all youth development professionals, this interactive workshop will leverage ideation, reflection, discussion, and practice. Learn to listen deeply, collaborate boldly, and design interactions with intention that nurture competence, appropriate risk-taking, persistence, and joy in youth. Leave with simple, effective, and immediately implementable tools and frameworks designed to create more responsive, engaging, and youth-centered experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Hailee Moehnke (she/her)

Hailee Moehnke (she/her)

Community Engagement + Experiences Manager, Mizzen Education
Mizzen Education is a completely free platform offering 1500+ plug-and-play lesson plans for grades K-12 across 10 content areas, at your fingertips. Plus, find free team collaboration tools to keep program planning simple! Whether you're at a camp, classroom, community center, or... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Stayer (she/her)

Kristin Stayer (she/her)

VP of Engagement + Educator Experiences, Mizzen Education
Kristin Stayer, Mizzen’s VP of Engagement + Educator Experiences, is dedicated to creating inspiring experiences for youth learning and staff development.

Kristin previously served as the National Manager of Curriculum and Content Development for After-School All-Stars, empowering students for 21st-century learning. Prior, she spent a decade at Park Place Community Center in Anderson, Indiana, addressing educational, health, and food... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 102

11:00am MDT

Every Moment Matters: Engagement Strategies to Support Youth Beyond the School Day
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Helping afterschool professionals explore engagement strategies that help youth feel seen, heard, valued, and connected beyond the school day. Discover how intentional everyday moments strengthen relationships, increase participation, and foster confidence, leadership, and future readiness. Engage in collaborative activities, reflection, and real-world scenarios, and walk away with an Engagement Strategy Plan and practical tools they can immediately implement to create meaningful experiences that lead to lasting impact.
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 202

11:00am MDT

Table Top! Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Games that Your Students will Actually Like
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Many of today's children can struggle with the social and emotional skills necessary to create and maintain relationships. While many Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs exist in schools, they are often not adapted to the unique needs of the gifted population. This presentation will also demonstrate some techniques on how to teach and model SEL skills for today's children through the gamification of the lessons, both through the demonstration of games designed for this population and instruction on how to adapt games.
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 201

11:00am MDT

Afterschool DANCE!! – Learning Principles for a Dance Arts Program
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available


You don’t have to be a dancer to provide highly engaging dance opportunities in your afterschool program. The arts are a great way to target at-risk youth to reshaping their paths to positively express themselves. Participants will move and groove in learning how a dance program can be designed and promoted to fully engage youth in afterschool. Backed up by the most recent arts in afterschool research, attendees will see how a dance program can impact youth and walk away knowing how to teach a routine, provide stage performance tips, understand the realities of the dance industry, how to get youth engaged in their community through dance, and how to positively expose youth to the dance world. Let’s dance!
Speakers
avatar for Kira Coelho

Kira Coelho

Afterschool Program Supervisor, Salt Lake County Youth Services
Kira Coelho has 15 plus years of afterschool programming experience creating lasting impact on multiple programs in California and Utah. Kira is a Afterschool Program Supervisor with Salt Lake County Youth Services. She received her Bachelor in Recreation Administration with an emphasis... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Grand Ballroom B

11:00am MDT

Self-Compassion for Children & Caregivers
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Parents and professionals will benefit from this playful approach to self-compassion for the positive social-emotional well-being of school age and preschool children. They will be introduced to developing awareness and a sense of curiosity using the feelings habit animals. Resilience habit animals will help us know we are not alone and we can be kind to ourselves. These characters will support adults in practicing and modeling self-compassion with children by responding to mistakes and stress with understanding and resilience. The habit animals provide a shared language of habits that can be used as external compassionate voices and to teach specific self-compassion skills to children. Online resources about the curriculum, training, and how to incorporate in programs will be discussed.
Speakers
avatar for Teri Henke

Teri Henke

Associate Professor, Emerita, Retired from Weber State University
Dr. Teri Henke has held teaching and leadership roles in programs serving children and adults across a variety of settings for over 40 years. Prior to retiring from the Child and Family Studies Department at Weber State University in 2024, she taught early childhood education courses... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 103
  Prevention, Safety and Wellness

11:00am MDT

Hands On With AI: Learning the Tools of AI
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
What is an LLM? What is a RAG? Is my data safe? What can use these tools for that are not just writing a lesson plan? Come explore the newest AI tools including chatbots, automations, RAGs, and more Learn how to create automations, build AI tools to support your classroom work quickly, and help you get hours back from your teaching schedule. This is a hands-on session.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Winters

Matt Winters

AI Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Matthew Winters is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educational Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. He was formerly a product manager and statewide trainer for Utah Education Network.He was the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 203
  STEM, Learning Environments and Curriculum

11:00am MDT

Learning in Disguise: Painless Academic Support Through Play
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Kids learn best when they do not even realize they are studying. This hands-on session provides a pattern to help afterschool educators weave critical math and literacy skills directly into the activities children naturally choose. You will learn to turn everyday play, crafts, and games into high-impact learning moments. Participants will roll up their sleeves and experience these joyful, "stealth-learning" activities firsthand. You will leave with a practical toolkit of activities that spark curiosity, preserve child autonomy, and seamlessly boost academic confidence, motivation and understanding.
Speakers
avatar for Deborah Ivie

Deborah Ivie

Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension
Deborah Ivie is an associate professor at Utah State University, working with formal and informal educators to create innovative activities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Over the past six years Deb has secured and implemented over 12 million dollars in STEM and afterschool... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Ballroom 2
  STEM, Learning Environments and Curriculum

11:00am MDT

Little Lights to Lifelong Learners: 4 Practices to Engage Humans (5–105)
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This interactive, heart-centered training equips educators and leaders with four practical, research-informed strategies to engage any audience (students, families, staff, or stakeholders). Grounded in emotional intelligence, the session helps participants create inclusive spaces, build strong relationships, and spark lasting engagement across ages and roles. Participants will reflect and connect while gaining tools they can use immediately to increase participation, strengthen communication, and lead with intention no matter who’s in the room.
Speakers
avatar for Julia  Gabor

Julia Gabor

co-founder, kid-grit
Julia, an esteemed educator and national speaker, proudly serves as the co-founder of kid-grit, championing students from PK-12 with innovative curriculum and workshops. Committed to empowering educators, she provides evidence-based professional development and coaching. In 2022... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Pina

Michelle Pina

Director of Partnerships, kid-grit
Michelle Pina’s career launched as a middle school teacher and quickly evolved into leadership roles. Experiences include professional development coordinator, federal grant director, and out-of-school time director for school districts. She has over 15 years of experience in leading... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Ballroom 1

12:30pm MDT

Networking Lunch and Exhibitor Exploration
Friday October 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Join us in the Grand Ballroom for lunch! Your next session begins at 1:30 pm, so we recommend making your way to your next session by 1:15 pm.
Friday October 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

1:30pm MDT

Little Moments, Big Outcomes: Empowering Supervisors to Support Front-Line Staff Through Behavior Challenges and Family Engagement
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
"This advanced leadership session connects strategic organizational communication with daily program management, focusing on how supervisors can empower front-line staff to build immediate trust with families. Led by a veteran communications director and a seasoned principal, this interactive workshop teaches leaders how to train their direct-care staff in clear, empathetic communication techniques that de-escalate parent concerns.

Attendees will leave equipped with a practical, three-step ""Bridge to Focus"" communication framework. This tool is designed to turn stressful daily interactions into positive, trusted connection points—proving that the little moments of deliberate, reframed communication yield big outcomes in staff retention and strategies for meaningful family engagement."
Speakers
avatar for Rich Stowell

Rich Stowell

Director of Communication, Alpine School District
Rich Stowell is the Director of Communications for Alpine School District, specializing in values-based messaging, crisis management, and trust-building. A former secondary educator with a PhD in organizational communication, he is also a public affairs noncommissioned officer in... Read More →
avatar for Erin Gates

Erin Gates

Principal, Alpine School District/Fox Hollow Elementary School
Erin Gates is the principal of Fox Hollow Elementary School in Lehi, Utah with the Alpine School District. Holding an MA in educational leadership and policy studies, Erin previously served as an administrator in a Leader in Me Lighthouse District, where she spearheaded whole-child... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 202

1:30pm MDT

Classroom Management 101
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Managing a classroom can feel quite overwhelming for newer professionals in Out of School Time. In this session you will learn top strategies for building classroom culture and norms. Attendees will walk away with easy tips to make your classroom feel calm and in control.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie DeSpain

Maggie DeSpain

Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension
Maggie Despain comes from a rich background of youth programming with her early beginnings working with residential camps. She started working with Salt Lake County in 2016 and has become a well seasoned Site Coordinator where her program shines with many best practices in staff and... Read More →
avatar for Danielle Latta

Danielle Latta

Afterschool Program Manager, Salt Lake County Youth Services
Danielle Latta has over 20 years of experience in the field of youth development and community programming. Her career in this field started at age 16, as a Youth Mentor in her hometown YMCA of San Luis Obispo, CA. Danielle received a BA in Recreation Management from the University... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 103

1:30pm MDT

Real Talk About Data: Lessons from OST Programs Across Utah
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Data collection can feel like one more thing on an already full plate, but what if it could actually make your job easier? If collecting attendance, registration, or reporting information feels overwhelming or inconsistent, this session is for you. Join fellow afterschool professionals for an interactive discussion about what's working, what's not, and how small changes can make a big difference. You'll leave with practical ideas to improve data quality, simplify processes, and spend less time fixing problems and more time supporting youth.
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Levorsen

Lauren Levorsen

School Alignment & Data Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network
Lauren Levorsen is the School Alignment and Data Specialist at the Utah Afterschool Network. She has a B.S. in Marriage & Family Studies from BYU-Idaho and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia. She happened upon afterschool programming by accident during... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 201
  Developing High Quality Programs, Program Planning and Development

1:30pm MDT

Overcoming Resistance to Change: Coaching and Mentorship in Afterschool Staff Development
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This advanced leadership session connects strategic organizational communication with daily program management, focusing on how supervisors can empower front-line staff to build immediate trust with families. Led by a veteran communications director and a seasoned principal, this interactive workshop teaches leaders how to train their direct-care staff in clear, empathetic communication techniques that de-escalate parent concerns.

Attendees will leave equipped with a practical, three-step ""Bridge to Focus"" communication framework. This tool is designed to turn stressful daily interactions into positive, trusted connection points—proving that the little moments of deliberate, reframed communication yield big outcomes in staff retention and strategies for meaningful family engagement.
Speakers
avatar for Colin Crebs

Colin Crebs

CCQS Afterschool and Contracts Specialist, State of Utah
Colin Crebs 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... Read More →
avatar for Angie Toone

Angie Toone

School-Age Child Care Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network
Angie Toone is a school age childcare specialist with the Utah Afterschool Network. Angie completed her master's degree in Human Development and Social Policy at the University of Utah. She is passionate about creating safe spaces for young people to explore the world and finding... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 102
  Emerging Leaders

1:30pm MDT

30 Minutes of Movement
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
You do not need a gymnasium to get students moving. Physical activity can be seamlessly woven into your existing curriculum. Integrating physical activity into academic and enrichment programming is a fantastic way to boost engagement, improve knowledge retention, and support overall student well-being. When students move, they learn better. During this session you will develop a comprehensive guide to blending movement with learning, managing groups, and facilitating adventure-based teamwork.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Roundy

Sarah Roundy

Health Specialist, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Sarah Roundy is a public health specialist dedicated to building healthier schools. As the Health and Wellness School Specialist at the Department of Health and Human Services, she provides professional development opportunities for schools to incorporate physical activity and nutrition... Read More →
avatar for Katie Lowery

Katie Lowery

Education Specialist, SHAPE Utah, President
Hello fellow educator!  I am Katie Lowery, and I am the current President of SHAPE Utah.  Please see me with any questions on joining our SHAPE committee, or on anything that will help you navigate your day here at the conference!  

I recently returned from Washington DC, where... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Grand Ballroom B

1:30pm MDT

Content Creator Bootcamp: Digital Tools for Creative Communication
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Explore digital design to cultivate student agency and self-expression. In this interactive session, we'll examine what creativity looks like in an AI-driven era through active digital content production.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using professional platforms like Adobe Express, learning to guide students in defining target audiences, building brand identities, and mastering graphic design fundamentals. By bridging the gap between students' digital passions and professional aspirations, this workshop provides practical insights into the creator economy, equipping educators to confidently guide students toward relevant 21st-century career pathways.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Prociw

Lindsey Prociw

Project Coordinator, Product Development, PCS Edventures!
Lindsey Prociw is the Project Coordinator for the Product Development team at PCS Edventures. Bringing over a decade of experience in STEM education, she has managed summer camp programs, led teacher professional development, coordinated school field trips and developed curriculum... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Ballroom 1
  STEM, Professional Development and Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Read It, Mix It, Discover It-Where Science and Literacy Come Alive!
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
The Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Science School Series features engaging read-aloud stories with at least two science activities in each book. Participants will be introduced to these books, but also to other pieces of literature that are fun to use with science. We will explore how science investigations can strengthen reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking, all of which support the Science of Reading. Yes, eggs will fly, water will disappear, and potions will fizz all while teachers discover practical strategies for building vocabulary, deepening comprehension, and inspiring curiosity. Come and truly see how little moments will have big outcomes! You might get messy, but fun will be had by all!
Speakers
avatar for Terri Johnson

Terri Johnson

Developer/Owner, Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Science Series
Terri Johnson is the creator of the Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Science Series. She also developed an after-school program, Fiction, Facts, & Fun, that served over one thousand children in Springfield, Missouri. Terri is passionate about making literacy engaging and fun. In addition... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 203
  STEM, Learning Environments and Curriculum

1:30pm MDT

The Math Behind the Magic: Using Illusions to Build Number Sense
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
How can a simple deck of cards teach deep mathematical thinking? This hands-on workshop explores how elementary afterschool educators can use simple magic tricks to reinforce foundational math concepts in a high-engagement setting. Participants will analyze how card matrices and number puzzles serve as playful, concrete representations of abstract ideas like place value, operations, and pattern recognition.Rather than just learning tricks, you will discover how to guide young learners to look past the "magic" and use logic to explain how the math works. You will walk away with an interactive toolkit of easy-to-teach routines, printable resources, and differentiation strategies perfectly suited for the relaxed, high-energy environment of afterschool programs.
Speakers
avatar for Deborah Ivie

Deborah Ivie

Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension
Deborah Ivie is an associate professor at Utah State University, working with formal and informal educators to create innovative activities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Over the past six years Deb has secured and implemented over 12 million dollars in STEM and afterschool... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Ballroom 3
  STEM, Learning Environments and Curriculum

1:30pm MDT

What Your Teens Aren't Telling You
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
About two-thirds of teenagers who are in an abusive relationship do not tell anyone. This means that many of the teens in your afterschool programs may be going through one of the hardest times of their lives and no one knows. This session is for afterschool professionals who play a unique role where they may be able to intervene and get a teen the help that they need. We'll talk about all the reasons teens don't ask for help and how you can recognize the signs so you can begin the conversation. Participants will walk away with a better knowledge of the barriers teens face and how healthy intervention can keep teens safe.
Speakers
avatar for Brent Hinsley

Brent Hinsley

Teen Education and Outreach Coordinator, YCC Family Crisis Center
Brent Hinsley is the Teen Education and Outreach Coordinator at the YCC Family Crisis Center. His primary role is heading up the Prevention Program, which goes into junior high and high schools throughout Weber County to teach students about healthy and unhealthy relationships. He... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 101
  Youth Development, Child/Youth Growth and Development

2:30pm MDT

Exhibitor Exploration and Networking Break
Friday October 9, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Visit the Exhibit Hall located on the 1st & 2nd floor.
Friday October 9, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
First and Second Floor

2:45pm MDT

Building Confident Youth Leaders: Insights from a Statewide Needs Assessment
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
What do youth-serving adults across Utah say they need to develop confident youth leaders? This session shares findings from a statewide needs assessment of more than 225 professionals and volunteers working with youth, highlighting the greatest challenges they face, priority professional development needs, and the supports they believe would make the biggest difference. Learn what youth leaders across Utah identified as their biggest barriers, why ADHD and autism emerged as the highest training priorities, and how these findings can inform future staff development, programming, and resource planning. Whether you supervise staff, coordinate programs, or work directly with youth, this session will provide valuable insight into the evolving needs of Utah's youth-serving workforce.
Speakers
avatar for Cara Murray

Cara Murray

Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension

Anna Gilliam is an Extension Assistant Professor for Utah State University Extension in Sevier County Utah. Her work focuses on strengthening families and individuals and building community resources and resilience. She is leading a group of extension personnel in a project at USU... Read More →
avatar for Anna Gilliam

Anna Gilliam

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor, USU Extension Sevier
Anna Gilliam is a Professional Practice Faculty member with USU Extension’s Home and Community Department in Sevier County, Utah. She brings evidence-based programs to support mental health, foster social connections, and strengthen families. With a background in elementary education... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 102

2:45pm MDT

Balancing AI Policy and Frameworks: Preparing for the Future While Responding to Today
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Most educators, parents, and students are navigating AI without a map, responding to federal directives, state policies, and classroom realities that are all moving at different speeds. Join USBE AI Education Specialist Matt Winters for a candid, field-level look at what is actually happening across the country, what it means for Utah right now, and how to lead communities through this moment with clarity, confidence, and humanity at the center.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Winters

Matt Winters

AI Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Matthew Winters is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educational Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. He was formerly a product manager and statewide trainer for Utah Education Network.He was the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 201

2:45pm MDT

Chaos to Connection
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Discipline, De-Escalation, and Positive Behavior Support.This workshop is for afterschool professionals who work with students, including those who display challenging behaviors. Participants will learn how to set clear expectations, use positive reinforcement and token programs, and guide youth through the SODAA process: Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and Act. Afterschool professionals will walk away with practical tools to reduce power struggles, encourage positive choices, improve accountability, and help youth successfully return to program activities.
Speakers
avatar for Frank Bedolla

Frank Bedolla

Kennedy Jr, High Afterschool Program Coordinator, Salt Lake County Youth Services


Frank Bedolla is a youth program professional with **Salt Lake County Youth Services**, where he serves as an Afterschool Program Coordinator at Kennedy Jr. High. He focuses on creating safe, welcoming, and engaging opportunities that support students academically, socially, and emot... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 202

2:45pm MDT

One Voice Can Make a Difference: My Journey and Your Opportunity to Advocate
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Afterschool professionals, educators, program leaders, and youth advocates are invited to discover how their voice can create meaningful change beyond their own programs. Drawing from my experience as a nonprofit leader and State School Board candidate, I'll share practical lessons about advocating for students, influencing education policy, building relationships with decision-makers, and effectively telling your program's story. You'll leave with actionable strategies and resources to confidently engage with school boards, legislators, community leaders, and families. Whether you're new to advocacy or ready to amplify your impact, this session will empower you to turn your passion for students into lasting change for the children and communities you serve.
Speakers
avatar for Trina Christensen

Trina Christensen

Co-Director, Sistema Utah - American Preparatory Academy
Trina Christensen is the Co-Director of Sistema Utah, an award-winning nonprofit that provides free afterschool music and academic enrichment programs for more than 500 students annually. A lifelong educator and arts leader with nearly 30 years of experience, she is passionate about... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 101

2:45pm MDT

Beyond the Scoreboard: Using Physical Activity to Build Girls’ Confidence & Social-Emotional Skills
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Afterschool professionals working with girls ages 8–14 know the moment when a confident kid suddenly goes quiet, stops raising her hand, or lets a friend take the lead instead of speaking up. This session is for staff, coordinators and admin who want practical tools to reverse that trend. Using Girls on the Run Utah’s movement-based curriculum as a model, you’ll learn why physical activity is one of the most effective ways to build girls’ confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation, as well as how to bring that approach into your own program. Come ready to move, and to walk away with tools that make a real difference for the students you serve.
Speakers
avatar for Girls on the Run Utah

Girls on the Run Utah

Girls on the Run Utah
At Girls on the Run Utah, teaching essential life skills is the cornerstone of our research-based programs. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Grand Ballroom B

2:45pm MDT

Connecting Youth to Their Community with Food Waste Reduction
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session helps elementary-aged youth connect with their community and teaches them how they can actively participate in reducing food waste. Learn how to help youth understand what food waste is, where it happens, and the impact it has, as well as how you can play an active role in reducing food waste in your own homes, school, and the community where you live. Walk away with a curriculum and resources to use in your afterschool program that will get kids having fun and being excited while learning how to make a difference within their sphere of influence.
Speakers
avatar for Amberly Lambertsen

Amberly Lambertsen

Program Coordinator, Hunger Solutions Institute
Amberly Lambertsen is the Program Coordinator for the NourishSmart Initiative under the Hunger Solutions Institute. NourishSmart addresses hunger and food waste in Utah communities, engaging individuals, especially youth, in reducing food waste within their sphere of influence. Amberly... Read More →
avatar for Palak Gupta

Palak Gupta

Extension Specialist - Hunger Solutions, Assistant Professor, Hunger Solutions Institute
Dr. Palak Gupta is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Hunger Solutions at Utah State University and Co‑Director of the Hunger Solutions Institute. She is faculty in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program, where she teaches graduate‑level courses focused on... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 203
  Healthy Eating and Physical Activity | Safety & Wellness, Safety and Wellness

2:45pm MDT

Beyond Behavior: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health in After-School Programs
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
After-school professionals are often the first to notice when a child is struggling, yet many receive little training in recognizing and responding to youth mental health concerns. This interactive session will help participants understand common mental health challenges, distinguish typical behavior from signs of concern, and view behavior through a trauma-informed lens. Attendees will learn practical strategies to prevent and respond to dysregulation, support emotional well-being, and know when additional support may be needed. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools, activities, and resources they can immediately implement in their programs.
Speakers
avatar for Alyson Funn

Alyson Funn

Chief Clinical Officer, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative/Mountain West School Mental Health Foundation
Alyson Funn, PhD, is the Chief Clinical Officer for the Mountain West School Mental Health Foundation, where she leads clinical services while maintaining an active practice conducting school-based psychological evaluations, consultation, and behavioral health services for children... Read More →
avatar for Susan Smaellie

Susan Smaellie

Parent Community LiaisonnnHopeful Beginnings School-Based Therapist (Canyons School District), Utah School Mental Health Collaborative/Mountain West School Mental Health FoundationnnCanyons School District
Susan Smaellie supports students and families with compassion and clinical expertise as a School-Based Therapist in two Utah Title I elementary schools. As the Parent Community Liaison with the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, she provides education for parents, caregivers... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ballroom 1
  Prevention, Safety and Wellness

2:45pm MDT

STEM Goals - Creating the Next STEM Champion
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this training, educators will learn best practices for implementing the STEM Goals program and curriculum, gain free access to the Learn Fresh program management platform and all program materials, and learn about opportunities to extend students’ learning through virtual and in-person community events. Educators will immediately gain access to all materials needed to begin implementing with students in their programs and classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Hunter Strickland

Hunter Strickland

Senior Regional Outreach Coordinator, Learn Fresh
Based in Oklahoma City, Hunter Strickland graduated with a Bachelor’s in English Writing and later went on to obtain a MBA from Oklahoma Christian University. After graduating, Hunter found herself working part-time as an Associate Editor for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame's Gaylord-Pickens... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ballroom 3
  STEM, Learning Environments and Curriculum

2:45pm MDT

Positive Youth Development: Helping Youth Thrive | 2:45 pm-5:00 pm
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
What happens when we stop asking, “What’s wrong?” and start asking, “What’s possible?” Explore the power of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and discover practical ways to help young people build confidence, belonging, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Through engaging activities and real-world examples, you’ll leave with simple strategies you can put into practice right away to create programs where every young person has opportunities to thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Holly Phillips

Holly Phillips

Director of Operations, Utah Afterschool Network
Holly Phillips has served as the Director of Operations for the Utah Afterschool Network since 2021. With a background in environmental education, she is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity and connection. Before joining UAN, Holly spent... Read More →
avatar for Brittany Henderson

Brittany Henderson

Afterschool Consultant, Utah Afterschool Network
Brittany Henderson is an Afterschool Consultant with the Utah Afterschool Network. Brittany discovered her love and enthusiasm for afterschool programming while earning her degree from UNLV in Recreation and Youth Development. Brittany spent many years leading school-age youth programs... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 5:00pm MDT
Ballroom 2
  Youth Development, Child/Youth Growth and Development

3:45pm MDT

Exhibitor Exploration and Networking Break
Friday October 9, 2026 3:45pm - 4:00pm MDT

Friday October 9, 2026 3:45pm - 4:00pm MDT
First and Second Floor

4:00pm MDT

Beyond Program Time: Building Youth and Family Connections Through Adventure
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Little moments can create big outcomes when youth feel seen, heard, and connected. This session is for after-school leaders, site coordinators, and front-line staff who want simple, engaging ways to strengthen youth voice, family connection, and positive peer interaction. Participants will explore how Discovery Hunt-style activities can turn everyday program moments into meaningful opportunities for belonging, skill-building, reflection, and recognition. Walk away with practical ideas for creating quick challenges, family engagement prompts, and youth-led activities that support resilience, confidence, and connection for ages 5–18.
Speakers
avatar for Sharilee Griffiths

Sharilee Griffiths

Director, Discovery Family Coalition
Sharilee Griffiths is a popular speaker, and youth development advocate with 30+ years of experience presenting at local, state, and national conferences. She has delivered hundreds of workshops on youth leadership, mentoring, community engagement, volunteerism, family engagement... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Meeting Room 102

4:00pm MDT

From Story to Strategy: Creative Media as Youth Prevention Work
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Our session centers the work of a group of Spy Hop's film students--a brief PSA called ""Orange Soda."" We will explore the various ways that making art together strengthens young people and provides them with the tools and opportunities to live healthy and productive adult lives. Join us to examine how the act of creating art together itself becomes a protective factor for young people and to consider how you can expand your own thinking about art as a protective tool.
Speakers
avatar for Steve Williams

Steve Williams

Central 9th Youth Coalition Manager, Spy Hop Productions/Central 9th Youth Coalition
Steve Williams works for Spy Hop as the manager of the Central 9th Youth Coalition in Salt Lake City. He is a retired English teacher and school director. He enjoys good books, good music, and good friends. He also likes walking and skiing in the backcountry, hanging out with people... Read More →
avatar for Adam White

Adam White

Development Director, Spy Hop Productions
Adam White is a nonprofit fundraising and operations professional based in Salt Lake City, and Development Director at Spy Hop Productions, a youth media arts organization. His work spans institutional giving, partnerships, revenue strategy, program management, and community engagement... Read More →
avatar for Adam Sherlock

Adam Sherlock

In-House Programs Director, Spy Hop Productions
Adam Sherlock has worked with young people for over 25 years, both within the Juvenile Justice system, rehabilitation centers, and for the last 17 years at Spy Hop Productions, where he works with a cohort of teaching artists to provide award-winning multimedia arts programming to... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Meeting Room 101

4:00pm MDT

Little Actions, 10X Outcomes: Helping Youth Think Big, Build Confidence, and Take Action
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
What could happen if young people learned to Think Big, Believe Big, Act Big, Invest Big, and Live Big? Designed for afterschool professionals, teachers, site leaders, and mentors serving youth ages 5–18, this interactive session brings the 10X Kids University mindset to life. Participants will explore engaging strategies that build confidence, goal-setting, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and influence. Through practical activities, attendees will learn how to help youth identify their potential, use money as a tool, turn ideas into action, and increase their positive impact. Leave ready to create little moments that prepare the next generation for lifelong success.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Jacobsen

Kimberly Jacobsen

CEO, Total Impact Hub
Kimberly Jacobsen is an educator, author, entrepreneur, and Certified 10X Business Coach with more than 15 years of classroom and youth-development experience. As founder of Total Impact Hub, she creates practical programs that help youth and adults build confidence, strengthen skills... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Ballroom 1

4:00pm MDT

Game On! Using Play to Drive Learning and Build Community
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Can you come out to play? Join us for an interactive workshop powered by Playworks to experience the joy of games firsthand, and the power to leverage play as a vehicle for learning and well-being.We will explore the strategy behind purposeful play. You will learn specific, easy-to-implement games designed to actively support student learning, build inclusive communities, and foster personal growth. Why attend? You will walk away with a fresh toolkit of proven, low-resource activities and facilitation techniques to immediately transform your program's culture and keep kids engaged. Come ready to move, laugh, and harness the power of play!
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Jolley

Amanda Jolley

Partner Experience Manager, Playworks
Amanda Jolley AKA Coach Jolley has been leveraging the power of play for over a decade, bringing Playworks strategies and fun to audiences of all ages. The name in incredibly fitting because everyone that interacts with her walks away feeling joyful and inspired.
avatar for Eric Payne

Eric Payne

Program Director, Playworks
Eric Payne AKA "Coach Payne", certified goofball, has been bringing the joy of play to both children and adults for 12 years. Playworks is the dream job for him because play allows one to express their true self and there's nothing quite like getting silly. From speaking about the... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Grand Ballroom B

4:00pm MDT

Learn, Practice, Reflect, and Connect: A Proven Model for Youth Well-Being in Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Programs That Engages Students and Improves Mental Health
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Most mental health models address struggles as they occur. But what if we focused instead on prevention — building sustainable well-being before problems start and giving students lifelong skills? The session will cover the evidence-based positive psychology topics WeBeWell teaches Utah youth in grades 6-12 — gratitude, applying strengths, goal setting, reframing negative thoughts, and more — and these skills' benefits. It also covers how to facilitate groups that engage adolescents, using a "Learn, Practice, Reflect, Connect" model backed by randomized controlled trials and published research with 667 Utah adolescents, proven to increase well-being and reduce depression and anxiety. Designed for administrators, afterschool staff, site leaders, and anyone invested in youth well-being.
Speakers
avatar for Alexander Becraft

Alexander Becraft

Chief Executive Officer and Principle Investigator, WeBeWell
Alexander Becraft is the Founder and CEO of WeBeWell, a student-centered, multi-modal approach to preventative mental health. WeBeWell pairs an app with a live online psycho-education support group to deliver an evidence-based curriculum drawn from positive and clinical psychology... Read More →
avatar for Kennedy Pina

Kennedy Pina

MSW Intern, Group Facilitator, Operations Manager, WeBeWell
Kennedy Pina is a first year MSW at the University of Utah. She is passionate about helping people learn and understand how they can take care of themselves and the importance of their mental health. She is working towards getting licensed in becoming a talk therapist with her own... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Meeting Room 103
  Prevention, Safety and Wellness

4:00pm MDT

STEAM-Powered Learning: Play-based Activities for Young Innovators
LIMITED
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Bring hands-on STEAM learning to life with PCS Edventures! This interactive session showcases engaging, play-based activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young learners. Explore three dynamic stations tailored to different grade levels: Cubelets Bot Builder introduces engineering and robotics, Rockin’ Robots with Sphero indi combines coding and music, Ready Set Drone! builds teamwork and problem-solving skills through mini-drone challenges. Discover how these activities promote critical thinking, collaboration, and a love for STEM while making learning fun and accessible for all students. Walk away with ideas to elevate your program with interactive, age-appropriate experiences!
Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Prociw

Lindsey Prociw

Project Coordinator, Product Development, PCS Edventures!
Lindsey Prociw is the Project Coordinator for the Product Development team at PCS Edventures. Bringing over a decade of experience in STEM education, she has managed summer camp programs, led teacher professional development, coordinated school field trips and developed curriculum... Read More →
Friday October 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Ballroom 3
  STEM, Learning Environments and Curriculum

5:15pm MDT

UAN Networking Reception
Friday October 9, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm MDT
Join us for light appetizers and drinks on the first floor by the courtyard, and don't miss your chance to win a prize! Each attendee will be given one drink ticket for an alcoholic beverage or a variety of soda options. Bring your ID if you are planning on the alcoholic beverage. The reception area will open at 5:15 pm; please wait to enter the area until it is open.
Friday October 9, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm MDT
First Floor near Courtyard
 

Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -