Jump Start 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

9:10am MDT

OPENING SESSION | Dr. Matt Zakreski | Riding Out the Storm: Managing Emotional Intensity in Students

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

Developing High Quality Programs, Safety and Wellness

STRAND Developing High Quality Programs
Program Serving Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Safety and Wellness

11:00am MDT

Fostering a Communal Vision

LIMITED

Friday October 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Meeting Room 101

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

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

Admin Leadership Track, Professional Development and Leadership

STRAND Admin Leadership Track
Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

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

Ballroom 1

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

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 →

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

Youth Development, Child/Youth Growth and Development

STRAND Youth Development
Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Child/Youth Growth and Development
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Family School and Community Relationships

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

Meeting Room 202

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

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 →

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

Admin Leadership Track, Youth Engagement Voice and Choice

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Youth Engagement Voice and Choice
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Professional Development and Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Overcoming Resistance to Change: Coaching and Mentorship in Afterschool Staff Development

LIMITED

Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Meeting Room 102

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

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 →

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

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

2:45pm MDT

Building Confident Youth Leaders: Insights from a Statewide Needs Assessment

LIMITED

Friday October 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Meeting Room 102

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

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 →

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

Admin Leadership Track, Child/Youth Observation and Assessment

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Child/Youth Observation and Assessment
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Professional Development and Leadership

11:00am MDT

Beyond Supervision: Coaching Staff for Growth and Impact

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Meeting Room 102

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how adopting a coaching mindset as a supervisor can transform everyday interactions with staff into meaningful opportunities for fostering connection, growth, confidence, and ultimately, stronger program quality. We'll explore when to lead, when to manage, when to mentor, and when to coach; practice giving feedback that is both human-centered and actionable; strategize navigating difficult conversations with confidence and empathy; and learn tools for helping staff set goals, solve problems, and reflect on their own practice. Leave with practical coaching tools, conversation frameworks, and immediately implementable strategies that cultivate a positive team culture and strengthen staff performance to create the conditions for young people to thrive.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 102

Admin Leadership Track, Professional Development and Leadership

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

11:00am MDT

Basecamp to Summit: A Facilitated Path to Building Leaders

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Ballroom 1

Limited Capacity seats available

Leadership isn't a solo climb; it's bringing your team with you. In this facilitated session, Felix Bobo, an after-school administrator, walks program directors, site coordinators, and future leaders through The Climb: casting a clear vision for where the organization/team is headed (the Summit), taking honest stock of the foundation already in place (Basecamp), and recognizing that what got the team here may not get them where they're going. Participants identify, in their own words, the real obstacles standing in their way (Challenges), and explore why even strong leaders need the support of others to bring a vision to life (Support).

Speakers

Felix Bobo

CEO, Unlimited University

Felix Bobo is a keynote speaker, former school counselor, and expanded learning leader with more than 20 years of experience helping students, educators, and communities thrive. As the founder of Unlimited University, he partners with schools and youth-serving organizations to strengthen... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Ballroom 1

Emerging Leaders, Professional Development and Leadership

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

11:00am MDT

Staying in your Window: Understanding the Window of Tolerance

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT

Ballroom 2

Limited Capacity seats available

This presentation will lead the attendees through what the Window of Tolerance is and how it impacts students' behavior in the classroom. Attendees will be given the science behind regulation of students and self, what happens when students' environment moves beyond their own windows and how to better help students stay within their own windows so that learning can occur.

Speakers

Amie Huggins

TBRI Coach for Schools, Raise the Future

Amie Huggins M.Ed. has been a teacher in the classroom for 30 years. She has also a foster/adopt mom, a grandma and a TBRI Practitioner. She is the co-author of the book Creating a Connected Classroom with Marti Smith. Her dream is that all people who work with kids understand the... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Ballroom 2

Prevention, Child/Youth Growth and Development

Program Serving Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Relationships and Interactions with Children and Youth

1:30pm MDT

Building Funding-Ready Afterschool Programs: A Strategic Approach to Growth and Sustainability

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Meeting Room 201

Limited Capacity seats available

Afterschool leaders, program directors, and staff responsible for growth or sustainability will learn how to build programs that are ready for funding before the grant opportunity appears. This practical session will show how clear goals, measurable outcomes, strong partnerships, realistic budgets, and compelling stories work together to strengthen funding success. Participants will identify common gaps that weaken proposals and use a simple planning framework to assess their own program. Attendees will leave with practical tools to align strategy, program design, and resource development so they can pursue funding with greater clarity, confidence, and long-term sustainability.

Speakers

Kathleen Bideaux

Managing Member and Founder, Elevate Consulting UT

Kathleen Bideaux is the founder and principal consultant of Elevate Consulting UT, where she partners with nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and community organizations to strengthen programs, build organizational capacity, and secure sustainable funding. Throughout her career... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Meeting Room 201

Admin Leadership Track, Professional Development and Leadership

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

2:45pm MDT

Out of the Box Advocacy

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Meeting Room 102

Limited Capacity seats available

Advocacy doesn't have to be a drag! While engaging policymakers can feel intimidating, the secret is simple: they’re just people who want real connection. As an afterschool pro, you already have the superpowers needed to win them over. In this session, we’ll ditch the "scary" stuff and discover how to use your existing skills—the same ones you use to connect with youth and families—to become an advocacy rockstar. Let’s reshape how you make the case for your program and turn "cumbersome" into "connection!"

Speakers

Ben Trentelman

Executive Director, Utah Afterschool Network

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 102

Admin Leadership Track, Professional Development and Leadership

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Family School and Community Relationships

2:45pm MDT

Co-Workers, Not Competitors: Cultivating Trust & Communication in School Partnerships

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Meeting Room 203

Limited Capacity seats available

We’ve all been there: a classroom left messy, a forgotten gym key, or a miscommunicated student incident that derails a relationship. This session is a sanctuary for Utah youth workers to talk about the real-world friction of school partnerships—and how to fix it. We will blend deep relationship-building with practical communication strategies, giving you the tools to co-create boundaries and build unshakeable trust with your school-day partners.

Speakers

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 →

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Meeting Room 203

Developing High Quality Programs, Family School and Community Relationships

Program Serving Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Family School and Community Relationships
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Program Planning and Development

2:45pm MDT

The Missing Piece: Afterschool's Role in Utah's Child Care Solution

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Ballroom 2

Limited Capacity seats available

Afterschool directors, site coordinators, and youth development professionals play a vital role in helping Utah's children and working families thrive. As Utah faces a shortage of affordable child care, before-school, afterschool, and summer programs have become an essential part of the solution. In this interactive session, participants will explore Utah's child care landscape, discover how out-of-school time programs strengthen families and the workforce, and practice simple storytelling strategies that build community support. Attendees will leave with practical tools to communicate their program's impact, strengthen partnerships, and confidently advocate for the resources children and youth need to succeed.

Speakers

Dr.Sarah Stone

Director, UAEYC Care for Kids (Utah Association for the Education of Young Children)

Dr. Sarah Stone is an accomplished nonprofit founder and executive director with over two decades of experience advancing equitable access to high-quality early learning. Skilled at translating child development research into actionable policy and program strategies, she is passionate... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ballroom 2

Emerging Leaders, Professional Development and Leadership

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

4:00pm MDT

Small Shifts, Stronger Teams: Leading Through Change with Confidence

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Meeting Room 102

Limited Capacity seats available

Change is constant in afterschool programs, but it doesn't have to drain your team. Discover how small leadership shifts can build staff resilience, strengthen team culture, and improve outcomes for youth. Based on 13 years of VentureLab's experience, this session gets you hands-on with a framework rooted in creativity, adaptability, and purpose. Leave with ready-to-use strategies you can implement immediately, plus a complimentary seat in VentureLab's online course to continue the learning!

Speakers

Lindly Fernandez

Program Coordinator, VentureLab

Imagine a future where every young person is ready to dream big, tackle real challenges, and create what comes next. VentureLab makes entrepreneurship and STEM accessible to ALL youth through hands-on experiences that build creativity, collaboration, and resilience. Our evidence-based... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Meeting Room 102

Emerging Leaders, Professional Development and Leadership

Program Serving Grades Admin & Leadership
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Professional Development and Leadership

9:10am MDT

11:00am MDT

11:00am MDT

1:30pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

2:45pm MDT

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11:00am MDT

11:00am MDT

1:30pm MDT

2:45pm MDT

2:45pm MDT

2:45pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

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