2025 Behavior & Mental Health Summit

8:00-8:30: Breakfast & Registration

Day One: July 29, 2025

8:30-11:30 Keynote: Percy Brown, Jr.

Shifting Mindset: Teaching and Learning

Nearly 25 years ago, Wisconsin's public schools reflected a very different demographic landscape. Back then, the student population was predominantly white, accounting for 72% of enrollment. Fast forward to the 2019-2020 school year, and that figure has significantly declined to just 53%. This dramatic shift is evident across the state, including rural school districts, underscoring the urgent need for a proactive response. To tackle the challenges brought on by these changes, it is essential for all educators to cultivate cultural literacy. Culturally literate individuals grasp how their own cultures, as well as those of others, shape behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes in an increasingly diverse world.

In this compelling keynote address, Percy Brown, Jr. is determined to offer attendees a transformative experience, moving beyond conventional presentations. He will engage participants in powerful exercises that promote self-reflection and perspective-taking, igniting a journey of both personal and professional development. This interactive approach is not just a nice feature; it is vital for fostering cultural literacy and ensures that everyone is fully immersed in the learning process. By captivating the audience, this session promises an enriching experience that lingers long after the event, inspiring innovative thinking and teaching practices.

11:30-12:15: Lunch

12:30-1:45 Breakout Session 2

Responding to Behavior

Effectively responding to student behavior requires a balance of proactive strategies, de-escalation techniques, and relationship-building. In this session, we will share practical approaches for responding to a range of student behaviors while maintaining a supportive and structured environment. Participants will explore strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in the moment, reinforcing positive behavior, and implementing responses that promote student growth. This interactive session will provide real-world examples, discussion opportunities, and actionable takeaways to strengthen behavior response practices in schools. 

Katie Tennessen, Behavior Specialist CESA 7, Jodie Mills, Behavior Interventionist, Sheboygan Falls, and Jennifer Andrews, Associate Elementary Principal, Sheboygan Falls

Game-Changing Strategies for Student Mental Health!

Participants will explore strategies to foster a supportive classroom environment for mental health. We will discuss the importance of promoting emotional intelligence, teaching stress management techniques, and incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines. Additionally, we'll highlight the significance of open communication, active listening, and destigmatizing discussions around mental health to create a safe space where students feel valued and supported.

Dr. Marci Waldron-Kuhn, Learning Services Director

Mastering Difficult Conversations – Delivering the Message to the Right Address

In every organization, there are moments when leaders and team members must address challenging issues. Whether it’s giving tough feedback, navigating conflict, or addressing performance concerns, the discomfort of these conversations often leads people to avoid them altogether. However, avoiding these critical conversations can create long-term issues that impact team dynamics, productivity, and trust.  

In this session,  Participants will be guided through the process of having difficult conversations effectively, with an emphasis on delivering the message directly to the right address. Utilizing the principles of Initiative One, this talk will break down the steps for navigating uncomfortable discussions with confidence, clarity, and accountability.  Ultimately, the ability to deliver tough messages directly to the right address is a key skill for any leader striving to build high-performing teams and sustainable business success.

Mike Snowberry, Director of Learning Services, Luxemburg-Casco

Expressive Writing to Release Emotional Pain

Discover how expressive writing can transform your classroom and personal well-being. This workshop delves into the research-backed benefits of journaling, demonstrating how it reduces stress, enhances cognitive function, and strengthens relationships. Learn practical strategies for implementing expressive writing with students, fostering emotional regulation and deeper understanding. Explore how this practice can help both teachers and students process emotions, gain new perspectives, and build resilience. Join us to learn how to turn writing into a powerful tool for personal and academic growth.

Sarkis Wentland, Literacy Specialist CESA 7

Partnering with Families through the Sharing of Resources

Increase your awareness of organizations, statewide conferences, and other resources you can share with families whose child is struggling with behaviors and/or mental health challenges. Learn where resources can be added into the IEP and how the sharing of resources can build trust and strengthen family engagement. 

Rachel Kaderabek, RSN and SPED Induction Grant Coach and Sara Nerehausen, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator

2:00-3:15 Breakout Session 3

Regulate, Relate, Reason: A Roadmap to Connection & Behavior Support

Effective behavior support starts with the three R’s—Regulate, Relate, and Reason. But how do we apply them in real time? This session explores how to help students manage emotions (Regulate), build strong connections (Relate), and develop problem-solving skills (Reason). By understanding students’ developmental stages, emotional needs, and cognitive abilities, educators can foster supportive learning environments while managing challenging behaviors. Walk away with practical strategies to implement these principles and create a classroom where all students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Katie Tennessen, Behavior Specialist CESA 7

Empowering Educators in Suicide Prevention

Participants will learn about the critical role they play in suicide prevention programming within schools. We will discuss identifying warning signs, providing resources for ALL students, and implementing protocols for intervention and support. Through collaborative training and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we aim to empower participants to effectively address students experiencing mental health challenges including suicidal ideation.

Dr. Marci Waldron-Kuhn, Director of Learning Services 

Effective Leadership in Behavior Systems Implementation

This session equips administrators with actionable tools for leading  a culture of effective behavior systems implementation. Participants will explore strategies for fostering collaborative environments that prioritize student mental health and positive behavior. We will address methods for building sustainable systems that promote long-term student success and well-being, as well as diving  into data-driven decision-making, focusing on how to analyze and utilize information to refine existing systems. 

Stacie Opahle, Executive Director of Learning Services CESA 7

Navigating Sensory Overload: Identifying and Reducing Triggers

In this interactive session, staff will learn to identify signs of sensory overload in students and themselves, along with strategies to address it. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how sensory overload impacts behavior and learning, and explore tools to reduce triggers and create a calming environment. Leave with a toolkit of sensory-friendly strategies to support both students and staff in managing overload and thriving in the classroom and beyond.

Jessica Cappeart, Special Education Specialist CESA 7

FBA, the Wisconsin Way

Functional Behavioral Assessments are a high-leverage and evidence-based practice. We will look at the Wisconsin DPI’s updated guidance and the key components when conducting FBAs for students with disabilities, which includes looking deeper than just function as well as the concept of collective responsibility.

Eva Shaw,

WI DPI Special Education Consultant

Day Two: July 30, 2025

8:00-8:30: Breakfast & Registration

8:30-10:00 Keynote: Percy Brown, Jr. 

Responsible Use of Technology

Former United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has emphatically highlighted the critical need to tackle the harmful impacts of technology, especially social media and online gaming, on our youth. He emphasized, “We are currently facing a national youth mental health crisis, and social media is a significant contributor to this crisis—a problem that demands immediate attention.” This issue extends into our educational institutions as well. Recent data from the Pew Research Center reveals that 72% of high school teachers view cell phone distractions as a major challenge in the classroom. This crisis is not a potential future concern; it is a current reality that requires our urgent action.

To effectively address this pressing issue, we must educate staff, students, and parents about the responsible use of technology. Percy Brown, Jr. of North Star Consulting Services, Inc. will provide an impactful keynote address based on his vast experience with numerous school districts. His deep engagement with students has shaped his understanding of the detrimental effects of social media and online gaming. Percy will present actionable strategies that are not only easy to adopt but also empower youth to cultivate the skills necessary for responsible technology use.

10:15-11:30: Breakout Session 1

A Comprehensive Approach to Developing  or Reviewing School District Cell Phone Policy (continuation of Keynote)

While it's important to note that ninety percent of Wisconsin school boards already have cell phone policies in place, the recently passed legislation by the State Assembly during the 2025-26 session, known as Bill AB2, is a game-changer. This bill requires that "each school board must adopt, by July 1, 2026, a policy that generally prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time." This development highlights an urgent need for a more robust approach to managing cell phone use in our schools. This is an invaluable opportunity for us. The State Assembly has set the stage for school district to engage meaningfully with all stakeholder and ensure our students develop the essential skills districts and knowledge to use technology responsibly. 

In this breakout session, Percy Brown, Jr. will introduce a comprehensive cellphone toolkit designed for school districts to effectively review, create, and implement a cell phone policy in accordance with Bill AB2, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.

By utilizing this toolkit, districts can expect the following key outcomes:

- Thorough data gathering and analysis (both pre- and post-implementation) to provide deep insights into the situation and evaluate the policy's effectiveness.

- Resources that help engage all stakeholders in understanding the impact of social media on students.

- A focus on collaborative policy creation, ensuring parents, teachers, and students actively participate in the process, which leads to a stronger, more effective policy.

- Considerations for safety, exceptions, storage, costs, enforcement, training, responsible usage, communication, and evaluation, all with the aim of safeguarding our students' well-being.

- Guidance for students on how to use technology responsibly.

- In-depth analysis of pre- and post-survey data to assess impact and effectiveness.

Let’s seize this opportunity to create a responsible and safe learning environment for our students!

Percy Brown, Jr., Northstar Consulting Services 

Data-Driven Response to Behavior

Behavior data is a powerful tool for reflection and action. We will explore what data is collected, how it is analyzed, and how it informs efforts to create supportive environments. Shifting the focus from students to environments, we’ll ask, “How well is this environment supporting these students?” We will explore using data as a lens for improving systems and practices, fostering environments where all students can thrive.  

Katie Tennessen,, Behavior Specialist CESA 7

Trauma-Informed Restorative Practices

Building strong, supportive relationships is key to fostering a positive school climate, especially for students who have experienced trauma. In this session, we’ll explore how trauma-informed restorative practices can create a safe, inclusive, and connected learning environment. Participants will learn how to integrate restorative strategies that prioritize healing, accountability, and community-building while addressing behavior in a way that fosters growth and resilience. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen relationships, de-escalate conflicts, and support student well-being.

Dr. Marci Waldron-Kuhn, Learning Services Director

Emotional Regulation and Expression: Enhanced Vocabulary for Emotions 

Discover how literacy can be a powerful tool for fostering emotional regulation and student expression. This session will provide strategies to help students expand their emotional vocabulary. Learn how these techniques can reduce frustration, enhance communication, and build resilience. Walk away with ready-to-use activities and resources to create a more supporting and emotionally aware classroom environment.

Charla Meyer, Literacy Specialist CESA 7

Building Confidence through AI Tools - Elementary

Explore the various ways we can use AI tools to engage and support students.  In this session, participants will learn about different AI tools that can support literacy, math, and social emotional learning.  Participants will receive a menu of AI tools and have time to explore a tool in each domain and how it can support their students.  

Angie Meier

Literacy Specialist

CESA 7

11:30-12:15: Lunch

12:30-1:45 Breakout Session 2

Brains, Behaviors, and Belonging: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Supportive Environments

Understanding how trauma impacts the brain is key to creating learning environments where all students can thrive. This session will explore the neuroscience behind student behavior, equipping educators with trauma-informed strategies to foster safety, connection, and regulation. From proactive classroom practices to de-escalation techniques, participants will gain practical tools to prevent challenging behaviors and respond effectively when they arise. Join us to strengthen your trauma-informed lens and build a classroom culture that promotes resilience, trust, and belonging for every student.

Katie Tennessen, Behavior Specialist CESA 7

Building a Schoolwide Mental Health Tiered System of Support: Lessons from Gibraltar

Discover how the Gibraltar School District developed a proactive, schoolwide approach to mental health that supports all students. This session will break down their integrated framework, which combines universal strategies, targeted interventions, and intensive supports. Learn how to align mental health initiatives with WiMTSS, strengthen collaboration between educators and mental health professionals, and foster a culture where well-being is a priority. Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance mental health supports in your school community.

Dr. Marci Waldron-Kuhn, Director of Learning Services CESA 7 & Anna Knapp, Gibraltar Mental Health Team

Igniting Student Engagement: Strategies for Active Learning Grades K-5

Unlock the power of engagement in your elementary classroom! In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to cultivate students' attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion—the key drivers of meaningful learning. Through interactive activities and research-based techniques, you'll discover how to design lessons that captivate young minds, foster deep thinking, and create a classroom culture where students are eager to participate. Walk away with ready-to-use tools to transform passive learners into active, motivated thinkers.

Charla Meyer, Literacy Specialist CESA 7

Engage, Empower, Include: 3 Keys to Multilingual Classroom Success

Create a thriving, inclusive learning environment with three powerful classroom management strategies tailored for multilingual learners at different language proficiency levels—newcomer, emerging, and transitional. Grounded in research and best practices, this session will equip educators with practical techniques to foster student engagement, build a supportive community, and promote language development. Walk away with actionable strategies to ensure all learners feel valued, supported, and ready to succeed.

Angie Meier

Literacy Specialist

CESA 7 

Leading Change and What Emotional Responses to Expect from Staff

Change is an inevitable part of organizational growth, yet it’s one of the most challenging aspects of leadership. As organizations evolve, leaders must not only guide the strategic vision but also manage the emotional responses of their teams. Change can stir a range of emotions—from excitement and optimism to fear and resistance—and understanding these reactions is essential for leading successfully through transition.

Leading change is more than just implementing new processes or strategies. It requires an understanding of the emotional journey that your staff will go through.  In this session, I will explore the emotional responses that staff typically experience during periods of change and provide practical tools for leaders to manage and navigate these emotions. Rooted in the principles of Initiative One leadership, this presentation will offer insights on how leaders can build trust, create psychological safety, and guide their teams through change with clarity and purpose.

Mike Snowberry, Director of Learning Services, Luxemburg-Casco

2:00-3:15 Breakout Session 3

Resilience-Building Strategies

Resilience is essential for navigating challenges and fostering well-being. This session will provide practical strategies to build resilience in both staff and students, incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices and activities inspired by Starr Commonwealth. Participants will learn tools to strengthen emotional regulation, foster connection, and create environments that promote growth and healing. Leave with actionable strategies to nurture resilience in yourself and others.

Katie Tennessen, Behavior Specialist, CESA 7

What Data Should I Care about in Mental Health?

Participants will learn how to leverage data on behavior and mental health to implement tiered levels of support within their school communities. Participants will explore strategies for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify students needing more support and tailor interventions effectively. Participants will develop practical frameworks for implementing multi-tiered systems of support, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Dr. Marci Waldron-Kuhn, Director of Learning Services CESA 7

Emotional Regulation and Expression: Enhanced Vocabulary for Emotions 

Discover how literacy can be a powerful tool for fostering emotional regulation and student expression. This session will provide strategies to help students expand their emotional vocabulary. Learn how these techniques can reduce frustration, enhance communication, and build resilience. Walk away with ready-to-use activities and resources to create a more supporting and emotionally aware classroom environment.

Charla Meyer, Literacy Specialist CESA 7

(repeat)

Building Confidence through AI Tools - Middle & High

Explore the various ways we can use AI tools to engage and support students.  In this session, participants will learn about different AI tools that can support literacy, math, and social emotional learning.  Participants will receive a menu of AI tools and have time to explore a tool in each domain and how it can support their students.  

Angie Meier

Literacy Specialist

CESA 7

Interoception & Mental Health

Every time you try to practice mindfulness, do your students get silly or uncomfortable? Do you struggle to help students when they are lacking self awareness and understanding of their thoughts and behaviors.  Interoception to the rescue!

What Is an Interoception-Based Approach?

The Interoception Curriculum (IC) is a sequential, body-based framework designed to help people reconnect with their internal experiences in a way that is deeply personal, affirming, and curiosity-driven. Instead of assuming how emotions “should” feel or what coping strategies “should” work, the IC guides each person in discovering their own body-emotion-action connections.  Interoception follows a three-step process:

1️⃣ Body: Noticing body signals in a variety of different body parts (How does my body uniquely feel?)

2️⃣ Emotion: Connecting body signals to emotions or personal meaning (What do these feelings mean uniquely to me?)

3️⃣ Action: Exploring a variety of regulation strategies (What does my body uniquely need for comfort, regulation, and felt safety?)

By focusing on the body, Interoception can help people develop genuine self-understanding and emotional regulation that isn’t about compliance, suppression, or cognitive reframing.

Come learn how to incorporate Interoception into your school counseling curriculum and/or universal classroom curriculum!

Jennifer Siudzinski, Student Success Coordinator, Seymour