This session explores the use of art-based strategies as effective mental health interventions to support student engagement, emotional expression, and self-awareness. Participants will learn how creative, low-pressure art activities can help students communicate experiences that may be difficult to put into words, particularly those related to anxiety and trauma. The presentation will include practical, ready-to-use interventions that can be implemented in individual or small group settings, along with guidance on processing student work in a safe and supportive way.
Designed for school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other mental health providers, this session emphasizes a strengths-based approach to supporting student well-being through creative expression. Participants will leave with concrete tools and ideas to integrate art-based techniques into their existing practice.
Mental Health Professional, Olathe School District
Katy Dorrell, LMSW, is a Mental Health Professional with the Olathe School District and has nine years of experience in education. She primarily works with elementary-aged students, and has experience serving students across all grade levels. Katy is passionate about helping students... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT Room 315
This session explores the use of art-based strategies as effective mental health interventions to support student engagement, emotional expression, and self-awareness. Participants will learn how creative, low-pressure art activities can help students communicate experiences that may be difficult to put into words, particularly those related to anxiety and trauma. The presentation will include practical, ready-to-use interventions that can be implemented in individual or small group settings, along with guidance on processing student work in a safe and supportive way.
Designed for school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other mental health providers, this session emphasizes a strengths-based approach to supporting student well-being through creative expression. Participants will leave with concrete tools and ideas to integrate art-based techniques into their existing practice.
Mental Health Professional, Olathe School District
Katy Dorrell, LMSW, is a Mental Health Professional with the Olathe School District and has nine years of experience in education. She primarily works with elementary-aged students, and has experience serving students across all grade levels. Katy is passionate about helping students... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 315
Meeting the individual needs of every student takes a village, especially when behavior and mental health struggles are extreme. This session will evaluate two case studies with practical tips for partnering with team members and collaborating with parents. We will also focus on how to navigate obstacles including resistant staff members or parents. We will address the 4 R’s of collaboration: Relationships, Resources, Responsibilities, and Results.
Juliana has been a Behavior Coach for Olathe Schools for six years. Prior to that, she has been a general education teacher, resource teacher, and SER teacher. She recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She actively collaborates with teams to problem-solve and... Read More →
Deb has been an elementary counselor for 12 years (8 in Olathe Schools) as well as a general education teacher. Deb is passionate about working collaboratively with all stakeholders to best meet the emotional and behavioral needs of all students. She could not do her job without... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT Room 315
As millennial parents increasingly shape the K–12 education landscape, schools must reconsider how they approach family engagement. This workshop presents findings from a qualitative study exploring millennial parents’ perceptions of parental involvement in elementary education in the JOCO area. Participants will review key themes from the research, including parents’ expectations for transparent communication, consistent access to information, and meaningful opportunities to collaborate with schools. The session will also highlight the most common concerns parents raise and examine how leadership practices influence school-family relationships. Participants will then explore how PBIS can serve as a framework for creating more inclusive and responsive family engagement practices. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will identify strategies to strengthen partnerships with families and build school cultures grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Juliana has been a Behavior Coach for Olathe Schools for six years. Prior to that, she has been a general education teacher, resource teacher, and SER teacher. She recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She actively collaborates with teams to problem-solve and... Read More →
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 315
