Conference Opens 10:00am

Registration Begins

FRYSCKY Public Policy Meeting 10am - Room H - Stanley


Opening Keynote 12:30 - 1:30 pm

1P - Opening Remarks - Dr. John Gaines - Plenary Grand Ballroom

John’s childhood was one of extreme adversity. Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, facing personal struggles, and being bullied for his differences, he had every reason to give up, but he pushed through thanks to a caring adult. In this presentation, he shares how educators and caring adults can make a life-changing impact in the life of a kid.


Session#2 - 1:45pm

2A - Practical Strategies for Building Resilience and Committed Action - Grant Lanning, Head Strong Mental Performance

Location: Clements

As a Sport Psychology Consultant, I understand the difficulties of transferring evidence-based research into real-world skills.  Within this workshop, we will discuss the application of evidence-based helping strategies utilizing concepts of acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment.  The mission of this workshop is to not only further understand strategies that promote resilience and committed action but to also provide you with tangible strategies and skills to apply.

2B- Growing Up In School - Principled Pennix, LLC.

Location: Willis

Learning how to identify your feelings and having empathy for others is as important as any academic skills children learn in school.  To do so, we must be intentional about teaching all the feelings that students deal with daily and not just happy, mad, sad, or scared. You’ll leave this workshop with actionable steps to assist a small group or a whole school in their own growth process.

2C - PUSH for Dreams Leadership Academy - Dr. John Gaines

Location: Combs Chandler

Dr. Gaines utilizes one of the 10-lessons covered in the PDLA curriculum, learning to develop a positive self-image. Research shows that developing a positive self-image is critical because it is integral to the development of personal character, to how we handle individuals and complex relationships. Self-image becomes the most significant determining factor for our success in life.

2D - Powerhouse Social Media - Mike Lemon, Cyber Safe Teen

Location: Breathitt

Do you ever feel like a professional beggar, begging parents to come to a training or begging sponsors for money? Powerhouse Social Media will give you the tools to use social media (from setup to send) to 10x the number of parents you are training in less than 1 hour a month AND have sponsors coming to you begging to give your school money.

2E -2022 State of the Cyber Union - Bob Couchman, Cyber Safe Teen

Location: Nunn

Similar to the Presidential State of the Union, we are going to be talking about everything we learned about the state of social media, gaming , mental health effects, and bullying after training over 8,000 students from Paducah to Ashland last school year. We will explore where we were, where we are, and what big threats are ahead of next year that every educator needs to know.

2F - Harm Reduction 101 - Alex Elswick, PhD

Location: Carroll Ford

Seatbelts.  Condoms.  Speed limits.  Low-fat ranch dressing.  The list goes on, ad nauseam.  Each and every one of us uses harm reduction each and every day.  Moreover, you've heard of the failures of abstinence-based sex education, but what of the failures of abstinence-based drug prevention?  Imagine the hypocrisy that swirls in the mind of youth who are taught that drugs are bad while watching mom sip wine comfortably and responsibly.  Harm Reduction 101 is an examination of a more honest, practical, and impactful approach to addressing substance use in youth and adults.  

2G - Connecting Safely - Kristie Adams, Bruce Manor, Family Scholar House, Resource Network Director

Location: Brown

Individuals in crisis need to access resources that are accurate and intersect the individual who is seeking services, the social service agency that is looking for services, and first responders. A safety net app will connect all in a trauma- informed way where the individual does not have to input personal data to receive assistance, can be empowered to find assistance 24 hours a day, and has comprehensive information to make the choice if the service is right for them.

2H - Handle with Care - Ben Wilcox, State School Security Marshall, Danielle Perkins, Kentucky State Police

Location: Stanley (3rd Floor)

This workshop will highlight the development and implementation of the Handle with Care Program within the Commonwealth.  It will also discuss how the program fits into the School Safety and Resiliency Act and its positive impact it has made on the children of KY.  


Session #3 - 3:15pm

3A - Strengthening Your Father and Family Engagement with the Strong Schools Event Kit - J. Michael Hall, M.Ed. 

Location: Clements

Strong Fathers-Strong Families, LLC has worked face to face with over 250,000 dads in schools just like yours. Their proven programs are available to schools in their Strong Schools Event Kit which provides EVERYTHING you need to reach and teach large groups of dads and kids. Participants will learn how to Prepare, Promote, and Present for each event which includes Bring Your Dad to School Day, Dad and Kid Math Morning, Dad and Kid Science Night, and Dad

3B - Cara Stewart & Priscilla Easterling & Emily Beauregard with Ky Voices for Health; Adrienne Bush with Housing and Homeless Coalition of Ky; Marcie Timmerman with Mental Health America in KY; Dr. Sheila Schuster, Ky Advocacy Network

Location: Willis

KVH and our ThriveKY partners will offer up-to-date information on state and federal policies that impact the economy, health, housing, transportation, food assistance, childcare, public health, mental health and substance use disorder. Speakers will discuss how to advocate for a stronger safety-net with public assistance programs that are designed to support thriving communities.

3C - Persevere Until Something Happens - Dr. John Gaines

Location: Combs Chandler

In this speech, Dr. Gaines shares his drive to give hope to others because his own story grew from hopelessness. John earned his nickname “PUSH” (Persevere Until Something Happens) because he believes in the power of perseverance and teaches others to “keep pushing” and LOVE through life’s obstacles to become the best version of themselves. John’s childhood was one of extreme adversity. Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, facing personal struggles, and being bullied for his differences, he had every reason to give up, but he pushed through. Now, as a professional speaker and author, John strives to help & teach people to overcome and to rise.

3D - Vaping Me Crazy: Weed Between the Lines - Michael DeLeon, Steered Straight Inc.

Location: Breathitt

This session will discuss the complete misunderstood fixation of the Vape and the JUUL by adolescents. We will discuss the facts of susceptibility of the adolescent brain to this dangerous stimulant.  Also covered will be the systemic dangers to the brain and body that are completely underestimated. This is the Tri-Fecta Gateway of Nicotine, Alcohol and Marijuana and includes information on Delta 8 & 10 and fentanyl.

3E - Psychological Safety in the Classroom - Lauren Muir & Renesha Martin, Martin and Muir Counseling, Co-Owners

Location: Nunn

This workshop will define psychological safety in classroom and school settings. We will also discuss the importance of psychological safety, how to create psychological safety in the classrooms, and the impact on learning when a safe environment has been created. This workshop will also address building relationships amongst students from marginalized communities.

3F - I Need to See It:  Real Restorative Practice Conferences in Elementary School - Principled Pennix, LLC. 

Location: Carroll Ford

I may know the questions to ask and even agree that there has to be a better way to resolve these conflicts but I’ve never seen it in action.”  If this is you, then you need to attend this workshop.  We’ll walk you through step by step a real restorative practice conference with elementary children.  You’ll walk away with specific strategies to address serious behaviors.  You’ll leave confident that you can handle any conflict that arises.

3G - Attitude is Everything - Amy Hanninen, Silverleaf Prevention Team Manager

Location: Brown

This session you will hear my story of being a two different type of cancer survivor with the curve balls life has thrown at me.  Understanding the importance of how our attitude and perception impact not only ourselves but those around us. We all experience stressors throughout our life and no one’s life is perfect.  Life is about choices and our attitude is one of them.  It is important to chase the good and find a positive no matter how disturbing our stressors are.  Attitude is everything.


Networking Gathering - 5:00pm

“Back to the 80s” - Opening Reception

In Exhibit Hall

We’re finally back in-person! Come join us for this fun 80s themed reception. Catch up with fellow coordinators from across the state and come see which Region can throw down the most gnarly 80’s smack-down