presented by the area 2 sel hub
June 15, 2023
rockford university
Supporting your school community
Join us at the Area 2 SEL Hub’s 2023 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Symposium. Discover new teaching strategies from our all-star lineup of regional and national thought leaders in the field of SEL.
National speaker and author Heidy LaFleur will set the tone for the day with her keynote, "Soaring Balloons and Heavy Shackles: Helping the Most Challenging Kids Soar". Then, participants will break out to their self-selected concurrent sessions. Each participant can choose up to four breakout sessions with topics including trauma-responsive practices, educator resiliency, well-being, culturally responsive teaching, whole-school safety, restorative practices, SEL classroom strategies, and so much more.
We've enlisted 23 recognized presenters who will offer noteworthy content in 29 workshops. These 60- to 90-minute breakouts will include vital ideas and resources to take back to your office or classroom for immediate implementation.
We can't wait for you to join us in this important work!
2023 SEL SYMPOSIUM
Meet your keynote
Heidy Lafleur
Heidy LaFleur is a vibrant, positive, and common sense leader with explosive passion for helping people understand the impact of trauma. She is an author, a forever teacher, a former school administrator, and, most importantly, a mother who lives the trauma cycle with her family.
​With her personal experience as the foundation of her work with kids who struggle with mental health, Heidy has worked with hundreds of youth in need of an understanding, positive, and compassionate adult in their lives. Her true purpose is to develop and teach practical strategies to work with all behavior in order to make every day the best day for every child.
Heidy's keynote "Soaring Balloons and Heavy Shackles: Helping the Most Challenged Kids Soar" will kickoff the 2023 SEL Symposium. This powerful true story, based on real life trauma, provides intentional methodology to understand how our Actions, Words, and Expressions (AWE) have a direct impact on the outcome of interactions with our students.
Thought leaders
We are also pleased to welcome a group of inspiring and thought-provoking experts, who will share valuable SEL insights and solutions. See the schedule for their breakout sessions and times.
Simon APPLYRS
Simon is the co-director of Collective Well-Being at Mindful Practices. He focuses on mental health and trauma with a strengths-based, client-centered approach.
MICHAEL BAROLAK
Michael is the founder of RestoreEDU and a program facilitator for CharacterPlus, helping schools and leaders understand the power of restorative practices and circles.
Laura Langes, PSY.D.
Laura specializes in culturally-competent therapy services at Oasis Mental Health. She is particularly interested in using play, sand tray, and EMDR therapies.
DR. Devon LAROSA
Devon works as the Chief of High Schools for Chicago Public Schools. He is a passionate educator, focused on equity and leading with love.
DARCI MATZ
Darci will be joining us from Mindful Practices, to share everyday SEL strategies to implement in your classroom.
KORI SANCHEZ-SMITH
Kori is Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and the owner of Heart Shift Consulting. She partners with schools and teams to implement practices that put people and community first.
DR. FEMI SKANES
Femi is the Chief Executive Officer for Leadership EDGE. Her expertise includes developing systems of student support and designing high functioning school teams.
DR. JULIE SPERRY
Julie is the Director of Innovation, Leadership and Program Expansion at Character Plus. She helps leaders become self-aware so they can intentionally be their best self in order to help other be their best.
MARLOES VERHOEVEN, PSY.D.
Marloes has extensive experience treating adolescents and adults using a trauma-informed approach. She currently practices at Oasis Mental Health.
LISA WESTMAN
Lisa is an author, speaker, and consultant who provides support with student-driven differentiation, empathic teaching, standards-based learning, and instructional coaching programs.
DR. PAUL WRIGHT
Professor Wright specializes in the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) instructional model at NIU. He focuses on positive youth development, SEL, and sport for development.
Community
presenters
DR. HEATHER BAKER
SCOTT BLOOMQUIST
HAYLEY GOTSCHE
HEATHER HALL
CARRIE HOGUE
HOLLY KELLY
KIM MAVILLE
GILL MCLEAN
SARAH NAUMAN
ALLISON PIERSON
RYAN REINECKE
SARAH REHN
KATIE SZARYNSKI
Rockford University
Start your day at the Burpee Student Center for our keynote speaker and registration check-in. Make your way to the Starr Science Center for breakout sessions. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather!
Rockford University
5050 East State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
BURPEE
STUDENT
CENTER
Keynote
REGISTRATION
CAFETERIA
STARR SCIENCE
CENTER
BReakouts
EXHIBITORS ROW
Attending
Bring your walking shoes and an umbrella in case of inclement weather! There is an estimated 2-3 minute walk between buildings. Accessibility entrances and options are available for all buildings.
After registering online, you will be provided a QR code ticket. Please print your ticket or save on your phone for ease of check-in!
Food will be provided in the cafeteria. See the schedule for break times to plan your lunch.
Parking for the event will be in Lot A, across from the Burpee Center, where we will start our day with the keynote. See the campus map for assistance.
A number of vendors and speakers will have their books and materials for purchase in the Exhibitor's Row.
Come prepared!
After registering online, you will receive a ticket with a QR code. Please bring your ticket printed or displayed on your phone for easy check-in! Can't find it? Be sure to check
your spam folder as well.
We have also created a desktop and phone-friendly schedule for viewing breakout sessions on the go. Get full sessions descriptions, presenter materials, and more! Click on the Airtable on the right to view and save the link for later.
Let's start together
Questions? We're one click away.
Thank you to the Area 2 SEL Hub for proudly sponsoring and coordinating this event.
Accommodation suggestions
If you are coming from out-of-town, we want to make finding accommodations as easy as possible. See our suggested hotels on the right.
