Wired for Connection
Join us in Anchorage, Alaska on November 11-12, 2022!
Who should attend?
School counselors, teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals. Everyone from your district, school, and community is welcome.
Connection matters!
Often when we hear that relationships are important we see it as fluff and not science. Not anymore! Research shows that our mental health is directly connected to our healthy relationships.
During this engaging and interactive PD event, you will gain tools and a new understanding of how our healthy connections to peers and students improve our own mental health, allowing us and the youth we care about to thrive. This session will focus on relationships in our families, our schools, and our communities.
We will examine the four neuropathways that author and researcher, Amy Banks, Ph.D., identifies as the ones people use when forming relationships. In addition, we will review ideas and concepts from the book What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey. These experts explore the important role that positive connections play in the healing process of trauma.
Understanding processes in the brain while examining the science of relationships provide us with an understanding of why we feel better when we are connected and why students learn better when they are connected.
You will walk away with the following applicable knowledge and skills:
The importance of connections between adults and youth, between adults and adults
How connections within - and between - groups increase productivity and common understandings
Understand why the science of connection matters
How biology - both neuroscience and anatomy - contribute to positive wellbeing
Fun & interactive strategies to increase connection between individuals and groups
Creative ways to teach neuroscience to anyone!
Registration
$275 - The registration fee covers hands-on training and materials.
Bring a team! 20% discount when 3 or more register together.
Location
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
401 E 6th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Discounted lodging rates coming soon!
Discounted airfare to Anchorage on Alaska/Horizon Airlines: Use the code ECME384 to receive a 7% discount when booking your flight.
Expert, Engaging Facilitators
Stephanie Damery has nearly 20 years of experience in K-12 education. She earned a B.Ed. Generalist Degree with an Educational Psychology Minor from the University of Alberta, Canada. She has served the Alberta education system in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, Instructional Learning Coach, Jurisdictional Learning Services Coordinator, PACE Provincial Curriculum Writing Team Member, and Assistant Principal. Stephanie is passionate about supporting teachers in their professional growth by focusing on relationships, student learning, and data-based decision-making. An educator from her core, Stephanie is an enthusiastic and empathetic leader motivated to foster a culture of collaboration among students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders, in pursuit of success for every student. As a reflective educator, lifelong learner, and advocate for student success, Stephanie has worked within her school and community, to bring Webs of Support to life! She is joining Brightways Learning to share her passion for youth development with other communities.
Amanda Blankenship has worked in K-12 education for more than 20 years in various settings. Most of her experience has been in the classroom, but she also has experience as an office staff member. Amanda has worked in small, rural districts as well as the largest school district in Arizona. Her passion is to support students and adults in finding the tools needed for their success and helping them reach their goals. Her commitment to staff and students is apparent. In addition, Amanda is a wife, mother, connector, and lifelong learner.