2025 Child, Adolescent and School Health Conference

Presenters:
Shanon Everett, Family Engagement and Early Literacy Manager, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education
Melissa Manko, Family Engagement and Early Literacy Consultant, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education
Tewonia Alamu, LLMSW-Macro, CD, Family Engagement and Early Literacy Specialist, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education

Explore Michigan’s MiFamily Engagement Framework, created with evidence-based strategies for engaging families. It is a comprehensive strategy to strengthen family partnerships across all educational and community stages. This session will reveal the latest insights and practical methods for building equitable family engagement that positively impacts student outcomes, from early literacy to postsecondary readiness. Using real-world examples, we’ll discuss how collaborative, family-centered practices can reshape school culture, remove systemic barriers, and foster a supportive learning environment for every child. This session is designed for educational and community leaders ready to integrate family voices and resources into the core of student success.

Presenters:
Bethany LaRose, RN, Health Resource Advocate, Saginaw County Health Department
Sarah Osmond, BSN, Health Resource Advocate, Saginaw County Health Department

If there were any positives to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the opportunity to integrate Health Resource Advocates (HRAs) into school districts to assist with daily testing, tracking, and reporting. As the urgency surrounding COVID-19 diminished, HRAs began exploring school laws and safety protocols. This exploration revealed that many safety protocols and equipment required updates. Our team of HRAs have created partnerships and championed emergency preparedness in our county schools. This workshop will review the resources needed to help plan and implement a similar emergency response program in any school. We will discuss what is frequently overlooked by non-medical institutions when developing a plan for emergency response and ways to overcome those barriers. We will also discuss the laws surrounding Emergency Preparedness and what other partnerships could be available to acquire funding and tools to help you implement your program.

Presenter: Kim Phillips-Knope, MSW, Project Lead, Michigan Department of Education, LGBTQ+ Students Project and Co-Director, Roots of Change

Michigan educators and health care providers have found themselves not knowing what to do when it comes to supporting LGBTQ+ students, and transgender, nonbinary and intersex students in particular. They have heard contradictory messages at the federal and state levels and are at a loss for how to proceed. LGBTQ+ students are harmed by proposed anti-LGBTQ+ directives, laws and rhetoric. No matter what the political landscape looks like in specific communities these students show up in our schools and health centers every day and deserve the same access to quality education and health care as their non-LGBTQ+ peers. This interactive workshop will provide practical strategies regarding following state civil rights laws, organizational policies, and best practices, when it comes to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

Presenters:
Christina Holmes, MA, Regional School Health Coordinator (Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham) and Prevention Specialist, Eaton RESA
Alyson McClintock, MPH, Prevention Specialist, Eaton RESA

With limited time and funds available, school districts and agencies have limited resources to implement prevention programming. How do we make the biggest impact with the resources we have? This breakout session will explore evidence-based prevention strategies that have been proven effective in addressing a variety of issues, including substance misuse, mental health, and bullying. Learn how to evaluate the evidence base behind different prevention programs and select those that align with your specific needs and goals. Explore real-world examples of successful prevention programs that have made a positive difference in schools and communities. This session is designed for school administrators, counselors, social workers, and other professionals involved in prevention programming. Participants will leave the session with a better understanding of evidence-based prevention strategies, practical implementation tips, and a toolkit of resources to support their work.