This annual gathering celebrates the collective progress of the mental health and school safety communities while focusing on the 2026 theme, “Elevating School Climate through Connection and Care.” Together, we’ll explore how fostering authentic relationships, compassionate practices, and effective school safety strategies can strengthen safety and well-being across school campuses.
Participants will engage with evidence-based strategies, enhance professional and personal skills, and collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and leading experts from across the state. Hosted at ESC Region 13, this event will offer valuable insights and practical tools for creating safe, supportive, and connected learning environments.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and help elevate your school community through the power of connection and care.
Keynote Speaker
Steve Bollar
Steven A. Bollar, CSP®, known nationally as Stand Tall Steve, is an award-winning educator, former superintendent, and one of today’s leading voices on school culture, climate, and leadership. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader, Steve brings real-world credibility and a powerful understanding of what it takes to lead schools through complexity and change.
Known for his high-energy, authentic style, Steve delivers engaging keynotes and workshops that challenge leaders to move from compliance to commitment by anchoring their work in vision, mission, and values. His sessions blend research-based practices with practical strategies leaders can use immediately to strengthen culture, elevate communication, and create environments where both students and staff thrive.
Steve’s message is clear, motivating, and actionable, helping leaders stand tall, lead with intention, and build schools where people believe in the work they do.
Schedule
8:00 - 9:00 am
Conference Check-In and Resource Hall
8:15 - 9:00 am
Sponsored Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast provided by Tessera Technology Group while connecting with colleagues and visiting our Resource Hall.
9:00 - 9:30 am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:30 - 10:45 am
Keynote Address: Standing Tall Through It All Steven A. Bollar “Stand Tall Steve”, Top 30 Global Guru in Education, Award-Winning Educator, Author
10:45 -11:00 am
Break and Resource Hall
11:00 - 11:45 am
Featured Session: Building Climate: How Copperas Cove Counselors Shape Safe, Supportive Schools Amy Simpson, Director of Counseling and Student Support, Copperas Cove ISD
11:45 am - 12:05 pm
Lunch (Provided)
Enjoy lunch provided by FlipLok while connecting with colleagues and visiting our Resource Hall.
12:05 - 12:50 pm
Break and Resource Hall
1:10 - 1:55 pm
Breakout Sessions
Unlocking Culture & Climate Steven A. Bollar (“Stand Tall Steve”)
Safety Checks at East View High School Chrystal Gonzalez, Georgetown ISD
Online Violent Groups J. Paige Butler, Intelligence Analyst, FBI
From Trauma to Trust: Building Resilient Learners Through Restorative Relationships Angela Inselberg & Monica Kurtz, ESC Region 13
School Safety Trainings Dr. Celina Bley, Texas School Safety Center
1:55 - 2:10 pm
Break and Resource Hall
2:10 - 2:55 pm
Breakout Sessions
The Classroom is the First Responder: De-Escalation is Not Optional Dr. Linda Metcalf, Texas Wesleyan University
Pawsitive Connections: How School Support Dogs Strengthen Climate, Student Well-Being, and Academics Austin Crawly, Bartlett ISD and Rhonda Ramirez, Temple ISD
REPORT: Best Practice for Campus Professionals Responding to Child Abuse Brittany McGowan, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center
Think Smart: A Tucker’s Law-Compliant Skills-Based Prevention Program for Grades 6–12 Caitlin Holden, PhD, Texas A&M University
The Safe School Mosaic: Connecting Technology, People, and Practice in K–12 Security Tessera Technology Group
3:10 - 3:55 pm
Breakout Sessions
Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce Overview Sgt. Amy Gonzales, Office of the Texas Attorney General
Tobacco, Vape, Alcohol… Fentanyl? The Ins and Outs of Intervention and Prevention Deborah Antich, Recovery Support Peer Specialist & ORN Consultant
REPORT: Best Practice for Campus Professionals Responding to Child Abuse Brittany McGowan, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center
School Behavior Threat Assessment Sentinels: Gaining Insights Through Standardization Paul Smith, Texas Education Agency
Solution-Focused De-Escalation for Aggressive Behavior Dr. Paula Freeman, ESC Region 13
