2025 Health and Wellness Conference

Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Join us for a day focusing on the wellbeing of you and your students. This invigorating day of learning will offer sessions on behavioral health, student success, athletics, physical health, and wellness topics. Topic experts will be on hand to address your questions and provide resources to support your work. Self-care sessions will allow you to recharge and gain ideas to bring back to your colleagues and students. You will leave energized for the remainder of the school year with new perspectives to inform your work. This event is designed for all roles in the school community, including:

• Teachers
• Wellness Staff and Faculty
• SEL Counselors, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists
• Athletic Directors and Coaches
• Nurses and Doctors
• Deans of Students & Residential Life Directors
• Academic Deans, Department Chairs, and Division Heads

Pricing and Location:

Your registration includes lunch.

REGISTER HERE

We strive to create an inclusive learning environment for all. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us at info@aisne.org.

Location Information
Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Norwood, MA 02062

Stay Wednesday Night

Agenda at a Glance

Thursday, May 8 

• 8:00 – 8:45 AM | Registration, Breakfast, and Ask an Expert
• 8:45 – 10:00 AM | Keynote Address
• 10:15 – 11:15 AM | Topic Sessions 1 
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Topic Sessions 2 
• 12:30 – 1:45 PM | Ask an Expert and Lunch 
• 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Topic Sessions 3
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Reflections and Raffles

Keynote Speakers

8:45 AM
Deep Listening in the Thick of It All: Listening Skills for Educators and Administrators
Paula Chu, PhD and Holly Hinderlie, PhD
Independent school educators and administrators often find themselves on the front lines of student development, witnessing both triumphs and struggles. You can see challenges coming even before students recognize them—and you want to help. You’ve got great advice! You know how to solve the problem. But somehow, your wisdom doesn’t land the way you hope. What’s in the way? Deep listening skills acknowledge that when someone is full of emotion, listening IS the needed intervention. Until students feel truly heard and understood, they lack the capacity to absorb advice or guidance. This interactive session will teach you how to engage in deep listening to build meaningful connections. Using scenarios for discussion, we will explore how effective listening creates stronger relationships, expands a student’s resilience, and fosters a supportive environment. You will leave with practical tools to deepen your understanding of students’ needs and enhance your ability to support them through challenges.

Dr. Paula Chu is the Director of the Stanley H. King Institute, which has trained independent school educators in the art and effort of deep listening since 1963. After working for many years at an independent school, Paula transitioned in 2006 to a private psychotherapy and counseling practice. However, she continues to be immersed in the independent school world through the work of the Institute and by living on the campus of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where her spouse is employed. Paula holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and is licensed in New York as a Mental Health Counselor and in Connecticut as a Professional Counselor.

Dr. Holly Hinderlie is a Washington, D.C.-based psychologist, speaker, and equity and inclusion consultant. For more than 20 years, she has worked to improve mental health outcomes for students and faculty in independent schools. Holly’s areas of expertise include sex education, social-emotional learning curricula, individual counseling services (with a specialization in treating girls of color), mental health programming, and training for faculty and administrators. Currently, she serves as the School Psychologist and Upper School Counselor at Holton-Arms, a 3rd–12th grade girls’ school in Bethesda, Maryland. Holly is also the Assistant Director of the Stanley H. King Institute, where she presents nationally on faculty wellness. Additionally, she is the co-owner of Hinderlie and Associates, LLC, a consulting firm, and offers individual and group psychotherapy in her private practice.

Agenda

8:00 – 8:45 AM | Registration, Breakfast, and Ask an Expert
Enjoy light refreshments as we welcome you to our conference. Use this time to browse a selection of titles from Wellesley Books, and engage in conversation with experts on a variety of topics.

8:45 – 10:00 AM | Keynote Address: Paula Chu, Ph.D. and Holly Hinderlie, Ph.D.
See above.

10:15 – 11:15 AM | Topic Sessions 1

Beyond Tolerance: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voices in Education for Authentic Thriving

Presented by: Craig Aarons-Martin | Founder and CEO, CCM Education Group
This session provides tools for creating inclusive policies and safe spaces where diversity is valued. These tools will help you and your community to foster a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in educational settings. Additionally, we will explore strategies for supporting students and adults in the wake of executive decisions that impact LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being. You will learn to enhance your communication skills, promote constructive dialogue on LGBTQIA+ topics, implement and advocate for inclusive policies, and cultivate empathetic learning spaces that validate diverse identities.

Empowering Changemakers Through Athletics and Physical Education: Leadership, Inclusion, and Impact

Presented by: Melissa Lawlor | Upper School Director of Equity and Inclusion, Milton Academy (Milton, MA) and Lamar Reddicks | Director of Athletics, Milton Academy (Milton, MA)
Athletics, physical education, and sports offer powerful opportunities to shape student leadership, foster inclusion, and build a culture of positive change within school communities. From the earliest years of physical education to competitive team sports, students develop essential life skills—collaboration, resilience, and accountability—that prepare them to be changemakers both on and off the field. In this session, we will explore how schools can intentionally use athletics and physical education as vehicles for leadership development, character building, and social responsibility. You will learn strategies for engaging athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes in meaningful conversations and initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, belonging, and community impact. We will also examine real-world examples of programs and partnerships that empower students to become active leaders within their teams, schools, and beyond.

Understanding and Addressing Student Absenteeism: A Mental Health-Informed Approach

Presented by: Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter, Ph.D. | Clinical Psychologist & Author and Maddie Warlan | Director of Counseling & Wellness, Walnut Hill School for the Arts (Natick, MA)
Chronic absenteeism and disengagement are often symptoms of deeper mental health challenges, including social anxiety, rising depressive symptoms, and disordered eating. In this session, you’ll explore the critical connection between student mental health and school attendance, providing a framework for understanding the root causes of absenteeism and disengagement. Through case studies, research-based insights, and interactive discussions, we will examine the role of a strong student support team in addressing these challenges. The session will provide actionable strategies for you to proactively support struggling students, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and engaged in their education. We will also explore the power of a collaborative approach—integrating counselors, teachers, administrators, and families—to help students overcome attendance barriers and thrive academically and emotionally.

Inclusive Strategies for Neurodivergent Early Childhood and Elementary Students: A Scenario-Based Approach for Managing ADHD, Anxiety, and Learning Differences

Presented by: Sharon Saline, PhD | Psychologist, Author, and Creator of 5C’s of ADHD^TM
In this interactive session, early childhood and elementary educators will engage in real-world scenarios to explore effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, and learning differences. This session moves beyond traditional presentations to foster collaborative discussions and problem-solving. We will work through case studies, gain expert insights, and develop practical approaches for fostering emotional regulation, managing behavior, and strengthening parent-teacher partnerships. This hands-on experience will equip you with compassionate, research-based tools to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.

The Digital Dilemma: How Technology Is Shaping Student Wellbeing and Development

Presented by: Jill Walsh, PhD | Author, Researcher, and Digital Space Advocate
Technology is deeply embedded in students’ daily lives, influencing their cognitive development, social interactions, and emotional well-being. From the rise of AI-driven content to the pressures of social media and the challenges of screen time management, educators and school leaders must navigate the complex impact of technology on student health. This session will explore the latest research on how digital engagement affects student stress, self-esteem, and mental health. We will discuss the psychological effects of social media comparison, digital addiction, and online safety concerns, while also exploring the potential benefits of technology when used mindfully. The session will offer actionable strategies for helping students develop healthy digital habits, fostering media literacy, and engaging parents in meaningful conversations about responsible tech use.

College Mental Health: Navigating the Transition and Supporting Students’ Wellbeing

Presented by: Christopher Willard, PsyD | Harvard Medical School Faculty, Author, and Clinical Psychologist 
As high school students prepare for the transition to college, mental health and wellbeing often take on new challenges. In this session, we will explore the unique mental health needs of students as they move into higher education. From managing stress and anxiety to building resilience, this session will provide essential strategies for supporting students’ mental health during this critical transition. We will discuss the common mental health challenges faced by college-bound students, including academic pressures, social adaptation, and homesickness. You will also receive tools to help students build coping strategies, practice mindfulness, and foster a sense of belonging as they embark on their college journey. With a focus on proactive measures and early intervention, this session will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to support students’ mental health both before and during their time in college.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Topic Sessions 2 

Beyond Survival: Supporting BIPOC Educators and Students in Predominantly White Institutions

Presented by: Craig Aarons-Martin | Founder and CEO at CCM Education Group
BIPOC educators and students in predominantly white institutions (PWIs) often face unique challenges, from navigating racial isolation to confronting microaggressions, implicit bias, and systemic barriers. This session will provide you with concrete strategies for fostering a school culture that actively supports the wellbeing, professional growth, and authentic thriving of BIPOC community members. In this session, we will explore how to develop institutional policies that center equity, build networks of support for BIPOC educators and students, and cultivate inclusive learning environments where racial identity is affirmed and celebrated. This will include real-world case studies, guided discussions, and action-oriented tools to empower you and your community to create lasting change.

Brain Healthy: Empowering Student Decision Making through Health-Data Investigations

Presented by: Jen Churchill | School Counselor and Health Educator at New Hampton School (New Hampton, NH), Amanda Santos Valenzuela | Wellness Department Head at The Winsor School (Boston, MA), and Cate Schultz | Doctoral Student in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology at Boston College
Brain Healthy is a new high school program, co-designed by educators and researchers, funded by the National Institute of Health. The aim is to empower students to make data-informed health decisions. By utilizing fitness trackers and analyzing their own data, students gain important health literacy skills. In this session, you will experience some of the activities in the Brain Healthy program and discuss ways to engage diverse student populations in navigating brain health and wellness. A key aim of this presentation is to share how the data science investigations practiced in the Brain Healthy curriculum at schools such as Winsor, a girls’ independent day school, and New Hampton, a co-educational college preparatory school, can empower students in autonomous science.

Redefining Success: Supporting Students Across All Ages in a Perfection-Driven World

Presented by: Szu-Hui Lee | Director, Counseling & Psychological Services, Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, NH)
From early childhood to post-graduate students, the pressure to achieve perfection can shape a young person’s self-worth, mental health, and overall wellbeing. In a world hyper-focused on outcome-based success, educators and administrators across all grade levels play a crucial role in reshaping the narrative and fostering a healthier, more balanced approach to achievement. This session will explore how perfectionism manifests at different developmental stages—from young children internalizing high expectations to adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout. We will examine the impact of school culture, social media, and external pressures on student wellbeing and learn concrete strategies to help students define success in ways that prioritize self-acceptance, resilience, and intrinsic motivation. Through discussion and practical tools, you will leave with insights to guide students of all ages in developing a healthier relationship with achievement. We will also explore how to work collaboratively with faculty, parents, and school leaders to shift institutional mindsets and create a culture that nurtures both excellence and wellbeing.

Laying the Foundation for Healthy Relationships in a Digital World

Presented by: Cindy Pierce | Sexuality Educator, Storyteller and Author
In this session we will explore age-appropriate ways to introduce personal boundaries, peer pressure, and digital citizenship to young students. Cindy will share engaging and practical approaches to help students navigate the complexities of growing up in a digital world. You will learn how to empower your students to understand and respect personal boundaries, resist peer pressure, and become responsible digital citizens. Cindy will provide tools to foster healthy friendships and guide positive online interactions. You will leave with actionable insights and resources to support your students in building a strong foundation for healthy relationships both offline and online.

Navigating Complex Challenges with Neurodivergent Middle and Upper School Students: A Scenario-Based Approach for Managing ADHD, Anxiety, and Learning Differences

Presented by: Sharon Saline, PhD | Psychologist, Author, and Creator of 5C’s of ADHD^TM
Middle and upper school educators will engage in real-world scenarios to explore effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and executive functioning challenges. This session will foster collaborative discussions and problem-solving. We will analyze case studies involving behavioral struggles, academic challenges, and parent communication, gaining expert insights on how to tailor their approaches. Through this scenario-based problem-solving process, you will leave with actionable strategies for fostering student success, strengthening relationships, and creating more inclusive learning environments.

Selfies, Wealthies, and Staying Emotionally Healthy: Helping Adolescents Navigate Social Media

Presented by: Jill Walsh, PhD | Author, Researcher, and Digital Space Advocate
Social media has become a central part of adolescent life, shaping self-image, peer relationships, and mental health in profound ways. From the curated world of “wealthies” and influencers to the pressure of maintaining an idealized digital persona, teens today face new and complex challenges that can contribute to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In this session, Dr. Jill Walsh will explore the intricate relationship between adolescents and social media, providing research-backed insights into how these platforms affect identity development and emotional wellbeing. You will gain a deeper understanding of how social media influences self-worth, comparison culture, and digital peer interactions. Through case studies, discussion, and practical exercises, you will leave with actionable strategies to help adolescents set boundaries, use social media mindfully, and maintain a healthier relationship with digital platforms.

Trauma- & Mental Health-Informed Schools and Classrooms

Presented by: Christopher Willard, PsyD | Harvard Medical School Faculty, Author, and Clinical Psychologist 
With the surge of mental health and trauma-related issues in schools come new anxieties and demands on classroom teachers, administrators, student support staff, and more. This straightforward workshop will walk you through recognizing warning signs and implementing effective adaptations that minimize disruption to struggling students and the larger community. We will discuss universal approaches to teaching and community building that benefit all rather than singling out struggling students for support. You will come away with ideas for maintaining academic rigor while supporting students who are struggling.

12:30 – 1:45 PM | Ask an Expert and Lunch
Enjoy a buffet lunch, browse a selection of titles from Wellesley Books, and engage in conversation with experts on a variety of topics.

2:00 – 3:00 PM | Topic Sessions 3
Option 1: 30 minute sessions (pick 2 of 3)

Rooted in Wellness: Yoga Practices for Educators and Administrators to Thrive

Presented by: Ivy Alphonse-Crean | Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dedham Country Day School (Dedham, MA)
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful educational environments, it is essential for educators and administrators to prioritize their own health and wellbeing in order to effectively support their students and communities. This interactive session will guide you through accessible and restorative yoga practices that you can integrate into your daily routine, whether at your desk, in your classroom, or within your work space. Join in as we explore simple yet powerful yoga techniques designed to reduce stress, increase focus, and enhance overall wellbeing. Whether you are a seasoned yoga practitioner or a complete beginner, this session will offer practical tools you can easily adapt to your professional life. Come ready to move, breathe, and learn how yoga can help you thrive both personally and professionally!

Embracing Rest as a Vital Component of Wellbeing in Schools

Presented by: Matt Ghiden | Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Thayer Academy (Braintree, MA) and 
Orlando Patterson | Associate Director of Community & Equity, St. Mark’s School (Southborough, MA)
In the fast-paced environment of schools, rest is often undervalued—seen as secondary to productivity, achievement, and constant engagement. Yet, research and lived experience show that rest is essential for physical health, cognitive function, and emotional wellbeing. This session will explore how schools can reframe rest as a vital practice for students, educators, and administrators alike. We will examine the physiological and psychological benefits of intentional rest, learn practical strategies such as mindfulness and meditation, and consider how prioritizing wellbeing enhances both learning and leadership. Drawing inspiration from high-achieving individuals, including elite athletes, scholars, and innovators, we will highlight how rest fuels sustainable success. You will leave with tools to create school environments where rest is valued, modeled, and integrated into daily life for the wellbeing of all community members.

Zumba for All: Energizing the Body, Engaging the Mind

Presented by: Duane McClendon | Health and Physical Education, The Park School (Brookline, MA)
Get ready to move, groove, and energize your body! This high-energy Zumba session blends rhythms from salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, and more to create a fun and engaging workout for all levels. Together we will explore the history and benefits of Zumba, learning how this globally popular fitness practice supports both physical and mental wellness. Through interactive instruction, we will break down key movements, sync your steps to the music, and experience how Zumba fosters creativity, connection, and community. No dance or Zumba experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to have fun!

Option 2: hour-long sessions (pick 1 of 3)

Student Voices on Wellbeing and Leadership: What Schools Need to Hear

Presented by: Scarlen Martinez | Author and Custom Collaborative Board Member
What do students wish the adults in their school communities knew about their experiences with wellbeing, leadership, and school culture? In this student-led session, Scarlen Martinez will facilitate a panel of student-athletes who will share their personal insights on balancing academic, athletic, and personal wellbeing while striving to lead by example in their schools. This discussion will give you a rare opportunity to hear directly from students about the support they need to thrive—on the field, in the classroom, and in their broader school communities. Panelists will discuss the pressures they face, the leadership skills they are developing, and the ways in which adults can better foster environments that promote student wellness, integrity, and empowerment. Together, we will engage in dialogue with the student panel, participate in small group discussions, and leave with practical, student-informed strategies for strengthening leadership, inclusion, and wellbeing across all aspects of school life.

Helping Children Navigate Worries and Fears: Practical Strategies for Emotional Resilience

Presented by: Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter, PhD | Clinical Psychologist & Author
Growing up is filled with inevitable emotional bumps and bruises, from the frustration of early childhood challenges to the uncertainties of adolescence and young adulthood. This session, inspired by the insights of The Parents’ Guide to Psychological First Aid, offers practical strategies to help children express and manage their worries and fears effectively. Led by Dr. Olivia Moorehead-Slaughter, this interactive session will provide actionable advice for you to support children through common stressors, including social dynamics, screen time, academic pressures, and more. You will gain tools to foster emotional resilience, build open communication, and empower children to navigate challenges with confidence. Whether you are guiding a toddler or a teenager, this session will equip you with nonjudgmental advice, practical tips, and resources to create a supportive environment for children to thrive emotionally.

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Action: Practical Strategies for Wellbeing

Presented by: Christopher Willard, PsyD | Harvard Medical School Faculty, Author, and Clinical Psychologist 
In this interactive session, Christopher Willard will guide you through a range of mindfulness and self-compassion practices designed to support emotional wellbeing and resilience. Drawing on his extensive experience, Christopher will introduce accessible techniques for integrating mindfulness, positive psychology, and self-compassion into everyday life. Through guided exercises and group discussions, we will explore practical ways to enhance self-awareness, manage stress, and cultivate kindness—both for yourself and others. You will leave with actionable tools that can be applied in a variety of settings, from the classroom to therapeutic environments, and you will gain a deeper understanding of how mindfulness and self-compassion can nurture growth and wellbeing.

3:00 – 3:30 PM | Reflections and Raffles
Before we say goodbye, we will reconvene to share out final thoughts and participate in a prize giveaway.

Our Learning Community

Join your peers from around New England, including groups from these schools:

• Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
• Dedham Country Day School
• The Derryfield School
• Fay School
• Fayerweather Street School
• Gordon School
• Holton-Arms School
• International School of Boston
• Kingsley Montessori
• Landmark School
• Lincoln Academy
• Milton Academy
• Mountain Valley Treatment Center
• New Hampton School
• Noble and Greenough School
• Park School, The
• Phillips Academy Andover
• Pomfret School
• Rashi School, The
• Sharon Academy
• St. John’s Prep
• St. Mark’s School
• Thayer Academy
• Ursuline Academy
• Walnut Hill School for the Arts
• Wellan Montessori School
• Winsor School, The

Sponsors 

• Summit Achievement
• HMFH Architects

Thank you to the 2025 AISNE Health & Wellness Conference Planning Committee.

Pictured from left to right:

• Steve Brown | Assistant Principal for Student Life, St. John’s Prep, MA
• Erin Fisher | Director of Wellbeing and Wellbeing Dept Chair, Pomfret School, CT
• Jen Hamilton | Director of Psychology and Counseling, Noble and Greenough School, MA 
• Tara Hofherr | Associate Head of School, Kingsley Montessori School, MA
• KJ Anastasio | Athletic Director, Lincoln Academy, ME
• Anela Kruščica | Director of Equity and Belonging, The Derryfield School, NH
• Dr. Amy Patel | Physician and Wellness Educator, Phillips Academy Andover, MA
• Orlando Patterson | Associate Director of Community & Equity/Faculty Recruitment Coordinator. Assistant Football Coach, St. Mark’s School, MA
• Lamar Reddicks | Athletic Director, Milton Academy, MA
• Amanda Santos Valenzuela | Wellness Department Head, The Winsor School, MA
• Dorla White-Simpson | Teacher/DEIBJ/Admissions Support, Fayerweather Street School, MA
• Christa Wurm | Middle School Counselor, Sharon Academy, MA

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and transfer requests must be sent via email to info@aisne.org. Cancellations received up to 10 days before the start of the event will receive a 100% refund, less a $150 administrative fee. This fee covers the cost of our minimum commitments with our hotel partners; thank you for your understanding. Transfers of registrations from one person to another are permitted up to 3 business days before the start of the event.

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