2026 Health and Wellness Conference

Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 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 7 

• 8:00 – 8:45 AM | Registration, Breakfast, & Community Connection
• 8:45 – 9:00 AM | Welcome & Guided Mindfulness Practice 
• 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Topic Sessions 1 
• 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Active Session Block
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Keynote Session 
• 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch and Networking 
• 1:45 – 2:45 PM | Topic Sessions 2
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM | General Session: Unconference & Idea Sharing + Raffle

Keynote Speaker

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The Lighthouse Effect: Restoring Hope, Purpose, and Connection in School Communities
Steve Pemberton
In a time of polarization, fatigue, and growing distrust, educators and school leaders are often asked to do more than teach or manage—they are called to be steady, humane presences in the lives of students, colleagues, and families. In this inspiring session, Steve Pemberton draws from his own life and from the stories of quiet, everyday heroes to explore the power of being a “human lighthouse.” Steve shares the story of John Sykes, his high school counselor who offered safe harbor after Steve escaped an abusive foster home—an act of steady kindness that changed the trajectory of his life. Through this and other moving stories, we will reflect on how our own experiences, challenges, and values equip us to be sources of hope and direction for others. This session invites you to reconnect with your sense of purpose, recognize the impact of small, relational gestures, and consider how being a lighthouse for others can also be a source of personal renewal. You will leave reminded that the most powerful acts of leadership and care in school communities are often quiet, relational, and deeply human. 

Steve Pemberton is a best selling author, philanthropist, acclaimed speaker, and senior executive for the likes of Monster.com, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Workhuman. Steve Pemberton’s story is about defying seemingly insurmountable odds to become a trail-blazing corporate executive, enlightened diversity leader, visionary youth advocate, and acclaimed speaker. His best-selling memoir, A Chance in the World, recounts his triumphant life journey and drive to become a man of resilience, determination and vision. Now an upcoming major motion picture, A Chance in the World further amplifies Steve’s highly motivational messages: Believe in your dreams, rise above obstacles, create opportunities for others, and most of all, persevere.

Detailed Agenda

8:00 – 8:45 AM | Registration, Breakfast, & Community Connection
Start your day by checking in, enjoying a light breakfast, and connecting with fellow attendees. This time is designed to fuel your body, spark conversation, and set the tone for a collaborative and engaging day ahead.

8:45 – 9:00 AM | Welcome & Guided Mindfulness Practice with Morgan Taylor

9:15 – 10:15 AM | Topic Sessions 1
Coming soon….

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Active Session Block
Coming soon….

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Keynote Session with Steve Pemberton (see above)

12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch and Networking
Enjoy a delicious lunch while connecting with colleagues in similar roles at their schools. Use this time to exchange ideas, build relationships, and recharge for the afternoon sessions. 

1:45 – 2:45 PM | Topic Sessions 2
Coming soon….

3:00 – 3:30 PM | Closing General Session: Unconference, Idea Sharing + Raffle

Our Learning Community

Eliza Adler, Director of Counseling Services | The Rivers School
Megan Armour, Science Teacher & Health/Wellness Coordinator | Park School
Sue Banerji-Cook, School Nurse | The Winsor School
Ilduce Brandao, Assistant Head Lower Division | Park School
Sarah Cucchiara, School Counselor | The Rivers School
Deb Dean, Director of Academic Support | Park School
Emily Denault, School Counselor | Harborlight Montessori
Andrea Edmunds, Lead Nurse | The Rivers School
William Everett, Events & Operations Manager | Derby Academy
Kara Fonesca, Physical Education Teacher | Park School
Elaine Hamilton, Assistant Head Upper Division | Park School
Everett Logan, Director of External Affairs & Enrollment | Mountain Valley Treatment Center
Annie Maness, School Counselor | Park School
Megan McCarthy, Director of Wellness Programming | The Rivers School
Duane McClendon, Physical Education Teacher | Park School
Amanda Miller, Director of Wellness and School Counselor | Hebron Academy
Maia Monteagudo, School Counselor | The Winsor School
Emily Monteiro, School Counselor | The Winsor School
Julie Mumford, School Counselor | Park School
Jill Pace, School Counselor | St. John’s Preparatory School
Noah Peduzzi, Assistant Athletic Trainer | The Rivers School
Megan Psyojos, Science. Teacher | Park School
Bernice Ruiz, Health Teacher | The Winsor School
Zachary Schafer, Executive Director | Mountain Valley Treatment Center
Jennifer Viana, Director of Athletics | Park School
Sabrina Weissbach, Wellness Department Head | The Winsor School
Ann-Marie White, Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging | The Putney School

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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