Session 1 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Human Trafficking, featuring Amy Blackman, Co-Assistant Director Director of Prevention and Education Crime Victim Center Erie PA

Webinar Description: 

This session will enhance participants' knowledge in the area of human trafficking, and build greater understanding of the risk factors for trafficking and the importance of building protective factors for the students they may work with.

Speaker Bio:  

Amy Blackman is the Co-Assistant Director and Director of Prevention Education at Crime Victim Center of Erie County. A graduate of Kent State University and SUNY Stony Brook, Amy has been providing educational programs and trainings for over 20 years. She is currently a certified trainer of mandated reporters through the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect and serves on the Pennsylvania Association of Sexual Assault Center’s Education Committee, as the chair. In her daily work, Amy strives to empower others of all ages to make a difference in their community in ways both large and small.

Session 2 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Checking-In VS Checking Boxes: Practical and Meaningful Implementation of SAP Best Practice featuring Megan Johnson, Mercer County SCA.

Webinar Description: 

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to identify barriers to student success and implement strategies to reduce those barriers which will lead to a more positive school experience. Implementing the four phases of SAP with fidelity has proven to be effective for both improving student outcomes and creating a climate where everyone feels safe and supported. During this session, participants will be asked to explore practical approaches to implementing SAP best practice as well as meaningful ways to build connections in the school-setting with students served through the program. The emphasis on building meaningful connections with students enhances skills by fostering trust and resilience, which has been proven to be one of the most impactful ways to increase the likelihood of student success in school.

Speaker Bio:  

Megan Johnson has worked for 25 years in the Prevention Department at Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission. For nearly 24 years, Megan spent her time in direct service as a K-12 Student Assistance Program (SAP) Behavioral Health Liaison and Prevention Program Specialist. In addition, over the past 15 years, Megan has focused on assisting school districts in implementing school-based behavioral health programs and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)/Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks, while ensuring SAP remains a foundational component of these initiatives. Since 2001, Megan has served as a Lead Trainer for the Pennsylvania-Approved Student Assistance Program Training Provider (PASTP), equipping educators and professionals with the tools to support student well-being and overcome barriers to success. In addition to her supervisory role, she is a Critical Incident Response Team Member, DCORT Member, the county coordinator for the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program, and an active participant in the Suicide Prevention Network, Mercer County Overdose Prevention Workgroup, and Communities that Care. Megan’s extensive experience and commitment to prevention and behavioral health lends itself to her expertise with the PA Student Assistance Program. 

Session 3 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Truancy state law and how SAP can work in tandem when working with students and families, featuring Amy Helmer, Bethesda Lutheran Services Director of Community Programs, Nate Allen, Truancy Supervisor for Bethesda Lutheran Services, and  Marcy Shaffer Truancy Program Supervisor for Bethesda Lutheran Services.

Webinar Description: 

Research shows that in order for students to become successful learners, consistent school attendance is required. This session will discuss parents, students, and staff placing intentional importance on school attendance as well as recognizing when to intervene when attendance is showing a decline or entering into truant patterns. Several best practices to improve attendance and reduce truancy will be identified: collaboration, use of incentives and sanctions, family involvement, establishment of a supportive context, and assessment of the program.

Speaker Bio:  

Amy Helmer works as the Director of Community Programs for Bethesda Lutheran Services within their Erie programs. She is in her 20th year at the agency and oversees The Trinity Center After School and Summer Recreation Programs, SAP within 5 Erie County School Districts, and Student Refocus Rooms Amy has 30 years of experience working in a variety of Social Service domains including Residential Treatment, Intensive Behavioral Health Services and direct care work with SAP Amy graduated with a BA in Psychology from Clarion University in 1995 and a MSEd. In Guidance and Therapy from St. Bonaventure University in 2000. She is also a certified in Therapeutic Drumming through Health Rhythms Adolescent Protocol.

Nate Allen is the Truancy Supervisor for Bethesda Lutheran Services. He supervises the Truancy Program within Erie’s Public Schools and Millcreek Township School District in Erie, Pennsylvania. Nate joined Bethesda in 2018 as a Truancy Monitor within Erie’s Public Schools. He became a supervisor when the program expanded in 2020. Since earning a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Nate has dedicated the last 20 years to education. Before joining Bethesda in 2018, his work experience was in Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth.

Marcy Shaffer began her career in the Social Service field in 1998. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Edinboro University in 1997 and started her career working in a residential facility through Perseus House, followed by Erie County Juvenile Probation. She has 25 plus years of working with troubled and delinquent youth and their families.

Since June 2020, Marcy has been employed with Bethesda Lutheran Services Truancy Program. She supervises the Truancy program for Erie County Public Schools and oversees 10 Erie County Public Schools with a total of 9 Truancy Monitors for the county.

Session 4 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Eating Disorders 101, featuring Ravonne Maxon The Renfrew Center Pittsburgh PA

Webinar Description: 

The session will equip participants with essential knowledge about eating disorders, their symptoms, and the importance of early detection, which can help them better support students struggling with these challenges. By understanding screening, assessment, and treatment options, educators and school staff can contribute to a positive and safe school climate. Additionally, the session will provide guidance on fostering supportive communication and promoting a healthy, body-positive environment for students.

Speaker Bio:  

Ravonne Maxon is a Professional Relations Representative at The Renfrew Center, where she is dedicated to building meaningful connections with clinicians, educators, and community partners to support individuals struggling with eating disorders. With a passion for mental health advocacy and outreach, Ravonne works to provide education, resources, and collaboration opportunities that enhance awareness and access to care. She is committed to fostering strong professional relationships that contribute to a supportive network for those in need of treatment and recovery services.

Session 5 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

See it Check it Prevent it ... how you can help teens at risk for SUD(Substance Use Disorder),  featuring Amanda Milliren, Regional Service Coordinator Whtie Deer Run Treatment Network.

Webinar Description: 

This session will equip participants with the skills to identify at-risk youth by recognizing signs of substance use, conducting brief screenings, and connecting students to appropriate care. Additionally, it will provide tools for prevention and recovery support, helping participants design and implement policies that foster a positive, safe school climate where students can thrive as successful learners.

Speaker Bio:  

Amanda Milliren is a Regional Service Coordinator for the White Deer Run Treatment Network, who believes that recovery is possible for everyone and that everyone should have an opportunity to have quality treatment options available.

Amanda has been an active participant in the substance abuse treatment field for over 20 years. Working with a wide array of populations across the United States, the White Deer Run Treatment Network has been a part of her journey for the past 12 years.

Amanda is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), recognized as such by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree issued from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, with a focus of studies in psychology and is a current graduate student at Pennsylvania Western University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She is also an advocate for suicide prevention efforts across the commonwealth and is an active instructor for QPR Gatekeeper training.

Session 6 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Family scripture: Drug Use in Families,  featuring Nick Jakubowski, Lead Adolescent Counselor, Pyramid Healthcare Erie PA

Webinar Description: 

This session aims to increase the learners understanding of the roles in a household affected by addiction. There are many complicating and mitigating factors for these households, and they may not be obvious to all professionals. By increasing understanding, hopefully, some insight can be gained.

Speaker Bio:  

Nick Jakubowski, BS-Ed is the Lead Adolescent Counselor for Pyramid Healthcare’s Erie Outpatient Facility. Nick oversees the Drug and Alcohol SAP Liaison’s for many of Erie County’s school districts, as well as implements prevention programs for adolescents as well. Nick has been employed with Pyramid Healthcare since 2022 and has been in his current position since 2023.. Nick also provides direct counseling to several districts and within the clinical setting, by completing assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing individual and group therapies. Nick also represents Pyramid Erie at a variety of local recovery events and plays a regular role in various marketing opportunities throughout the area. Prior to his current role, Nick was employed as a classroom instructor for several years for the Fort Leboeuf School District in Waterford, PA. Nick also has a 9 year old son, with whom he spends most of his time with, being involved in sports and Cub Scouts.