SPEAKERS & SESSIONS
October 29, 2026

Session 1 | 10:10 - 11:10 AM

Thrive Time: A School-Based Health Center's Occupational Therapy Program

Children and adolescents are experiencing increasing mental health, self-regulation, and participation challenges, yet many face barriers to accessing occupational therapy services. School-based health centers offer a unique opportunity to integrate occupational therapy into an accessible, interdisciplinary model of care. Thrive Time, an innovative after-school occupational therapy program, was developed through a partnership between St. Catherine University and Rise Up Health Clinics. This presentation will describe the program's development, implementation, and collaborative model, which combines occupation-based interventions with experiential learning opportunities for elementary-aged students. Attendees will learn how Thrive Time supports emotional regulation, social participation, daily routines, and school success while addressing gaps in access to pediatric occupational therapy services. Early outcomes demonstrate increased access to care, positive family feedback, and valuable interprofessional learning experiences for students. Participants will explore practical strategies for developing sustainable partnerships between occupational therapy programs, schools, and school-based health centers to improve student well-being and expand access to occupation-based care.

Presented by:

Jess Miehe, DNP, RN, PHN | Executive Director | Rise Up Health Clinics

Sarah Greene, OTD, OTR/L | Assistant Professor, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator | St. Catherine University / Rise Up Health Clinics

Beyond Burnout: Creating School Systems that Support Student Well-Being

The Minnesota School-Based Health Youth Council recently identified school structure as one of the four primary triggers of student burnout. While school-based health centers often support students experiencing stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, this finding raises an important question: To what extent might school systems and structures contribute to the very challenges students are experiencing? More importantly, how can educators and school-based health professionals partner to address them?Today’s students face unprecedented social, emotional, and academic pressures. Assessment and grading practices significantly shape students’ experiences in school and influence how they see themselves as learners. Too often, success is defined by grades, GPA, test scores, and task completion rather than curiosity, growth, and meaningful learning. As students navigate a culture of constant comparison, many begin to equate their worth with academic performance, contributing to stress, anxiety, burnout, and disengagement.

This session will explore how school-based structures, research-based assessment and grading practices can serve as protective factors that support both student wellness and academic achievement. Participants will examine two key shifts: reducing over-testing and compliance-driven work in favor of meaningful assessment focused on essential learning and moving assessment and grading from evaluation to information through clear communication, descriptive feedback, opportunities for revision, and student reflection.Designed for both education and health professionals, this session will start a conversation about how school systems and school-based health centers can work together to identify systemic contributors to student stress and create environments that promote well-being. Participants will leave with practical, research-based strategies to foster greater clarity, confidence, engagement, and wellness for students and educators alike.

Presented by :

Nicole Dimich, MA | President and Educator | Lighthouse Learning Community, Inc.

Gatrika Ravella | Student | Eden Prairie High School / University of Minnesota PSEO

Ashiiyah Alexander | Student | Winona High School

Gayatri Tanuku | Student | Wayzata High School

Opening Doors to Sustainable CHW Integration and Billing in School-Based Health Centers

School-based health centers are uniquely positioned to support the health, well-being, and academic success of students by providing accessible, community-centered care. Community Health Workers (CHWs) strengthen this work by serving as trusted members of the communities they serve, helping students and families navigate health and social services, build health knowledge, and connect with resources through culturally responsive outreach, care coordination, health education, and family engagement. Students and families increasingly face complex physical, mental, and behavioral health needs, along with barriers such as transportation, language, cultural differences, fragmented services, and unmet social needs. To effectively engage students, support families, and coordinate care, some school-based health centers are exploring how to integrate and sustain CHW roles within their care teams.

 This presentation highlights strategies that support equitable access to school-based healthcare by strengthening CHW services for students and families who experience systemic barriers, including many BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, rural, and LGBTQ+ communities. Presenters will introduce Minnesota's new CHW Billing Toolkit and MNCHWA’s organizational readiness tools and demonstrate how school-based health centers can use practical tools to support CHW model implementation in school-based health settings. The session also promotes workforce strategies that value lived experience and community expertise as essential components of effective school-based healthcare. The presentation will highlight examples of CHW models in SBHC in MN. 

The delivery of the presentation will allow for discussion and engagement with :

Oral Health Innovations for School-Based Care

Nancy Franke Wilson, MS | Executive Director | Minnesota Oral Health Coalition

Jane Neubauer | Dental Innovation and Early Childhood Dental Network Coordinator | Otter Tail County Public Health

Coping As You Are in Professional Spaces: Resiliency Up, Down, and Sideways

Strong leadership is more than managing a team; it requires creative thinking and building effective relationships, most of all when difficult situations pull you in all directions. Those who work in school-based mental health also understand that it exists at a complex intersection of issues and needs, which is particularly true in Minnesota given the on-going events of this past year. Drawing on real-world examples from working in community and schools, and incorporating current research in neuropsychology and resiliency, this workshop will explore strategies for re-imagining “coping” in professional spaces towards an expanded mindset of utilizing the multitude of creative resources that may be available. Whether in our work with clients or colleagues, how we are able to navigate difficult situations may require all of our brilliant, rough-edged, and sometimes messy pieces!

Presented by:

David Hesse, PhD, LMFT | Director of Training and Supervision | Change Inc.

Catalyst for Care: Empowering Schools Through Public Health Collaboration

As a path towards increasing access to care for residents, Dakota County Public Health has invested in the SBHC model. However, bringing that model to life when both healthcare and school partners often lack the time, knowledge and resources can be filled with roadblocks. This session will highlight the forms of partner outreach and technical assistance that Dakota County Public Health leveraged on the path to the opening of Warrior Care in October 2025. District and healthcare partners will share their experiences of working with Dakota County Public Health on their SBHC journey. Attendees will leave with an additional partnership model to explore in their own communities where resources and expertise can be leveraged for the greatest impact.

Presented by:

Beth Reilly, PHN, RN, CPN, LSN | School Health Specialist | Dakota County Public Health

Kassy Podvin, MA | Health Promotion Specialist / Social Worker | Dakota County Public Health

Demonstrating What Works: Evidence-Based Interventions and Safe Spaces in Action

With a goal of increasing the use of best practices in social-emotional-behavioral intervention and safe spaces by licensed student support personnel, 7 MN school districts received funding for demonstration projects. This presentation will share results of these projects including student outcomes as well as practitioner feedback and reviews of several intervention resources (CBT, ART, HOPS and more) including usability, engagement, and student outcomes. Attendees will receive access to the full report and other MDE resources for strengthening their own practice. Considerations for collaboration between school-employed and co-located professionals in supporting students will also be discussed.

Presented by :

Megan Lagasse, MSW, LICSW, LSSW | Student Support Personnel Specialist | Minnesota Department of Education

From Uncertainty to Action: Lessons from MNSBHA’s Medicaid Fiscal Impact Learning Collaborative

What happens if Medicaid funding is reduced, reimbursement changes, or key revenue streams become less reliable? For school-based health centers already operating in a complex financial environment, these questions are no longer hypothetical. This session shares the experience and lessons learned from a first-of-its-kind Medicaid Fiscal Impact Learning Collaborative that helped five school-based health centers assess their financial vulnerability, model potential funding scenarios, and develop practical strategies to sustain services for students and families. 

Through a partnership between the Minnesota School-Based Health Alliance and Health Management Associates (HMA), participants used a customized Medicaid Funding Projection Tool, received individualized technical assistance from Medicaid financing and operations experts, and developed action plans tailored to their organizations. The collaborative combined data-driven analysis, expert consultation, and peer learning to help leaders move from uncertainty to action. 

Presenters will share key findings, common risks identified across participating sites, and practical approaches to scenario planning, leadership engagement, and financial sustainability. Whether your organization is concerned about Medicaid changes today or preparing for future policy shifts, this session will provide actionable insights, tools, and strategies you can apply immediately.

Presented by:  Sarah Horst, MA, CPHQ | Manager of Special Projects | Minnesota School-Based Health Alliance

Minnesota's Sex Ed Policy and You

This session explores the existing (and evolving) policy and practice of sex education in Minnesota schools and how questions around the proposed statewide Health Standards might shape student, teacher, and family experiences of sex ed. Dr. Bartlett-Chase will highlight the ways community health professionals can be vital sources of school and collective support for school-based sex ed and how policy advocacy and success often lies in the hands of those on the ground working with communities. Participants will leave with tangible ways they can advocate for more accurate, inclusive, and accessible sex ed in their communities. 

Presented by:

Meg Bartlett-Chase, PhD | Executive Director | Honest Sex Ed Minnesota

Social Media: Handling the Wasps Nest

Social media is now woven into nearly every aspect of adolescent life, influencing identity development, relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. For clinicians, educators, and youth-serving professionals, understanding a young person’s digital world has become as essential as understanding their home, school, and social environments.

This session explores the complex relationship between social media and adolescent well-being, including its connections to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, cyberbullying, body image concerns, and self-harm risk. At the same time, participants will examine the potential benefits of digital platforms, including social connection, community building, self-expression, and increased awareness of mental health resources.

Building upon recommendations from the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, attendees will learn why digital health screening should be incorporated into routine adolescent care and what warning signs may indicate the need for further assessment or intervention. Practical strategies will be shared for discussing social media use, cyberbullying, online safety, screen time, and emerging concerns related to artificial intelligence with teens and families.

Most importantly, the session will focus on helping adolescents build awareness of their own digital habits. Participants will learn approaches that move beyond restriction alone, empowering teens to recognize when online experiences affect their well-being, develop healthier boundaries, and make informed decisions about their digital lives.

Attendees will leave with practical screening questions, evidence-based resources, and actionable strategies for supporting healthier technology use and promoting positive mental health outcomes in adolescents.

Presented by:

Joshua Stein, MD | Chief of the Medical Staff | PrairieCare/Newport

Gambling & Gaming: The Effects on Youth and How to Prevent Harm

From social sports prediction apps and gambling-themed video games to streaming platforms and informal peer activities, today's adolescents encounter gambling-like experiences more frequently than ever before. According to the Minnesota Student Survey, more than 30% of middle and high school students report gambling annually, underscoring the growing need for prevention and early intervention.

This session will equip school-based health professionals with the knowledge and practical tools needed to recognize and respond to emerging gambling and gaming concerns among youth. Participants will explore current gambling trends, identify warning signs and risk factors associated with problematic gambling and gaming, and examine the relationship between gambling, gaming, substance use, and adolescent brain development. Evidence-based harm reduction and prevention strategies will be shared that can be immediately applied in school settings to support students and families.

presented by:

Sonja Mertz, MLIS, CPP | Community Educator | Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling

A Breath of Fresh Air: An Update on Pediatric Asthma Management for School Nurses and SBHCs

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases and a leading cause of school absenteeism, emergency department visits, and reduced quality of life. School nurses and school-based health centers play a vital role in supporting students with asthma, particularly those with limited access to healthcare.

Problem: Poorly controlled asthma increases the risk of exacerbations, missed school, and serious respiratory complications, highlighting the need for current, evidence-based management.

Strategy/Methods: This presentation reviews current pediatric asthma guidelines, including the NAEPP 2020 Focused Updates, GINA 2023 Report, and American Lung Association recommendations, with emphasis on Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART). Interactive case studies will demonstrate asthma assessment, shared decision-making, individualized treatment, and school-based care coordination.

Findings/Results: Applying updated guidelines can improve asthma control, reduce exacerbations, enhance medication adherence, and strengthen collaboration among healthcare providers, families, and schools.

Conclusion: Evidence-based asthma management and coordinated school-based care improve health outcomes, school attendance, and academic success for children with asthma

Presented by:

Sarah Ogilvie, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PHN, CPHQ | Clinical Coordinator / Nurse Practitioner / Associate Professor | Health Commons at Pond / Minnesota State University-Mankato School of Nursing

Tracy Irons-Dieterle, DNP, APRN, CNP, FNP-C | Assistant Professor | Minnesota State University-Mankato School of Nursing

The Power of Protective Factors in Preventing Youth Suicide

This session examines insights gathered from youth leadership groups across Hennepin County, informed by conversations with more than 100 young people, along with protective factor data from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey. Young people made it clear that having resources that are available is not the same as having resources that are accessible. This session will share youth-driven recommendations for creating a more accessible pathway to care. We will also discuss how not all protective factors operate equally and highlight ways to embed the factors shown by data to be most impactful in preventing suicide. Finally, we will explore how strengthening the youth pathway to care also requires strengthening systems themselves through improved coordination, communication, and alignment.

Presented by:

Janavi Dhyani | Suicide and Violence Prevention Coordinator | Hennepin County Public Health

Mark Sander, PsyD, LP | Director of School Mental Health | Hennepin County

Community Connections and Relationship Building: A Food is Medicine Program at the Bear Care Clinic

Households with children face disproportionately high rates of food insecurity (FI). Evidence of increasing FI suggests that 1 in 6 kids face hunger in Minnesota. Barriers to food access include limited food shelf hours, lack of transportation, and stigma associated with seeking assistance.Food insecurity may negatively impact academic performance, long term health outcomes, and overall well-being in school-aged children. Food is Medicine (FIM) is a growing approach that integrates nutrition into preventive medical care. School-based health centers (SBHCs) are well-positioned to implement FIM programs.

Bear Care Eats is an FIM program at the Bear Care SBHC, in which tailored grocery packages are delivered to students with FI. The foundation of Bear Care Eats is built upon partnerships among a local food shelf, high school staff, district families, and a local university. Consistent communication with partners and program participants, along with prioritization of dignity have been central to implementation. Participants complete surveys on food insecurity, food preferences, and satisfaction, and receive nutrition education and information about additional resources.The program maintained an 85.7% active engagement rate over its first six months (January - June 2026). Early survey results showed monthly deliveries were insufficient to address FI, leading to an increase in the amount of food and frequency of deliveries. Qualitative feedback indicates high participant satisfaction.

Strong community partnerships and responsiveness to participants’ needs are key to implementing FIM programs that advance health equity at SBHCs. FIM programs are uncommon in these centers and thus represent opportunities for improved care.

Presented by:

Megan Baumler, PhD, RDN, LDN | Bear Care Dietitian; Associate Professor; Director of Nutrition and Dietetics | Bear Care / St. Catherine University

Madeline Fischer, BS | Graduate Student Dietitian | Bear Care Clinic / St. Catherine University

Kate Ordner, BS | Graduate Student Dietitian | Bear Care Clinic / St. Catherine University

Room #TBD

Medicaid | What to consider with 2027 Federal Changes (HR1) & Medicaid Billing Practices

Full session description forthcoming. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

• Miamon Queeglay, MPH | Integrated Population Health Researcher | Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Medicaid Medical Director

• Leigh Grauman, MPH | Integrated Population Health Researcher, Community Engagement Lead | Minnesota Department of Human Services, Office of Medicaid Medical Director

• Matt Burdick, BS | Burdick Policy & Advocacy

• Shawna Hedlund, MPH | Executive Director | MN School-Based Health Alliance

Responding to Community-Based Trauma in Pediatric Practice

Full session description forthcoming. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

• Janna Gewirtz O'Brien MD, MPH, FAAP | University of MN | MNAAP Chapter President-Elect