CITL Winter Institute 2026

Discover the roles we each play in unhealthy and unproductive conflict. The framework we will use is called the Drama Triangle. These roles are alive in most industries, but seeing how they apply in education is a game-changer! Molly’s "learn-by-doing" approach will give you practical tools and processes you can use immediately to improve communication, restore relationships, and foster a healthier team environment.

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Facilitator: Molly Grisham 

Keynote Speaker and Experiential Facilitator, Molly Grisham helps to build and sustain teams in a wide variety of industries. She believes that teams don’t grow apart, they die apart. She knows that elite, high-performing teams in all industries get stretched and stressed by the demand to perform. She is passionate about helping teams to rediscover their strengths and restore their relationships, so they can rebuild their teams. 

With nearly two decades of experience as a College Soccer Coach and Communication Professor, Molly approaches her work as an educator. She meets people where they are and helps them move to where they want to be. 

Molly holds degrees in Communication from Belmont University, the University of Illinois, and Missouri State University. She has completed training as a Civil & Family Mediator, she is a Certified Experiential Specialist with the International Society of Experiential Professionals, and she is a Certified Myers-Briggs facilitator. Additionally, she is now enrolled in a graduate program on Trauma and Resiliency.

Molly is down-to-earth and compels her audience to participate in the learning process. She engages groups from the moment she steps in front of them and leaves them with tools and processes that they will use long after an event has ended. She knows healthier teams lead to happier humans, and happier humans lead to high-performing teams.

When not facilitating, Molly can be found at her favorite used bookstore and at various international restaurants in St. Louis.

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Welcome to the world of games! In this workshop participants will discuss classroom gamification philosophies, engage in real-world practice of a variety of games, and learn how to implement active learning strategies in their classrooms to promote student motivation and engagement. Teachers will share their thoughts and backgrounds regarding games and active learning strategies in their own classrooms (from Experiential School to Upper School, contingent upon participant involvement) before delving into resources related to gaming in education and inclusivity strategies for differently-abled learners.

The session includes kinesthetic, hands-on game circuits with varying levels of planning, allowing participants to experience different types of games — from low-planning activities like "Salad Bowl" to more involved ones like a "Mini-Escape Room." The workshop concludes with group reflections, when participants discuss the games they enjoyed most, potential classroom applications, and strategies for integrating games into their own teaching practices. The session encourages a playful, inclusive and thoughtful approach to incorporating gamified learning experiences into education.

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Facilitator: Natalie Updike

Natalie Updike joined Shorecrest with a cacophony of experiences. Whether teaching rhetoric, composition, literature, creative writing, professional writing and editing, and TESOL at various universities; or serving as a Peace Corps Colombia volunteer; or most recently teaching at a public high school in south Florida, her passion for English has never dulled. She loves building positive relationships with students beyond the classroom, such as in her work as a writing studio coordinator at F.A.M.U. and West Virginia University, her role as the chief fiction editor of The Cheat River Review, her membership with the Appalachian Prison Book Project, and her volunteerism as an athletic literacy coach. Natalie earned an MFA in creative writing from West Virginia University, an MA in literature from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a BFA in creative writing and BA in literature from the University of Evansville.

Feeling worn down by angry and aggressive communications from parents and families? You’re not alone! Without a plan for handling high-conflict situations, teachers and administrators are at risk for increased stress, decreased job satisfaction, and burnout. Drawing upon the work of Bill Eddy, founder of the High Conflict Institute, this session will equip educational professionals at all levels with the skills they need to de-escalate hostile situations and create more positive, productive school-family relationships. Participants will leave with the confidence that they can navigate conflict constructively, while maintaining professional and personal boundaries. 

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Facilitator: Kate Fierce

Kate Fierce is the school counselor in the Lower and Middle Schools at Shorecrest Preparatory School, as well as a specialist and consultant in social and emotional learning (SEL). She has been a school counselor since 2005, in both suburban and urban settings. From the beginning of her career, she has shared her passion for helping children develop into capable, resilient, empathetic and independent learners; Ms. Fierce works with students, faculty, and families. In addition to supporting Shorecrest faculty in incorporating effective SEL strategies into their teaching, Ms. Fierce provides coaching and training to faculty and schools across Florida and the country. She received an B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and a M.S.Ed in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Fierce joined the Shorecrest faculty in 2012.

In this fun, hands-on workshop, all students will participate in a variety of different games and activities focused on leading students to skills they need to properly engage in a team or ensemble-based.  An array of games will take place with short discussions after each to help glean the reasoning behind the activity and what it can do for teaching our students how to interact well with others.  The activities taught through this workshop are a combination of methods used in Theatre of the Oppressed, to help work through problems and build community, as well as Viola Spolin’s Improvisational Theatre Games, to gain insight into thinking on your feet and working together toward one goal.  Come stretch your legs and your minds as we journey through the imaginative and creative world of ensemble building with theatre games. 

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Facilitator: Sarah Berland

Sarah S. Berland holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts with continued education through Second City Improv Company, University of South Florida, the Society of American Fight Directors, and Intimacy Directors International. Sarah came to Shorecrest at the beginning of last year from the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in Tampa; there she was a Theatre Education Faculty Member and spent almost 10 years teaching and directing students from pre-K to adults. Sarah has been a resident makeup designer/artist as well as a freelance artist within the Tampa Bay Community for the last 9 years; and as a member of the SAFD, she has choreographed stage combat pieces throughout the state of Florida. She has also had the privilege of creating curriculum for a myriad of different theatrical courses that have been utilized in previous accreditations at different schools.

Psychological Skills Training (PST) has helped improve performances in high school and collegiate athletes around the world. The importance of tapping into the mental side of athletic performance is more important than ever before. This session is designed to have coaches learn and explore new ways of teaching athletes to focus and overcome pressure situations in competition. The variety of strategies allows for coaches to analyze, adjust, and integrate techniques that work best for their specific sport. The format will be a round table discussion and presentation of a variety of PST strategies for coaching athletes to their best performances.  

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Facilitator: Richard Cameron

Richie spent 12 years as Shorecrest’s Health & Fitness Teacher, Strength and Performance Coach, and Head Track and Field Coach in the Upper School. During that time he taught and coached in all four divisions, providing him with countless opportunities to support students in finding their passions and helping them share their talents with the broader community. Richie enjoys supporting students and families interested in learning more about our academics, co-curriculars, and currently serves as the Associate Athletic Director at Shorecrest. He holds a Bachelor of Science in fitness and wellness from Oakwood University, and a Master's in Leadership in Sport and Physical Education from North Dakota State University. 

Richie and his wife, Danielle, the Middle School Learning Specialist at Shorecrest, have three children who are Chargers - Khali ‘28, Alaya ‘31, and Ellis ‘33. 

Discover the profound synergy between birding and mindfulness in this engaging workshop. Novice and experienced birders and meditators alike are welcome to join and learn the fundamentals of bird observation (including how to start a life list and maximize the enjoyment of a field experience) while simultaneously exploring basic sensory mindfulness techniques. In this session, you will be guided to look for and appreciate birds through the lens of mindful presence and deep engagement with nature. Join us to cultivate stillness, sharpen your observational skills, and experience the natural world with heightened awareness. 

Facilitator: by Bernie Kozlowski

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In today’s world, students navigate a world filled with anxiety, trauma, and emotional challenges. As educators, we have the opportunity to model and teach resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy risk-taking—essential skills that go beyond academic content.

Led by a therapist, this interactive workshop will explore:

• The brain science behind emotional states
• Strategies for fostering healthy self-competency without over-comforting students
• How to embrace discomfort as a path to resilience
• The impact of trauma, such as natural disasters, on students' emotional well-being
• Practical approaches to helping students manage failure and success

In this session, teachers will bring their own experience and expertise and spend time collaborating and developing strategies to support students in the classroom. Most importantly, we will examine how the way we show up in the room—our presence, our modeling, our emotional availability—can be as impactful as what we teach.

Join us to build a supportive learning environment where students can thrive, even in the face of life’s complexities. 

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Facilitator: Annette Reiter

Annette Reiter is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, for over 25 years and manages a Private Practice in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. In addition to graduating from the University of San Diego, she has co-authored a book on parenting, several journal articles, and a blog on Parenting, and has spoken at national conferences, various schools, and colleges. She is a Supervisor for Post Graduate Interns and serves on the State Board of the Florida Family Therapy Alliance.  She and her husband of 31 years live in St. Pete and her hobbies include travel, riding, reading, pilates, and gardening.

Learn about NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research and note-taking assistant, and discover its practical applications in the classroom. The session will begin with a brief overview of how NotebookLM functions—turning teacher-selected or student-uploaded documents (notes, articles, historical sources, etc.) into an interactive knowledge base. Next participants will spend time in guided exploration, trying out NotebookLM’s capabilities, including generating summaries, asking source-grounded questions, and mapping connections across different sources. Finally real-world classroom use cases tailored for Middle School and Upper School settings will be shared - such as facilitating deeper analysis of primary sources in history, creating custom study guides for differentiation, and assisting with research paper outlining - along with guidance on proper citation of AI-assisted work and the importance of teaching students to use AI as a partner rather than a replacement for thinking.

Facilitator: Dr. Anna Baralt, Dean of Faculty and Curriculum

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Dr. Anna Baralt holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.A. in Elementary Education, and is a certified Apple Learning Coach. She has taught students at all levels for nearly 30 years at Shorecrest and is a member of the school’s administrative team as Director of Technology and Media Services. In this role she provides support in designing curriculum and technology integration and facilitates professional development school-wide.

Anna was recognized as a Teacher of the Future by the NAIS in 2008 and a Superpower Educator in 2009. She is also a 2010 and 2016 recipient of the FCIS DeWitt E. and Vera M. Hooker Fellowship Grant as well as a 2013 Benedict Foundation Grant. Anna is passionate about integrating technology into project work, 1:1 learning programs, developmentally appropriate technology practices, STEAM education, and using technology to facilitate professional learning communities. Her dissertation work centered on the affordances of the iPad and how early childhood students use the device to support collaborative problem solving. The Baralts have two children who are Chargers Alumni, Cai '17 and Lilianna '21.

Discover the power of sound to calm your mind and restore your balance.

In this introductory workshop, you’ll experience how gentle vibrations and specific sound frequencies can help you:
* Reduce stress and tension
* Improve focus and emotional well-being
* Feel lighter, calmer, and more present

Through the soothing tones of Tibetan bowls, gongs, and other healing instruments, we’ll explore how sound interacts with your body and mind to bring relaxation and clarity.

No experience is needed, just come with an open mind and a willingness to relax.
You’ll leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and more connected to yourself.

Come to listen, feel, and reset.

Facilitator: Celeste Verastegui

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Experience dyslexia firsthand through interactive activities and a simulation. Learn the early signs of dyslexia and what makes dyslexic thinkers unique, see why accommodations matter, and leave with practical resources you can use in your classroom. Bring a lesson plan, and we’ll make it dyslexia-friendly!

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Facilitator: Katie McLain, M.Ed., Director of Admissions, The dePaul School for Dyslexia

Katie is an educator dedicated to empowering students who learn differently and building capacity in the teachers who instruct them. With 22 years of experience, she has taught at both the elementary and high school levels in general and special education classrooms in the Atlanta and Seattle areas.  As a coach and consultant for a national education nonprofit, Katie worked in schools across the United States to strengthen reading instruction in at-risk schools. Katie currently serves as Director of Admissions at The dePaul School for Dyslexia, where she partners with the community to connect families with literacy support through outreach initiatives, including dyslexia screenings and teacher trainings.

This session helps educators of all subjects understand and support students with dyslexia. Through hands-on activities and a dyslexia simulation, participants will gain insight into the unique challenges these learners face, see why accommodations make a difference, and leave with practical strategies and resources they can use in their classrooms. Bring a lesson plan, and we’ll make it dyslexia-friendly!

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Facilitator: Katie McLain, M.Ed., Director of Admissions, The dePaul School for Dyslexia

Katie is an educator dedicated to empowering students who learn differently and building capacity in the teachers who instruct them. With 22 years of experience, she has taught at both the elementary and high school levels in general and special education classrooms in the Atlanta and Seattle areas.  As a coach and consultant for a national education nonprofit, Katie worked in schools across the United States to strengthen reading instruction in at-risk schools. Katie currently serves as Director of Admissions at The dePaul School for Dyslexia, where she partners with the community to connect families with literacy support through outreach initiatives, including dyslexia screenings and teacher trainings.

Start the day off with morning meditation and yoga flow. As educators, we put a great deal of energy into the growth and care of our students. This morning, we will take some time to turn that compassion and care inwards. It is all too easy to forget to take quality time for yourself in this bustling world. As educators, it is even more crucial that we practice mindfulness. This morning, we will set the intention of self-care, peace, and presence. We will connect to our breath and bodies through a yoga flow to gently wake our heart, body, and mind. 

Please make sure you wear clothing that is suitable for moving around in and bring a yoga mat and blocks. Please be prepared to practice barefoot or bring grippy yoga/pilates socks if you prefer. You will have plenty of time before the next workshop to change clothes.

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Facilitator: Alice Corinne Leavengood, Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs

Alice Corinne ‘14 is a native Floridian, born and raised in St. Petersburg. She is an alumna of Shorecrest Preparatory School and earned her BFA from New College of Florida, where she majored in Visual Art. Corinne has over 15 years of childcare experience as a nanny and babysitter. After college she worked as a Montessori preschool teaching assistant at the New College Child Center. Corinne worked at Shorecrest as the Flex Assistant Teacher for Kindergarten and first grade, as well as a first-grade Assistant Teacher for two years before joining Auxiliary Programs. Corinne is in her second year as the Director of the Experiential School and Extended Day Program. She just received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification from Sunstate Yoga. Her passion for education is only matched by her love for art, yoga, gardening, and the great outdoors. 

In this reflective workshop, participants will engage in meaningful work designed to provide individualized, actionable takeaways. We'll use insights from Liza Tuslan’s book, "The Identity Conscious Educator," as a foundation for our exploration. Through structured activities and candid discussion, we will reflect deeply on the complex identities we hold and the stereotypes we consciously or unconsciously fight in our professional and personal lives. This session aims to foster greater self-awareness and equip attendees with practical strategies for moving forward as more identity-conscious individuals and educators.

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Facilitators: Khana Rebman, Interim Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Third Grade Teacher; Meghan Schneider, Interim Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

Khana Rebman '05, born and raised in St. Petersburg, joined us from Pinellas County schools, where she had been teaching in 2nd-5th grades. She is passionate not only about academics but teaching and nurturing the whole child. She believes that in order for children to be successful citizens in the world, they must first be equipped with the tools to know themselves, see others, and engage critically with the world around them. 

Khana is a Shorecrest Charger alumna from the Class of 2005. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Connecticut College and her Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of New Hampshire. In 2024, she became a certified SEED facilitator and member of The Equity Exchange. While teaching children remains her first love, she also conducts professional development to support schools in creating sustainable cultural changes and coaches teachers on fostering environments of belonging. She is a sister of the sorority Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Khana is married to Michael Rebman, Principal of North Shore Elementary. They have three children.

Meghan Schneider is a veteran member of the Shorecrest College Counseling office, having joined the faculty in 2007. Over her 15+ years at Shorecrest, she has held roles of increasing responsibility from College Counseling Associate, Assistant Director of College Counseling and, her current role, Senior Associate Director of College Counseling, working closely with students and families to empower them throughout the college search process. From 2009-2016, she spent her summers in New Hampshire serving as the College Advisor for the Phillips Exeter Academy Summer School. Her attention to detail, empathetic and supportive demeanor, and understanding of what makes colleges and students ‘fit,’ make her a sought-after source for college advice.

Deeply committed to equity and inclusion, Meghan is serving as Shorecrest’s Interim Co-Director of Diversity and Inclusion for 2025-2026. Meghan has demonstrated her deep-rooted commitment to equity and inclusion by serving in several capacities with the National Association College Admissions Counseling’s (NACAC), Southern Association for College Admission Counseling’s (SACAC), and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools’ (ACCIS). She is a regular presenter at professional conferences. Meghan received the 2024 Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Belonging Champion Award from the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS).

Meghan is experienced in multiple facets of Shorecrest student life, having served as Bright Futures Coordinator, Homecoming Coordinator, and Student Advisor, among other roles. She is a parent of three Chargers Alumni - Annie '15, Lily '19, and Dexter '23.

Meghan is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and is currently earning her Master’s of Arts in Urban Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida. She has completed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership Certificate from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.

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Turn Passive Lessons into Active Innovation!
Tired of the same end-of-unit tests and essays? Shift the needle from "memorization" to "mastery" in this hands-on, 60-minute design sprint.

In this workshop for Middle and Upper School teachers, you won't just learn about the Maker Movement—you will apply it. Bring one existing lesson plan or unit (anything from "The Great Gatsby" to long division) and leave with a fully redesigned "Maker Assessment" ready for your students.

Facilitator: Casey Giroud, MS/US Media & Instructional Technology Specialist

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Mrs. Giroud holds an Master of Arts in English Education from the University of South Florida, a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida, and is a proud graduate of Shorecrest - Class of 2002, as well as a current Shorecrest parent. She taught middle school language arts for nine years in public and independent schools before moving into her position as a Media and STEAM Integration Specialist in 2017. As a certified Educational Media Specialist and an ISTE certified educator, Mrs. Giroud enjoys helping students foster a love of learning through reading and project-based learning activities. Casey also loves to travel, dabble in home design, and entertain her family and friends.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that affect 7 to 10 percent of students in our country. It can have a significant impact on their academic performance, behavior and emotional regulation, social relationships and their health. During this presentation, Dr. Tridas will review the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, the impairment it causes on Upper School students, commonly associated conditions, and an overview of a multimodal approach to treatment.

Facilitator: Eric Q. Tridas, MD, FAAP

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Dr. Eric Tridas is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician with over 37 years of experience. He served as Director of the Tridas Center for Child Development in Tampa, Florida, and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Florida (USF). He currently holds an honorary academic appointment at USF’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Dr. Tridas represents the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) on the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) and serves on the Professional Advisory Board of the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) and ResearchILD. He is also a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Advisory Committee on Exceptional Children and the Board of Directors of Lectores para el futuro in Puerto Rico. Dr. Tridas also serves on the International Scientific Advisory Board of the International Dyslexia and Family Organization (DISFAM).

Dr. Tridas is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Margaret Rawson Lifetime Achievement Award (IDA), the Learning Disabilities Association of America Award, and the Innovator Award from the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC). He completed his medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, his pediatrics residency at the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, and a fellowship in Ambulatory Pediatrics with a focus on child development at Boston Children’s Hospital, where he served as a Harvard Teaching Fellow.

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Your role is vital, and the science is clear: brain development dictates behavior.

Don't miss this comprehensive workshop led by our School Counselors: Kate Fierce & Brian Wiley. They'll be covering the entire journey, from 5-year-old curiosity to 18-year-old independence, exploring how the brain's construction affects:

• Emotional Regulation
• Decision Making
• Academic Engagement

Level up your understanding and your impact.

Facilitators: Brian Wiley, Upper School Counselor and Kate Fierce, Lower School Counselor

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Brian Wiley was born and raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Education in school and mental health counseling and worked for almost 10 years as a professional therapist. He has had counseling experience in a variety of settings with diverse populations. Brian is most passionate when helping teens and adolescents navigate life's challenges. He enjoys spending time with his wife, three kids, a dog and two cats. He also loves to read anything by Stephen King, watch horror movies, and support the Philadelphia Eagles (Go Birds!) 

Kate Fierce is the Lower School Counselor at Shorecrest Preparatory School, as well as a specialist and consultant in social and emotional learning (SEL). She has been a school counselor since 2005, in both suburban and urban settings. From the beginning of her career, she has shared her passion for helping children develop into capable, resilient, empathetic and independent learners. Ms. Fierce works with students, faculty and families. In addition to supporting Shorecrest faculty in incorporating effective SEL strategies into their teaching, Ms. Fierce provides coaching and training to faculty and schools across Florida and the country. She received an B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and a M.S.Ed in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Fierce joined the Shorecrest faculty in 2012.

This unique and enjoyable Workshop engages hands, heart and mind in open-ended, hands-on Self Active Play using Dr. Drew’s Discovery Blocks. Solitary and cooperative hands-on play, guided reflection, journaling, sharing one-to-one, and group discussion form the framework for drawing insight and constructing new, inspiring possibilities for enhancing your professional practice and personal life. Dr. Drew’s Workshop is based on his NAEYC published book, "From Play to Practice: Connecting Teachers Play with Children’s Learning."

Facilitator: Dr. Walter Drew, Institute for Self Active Education & Dr. Drew's Blocks, Inc.

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Walter F. Drew, Ed.D., is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Self Active Education. For more than 40 years he has researched and conducted hands-on adult play experiences with open-ended materials as a process for awakening creativity, strengthening early childhood practice, and as a way of generating hope and optimism across the human life span. He is the creator of Dr. Drew's Discovery Blocks, chosen Best Toy of the Year by the Parents Choice Foundation in 1982. He co-authored an exciting new book published by NAEYC, titled, "From Play to Practice: Connecting Teachers Play with Children's Learning." He is the recipient of Patricia Monighan Nourot Award in 2009, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Association for the Study of Play.
 

Unlock a unique blend of art and science in this immersive cyanotype workshop. Participants will explore the history and chemistry of the "sun print" process, learning how to coat paper with light-sensitive minerals to create stunning Prussian blue masterpieces using UV light and found objects. Create art that blends the wonders of nature and light. 

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Facilitator: Ginger Thompson, Experiential School Teacher

Dedicated to the joy of early learning, I am a proud University of South Florida graduate, where I earned my degree Cum Laude. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that the early childhood years are the most magical; the curiosity and energy of my students make every single day an entertaining adventure.

Outside the classroom, I am a passionate animal activist and a devoted dog mom to my two pups. My husband is a Shorecrest Preparatory School Alum, and we are proud to keep the tradition alive with our son, who is currently attending the Shorecrest Upper School. When I’m not teaching or volunteering, you can usually find me exploring new cultures and traveling to different countries to broaden my perspective.

Fact fluency goes beyond memorization. This session highlights how visual models, strategies, and sense-making support flexible addition and subtraction fact fluency, with routines and activities that build understanding and confidence.

Facilitator: Chase Piper, Instructional Math Coach

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Chase Piper is a K-5 Instructional Math Coach in Miami, Florida. Passionate about elementary mathematics, Chase works alongside teachers to enhance instruction through data-driven decision-making and engaging student-centered practices. Committed to fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe to take risks, Chase emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on learning, and conceptual understanding. Through coaching and curriculum development, Chase strives to empower educators and students alike, ensuring that mathematics is not just learned but truly understood and enjoyed.

Students’ mathematical growth is evident not just in their answers, but also in how they think, reason, and communicate. In this session, you’ll learn to notice when students are engaging in important mathematical habits: making sense, representing ideas, reasoning, explaining, and valuing structure and strategies over answer finding.

Facilitator: Chase Piper, Instructional Math Coach

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Chase Piper is a K-5 Instructional Math Coach in Miami, Florida. Passionate about elementary mathematics, Chase works alongside teachers to enhance instruction through data-driven decision-making and engaging student-centered practices. Committed to fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe to take risks, Chase emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on learning, and conceptual understanding. Through coaching and curriculum development, Chase strives to empower educators and students alike, ensuring that mathematics is not just learned but truly understood and enjoyed.

Fact fluency goes beyond memorization. This session explores how models, strategies, and sense-making support flexible multiplication and division fact fluency. Participants will learn routines and activities that build understanding while strengthening student confidence.

Facilitator: Chase Piper, Instructional Math Coach

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Chase Piper is a K-5 Instructional Math Coach in Miami, Florida. Passionate about elementary mathematics, Chase works alongside teachers to enhance instruction through data-driven decision-making and engaging student-centered practices. Committed to fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe to take risks, Chase emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on learning, and conceptual understanding. Through coaching and curriculum development, Chase strives to empower educators and students alike, ensuring that mathematics is not just learned but truly understood and enjoyed.

As a learning specialist and school counselor, we explore how trauma-informed care supports the development of executive functioning skills in children and adolescents. Early stress and adversity can affect attention, flexibility, and self-regulation, but intentional, supportive practices can help rebuild these foundations for learning.

This session offers practical, ready-to-use strategies—such as co-regulation, predictable routines, and language that foster safety and confidence—to strengthen both academic and emotional growth. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts the brain and how small, everyday adjustments can help young learners feel secure, capable, and ready to thrive.

Facilitators: Danielle Cameron, Middle School Learning Specialist, and JJ Dalton, Middle School Counselor

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Danielle Cameron has nearly 20 years of teaching experience. She previously worked at Shorecrest for eight years before deciding to teach English online to adults around the world and homeschool her children. Throughout her career she has taught every grade level from preschool through high school. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oakwood University and a Master of Science in Education focusing on Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cameron believes that the most important work as a teacher is to learn alongside children and show them that their choices matter. Facilitating independence and growth at any age reaps immeasurable rewards. Mrs. Cameron's husband, Richie Cameron, is a teacher in the Upper School and their three children are Chargers - Khali '28, Alaya '31, and Ellis '33.

JJ Dalton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mrs. Dalton has a PK-12 Florida Professional School Counseling Licensure with 9 years of school counseling experience. She started her career in Pasco County Schools and worked for Pinellas County Schools for the past 6 years as an elementary school counselor. Mrs. Dalton uses her knowledge of adolescent development and solution-focused strategies to help students become successful, independent and empathetic individuals. She is passionate about collaborating with faculty and families to promote student success. Mrs. Dalton also loves incorporating her yoga and mindfulness training into her work with students. In her free time JJ enjoys spending time with her one-year-old daughter, husband and golden retriever on the boat, at the beach, or anywhere outside. 

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Move beyond newsletters and report card comments to discover how MagicSchool can act as a sophisticated co-designer for your most impactful lessons. This workshop focuses on transitioning from basic productivity to advanced pedagogical enhancement, using AI not to do the work for you, but to amplify the expertise you already bring to the classroom. We will dive into "Next Level" tools like the Conceptual Understanding Tool, Text Leveler, and Standards Unpacker to help you customize existing curriculum with surgical precision and foster deeper critical thinking. By letting the platform handle the structural heavy lifting, you can focus your energy on the professional refinement and creative "magic" that only you can provide. Bring an upcoming unit or lesson plan and prepare to transform it into a more personalized, differentiated, and dynamic experience that stays true to your unique teaching style while aligning perfectly with your specific unit goals.

Facilitator: Christine Scoby, Educational Technology Support Specialist

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Christine Scoby serves as the Educational Technology Support at Shorecrest Preparatory School, where she bridges the gap between complex digital tools and classroom instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Technology, Christine brings years of experience from both Lower and Middle School classrooms to her current role. She is a certified Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, and she currently serves as a 2026 ISTE Proposal Reader, evaluating the latest innovations in the field.

Christine’s approach to technology is rooted in a global perspective. Most recently she traveled to the Netherlands through Shorecrest's Teachers Fund to explore international models of STEM and entrepreneurship. This follows her participation in the Transatlantic Outreach Program, where she engaged in a STEM study tour across Germany.

A recognized leader in technology integration and active learning, Christine was a 2016 recipient of the Steelcase Active Learning Grant. She has shared her expertise at numerous prestigious conferences, including ISTE, AMLE, FCIS, and previous CITL symposiums. At Shorecrest she is known for her ability to integrate core academic curriculum within technology courses to enhance, connect and expand student learning. Christine is also a dedicated Shorecrest parent to three Shorecrest alumni: John '15, Justin '16, and Lili '25.

Unlock the potential of AI-driven inquiry with MagicStudent, a platform designed to transition students from passive AI consumers to empowered AI-literate thinkers. This workshop begins with a deep dive into the "Student Room" environment, where educators can curate a secure, teacher-monitored space featuring over 50 purpose-built tools — from AI tutors that coach rather than give answers, to assignment scaffolders that break down complex projects. Participants will engage in hands-on exploration, navigate the platform’s safety guardrails and learn how to monitor student interactions in real-time. To ground these tools in practice we will share exclusive insights and practical examples from Shorecrest teachers who have piloted MagicStudent, demonstrating how it can be used to differentiate instruction, foster critical thinking through custom-designed chatbots, and serve as a collaborative partner in the learning process.

Facilitator: Christine Scoby, Educational Technology Support Specialist

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Christine Scoby serves as the Educational Technology Support at Shorecrest Preparatory School, where she bridges the gap between complex digital tools and classroom instruction. With a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Technology, Christine brings years of experience from both Lower and Middle School classrooms to her current role. She is a certified Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, and she currently serves as a 2026 ISTE Proposal Reader, evaluating the latest innovations in the field.

Christine’s approach to technology is rooted in a global perspective. Most recently she traveled to the Netherlands through Shorecrest's Teachers Fund to explore international models of STEM and entrepreneurship. This follows her participation in the Transatlantic Outreach Program, where she engaged in a STEM study tour across Germany.

A recognized leader in technology integration and active learning, Christine was a 2016 recipient of the Steelcase Active Learning Grant. She has shared her expertise at numerous prestigious conferences, including ISTE, AMLE, FCIS, and previous CITL symposiums. At Shorecrest she is known for her ability to integrate core academic curriculum within technology courses to enhance, connect and expand student learning. Christine is also a dedicated Shorecrest parent to three Shorecrest alumni: John '15, Justin '16, and Lili '25.

Understanding the middle school brain to intentionally build supportive, connected student communities. It is a pivotal time for social, emotional, and neurological development. This interactive workshop explores middle school culture and student community through the combined lenses of mental health and neuroscience. Participants will examine how brain development influences relationships, behavior, identity formation, and belonging, and how school culture can intentionally support resilience and well‑being. Through research‑informed insights and practical strategies (that are good for adults, too!), the session highlights ways to foster connected communities that promote positive mental health outcomes and strengthen engagement during this critical developmental stage.

A complementary session on brain development across ages is also available, this workshop zooms in on the middle school brain and explores how schools can intentionally design cultures of connection, belonging, and emotional safety.

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Facilitator: Dr. Maurie Lung and Logan Walters, Life Adventures Counseling & Consulting

Dr. Maurie Lung is a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed marriage family therapist located in the Tampa Bay area. She is the founder of Life Adventures Counseling & Consulting (www.LifeAdventuresCC.org), a community organization providing adventure-based mental health therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families. She is also the director of adventure-based and nature-based graduate counseling programs at Prescott College. She has over 30 years of experience as a therapist, business owner, author, speaker, trainer, evaluator, and faculty. Her national and international work is focused on people and organizations who are interested in practice through connection with nature and experiential interventions that are grounded in trauma-informed and anti-oppressive research. She has co-authored books for mental health professionals as well as written articles about parenting (including her adventures as a mama of her 11-year-old triplets and 13-year-old son) and well-being through nature experiences that can heal our hearts and restore dignity.                                                                                                                           

Logan Walters has been a licensed mental health counselor and certified clinical adventure therapist in St. Petersburg since 2013. Previously Logan was the Head of School for an outdoor adventure boarding school and summer camp named SOAR, which focuses on youth with ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges. In addition to working as a counselor, Logan is a part time adjunct professor for Prescott College, is the mental health advisor, student management trainer and past chairmen of the board of safety for Thompson Island Outward Bound in Boston, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for SOAR, and provides consulting and trainings for schools and summer camps. His certifications include; Certified Clinical Service Provider- ADHD, National Certified Counselor, Wilderness First Responder, Red Cross Lifeguard, ACA Kayak Instructor, and Advance Diver.