CITL Winter Institute 2026

What if the key to student achievement isn’t your curriculum, technology, or even your teaching strategies? What if it’s something deeper—the state of your students’ nervous systems?

In this workshop you’ll discover how cutting-edge neuroscience research drawn from "The Self-Driven Child" (Dr. William Stixrud & Ned Johnson) and "Applied Educational Neuroscience" (Dr. Lori Desautels) shows that emotional safety and autonomy are not “extras.” They are biological prerequisites for true learning.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How emotional safety sets the stage for focus, memory, and problem-solving.
• Why autonomy fuels resilience and motivation.
• Practical strategies you can use immediately to create classrooms where students feel safe, motivated, and ready to learn.

If you’ve ever wanted your students to be more engaged, more motivated, and more self-driven—this workshop is for you. 

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Facilitators: Jennifer Phelps and Curtis Cruise

Jennifer Phelps became the Director of the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE, formerly known as The Learning Center) in July 2023. Jennifer has 20 years of experience in the field of therapy and education, and has founded and co-founded several successful businesses that support children through ABA-based programs, therapies, education, and care. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Jennifer was the Director of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at All Children’s Hospital where she coordinated a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists within the hospital’s Autism Center. 

Using research-based strategies for all learners, Jennifer’s approach to learning systems and education is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals, She is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Prospr, a business support services company designed to assist clinicians in managing and growing their businesses.

Jennifer has an associate's degree in Psychology from Broward Community College, a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Science in Psychology from Florida State. She is currently a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. In addition to her wealth of knowledge and experience in student support services and program management, she is also the parent of two Chargers.

Curtis Cruise joined the faculty in 1997 as a science teacher. In addition to teaching Shorecrest sixth graders, Mr. Cruise also runs the Middle School Science Fair and service summer camp. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. The Cruises have a son, Connor, Class of 2021.

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.

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: by 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.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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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