CONFERENCES
About the Conference
Our annual Educator Conference helps schools know how to make life better for students affected by childhood cancer. Administrators, teachers, nurses and counselors are invited to attend and earn free CEU & CNE credits.
2/3
More than two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors experience late effects from treatment. These can include physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social effects which can impact learning.
We give concrete examples from a panel of experts across disciplines so that educators feel better equipped to support cancer survivors and their siblings as they navigate school both during and after cancer treatment.
.png)
Conference Topics
Overview of Childhood Cancer/Physical Late Effects
Differentiating pediatric vs. adult cancers, incidence rates, common diagnosis types, treatment protocols, and discussion of late effects of treatment.
Session Length: 1 hour
Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Young People with Cancer
Research shows that a substantial number of children, teens, and young adults dealing with cancer experience clinical levels of anxiety and depression at some point during their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship journey. Given how common these concerns are, it is important that those working to support these individuals and their families are aware of both some signs to look out for as indicators of distress as well as supportive intervention efforts that are most likely to be effective for this group. This presentation will focus on more common presentations of anxiety/depression in youth with cancer as well as best practices in the provision of intervention/supports across home, school, and community settings.
Session Length: 1 hour
Together for Kids; Connecting Education, Play, and Support
Young children diagnosed with childhood cancer may experience isolation from peers and limited opportunities to participate in social and developmental activities. These missed experiences can impact the development of important age-appropriate social, emotional, and early learning skills. As children transition into kindergarten and the early elementary years, they may require additional support and accommodations to promote success in the school setting. This presentation will explore how hospital educators and child life therapists can work together to build social, developmental, and early learning skills while supporting a successful transition back to school.
Session Length: 45 Minutes
504 Plans, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, and Challenges When Meeting the Needs of Childhood Cancer Patients and Survivors
The panel is composed of education support navigators across the state who serve in the treatment centers in Virginia. The navigators consult with patients and families who are receiving treatment, as well as those seen in survivorship clinics. Each navigator will focus on a topic relating to the educational needs of childhood cancer.
Session Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Reclaiming the Student Experience as an AYA Patient or Survivor
This session explores how to support adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and survivors in reclaiming their educational journey through academic support and robust psychosocial care. Attendees will gain practical strategies to help AYAs balance health, personal growth, and academic success while managing medical treatment.
Session Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Speaker Panel
Madhu S Gowda, MD
Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and VCU Medical Center, & Associate Professor
Overview of Childhood Cancer/Physical Late Effects
Ethan Schilling, PhD, LCP, NCSP
Licensed Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Childhood Brain Cancer Survivor, & Cancer/Brain Tumor Survivorship Advocate
Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Young People with Cancer
Carli Holtzhauer, MS, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist at Carilion Clinic
Together for Kids; Connecting Education, Play, and Support
Amy Fender, M.Ed.
ASK Education Support Navigator at Carilion Children's
Together for Kids; Connecting Education, Play, and Support
Lisa Meares, M.Ed
ASK Education Support Navigator at INOVA Schar
504 Plans, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, and Challenges When Meeting the Needs of Childhood Cancer Patients and Survivors
Natalie Duncan, MAT
ASK Education Support Navigator at UVA Health Children's
504 Plans, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, and Challenges When Meeting the Needs of Childhood Cancer Patients and Survivors
Jon Longenecker
ASK Education Support Navigator at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
504 Plans, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, and Challenges When Meeting the Needs of Childhood Cancer Patients and Survivors
Grant Pavlik, M.Ed.
ASK Education Support Navigator at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters
504 Plans, Individualized Education Program (IEP), Classroom In-Services, and Challenges When Meeting the Needs of Childhood Cancer Patients and Survivors
Jemma Stratton, MSW, LCSW
Interim Manager of Pediatric Oncology Counseling and Navigation, &
Pediatric Oncology Behavioral Health Therapist II at
Peterson Life with Cancer
Reclaiming the Student Experience as an AYA Patient or Survivor
Vanessa Wagener, M.Ed.
ASK Bilingual Education Support Navigator at INOVA Schar
Reclaiming the Student Experience as an AYA Patient or Survivor