Name: Cultivating Belonging: Using Everyday Spaces to Spark Connection
Start: 2026-05-01T14:00:00-0400
End: 2026-05-01T15:30:00-0400

Welcome to Empower Youth Success 2026!
Get ready for an exciting few days of innovative learning, engagement, networking, and fun. Whether this is your first time or you’re a returning attendee, we’re so glad you’re here to help make this event unforgettable!

Cultivating Belonging: Using Everyday Spaces to Spark Connection

Friday May 1, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Governor Ballroom C&D

This session explores how informal spaces can be leveraged to build meaningful connections with students and their families. Participants will learn strategies for intentionally using these spaces to foster belonging and trust. The workshop will highlight practical examples showing how informal environments enhance youth experiences, strengthen family engagement, and support partnerships that improve student outcomes.

Moderators

Lesley Lawrence

CNY Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Lesley Lawrence is a Program Specialist with the NYS Network for Youth Success’s School-Age Technical Assistance Resource Center (SATARC). She provides individualized support to LEAPS and BOOST grantees in program management, grant implementation, program quality, and data systems. With over 20... Read More →

Presenters

Katie Bowers

Mental Health Site Supervisor, Binghamton University Community Schools - Couper-Owens Center for Community Schools

Shannon Verdon

Mental Health Site Supervisor, Couper-Owens Center for Community Schools

Shannon Verdon is a School-Based Mental Health Site Supervisor with 10+ years of experience working with youth and families inside and out of the school setting. She currently works at Maine-Endwell Central Schools Middle and High School, supporting youth and families and supervising... Read More →

Luann Kida

Senior Director, Capacity Building and Implementation, Couper-Owens Center for Community Schools

Luann Kida is a social worker with over 20 years of experience across K–12 and higher education, dedicated to advancing educational equity for marginalized communities. She has led work in school social work, college retention and disability services, and community schools. As senior... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C&D Governor Ballroom C&D

Session

Empower Youth Success 2026

Lesley Lawrence

Katie Bowers

Shannon Verdon

Luann Kida

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