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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!
Type: Speed Session clear filter
Wednesday, April 29
 

1:00pm EDT

Can I Learn and Play With You?
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Kelsey's @ Kelsey's
My content will include introspective questions of why community programs are not including neurodiverse children more in their programming. Could a trained consultant expedite the programs up to an agreed compliance to ensure students in the existing school population have an opportunity for more social development with their peers? Are the programs hesitant to include students with ASD because they are not sure, what it is?
Moderators
avatar for Lesley Lawrence

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
avatar for Donna McGowan

Donna McGowan

Parent/Caregiver Decision Maker, Autism Advocate
Donna McGowan is a Metro NYC parent. She is a long-term certified Project Management Professional with a background in Sociology and a Master of Business Administration. Due to a recent layoff and as a parent of a young child on the autism spectrum disorder, Donna discovered in her... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's
  Speed Session, Experienced Community Schools Track

1:00pm EDT

Changing Minds: Stories Over Stigma
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Hudson Ballroom @ Hudson Ballroom
Our young adult speakers bring mental health to life through real stories of struggle, strength, and recovery. Students hear relatable voices who’ve faced challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more—and learned to cope in healthy, empowering ways.  Each presentation blends personal storytelling with education: recognizing warning signs, understanding that mental health is treatable, using positive coping skills, and knowing how to ask for help.  
Moderators
SI

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success
Shania joins Network for Youth Success as a New York State Certified B-6 educator with seven years of teaching experience and many more in varied childcare spaces. She brings two years of experience in varied leadership roles within NAACP Troy Branch, and is currently a board member... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Sarika Agarwal

Sarika Agarwal

Professional Young Adult Speaker, Minding Your Mind
Sarika spent years chasing perfection and relying on others’ approval, hiding her emotions when they were not received with the same praise as her achievements. As her inner turmoil grew, she developed depression and anxiety, faced cyberbullying, and struggled with harmful coping... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Hudson Ballroom Hudson Ballroom
  Speed Session, Health & Well-Being Track

1:00pm EDT

NBA Math Hoops - Creating the Next Math Champion
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C @ Governor Ballroom C
NBA Math Hoops leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math skills through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, a curriculum, and a community program experience. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this free program develops students’ algebra readiness prior to entering high school, while strengthening important skills including self-regulation and executive function. The NBA Math Hoops program is implemented in in-school, out-of-school, and home learning environments.
Moderators
avatar for Timothy Fowler

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success
Timothy Fowler has worked with children and youth programs for more than 25 years. Since2002, he has been a trainer, facilitator, coach, and consultant for youth programs in Missouri, Illinois, and New York. His specialty areas are youth development, program development, quality improvement... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Jonathan McLean

Jonathan McLean

Regional Program Coordinator, Learn Fresh
Jonathan is from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, but now resides Houston, Texas. He played College Football at Old Dominion University and received his Bachelor's degree in Sports Management. Jonathan serves as a Regional Outreach Coordinator here at Learn Fresh. Having previously... Read More →
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C Governor Ballroom C
  Speed Session

1:00pm EDT

The SNACC Approach: Unlocking Youth Potential Through Food
Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E
Through case studies, games, discussion, and hands-on activities, participants will learn how SNACC (Sustainable Nutrition And Community Connection), a small non-profit based in New York City, is changing the landscape for students in underserved communities across the city by bringing nutrition education and real-life culinary skills together in fun, impactful, creative, hands-on classroom and afterschool experiences. At SNACC, we aim to foster confidence, empowerment, and knowledge through food, and we’d love to share SNACC with you!
Moderators
avatar for Claire Comtois

Claire Comtois

Education & Training Specialist, Child Care Resource Network
Claire Comtois is an Education & Training Specialist at Child Care Resource Network in Buffalo, NY. She has been dedicated to the field of school-age care for 12 years. She began her career in the child care field as a Director of SACC programming, supporting her staff and organization... Read More →
Presenters
DC

Danielle Cohen

Executive Director, SNACC
Danielle L. Cohen holds a BA in sociology/public health from Muhlenberg College and a MPH from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. At the helm of SNACC, Danielle has guided the organization to become a lighthouse of empowerment, offering youth and their families... Read More →
avatar for Megan Gottlieb

Megan Gottlieb

Director of Education, SNACC
Megan Gottlieb holds a BS in Biology from Trinity College and a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University. Megan has worked in a variety of public and independent school settings for the past 25 years, as a classroom teacher, department chair, assistant division... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E
  Speed Session, New Community Schools Track
 
Thursday, April 30
 

12:45pm EDT

"Every Day Matters: Our Path to Better Attendance"
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Kelsey's @ Kelsey's
In this session, we share our “all hands on deck” approach to improving student attendance through strategies such as the Walking School Bus, culturally responsive events, inclusive programs, and strong community partnerships. Participants will learn how to launch a Walking School Bus in their own schools and explore the outreach efforts and resources that have helped our community school boost attendance and, in turn, strengthen academic proficiency.
Moderators
GG

Gerardine Georges

Policy Fellow, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters
KM

Kristin Munrett

Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School of Excellence
With 25 years of experience in education, Kristin has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, instructional supervisor, and now principal of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School of Excellence, currently in its fourth year as a community school. Kristin is... Read More →
KS

Kissair Savage

Security Monitor/Community Liaison, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School of Excellence
With 22 years of experience in education, including the last seven in the Schenectady City School District, Kissair has served in roles such as Teacher’s Assistant, Community and Engagement Specialist, and Safety Monitor. A dedicated advocate for family and community partnership... Read More →
CE

Christina Ewert

Parent Liaison, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School of Excellence
For the past four years, Christina has served as the Parent Liaison for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School of Excellence, building strong partnerships between families, the school, and community agencies. As lead of the Walking School Bus, Christina supports safe, reliable... Read More →
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's
  Speed Session, Experienced Community Schools Track

12:45pm EDT

Fun with Fiscal!
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C @ Governor Ballroom C
NYSED’s Office of Student Support Services presents information for subgrantees on general and best practices for budgeting your last year of the 21st CCLC grant.  Topics will include timeline reminders, FS-10As (Amendments), FS-10-Fs (Finals), budget reductions, the composite budget, and more.
Moderators
avatar for Kelley Burt

Kelley Burt

Educational Consultant, KB Educational Consulting, Inc.

Presenters
KM

Kyle McHugh

Associate in Educational Planning and Evaluation, NYSED
NYSED's Office of Student Support Services
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C Governor Ballroom C
  Speed Session, 21st CCLC Track

12:45pm EDT

Good to Great: Using the QSA Tool in Afterschool
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Chambers @ Chambers
Learn how to reflect on your practice and program with the Quality Self-Assessment. This workshop will introduce participants to the tool, including how to use it to promote continuous quality improvement. This session will include engaging activities to model key parts of the process.
Moderators
SI

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success
Shania joins Network for Youth Success as a New York State Certified B-6 educator with seven years of teaching experience and many more in varied childcare spaces. She brings two years of experience in varied leadership roles within NAACP Troy Branch, and is currently a board member... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Timothy Fowler

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success
Timothy Fowler has worked with children and youth programs for more than 25 years. Since2002, he has been a trainer, facilitator, coach, and consultant for youth programs in Missouri, Illinois, and New York. His specialty areas are youth development, program development, quality improvement... Read More →
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Chambers Chambers
  Speed Session, New Community Schools Track

12:45pm EDT

Grants Management and Compliance Simplified - Building your system for success
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom D @ Governor Ballroom D
Managing LEAPS and other grants demands synchronization, precision, and proper system setup. Using the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle as a case study, this interactive session will guide participants on configuring their HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for efficient and effective claims reporting. Submit your challenges in advance to have them woven into the presentation for practical, tailored solutions.
Moderators
avatar for Lesley Lawrence

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
JR

Jay Roscup

Community Schools Director, Sodus CSD

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom D Governor Ballroom D
  Speed Session, 21st CCLC Track

12:45pm EDT

Supporting our Upper Elementary Students to Become Powerful Navigators of School Success
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E
Upper Elementary school can be confusing times for children. Navigating expectations and new social pressures can prove challenging. How can we strategically guide our upper elementary students to become powerful navigators of school success? Participants will receive practical student-friendly strategies that they can implement on the next school day.
Moderators
avatar for Claire Comtois

Claire Comtois

Education & Training Specialist, Child Care Resource Network
Claire Comtois is an Education & Training Specialist at Child Care Resource Network in Buffalo, NY. She has been dedicated to the field of school-age care for 12 years. She began her career in the child care field as a Director of SACC programming, supporting her staff and organization... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Todd Feltman

Todd Feltman

Adjunct Assistant Professor in Childhood Education, Hunter College
Todd Feltman, PhD, is an elementary and middle school intensive reading interventionist. He has spent over twenty-five years working in New York City public schools. Feltman is also an adjunct assistant professor in Childhood and Literacy Education at Hunter College. He is the author... Read More →
Thursday April 30, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E
  Speed Session
 
Friday, May 1
 

1:00pm EDT

Good to Great: Using the QSA Tool in Afterschool
Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E
Learn how to reflect on your practice and program with the Quality Self-Assessment. This workshop will introduce participants to the tool, including how to use it to promote continuous quality improvement. This session will include engaging activities to model key parts of the process.
Moderators
AS

Alicia SalamonePowers

Association Executive Director, Capital District YMCA

Presenters
avatar for Timothy Fowler

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success
Timothy Fowler has worked with children and youth programs for more than 25 years. Since2002, he has been a trainer, facilitator, coach, and consultant for youth programs in Missouri, Illinois, and New York. His specialty areas are youth development, program development, quality improvement... Read More →
Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E
  Speed Session, BOOST Track

1:00pm EDT

Office of Children & Family Services LEAPS team highlights and updates.
Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C&D @ Governor Ballroom C&D
Come and meet the OCFS LEAPS team.
The Office of Children and Family Services LEAPS team will share updates and resources. The LEAPS panel we will also highlight some of the great work we have seen through our site visits, program reports and program newsletters. A wonderful opportunity to see LEAPS in action across the state.
Moderators
avatar for Lesley Lawrence

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
KM
SI

Safiya Ikhlas

Afterschool Program Supervisor, NYS Office of Children & Family Services

avatar for Linda Darrah

Linda Darrah

Child & Family Services Program Manager 1, NYS OCFS
Presentation will consist of the OCFS LEAPS program manager team and special guests. The team has collective experience in OCFS Child Care regulations, initiatives, Direct care services, Child Welfare and family services in addition to OCFS afterschool grants.
Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C&D Governor Ballroom C&D
  Speed Session

1:00pm EDT

Real Science: Resources for Citizen Science with Children and Youth
Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Kelsey's @ Kelsey's
There are many ways to engage everyday people, including children, in ongoing scientific research. Learn about citizen science and how you can engage young people in participating in actual scientific research efforts.
Moderators
TE

Taylor Esperti

Childcare Director, Capital District YMCA

Presenters
SI

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success
Shania joins Network for Youth Success as a New York State Certified B-6 educator with seven years of teaching experience and many more in varied childcare spaces. She brings two years of experience in varied leadership roles within NAACP Troy Branch, and is currently a board member... Read More →
Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's
  Speed Session
 

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Wednesday, April 29
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