Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) will welcome mental and behavioral health professionals and trainees to Main Campus for the 45th Annual School Psychology, Counseling Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis Conference on Friday, March 27.
The annual conference, hosted and planned by Temple faculty Jessica S. Reinhardt and Shana Levi-Nielsen, brings together students, educators, clinicians, researchers and practitioners to explore emerging research, best practices and socially responsive approaches within school psychology, counseling psychology and applied behavior analysis. The event serves as a professional development opportunity and a space for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
“One of the conference’s greatest strengths and what makes this year stand out is the caliber and diversity of presenters,” said Reinhardt. “Each year, I am genuinely amazed by the expertise, generosity and enthusiasm of those who share their work, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside them."
This year’s conference will feature a keynote address from Tai A. Collins, associate dean for curriculum and policy and professor of school psychology in the Graduate College at the University of Cincinnati.
Collins earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Africana studies from Loyola University New Orleans and his doctorate in school psychology from Louisiana State University. In his administrative role, he leads graduate curriculum strategy, implements student-centered policies and supports graduate students’ degree certification.
His research focuses on time and resource-efficient behavioral interventions that support black students in urban schools. His keynote will center on social justice as a framework for intervention, with discussion of culturally responsive multi-tiered systems of support, cultural adaptations to interventions, and the development and implementation of culturally relevant practices.
“This cross-disciplinary experience deepens learning, sparks innovation, and highlights the shared values that unite helping professions,” shared Reinhardt. “I hope attendees leave with practical tools and fresh ideas. Most of all, I hope they leave feeling valued, energized and empowered with a strong sense of agency and purpose in their professional roles.”
The conference creates intentional space for students and professionals to learn alongside one another, reflecting the CEHD’s mission to educate, support and prepare learners and leaders to advance equitable systems and practices in schools and communities.
In addition to the keynote address, the conference will feature a series of concurrent sessions led by scholars and practitioners across multiple disciplines, highlighting emerging research, ethical considerations and practical strategies for supporting diverse student and community populations.
Session offerings will include:
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Session 1
- Gail R. Karafin — Pediatric Sleep: Its Relevance and Benefits in Education
- Tiffany N. Brown — Seeing Clearly from Afar: Farsightedness, Discrimination, and Self-Recognition
- Matt Tincani — Assent and ABA
1:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Session 2
- Brigid Garvin — Differential Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Considerations for Clinical Decision Making
- Jenn Pollitt — What Practitioners Need to Know: Sexuality Education as a Core Component of Behavioral Health
- Prerna Arora — Session topic to be announced
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Session 3
- Beth Garrison — AI in Behavioral and Mental Health Practice: Innovations and Ethical Considerations
Registration for the conference is open until Mar. 25 at 5:00 p.m. An early bird discount will be available through Feb. 15. Learn more and register online.