2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Only Purchase One Ticket for Each Individual Attendee
Full URSA 2025 Session Schedule will be published here NO LATER than June 1. Please check back soon!

arrow_back View All Dates

1:30pm MDT

Burnout or Resilience Part 2: Addressing the challenges of educators in today’s schools and classrooms?

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #143

Effective classroom learning depends on the ability of school leaders and teachers to address the deepening complexities and challenges of schools effectively. Job stress and burnout are a significant threat to that work. As a follow up to last summer’s presentation, this workshop will extend the discussion of challenges of burnout and resilience for schools to examine specific strategies that school leaders, teachers, and staff can use to proactively understand and address burnout issues from both the organizational and personal perspectives, and support optimized classroom experiences for students. Discussions will identify how to diagnose factors contributing to stress and burnout. Participants will work collaboratively to identify action steps to implement effective mitigation and intervention strategies in their schools and work. `

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, iPad / iPhone

Speakers

Dr. Dale Cox

Program Director K-12 Educational Leadership, Utah Valley University

Dale Cox is an Associate Professor and the Program Director of K-12 Educational Leadership at Utah Valley University. He received his doctorate in educational leadership from Lehigh University, his M.Ed. in educational administration from Arizona State University, and his B.A. in... Read More →

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Meghan Everette is the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Utah State Board of Education. She previously served as the State Director of Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic Education (ULEAD) Director. Meghanis a veteran educator and taught elementary school... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Other
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

The Role of Prevention and Intervention in school behavior

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #234

This session will cover the importance of prevention and intervention plans as it relates to school behavior issues. The presenter will define both areas and give examples of behavioral strategies in both areas. Prevention will focus on PBIS strategies, and intervention will focus on the most common pediatric disorders seen in classrooms and behavioral strategies for success.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Heidi Mucha

Pediatric Psychologist, Wasatch Pediatric Neuropsychology

Dr. Mucha works as a pediatric psychologist at Wasatch Pediatric Neuropsychology and specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Learning Disorders and Behavior Disorders. She worked with schools and districts on the implementation of PBIS, RTI and MTSS for 20 years and has taught graduate courses... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Navigating the Landscape of School Mental Health: A Comprehensive Systems Approach

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #145

The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) Model is a statewide initiative designed to enhance school-based mental health systems through evidence-based practices, technical assistance, training, and community partnerships. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the USMHC framework, guiding participants through the process of implementing a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for student mental health.

Attendees will be taken on a journey to explore the three-tiered approach of the USMHC Model, beginning with Tier 1, which focuses on school-wide mental health promotion, faculty engagement, and the integration of prevention initiatives. The session will highlight data-driven decision-making using tools like SWTRS and SSWQ, discuss universal screening practices in alignment with Utah laws and USBE-approved screeners (e.g., PHQ, GAD), and examine sustainable funding strategies.

The discussion will then shift to Tier 2, emphasizing targeted interventions for students at increased risk, and Tier 3, which provides intensive individualized support and refined referral processes. Presenters will also address strategies to assist students whose needs extend beyond Tier 3 services.

A key feature of this session is demonstrating how districts and schools can use the SHAPE Assessment to evaluate the strengths and areas for improvement within their comprehensive school mental health system. Presenters will explore how SHAPE results can inform long-term mental health improvement efforts and strategic planning, ensuring sustainable and data-driven enhancements to school mental health infrastructure. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies for implementing a sustainable, evidence-based school mental health system and learn how the USMHC can support their efforts in advancing student and educator well-being.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Trevor Olsen

Associate Director of Training and Technical Support, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative - University of Utah

Trevor Olsen Ed.S. is an Associate Director with the University of Utah’s School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC). USMHC is dedicated to enhancing well-being in educational settings. In his role, Trevor works with schools and school districts to evaluate and create plans to enhance... Read More →

Chathuri (Chat) Illapperuma-Wood

Partnerships Director, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative - University of Utah

Dr. Chathuri (Chat) Illapperuma-Wood Ph.D. is the Partnerships Director at the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative and the U-TTEC Lab within the College of Education at the University of Utah. A nationally certified school psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, she... Read More →

Matthew T. Smith

Associate Director of Training and Technical Support, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative - University of Utah

Matthew Smith M.Ed. is an Associate Director of Training and Technical Support at the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) within the University of Utah's Department of Educational Psychology, is dedicated to enhancing well-being in educational settings. He excels at evaluating... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Designing Support for students with Executive Function Skill challenges

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #147

Executive function skills encompass cognitive processes like planning, organizing, working memory, and self-regulation. These skills are crucial for academic success and daily life. Students with ADHD and Autism often struggle with these functions, leading to difficulties in school and social settings. Effective supports and interventions can be the catalyst for these students' academic success. In this presentation, you will learn about executive function skills, how the brain operates and manages these skills, and how to create effective interventions for students in need of extra support.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Sheryl Vernon is a School Psychologist Ed.S. at CUES, where she covers diagnostic testing and Trust Based Relationship Intervention for the region. She received her degree from Brigham Young University.Before working at CUES, Sheryl ran the Crayon Academy Preschool from her home for... Read More →

Lauren Ezzell

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Central Utah Educational Services

Lauren Ezzell is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and has been with CUES since 2019. Lauren is passionate about providing behavior-analytic... Read More →

Katie Clark

BCBA, School Psychologist Intern, NUES - Northern Utah Educational Services

Educational Background: EdS- School Psychology BYU (August 2025) , MA Applied Behavior Analysis – Ball State University – Muncie, IN, BA Psychology – Flagler College – St. Augustine, FL Licensed BCBA for NUES Hobbies & Interests: Soccer, Skiing, Camping, Mtn. Biking, Cooking... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #147 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Reaching Every Student: How Utah is Using Early Warning Systems to Support Student Success

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #134

In an era where personalized support is more critical than ever, Utah is leading the way in using data-driven tools to reach and teach every student. This session will explore the state’s implementation of Panorama Student Success as a statewide Early Warning System (EWS), designed to proactively identify students who may be at risk of falling off track and ensure timely, targeted interventions.
Schools and districts across the state are using Panorama Student Success to monitor key indicators such as attendance, behavior, and coursework in one centralized platform. This system empowers educators with real-time, actionable insights to support students.
Attendees will learn how Panorama Student Success aligns with Utah’s broader vision for supporting a positive and safe school culture, and hear examples of how educators are using this tool to build intervention plans, collaborate across teams, and ensure no student falls through the cracks. We’ll also highlight the importance of cross-district collaboration and state leadership in scaling an EWS that serves student populations statewide.
Whether you’re exploring how to strengthen your own student support systems or looking to build a similar initiative, this session will offer practical takeaways, lessons learned, and inspiration from Utah’s ongoing journey to reach every student, every day.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop

Speakers

Nicole DellaRocco

Senior Account Director, Panorama Education

Nicole DellaRocco is a Senior Account Director at Panorama Education, where she partners with state and district leaders across the country to support student success through data-driven practices. In her role, Nicole works closely with organizations like the Utah State Board of Education... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, STEM / STEAM, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Mental/Behavioral Health, Other
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

The Power of Connection: Influencing Others Through Authentic Relationships

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #238

In an age where people, especially children are feeling disconnected, it is critical to find ways to connect with students, teachers and staff. As leaders, we must find ways to build genuine relationships with all that we can within our buildings. We will share our experience in making connections and building relationships.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers