2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

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1:30pm MDT

The Role of Prevention and Intervention in school behavior

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

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 →

Mucha Rural Schools 2025 pdf

FERPA HIPAA pdf

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

1:30pm MDT

Using TBRI and Connection to Teach Content and Standards

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

Room #136

This presentation will take the idea of TBRI and show how to implement it in the classroom and wrap it around curriculum. TBRI was created for caregivers but has a clear application to the classroom. This session will give schools some of the tools necessary to teach the curriculum while also meeting student needs.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop

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

Speakers

Amie Huggins

TBRI Coach for Schools, Raise the Future

Amie Huggins is a 30 year classroom teacher. She is also a TBRI Practitioner and the co-author of the book, Creating a Connected Classroom. She works for a non-profit called Raise the Future and through them has developed the curriculum, Tools for Transformation. This curriculum... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #136 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 Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Elevating Classroom Management

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

Room #237

In my session, I will share practical, evidence-based techniques and strategies that equip teachers in rural schools with the tools and support needed to manage low-level chronic disruptions, reduce disciplinary referrals, and enhance teaching time.

By empowering teachers to effectively manage classroom behavior, my training reduces stress, reclaims valuable instructional time, and fosters an optimal learning culture that elevates instruction and teaching in order to reach every student and fulfill every teacher.

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

Kenneth Applegate

Educator, Local Education Advocate

Kenneth Applegate believes genuine connections with students are essential for academic success. His own educational background and love of lifelong learning continues to fuel his passion to help educators embrace their callings. He advocates for research-based, practical strategies... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, 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

Shared file URSA NUES/CUES 2025 Executive Function .pdf

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 16 years. Before that, she was a Special Education Teacher in the Nebo district for five years. She earned an associate's degree from Utah Valley University and a dual Bachelor of Science in special... 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

A veteran educator, Kristin specializes in creating inclusive and effective learning environments for students with diverse needs. She focuses on systemic improvement as an MTSS and Intervention Specialist, coaching educators to deliver high-impact, individualized support.), Kristin... Read More →

URSA NUES:CUES 2025 Executive Function pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #147 1762 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.