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 NJASP

New Jersey Association of School Psychologists

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Professional Development Opportunities

We have two exciting grant opportunities that we are proud to offer you this year:

The BeWell Professional Development Series

Click for a full copy of the BeWELL Initiative PD Brochure 2023-2024

The School Based Mental Health Series

For a full copy of the SGMHS training brochure click here


BeWELL - Professional Development Series

The BeWELL Initiative - is a Professional Development Training Series brought to educators in New Jersey by the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists (NJASP), Kean University and Belleville Public Schools. This project is being funded through a United States Department of Education - Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant which serves to expand school-based mental health services in high-need local educational agencies. This professional development training series will focus on increasing restorative and research-based practices in the areas of (1) Clinical Application, (2) Special Education, (3) Diversity and Inclusion, and (4) Special Topics

Beyond Box Checking: Intention & Implementation for Change

September 15, 2023


This presentation will focus on identifying several sources of motivation that can fuel us to engage in equity work throughout the school year. We will learn holistic and practical methods of integrating this learning into our professional practice. We will also familiarize ourselves with school-wide action planning templates that can increase buy-in and action beyond just the school based mental health team.

SESSION OBJECTIVES

  1. To identify several sources of motivation that can fuel us to engage in equity work throughout this school year
  2. To learn holistic and practical methods of integrating this learning into our professional practice
  3. To familiarize ourselves with school-wide action planning templates that can increase buy-in and action beyond just the school-based mental health team


Dr. Carly McCollow 

Carly McCollow, LMSW (She/Her) supports schools and organizations is healing harm and connecting around shared humanity. She coauthors the NJ State Bar Foundation's restorative justice workshops, and facilitates those and other antiracist and trauma-informed workshops in schools and districts across New Jersey. Carly currently coaches and facilitates facilitates through her practice Holding Space, provides clinical services through Liberation-Based Therapy, facilitates with Ampersands RJ, and lectures at Yale University.  

Click here to register

Beyond Box Checking Powerpoint



Motivational Interviewing 101:  Building Confidence and Hope

September 22, 2023


This workshop will provide an overview of the principles, core skills, spirit and the major tasks of motivational interviewing.  Special attention will be given to building confidence and hope in clients. 

SESSION OBJECTIVES

  1. To understand the principles of motivational interviewing
  2. Learning to build confidence and hope in clients through motivational interviewing


Dr. Milton A. Fuentes received his MA in psychology with a Latinx psychology focus from Montclair State University and his doctorate in clinical psychology from Rutgers University. He completed a pre-doctoral fellowship in clinical and community psychology at Yale University and secured post-doctoral training in epidemiology at Columbia University.  He is the 2012 President of the National Latinx Psychological Association and was recently awarded fellow status in the American Psychological Association for his outstanding contributions in the field of psychology.  Dr. Fuentes is also the recipient of the 2023 Society for the Teaching of Psychology Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.  Dr. Fuentes’ research and clinical interests are in the areas of Latinx, multicultural, and family psychology; program development; pedagogy; and motivational enhancement.  He serves as a consultant to academic campuses, community-based agencies, and corporate clients, helping them center equity, diversity, and inclusion in their mission and strategic planning efforts.  Dr. Fuentes is currently a professor in the psychology department at Montclair State University as well as a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York. 


Click here to register  


Motivational Interviewing 101 (powerpoint)


Zoom Presentation Link

Building Psychological Flexibility for Empowered Students and Healthy Learning Communities with the ACT Matrix

October 6, 2023


This workshop will allow you to discover the power of the ACT Matrix, a visual representation of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), in fostering psychological flexibility. Developed by Dr. Kevin Polk, this evidence-based approach engages individuals in values-based behaviors, leading to improved mental health and well-being. Join us in this in-service to learn how the ACT Matrix promotes social-emotional learning, empowers students, and cultivates a positive and supportive learning environment. We'll overcome obstacles and work towards common goals of living and learning together.

SESSION OBJECTIVES

  1. Learn the basics elements of ACT
  2. Learn how flexible thinking can lead to positive change
  3. Understand how to apply this way of thinking to various settings and populations


Phil Tenaglia, a lifelong educator and certified ACT coach, has over 35 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, school psychologist, and crisis intervention specialist. He introduced Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to education in 2009 and currently trains individuals, schools, and organizations in the ACT Matrix approach for mental health, social-emotional learning, and workplace wellness. Phil is also a family therapist and author of books on crisis intervention and applying the Matrix to coaching and organizations. Based in Langhorne, PA, he resides with his family.

Click here to register

Building Psychological Flexibility Powerpoint

Zoom Presentation Link

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in School Settings

November 3, 2023 


This workshop will cover the nuts and bolts of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address a range of mood and anxiety disorders in students. The workshop will focus on translating the use of CBT in school settings and reducing barriers to service delivery. Specific CBT components that will be covered include relaxation/self-calming techniques, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral exposures. 

SESSION OBJECTIVES

  1. Understand the nuts and bolts of CBT
  2. Be able to apply CBT to various psychological conditions


Dr. Michael L. Sulkowski is an associate professor and Program Coordinator in the School Psychology Program at the University of Alabama. He is the co-author of Leadership for Safe Schools: The Three-Pillar Approach to Supporting the Mental Health of Students, Creating Safe Schools and Fostering Students’ Mental Health, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in K-12 Schools: A Practitioner’s Workbook, First and Second Editions. Dr. Sulkowski also has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications.