The Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA) is set to host its second annual Ohio School Counselor Conference. The mission of the Ohio School Counselor Association is to empower, unite and support professional school counselors in their role to promote student success.
Join over 800 school counseling professionals that will participate in sessions that cover a variety of relevant and timely topics for the school counseling profession, a continuing education experience.
The Ohio School Counselor Conference is hosted by the Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA) at a familiar venue, the Hyatt Regency Columbus, the premier downtown convention hotel!
$189 /night
Group room rate (Not including tax)
September 16
Booking cutoff date (Wednesday, September 16 by 11:59 PM ET)
G-25SC
Group code
(614) 463‑1234
Reservations line
How much does this cost?
Registration Prices
Early bird deadline is Wednesday, September 23. Registration launches in late July!
Please read any applicable footnotes below the pricing tables.
$75 /$100
Pre‑Conference
OSCA Member (Early/Late) Wednesday, A la carte price per workshop
$125 /$150
Pre‑Conference
Non‑Member (Early/Late) Wednesday, A la carte price per workshop
$50 /$75
Pre‑Conference
Student/Retiree (Early/Late) Wednesday, A la carte price per workshop
$230 /$280
Standard Conference
OSCA Member (Early/Late) Thursday through Friday
$320 /$370
Standard Conference
Non‑Member (Early/Late)1 Thursday through Friday
$140 /$180
Standard Conference
Student/Retiree (Early/Late) Thursday through Friday
$60
Standard Conference
Lead Presenter2 / Conference Ambassador3 Thursday through Friday
$180 /$230
One‑Day
OSCA Member (Early/Late) Thursday Only or Friday Only
$270 /$320
One‑Day
Non‑Member (Early/Late)1 Thursday Only or Friday Only
$90 /$130
One‑Day
Student/Retiree (Early/Late) Thursday Only or Friday Only
1All non‑member standard and non‑member one‑day registrations include the cost of an annual OSCA professional membership.
2If you are a lead presenter, please use your CFP proposal email address to automatically receive the discounted registration price. All other co‑presenters must pay full price.
3If you are a Conference Ambassador, you will be required to verify your OSCA membership during the registration process.
Keynote Speaker at the OSCC
Gerry Brooks
Veteran Educator, Passionate Public Speaker, Bonafide Encourager
Gerry Brooks has spent 25 years working in education, starting out as a third‑grade teacher in Palm Bay, Florida. He earned a master’s degree in administration and has been an elementary principal for 15 years. What began as making funny videos to encourage his staff has grown into inspiring educators across the country through social media and speaking events. Brooks is a passionate supporter of educators and believes that everyone plays a role in creating a positive workplace. His book, Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches, offers practical tips, inspiration, and humor for educators to tackle the challenges faced day‑in and day‑out in the school environment. Gerry and his wife, Kelly, live in Lexington, Kentucky, and have three grown children. Today, he connects with more than 5.5 million followers via social media and other platforms.
Meet & Watch Our Keynote Speaker
Get to know our Keynote Speaker Gerry Brooks.
Take a moment to meet our Pre‑Conference Workshop Speakers.
Carolyn Heller
School Counselor Nagel Middle School
Carolyn Heller, a dedicated school counselor at Nagel Middle School in the Forest Hills School District near Cincinnati, champions the Rooted in Hope & Strength campaign, working passionately to help every Forest Hills student feel they truly belong.
Kim Karr
Executive Director Digital4Good
Meet Kim Karr, the heart and soul behind Digital4Good! After being a teacher for 13 years, Kim co‑founded this movement to inspire students to use the internet and social media in a positive way. Digital4Good is not just a program; it’s a revolution that’s been recognized by big names like Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees and major tech companies like Google, Snapchat, and TikTok. Kim has shared the #ICANHELP message with over 700,000 students and trained thousands of teachers and school administrators on how to guide their students in using social media wisely. Kim Karr isn’t just talking about making a change; she’s making it happen every day.
Melissa Lafayette
Doctoral Student The Ohio State University
Melissa Lafayette is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at The Ohio State University, where she serves as a Graduate Teaching Associate and School Counseling Supervisor, supporting school counseling students through practicum and internship field experiences. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Partner Development at Hatching Results, leading national partnerships and strategic initiatives focused on comprehensive, data‑driven school counseling programs. Melissa previously served as a district‑level Lead School Counselor in a TK‑8 district in Riverside County, California, and worked as a school counselor in both Riverside and San Diego counties. A former adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University, her work and research center on hope, belonging, equity‑centered school counseling, and disrupting inequitable disciplinary practices impacting Black girls.
Carolyn Heller
School Counselor Nagel Middle School
Carolyn Heller, a dedicated school counselor at Nagel Middle School in the Forest Hills School District near Cincinnati, champions the Rooted in Hope & Strength campaign, working passionately to help every Forest Hills student feel they truly belong.
Kim Karr
Executive Director Digital4Good
Meet Kim Karr, the heart and soul behind Digital4Good! After being a teacher for 13 years, Kim co‑founded this movement to inspire students to use the internet and social media in a positive way. Digital4Good is not just a program; it’s a revolution that’s been recognized by big names like Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees and major tech companies like Google, Snapchat, and TikTok. Kim has shared the #ICANHELP message with over 700,000 students and trained thousands of teachers and school administrators on how to guide their students in using social media wisely. Kim Karr isn’t just talking about making a change; she’s making it happen every day.
Melissa Lafayette
Doctoral Student The Ohio State University
Melissa Lafayette is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at The Ohio State University, where she serves as a Graduate Teaching Associate and School Counseling Supervisor, supporting school counseling students through practicum and internship field experiences. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Partner Development at Hatching Results, leading national partnerships and strategic initiatives focused on comprehensive, data‑driven school counseling programs. Melissa previously served as a district‑level Lead School Counselor in a TK‑8 district in Riverside County, California, and worked as a school counselor in both Riverside and San Diego counties. A former adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University, her work and research center on hope, belonging, equity‑centered school counseling, and disrupting inequitable disciplinary practices impacting Black girls.
Nicole McDonald
School Counselor Centerville City Schools
Nicole McDonald is an educational leader with experience supporting MTSS implementation, trauma‑informed practices, and whole‑child instructional systems. She works collaboratively with educators to strengthen data‑based decision making, equitable intervention practices, and student‑centered support structures. Her work focuses on translating MTSS theory into practical strategies educators can implement immediately. Nicole was awarded the Ohio School Counselor of the Year Award from OSCA in 2026.
Justin Moorman
Behavior Intervention Specialist Centerville City Schools
Justin Moorman is a 20‑year veteran educator who has a long career of supporting kids and families that need us most. Justin currently leads a trauma‑informed elementary school of 2nd‑5th graders that specializes in two behavior and mental health units and low incidence programs. Justin co‑launched the (Re)Education of Schools Podcast in 2023 to give voice, advocacy and support to other educators. The podcast continues to rank in the top 50% of all podcasts with notable featured guests that include Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Lori Desautels, Joe Brummer, Guy Stevens, Margaret Thornsborne and James Moffett. Justin spends an abundance of time speaking at local, state, and national conferences.
Charle Peck
Speaker/Trainer/Author Thriving Educator
Charle Peck, LCSW, LISW, M.Ed., is a keynote speaker, licensed therapist, author, and former educator who transforms chaotic systems from the inside out. Specializing in stress tolerance, she delivers a powerful message of hope to individuals in high‑pressure roles and equips them with simple, practical strategies to maintain stability and elevate performance. For sustainable impact, Charle designed a training program to help leaders build capacity within their own teams using a simple, transformative framework. With extensive experience in trauma and crisis, her stories connect deeply with those navigating today’s most demanding systems.
Nicole McDonald
School Counselor Centerville City Schools
Nicole McDonald is an educational leader with experience supporting MTSS implementation, trauma‑informed practices, and whole‑child instructional systems. She works collaboratively with educators to strengthen data‑based decision making, equitable intervention practices, and student‑centered support structures. Her work focuses on translating MTSS theory into practical strategies educators can implement immediately. Nicole was awarded the Ohio School Counselor of the Year Award from OSCA in 2026.
Justin Moorman
Behavior Intervention Specialist Centerville City Schools
Justin Moorman is a 20‑year veteran educator who has a long career of supporting kids and families that need us most. Justin currently leads a trauma‑informed elementary school of 2nd‑5th graders that specializes in two behavior and mental health units and low incidence programs. Justin co‑launched the (Re)Education of Schools Podcast in 2023 to give voice, advocacy and support to other educators. The podcast continues to rank in the top 50% of all podcasts with notable featured guests that include Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Lori Desautels, Joe Brummer, Guy Stevens, Margaret Thornsborne and James Moffett. Justin spends an abundance of time speaking at local, state, and national conferences.
Charle Peck
Speaker/Trainer/Author Thriving Educator
Charle Peck, LCSW, LISW, M.Ed., is a keynote speaker, licensed therapist, author, and former educator who transforms chaotic systems from the inside out. Specializing in stress tolerance, she delivers a powerful message of hope to individuals in high‑pressure roles and equips them with simple, practical strategies to maintain stability and elevate performance. For sustainable impact, Charle designed a training program to help leaders build capacity within their own teams using a simple, transformative framework. With extensive experience in trauma and crisis, her stories connect deeply with those navigating today’s most demanding systems.
Jim Place
Character Education Instructor Jim Place Services
Jim Place is a Hall of Fame coach and was the Director of Character Education for the Hamilton City Schools. Jim now teaches twelve Character Education classes and has had over 5,000 educators take one of his classes. Visit Jim’s website at jimplaceservices.com to learn more about his other offerings.
Katie Thornton
Director K‑5 Student Services & Special Education Centerville City Schools
Katie Thornton is a 20‑year veteran educator who has a long career of supporting kids and families that need us most. Katie currently leads a trauma‑informed elementary school of 2nd‑5th graders that specializes in two behavior and mental health units and low incidence programs. Katie co‑launched the (Re)Education of Schools Podcast in 2023 to give voice, advocacy and support to other educators. The podcast continues to rank in the top 50% of all podcasts with notable featured guests that include Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Lori Desautels, Joe Brummer, Guy Stevens, Margaret Thornsborne and James Moffett. Katie spends an abundance of time speaking at local, state, and national conferences.
Brett Zyromski, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Chair The Ohio State University
Brett Zyromski, PhD, is an award‑winning Associate Professor and Program Chair of the Counselor Education Program at The Ohio State University. His scholarship focuses on how school counselors can enhance protective factors and positive childhood experiences for students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Zyromski is also passionate about work that increases PK-12 students’ feelings of hope and belonging. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Professional School Counseling journal. Dr. Zyromski has published over 40 peer‑reviewed articles and book chapters related to school counseling issues. He has delivered over 150 international, national, regional, and local presentations and has served as a keynote speaker at numerous international and state conferences.
Jim Place
Character Education Instructor Jim Place Services
Jim Place is a Hall of Fame coach and was the Director of Character Education for the Hamilton City Schools. Jim now teaches twelve Character Education classes and has had over 5,000 educators take one of his classes. Visit Jim’s website at jimplaceservices.com to learn more about his other offerings.
Katie Thornton
Director K‑5 Student Services & Special Education Centerville City Schools
Katie Thornton is a 20‑year veteran educator who has a long career of supporting kids and families that need us most. Katie currently leads a trauma‑informed elementary school of 2nd‑5th graders that specializes in two behavior and mental health units and low incidence programs. Katie co‑launched the (Re)Education of Schools Podcast in 2023 to give voice, advocacy and support to other educators. The podcast continues to rank in the top 50% of all podcasts with notable featured guests that include Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Lori Desautels, Joe Brummer, Guy Stevens, Margaret Thornsborne and James Moffett. Katie spends an abundance of time speaking at local, state, and national conferences.
Brett Zyromski, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Chair The Ohio State University
Brett Zyromski, PhD, is an award‑winning Associate Professor and Program Chair of the Counselor Education Program at The Ohio State University. His scholarship focuses on how school counselors can enhance protective factors and positive childhood experiences for students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Zyromski is also passionate about work that increases PK-12 students’ feelings of hope and belonging. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Professional School Counseling journal. Dr. Zyromski has published over 40 peer‑reviewed articles and book chapters related to school counseling issues. He has delivered over 150 international, national, regional, and local presentations and has served as a keynote speaker at numerous international and state conferences.
Want to reach school counselors in Ohio?
Exhibits & Sponsorship at the OSCC
Get your business/organization in front of hundreds of potential customers, and form lasting relationships with school counselors from all across Ohio! Sign up today!
Visibility options are a great way to stand out from the rest of the vendors at the OSCC. Depending on your organization’s interest and needs, select a sponsorship level with general benefits or select a visibility option to receive targeted exposure. Visibility options over $4,000 automatically receive Gold Level benefits.
Semi‑exclusive. Two available. Keynote sponsorship provides the most direct exposure. Welcome conference attendees and introduce the keynote speaker and OSCA staff.
Pre‑Con Sponsor$4,000
Exclusive. One available. Sponsor pre‑conference workshops. Introduce all workshop speakers and create a personalized environment to up to 150 participants on Wednesday.
Bag Sponsor$2,500
With your help, we can provide all attendees with a complimentary conference bag, embroidered with your logo, to use and carry during the conference and beyond.
Signage Sponsor$2,000
We’re in a large venue! Help us provide better directional signage at the Hyatt Regency. Your organization logo will be prominent on all directional signs created for the OSCC.
Lanyard Sponsor$1,500
Sponsor the badge lanyards and have your logo worn by every attendee throughout the conference. Want to provide your own lanyard?Contact us for reduced pricing.
