Convention Workshops

Friday, April 4, 2025 – 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Protecting Our Kids in the Digital World

This presentation will discuss behaviors and perspectives of youth as they engage with technology,

specifically social media and online games. Risks posed to youth will be discussed, along with recommendations and resources for reporting. Special attention will be given to topics of sexting and sextortion. Parents will learn how to better-protect kids as they navigate the digital world.

Presenter: Karilyn Orr is an Internet Safety Specialist with the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. She regularly provides training and online safety education to the public, law enforcement agencies, and youth-serving organizations, in effort to prevent child exploitation and victimization. She has a background in Social & Behavioral Sciences, and also teaches college courses in Sociology, Social Psychology, Criminology, and more. Karilyn has also spent time in India working with a non-profit organization that houses and educates parentless and at-risk youth. Overall, Karilyn’s passion is spreading knowledge and providing resources to prevent harm and protect innocent children.

PTA Financial Basics for EVERYONE!

This workshop is designed to equip all PTA leaders with a basic knowledge of the financial principles governing PTA. While some parts of the financial responsibility are designated specifically to the Treasurer, all PTA leaders & members should have a basic understanding of the How & Why of PTA financial operations.

We will look at:

Accountability: the Audit, the Budget and Reporting
Fund-raising Fundamentals: Goals, Methods and Advantages/Disadvantages

Presenters: Barb Quinn currently serves as the Education Issues Director of the Illinois PTA, as well as working with the Northwest Cook Region Board to assist local units and councils as needed, and continues to be active in the Early Learning Center PTA. Previously Quinn has served on the state board of directors as the Legislation Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and President.

Jim Sklena believes PTA helps build a better “community”, better children, and make us better adults too. PTA is one of the best ways Jim knows of to help create, build and foster a solid sense of community. Jim has a long history of volunteering within community organizations, including the Boy Scouts, his local high school’s Booster Club, a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a state-wide on-call Search & Rescue (SAR) team, and, of course, PTA. Jim brings more than 30 years of personal experience working with not-for-profit groups and volunteers. Jim’s PTA experience began in 2007 simply serving pizza at a PTA Bingo Night. Jim has been a Treasurer and President at both Elementary and Jr. High School PTA’s, a Council V.P., a Council President for three terms and have served on many committees along the way. Jim currently serves as Illinois PTA Treasurer.

Together We Can Make It Happen: Your Voice, Our Community

How can we expand representation in our community’s leadership and membership? Join the conversation at our World Café to explore practical ways to promote inclusion. Through small-group discussions, we will generate ideas to help more people feel welcome and valued.

Presenters: Dr. James Carter Harden III is an education advocate focused on improving children’s opportunities. He has held various roles, including teacher, principal, and consultant, earning national recognition. He authored two books: Think Like a Teacher, Act Like a Parent! and Enrolled, Enlisted, Employed!. Dr. Harden holds degrees from Eastern Illinois University and a PhD from the University of Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois PTA Diversity and Outreach Committee.

Olesya Malloy (she/her) was born in the USSR, raised in Bulgaria, and immigrated to the U.S. at 13. She now resides in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with her husband, two teenagers, and three rescued pit bulls. A dyslexic bookworm, CPA with a biology degree, artist, and tennis player, Les brings her unique perspective to the Illinois PTA Diversity and Outreach Committee.

Peggy Staehlin a retired Early Childhood teacher and mom of five children, is currently the Illinois PTA Secretary and chair of the Illinois PTA Diversity and Outreach Committee. She has served in a variety of PTA roles during her years in the Association from local unit volunteer to the State President

Friday, April 4, 2025 – 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Calm in Chaos – Empowering Parents with Childhood Calming Techniques

In this interactive session, parents and PTA officers will explore the impact of childhood trauma on behavior and the importance of calming strategies in daily life. Through a blend of discussion and hands-on practice, participants will learn effective techniques to help children navigate stress, regulate emotions, and find calm amidst chaos. Gain practical tools and insights to support emotional resilience at home and in school environments.

The session will include information on why the brain goes into “survival mode” and can cause outbursts of aggressive or destructive behaviors.

There will be a “toolbox” of resources on each table and discussions about how each helps the brain “calm” in the midst of survival mode. Strategies on how parents, educators, anyone can incorporate these tools into every aspect of the day. Discussions on what works and what doesn’t when a child is in dysregulation.

Presenter: Lisa Ward is an experienced educator with a Masters in Special Education, a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Education, and an Associates in Early Childhood Education. Currently the Instructional Technology Manager at Southwestern Illinois College, Lisa has specialized in integrating technology to enhance learning for all students.

With over a decade as a content specialist on an Illinois State Board of Education funded grant and 15 years as a Special Education and Middle School Teacher, Lisa has a deep understanding of the challenges facing students in today’s ever-changing environments. Lisa has been passionate about social emotional learning, equipping educators, parents and children with the tools and strategies to support emotional growth and understanding.

Constructive Conflict

As soon as the word conflict is mentioned, people tend to think of it as bad. As a matter of fact, conflict can provide many benefits. We all know that when people are working together, conflict is inevitable! This workshop will discuss how to turn conflict into a positive experience and make your PTA more productive. You will measure the kind and amount of conflict you experience on the Conflict Continuum. Learn about Dealing With People You Can’t Stand. Leave with some strategies to help your PTA members work together better.

Presenter: Anna Weselak is a seminar trainer, consultant and owner of Weselak & Associates in Lombard, IL. She is a member of the Association for Talent Development, the Oak Brook Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Board of Directors of the Lombard Chamber of Commerce. She is a past president of the Illinois and National PTA. Anna is a Past President of the Zonta Club of Oak Brook and served as the District 6 Governor of Zonta International. Weselak is the Northern Illinois University 2009 College of Education Outstanding Alumni and was recognized as a 2014 Woman of Distinction in DuPage County by the Suburban Life Newspaper. In 2023, Anna received the Legacy Leadership Award from the Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce. She is married to her husband Kevin, has 3 married children and 7 grandchildren. Anna holds several certifications including Group Coaching, Everything DiSC, The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, Business Acumen, 12 Driving Forces and Emotional Intelligence.

Where Do Kindergarten Parents Fit In Your PTA?

Join us for a round table discussion on positive ways to include Kindergarten families in your PTA community. Whether you have Full Day Kindergarten now or are moving into Full Day Kindergarten, come hear and share strategies you can use to build a more inclusive PTA community.

Presenter: Barb Quinn currently serves as the Education Issues Director of the Illinois PTA, as well as working with the Northwest Cook Region Board to assist local units and councils as needed, and continues to be active in the Early Learning Center PTA. Previously Quinn has served on the state board of directors as the Legislation Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and President.

Friday, April 4, 2025 – 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm

Membership: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” A Membership Roundtable Experience!

Searching for the silver lining in membership challenges? Looking for inspiration in making membership a priority?

Join us for this interactive session with opportunities to discuss membership successes or challenges. Join other leaders from across the state to come up with ideas to share with your local unit. Take advantage of the PTA difference….networking and learning from leaders across the state. Let’s solve your membership challenges together!

Presenter: Julie Holdeman has been a member of the PTA for 20 years. She began her PTA journey when her grown daughters began school: enjoying opportunities to engage with other families, school staff, administrators and the community. Her roles ranged from committee chairmen, events coordination, membership, VP, and finally as President. She served on the Northwest Suburban Council PTA in various capacities including President & the Northwest Cook Region PTA where she continues to serve as Membership Chairman, facilitate training, and coordinate region-wide events.

Julie’s strong belief in the PTA inspires her to continue working on behalf of the Illinois PTA. She is currently serving her second term as Membership Director. Her background in education fuels her drive to learn new strategies, share ideas and resources with local leaders, create new training/learning opportunities, and collaborate to promote the value of PTA, its programs, resources, and the many benefits of membership.

Julie invites you to reach out at [email protected]. She would love to speak with you

THRIVE, PTA E-Learning, & the Local Leader Toolkit

Come find out about all the online learning opportunities available to you and all PTA members! We will present an overview of what’s available to you including:

THRIVE – National PTA’s Learning Community – Thrive is PTA’s online learning development community for volunteers. Through Thrive’s engaging, short courses, you can take training at your own time and place. You can stop a course and start back in your own time, so Thrive makes PTA training fit into your life when and how you need it to. Thrive empowers all volunteers to advocate for all children. Volunteers will gain new knowledge and skills that help their local and state PTAs operate at peak level. Thrive’s accessible content means every volunteer can get the most up-to-date, high-quality information about the best practices and techniques for helping all children achieve their potential. No matter where you are in your leadership journey there is something in Thrive for you!

PTA E-Learning Experiences – This digital library contains videos, E-learning courses, and links to information that will help you to:

Understand More about PTA’s Mission & History
Become an amazing PTA leader
Gain Non-profit Management Skills
Grow PTA Membership & Resources
Advance PTA’s Mission

Many of PTA’s E-Learning courses are also available in Spanish too! (PTA E-Learning en español)

Local Leader Toolkit – The Local Leader Toolkit is a comprehensive digital guide designed to help you learn the basics of running your PTA unit. You can find just about everything you need as a local PTA leader.

Presenter: Jim Sklena believes PTA helps build a better “community”, better children, and make us better adults too. PTA is one of the best ways Jim knows of to help create, build and foster a solid sense of community. Jim has a long history of volunteering within community organizations, including the Boy Scouts, his local high school’s Booster Club, a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a state-wide on-call Search & Rescue (SAR) team, and, of course, PTA. Jim brings more than 30 years of personal experience working with not-for-profit groups and volunteers. Jim’s PTA experience began in 2007 simply serving pizza at a PTA Bingo Night. Jim has been a Treasurer and President at both Elementary and Jr. High School PTA’s, a Council V.P., a Council President for three terms and have served on many committees along the way. Jim currently serves as Illinois PTA Treasurer.

Your Voice Makes A Difference

Where does the Illinois PTA stand on public policy issues that impact your school community? This workshop is designed to introduce you to making a difference at the local, state and national level using the Advocacy Toolkit to be part of the essential conversations that effect the education, health and welfare of children and youth.

We will focus on the Legislation Platform, and how YOU can take action on community decisions and legislative decisions by speaking up and speaking out.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 9:00 am to 10:15 am

Creating Heart Safe Schools

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes and a global leading cause of death for adults. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, time is of the essence: CPR/AED must be performed within the first 3-5 minutes of collapse for the victim to survive. In this session, Dr. Heather Baker, and Elementary School Principal and sudden cardiac arrest survivor, will give an overview of Project ADAM’s Heart Safe Schools Designation Program and will explain the requirements of the new law that passed June 2024 (HB 5394), which requires all schools to now have a cardiac emergency response plan.

Presenter: Dr. Heather Baker (EdD) is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor, Elementary School Principal, and Mom to a 2-year-old son with a congenital heart defect. Heather has advocated strongly for cardiac emergency preparedness in schools and recently helped the American Heart Association pass HB 5394 in Illinois, which requires schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan. As a certified CPR instructor, Heather has CPR trained over 5,000 people since 2018, and her research regarding cardiac emergency preparedness in schools is published in the Journal of School Health.

Fiercely CONFIDENT

What does confidence look like? How do we get it? Sustain it? How do our attitudes and behaviors influence our interactions. How can I shift my attitude if I’m prone to a disposition? Would emotional intelligence impact my ability to connect and increase my confidence? These questions are addressed through an interactive workshop providing a journey to discover Fierce Confidence. We are what we think. This workshop is designed to foster positivity, inspire connection, enhance social connections and build confidence by exploring the elements that contribute to confidence. If we understand the science behind our thoughts, we can intentionally choose the way we show up and interact with others.

Takeaways:

• Understand how attitudes influence behavior
• Discover how a growth mindset impacts ability
• Increase emotional intelligence
• Develop confidence

Presenter: As a leadership and communication specialist, Holly O’Donnell combines 20 years of consulting and training expertise into speaking engagements, team-building sessions, and consulting opportunities. With a passion for helping individuals and groups navigate challenges, Holly specializes in leadership development, collaborative communication, coaching, and building confidence. Holly is committed to empowering parents, sports clubs, teams, and organizations to communicate with impact. Holly coaches individuals to find success and confidence in expressing their values and opinions.

How Resolutions Become Solutions

Historically, the Illinois PTA has adopted Resolutions generated by a local unit, council, or Region to address concerns in the community by identifying not only the issue but proposed solutions to that issue.

This workshop is designed to assist members in determining how a concern can be addressed and develop solutions based on our positions.

By reviewing several of the most recent Resolutions adopted by convention delegates, participants will see how particular concerns relate to our positions, and work through a demonstration of developing a Resolution.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm

Constructive Conflict

Workshop Description: As soon as the word conflict is mentioned, people tend to think of it as bad. As a matter of fact, conflict can provide many benefits. We all know that when people are working together, conflict is inevitable! This workshop will discuss how to turn conflict into a positive experience and make your PTA more productive. You will measure the kind and amount of conflict you experience on the Conflict Continuum. Learn about Dealing With People You Can’t Stand. Leave with some strategies to help your PTA members work together better.

Making Connections to Build Membership

Looking for ways to break through the stumbling blocks of apathy, doubt or misconception? How do you retain your members and increase engagement? Join us as we share strategies on how to make connections and foster relationships with potential & current members. We will discuss how to express the importance & impact of your work, the value of your PTA, working towards common goals, gratitude for your members and gaining feedback to create greater member satisfaction. Walk away with answers to your questions, helpful resources & strategies to put into action at your local unit.

Julie invites you to reach out at [email protected]. She would love to speak with you

Two Programs You Need for Your PTA!

Are you looking for program information and materials that are ready to share? If you are looking for a new and simple program to incorporate into your PTA, this session is for you. Join the session to learn about the Healthy Minds and Ready, Tech Go! programs. You will walk away with ideas to get these up and running and the resources to get them started!

Presenter: Linda Vernon is a central IL native, living in Peoria. She is partially retired after 30 years of service at Illinois State University. Over the course of her work experience, she had the pleasure of developing resources and training for K-12 educators, conducting research, grant writing, and working with various groups throughout the state. Developing materials along with practical, useable training is the strength she hopes to bring to the organization. Linda served as Treasurer and Program Committee Chair of the Learning Forward IL organization that promotes professional learning in education. She currently works part-time with a Foundation on researching funders and volunteers with the Ronald McDonald house.

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