Throughout the academic year, school counselors are on hand to provide academic, career and social-emotional support to students in need. It’s a position that demands undivided attention, compassion and level-headed guidance. However, you can’t pour into someone else if your cup is empty.  

This summer, the Center for Safe and Secure Schools (CSSS) is creating a space where educators and support staff can take a well-deserved break to recharge physically and mentally. The ‘Thriving, Not Just Surviving’ Symposium will welcome more than 160 professional counselors across Harris County to the Irvington Conference Center on June 4 for networking, wellness workshops and self-care.  

Attendees will receive continuing education hours while exploring innovative counseling practices with colleagues, four guest speakers and interactive activities. By prioritizing their mental health, the symposium helps counselors foster a safer school environment and better equip them to provide effective intervention. Because the counselors are in a healthy place, they can identify student concerns earlier and prevent challenges from escalating.  

CSSS team members will moderate a panel that includes Dr. Jessica Foti from The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, Anthony Childress from Aldine Independent School District, Dr. Regina Meeks and Antonio Wilson from Spring ISD, Dr. Alicia McKinzy from KIPP Texas Public Schools and Chiante Deal from Ideal Collegiate Prep.

The group will discuss critical topics such as compassion fatigue, signs of burnout and interventions to address those challenges effectively.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your well-being so you can continue showing up for Harris County students. Register for the conference here.