Register now for this free virtual event!
We invite you to be part of a vulnerable and practical conversation with educators on how they are navigating the changes in education during this evolving pandemic. National Dropout Prevention Specialists and Trauma-Skilled Specialists will share strategies and answer your questions about how they are dealing with present challenges including trauma, meeting the needs of learners, self-care, motivating and engaging fellow educators. Our hope is that participants will leave the event with strategies and ideas as well as a renewed optimism for their work.
Participants will earn 1 credit towards their National Dropout Prevention Specialist (NDPS) certification/recertification program.
When: March 9, 2022, 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please register in advance for this virtual meeting at:
Reigniting Your Passion: Navigating the New Normal
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Featured Specialists:
Janice Mills – Certified National Dropout Prevention Specialist
Principal, Spectrum Academy / Martin County Schools
Stuart, Florida
Janice Mills is the Principal of Spectrum Academy, an alternative high school in Martin County, Florida. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. Mrs. Mills’ leadership experience spans over 20 years with https://dropoutprevention.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/C.W.-Gardenhire-pic.jpgistrative appointments at all three levels: elementary, middle, and high schools. The multi-level experience has provided her with strength in leading with a global view of teaching and learning. In her current position, she oversees and provides supports for students with behavioral and academic concerns. She is an out-of-the-box thinker who works closely with community partners to establish real world connections for at-risk youth.
Kathie Greer, Ph.D. – Certified National Dropout Prevention Specialist, Trauma-Skilled School Specialist
Director of Alternative Education / Greenville County Schools
Greenville, SC
Kathie Greer, Ph.D., MS, LMSW, LCAC, SC-NP, is a veteran educator, author, and educational consultant. Her educational certifications include superintendent, secondary principal/supervisor, school psychologist, and school social worker. She also holds licenses as master social worker, adolescent counselor, and notary. Dr. Greer earned designation as a Principal Specialist, Principal Leader, and S.C. Education Fellow. She is an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Southern Wesleyan University, an instructor for SC Labor & Licensing Boards of Cosmetology and Barbering, and Trauma Skilled Schools Specialist. Her current primary employment is with Greenville County Schools (the largest SC school district; 44thnationally) as Director of Alternative Education (K-Adult populations).
Barbara Grimm – Certified Trauma-Skilled School Specialist
Principal, Davidson River School / Transylvania County Schools
Brevard, NC
Shortly after obtaining her degree in Elementary Education, Barbara Grimm had a vision to provide a safe and enriching environment for teens at risk. As a young person, she had faced many obstacles and made a few poor choices. Yet, despite that, she developed what it took to overcome and persevere to achieve her goals, ultimately becoming the first person in her family to obtain a college degree.
Although she has spent most of her career in elementary schools, Ms. Grimm has worked diligently to create equity in educational settings so that all students have opportunities to thrive. She strongly believes that in order for our great republic to succeed, we must have an educated populace, not just of a chosen few, but for all, no matter the zip code, socio-economic background, or family of origin. Education is the great equalizer and Ms. Grimm has worked passionately over the years to create educational settings where that can occur. It has been a rather circuitous route, but fast forward 30 years and she finds herself as Principal of Davidson River School realizing the place of her original vision.
Nancy Nielsen – Certified National Dropout Prevention Specialist, Trauma-Skilled Schools Faculty
Certification Programs Consultant, National Dropout Prevention Center
Live Oak, FL
Mrs. Nielsen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University and a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education from Florida A&M University. Mrs. Nielsen worked with at risk youth for almost 40 years in the fields of education, juvenile justice, and mental health. She began her career as a teacher in a residential juvenile justice program and later, as assistant superintendent, led a team in the design, implementation, and accreditation of a residential community-based treatment program for juvenile offenders. As an educator, Mrs. Nielsen taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and served as a behavior therapist and school counselor. She worked as a peer monitor for the Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Coordinator of Branford Opportunity School, and as Director of Education for the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch. Her varied experiences have provided her with a unique perspective of student needs and a passion for helping students overcome obstacles to rewrite a narrative of failure into a story of success. Mrs. Nielsen currently assists those seeking certification from the National Dropout Prevention Center as the Certification Programs Consultant in addition to being a NDPC Trauma-Skilled Schools faculty member.