General Description
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to offer "Strengthening Connections: Building a Supportive Environment from Leadership Vision to Classroom Reality" on February 10-11, 2026, at the Virginia Crossings in Glen Allen, Virginia.
Data shows that school leadership can have a profound impact on the overall school climate and staff morale. Positive leadership and trauma-informed strategies are key elements of safe, healthy, and high-achieving schools, as well as staff retention.
The purpose of this conference is to support schools and their partners in efforts to provide a positive and safe school climate where students and staff feel supported and are socially, emotionally, and physically safe to learn and work. Sessions will focus on some of the most necessary components for improving school climate through leadership, prevention, and early intervention. Over the course of a day and a half, participants learn about climate, resilience, mental health, and other important topics, and have the chance to share information and network with colleagues from around the state. Attendees will explore these topics through a series of engaging keynotes and an opportunity for hands-on access to local, and often free, resources. The goal is for participants to return to their communities inspired and better equipped to engage in practices that improve the learning climate.
Featured Keynotes
Dr. Kelly Crase
Kelly Crace is Executive Director of the Contemplative Sciences Center. Previously, Crace served as associate vice president for health and wellness and as director of the Center for Mindfulness and Authentic Excellence (CMAX) at the College of William & Mary. He also directed college mental health centers at both William and Mary and Duke University.
A licensed psychologist, Kelly is the co-author of Authentic Excellence: Flourishing and Resilience in a Relentless World and the Life Values Inventory, a tool designed to help individuals and organizations clarify their values and serve as a blueprint for effective decision-making and optimal functioning. He has published and presented in the areas of values, flourishing, resilience, life role development and transition, and organizational development, and has conducted more than 3,000 seminars for organizations.
Ryan Stein
Mr. Stein has been recognized by Henrico County Public Schools, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and on a national scale as an elite educator and pioneer for student engagement, innovation, and achievement, and for enhancing a sense of belonging.
Dr. Sarah Yanosy
Ms. Yanosy’s career has integrated clinical work, education, and administration, resulting in expertise in individual and family therapy, program and curriculum development, as well as program evaluation and replication. Ms. Yanosy currently teaches at the Fordham University School of Social Services and the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She served as the Founding Director of an international training and consultation organization serving over 350 organizations across the US and in seven other countries, teaching human service providers to implement trauma-informed interventions. Most recently, Ms. Yanosy co-developed the Creating Presence Model, an online training program for trauma-responsive practice. Ms. Yanosy received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell University and Smith College, respectively, and has completed postgraduate programs at New York University, Fordham University, and Columbia University Business School, respectively. She has completed postgraduate programs at New York University, Fordham University, which served over 350 organizations across the US and in seven countries.
Intended Audience
This conference is intended for school division leaders, administrators, student services staff, school resource officers, law enforcement officers, school security officers, clinicians, and prevention specialists, as well as other professionals who serve PreK-12 students.
Partial In-Service Credit
Law enforcement officers will receive partial in-service credit for completion of this course.
Conference Date, Location, and Hours
February 10-11, 2026
The Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center
1000 Virginia Center Pkwy
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - noon
Registration and Cost
Pre-registration is required via the DCJS online registration system.
A registration fee of $75 is required to attend the conference.
CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds will be given for cancellations made after January 27th, 2026. Click here to cancel registration or to name a replacement.
Please click here to register to attend Strengthening Connections.
Transportation, Lodging, and Meals
Attendees are responsible for their transportation, lodging, and meal expenses, except for lunch on February 10th. Lunch will be provided on that day, and coffee will be provided on both days.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Virginia Crossings Hotel by Hilton. The room rate is $113.00 + tax. Reservations must be made by January 27, 2026. To reserve a room on this block, please visit this link.
Questions?
Inquiries concerning the Strengthening Connections Conference may be made to:
Betsy Bell
804.997.1658
Email Betsy
Denae Griffin
804.750.3417
Email Denae