2025 Spring Conference Registration
This year’s conference theme, "Game Changers," celebrates the important role school counselors play in shaping students’ lives. Join us in Billings on April 3-4, 2025, for two days of practical, engaging professional development. You'll leave with fresh ideas and tools to continue supporting your students’ success and well-being.
Montana OPI and LCPC/LCSW/LMFT continuing education credits available. Additionally, we are also offering (1) graduate credit for attending + coursework. Find out more HERE.
For questions about the conference, please reach out to one of the Conference Committee Co-Chairs: Tanya Kirschman – [email protected] or Emily Sallee – [email protected].
Can’t attend in person? The Montana Association of School Psychologists (MASP) virtual package offers access to 5 sessions including livestreamed keynote and select breakouts on Friday, April 4, at a reduced rate. Pricing details are as follows:
- $100 – Non-members
- $70 – Members of MASP or MSCA
This rate is available to all members, including MSCA professional, retired, or supporting members.
- $20 – Students
Students can register for $20, but they must either be a current MSCA student member or provide verification of their student status to MASP.
*IF YOU HAVE A MSCA MEMBERSHIP OF ANY KIND CLICK HERE TO ACCESS YOUR DISCOUNT CODE FOR VIRTUAL REGISTRATION.
Register now
Scroll down to find details about in-person conference fees, the general schedule, keynote speakers, and available hotel accommodations.
Ready to register to attend in Billings? You're in the right place!
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THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS!
REGISTRATION FEES
|
Ticket |
Before 3/9/25 (Early Bird Pricing - save $50) |
After 3/9/25 |
|
Professional Member |
$265 |
$315 |
|
Retired Member |
$115 |
$165 |
|
Student Member |
$100 |
$150 |
|
Supporting Member |
$265 |
$315 |
|
Nonmember |
$365 |
$415 |
A light breakfast and lunch are included in the registration price and will be provided on both days.
*Cancellation Fee: Registrations canceled after Sunday, March 16, 2025 will be charged a cancellation fee of $100, with the remaining balance refunded.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
|
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
Thursday, April 3, 2025 |
Friday, April 4, 2025 |
|
Welcome Reception, 4-8 pm |
Light Breakfast/Opening Session & Welcome Opening Keynote Address - Kat Pastor Breakout Sessions Lunch/Membership Meeting Breakout Sessions Social Event - Bingo! |
Light Breakfast Keynote Address - Gene Eakin Breakout Sessions Lunch Breakout Sessions Closing Keynote Address - Tina Boone CEU Certificate Pick-Up |
HOTEL INFORMATION
We’ve arranged multiple hotel options with special conference rates. You’ll find block codes and booking instructions for these reduced rates in your registration confirmation email.
|
$110+tax/night |
Must book before 3/12/25 to secure rate |
|
|
$114+tax/night |
Must book before 3/21/25 to secure rate |
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Leading With Purpose and Passion
Kat Pastor, Executive Director of School Supports for Character Strong
Kat has passionately served as a student and educator advocate for over 20 years in the roles of coach, student council advisor, school counselor at the secondary level and financial aid counselor/coordinator of student employment and adjunct professor at the post-secondary level. Through Kat’s leadership, her school counseling department received both state and national recognition, including the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) RAMP recognition in 2020. Kat has facilitated professional development with various state and national associations, along with individual schools and districts. Kat exudes a commitment to community, having served on numerous local, state and national associations, boards and
committees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Masters in Education in Student Affairs and School Counseling from Northern Arizona University. Kat was named the ASCA 2016 National School Counselor of the Year and Northern Arizona University’s President’s Alumni Awardee in 2021.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Conversations about Change and Motivation to Change: An Act of Loving Kindness
Gene Eakin, ASCA Site-Based Trainer
Dr. Eakin is now serving in his 49th year in Oregon as a part-time or full-time school counselor, school counselor educator, and/or Oregon School Counselor Association Advocacy Chair. Gene has presented on motivational strategies at nine ASCA Conferences and did so with Rachel Hagelin and Robbie Cox at the 2024 ASCA Conference. Gene and Rachel have also presented on motivational interviewing at the last two Evidence-Based School Counseling Conferences (3/23 & 3/24) and at the All Ohio Counselor Conference (10/24). He has provided American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Site-Based Training on Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation to Change and Achieve to school districts in GA, NJ, PA, SC, HI, and LA. Dr. Eakin and Dr. Biles authored Building Motivation from Within published in the October, 2013 edition of the ASCA School Counselor and at ASCA’s request presented two webinars on Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation to Change and Achieve.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Live Like You Were Dying: Lessons From a Near-Death Experience
Tina Boone, Executive Director of the Montana School Counselor Association
Tina Boone is the Executive Director of the Montana School Counselor Association (MSCA). She retired from Billings Public Schools (BPS) in May 2024 after an impressive 33-year career in education, including 23 years as a school counselor at Skyview High School, where she served as Department Head for 15 years. Before becoming a counselor, she taught middle school.
Tina joined the MSCA Board in 2014 and completed her tenure as President. In 2015, she established a district-wide K-12 School Leadership Team to foster collaboration among counselors and administrators. Under her leadership, Skyview High School became the first school in Montana to earn the prestigious R.A.M.P. distinction in 2017.
Her accolades include being a national finalist for the ACTE Career Counselor of the Year in 2013 and receiving the BPS Golden Apple Award in 2014. Tina also developed and led Skyview's Impact Team, which launched in 2020. She is an accomplished presenter, delivering workshops at the district, state, and national levels.
New in 2025: MERCH!
Purchase merchandise now and pick it up at the conference.
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