Lewis Central’s Second Annual Paraeducator Conference: Empowering Paraeducators for Success
Posted August 13, 2025
On August 11th and 12th, over 80 paraeducators from Lewis Central, Riverside, Tri Center, AHSTW, and Missouri Valley gathered at Lewis Central High School for the Second Annual Paraeducator Conference. This two-day event provided a valuable blend of professional development and networking opportunities designed to prepare paraeducators for the upcoming school year.
The conference featured a diverse lineup of sessions focused on enhancing skills, strategies, and well-being. Brandy Matney led a refreshing meditation and self-care session to help attendees reset and recharge. Katie Kinsella offered guidance on Supporting Academic Success, while Crysta Quail and Alyssa Didamo tackled strategies for Navigating Challenging Behaviors. Dr. Lisa Hartman presented on Supporting Executive Functioning, and Lora Kester shared insights on Helping Students Succeed with UFLI. Kelli Hall’s session on Building Effective Para-Teacher Partnerships emphasized collaboration, and Danielle Mendoza provided a De-Escalation Deep Dive to equip paraeducators with critical conflict management tools.
A highlight of the conference was the Through Their Eyes: A Parent Panel on Supporting Students with IEPs. This powerful session gave attendees the rare opportunity to hear directly from parents, who shared their experiences, hopes, and valuable insights on how paraeducators can build meaningful, inclusive connections with students and families.
During day one’s lunch and learn, Sheri Zevenbergen captivated the audience with “The Stories We Tell Ourselves and Their Impact,” encouraging paraeducators to reflect on mindset and self-narratives. The second day featured author Willow Sweeney, who engaged participants with inspiring lessons on living above the line, understanding how our thoughts govern our experiences, and practical strategies to reduce negativity by eliminating thought circles and tornadoes.
The conference was an outstanding success, empowering paraeducators with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need as they embark on a new school year. It was a wonderful reminder of the vital role paraeducators play in supporting students’ growth and success—and a celebration of the collaborative spirit across districts.
