Our Speakers

Judith Springer, Psy.D.

Psy.D.

Specializes in diversity education, peer leadership, bullying prevention, and youth suicide prevention. Brings decades of experience working with K-12 schools on climate transformation.

Rita Johnson, Psy.D.

Psy.D.

Former full Professor at Cheyney University, Pennsylvania. Brings extensive academic and applied expertise in psychology, diversity, and inclusive education practices.

Jose Luis Posos, M.Ed., LPC

M.Ed., LPC

Licensed counselor specializing in trauma-informed care, intimate partner violence, crisis intervention, and DEI. Holds a Master's degree from William Paterson University.

International HIB expert and NJ State Representative of the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program (Clemson University). Adjunct Professor at Rutgers School of Social Work with deep expertise in evidence-based bullying prevention.

Mercy Villa Copantitla

Queer non-binary teaching artist, facilitator, and community organizer based in Hudson County, NJ. Over four years of community-healing work centering Queer and Trans youth. Creates brave, inclusive spaces through art and advocacy.

Lorraine Gehrig Mullins, LCSW

LCSW

VP of School Based Services at Care Plus NJ. Holds an MSW from NYU with 25+ years providing clinical services for youth. Expert in school-based mental health systems and community partnerships.

Susan Tellone

Certified School Nurse and health educator with a Master's in nursing and 40 years as a psychiatric nurse. Leading suicide prevention education in New Jersey schools.

Kalisha Smith, LCSW

LCSW

NJ licensed clinical social worker, certified supervisor, and licensed minister. Brings a holistic approach to student belonging, crisis intervention, and community-centered healing.

Scott Hirschfeld

Lead Curriculum Specialist at the NJ Division of Civil Rights. Former staff member at UNICEF USA, ADL, and GLSEN. Specializes in civil rights protections for LGBTQIA+ students and bias-based harassment.

Ellen S. Bass, Esq.

Esq.

Of Counsel at Busch Law Group. Retired Acting Director of the NJ Office of Administrative Law and former Administrative Law Judge. Expert in the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and HIB legal compliance.

Dr. Lindsay Warren

Ed.D.

High school social studies teacher and adjunct faculty with expertise in gender studies, Holocaust and genocide studies. Degrees from TCNJ, Drew University, and Rutgers.

Jeanette Torruella, Ph.D., LAC

Ph.D., LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor with 20+ years as an NYC school counselor and crisis team member. Teaching artist who integrates creative approaches into student wellness and belonging.

Jill Marie Kuppel

School Climate State Coordinator at the NJ Department of Education. Former K-8 school counselor with 22 years of experience. Statewide leader in school climate improvement initiatives.

Patricia Heindel, Ph.D.

Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology and Dean at Saint Elizabeth University. Director of the Center for Human and Social Development. Researcher in school environment, equity, and student thriving.

Dr. Phyllis Alongi, Ph.D., LPC, ACS

Ph.D., LPC, ACS

Licensed Professional Counselor with 15+ years of teaching. ACS-certified and specializes in counselor supervision, trauma-informed practice, and mental health in schools.

Chris Budin

Leads workshops in LGBTQIA+ justice, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, mental health, and disability justice. Creates transformative learning spaces for educators and youth.

Carol Watchler

Retired high school teacher with extensive LGBTQIA+ advocacy work through NEA, NJEA, GLSEN, and the Bayard Rustin Center. Champion for safe, affirming school environments.