
WHEN
Monday, June 16th, 2025
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
&
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE
The Astoria Event Venue
3216 Royalty Row
Irving, TX 75062
TICKETS
Free, but must RSVP
Deadline: May 16, 2025
Join us as we come together to hear inspiring speakers, learn from each other, and dive deeper into our work of ensuring all Texas students receive the support they need for their short and long-term success.
This convening is by invitation only for the Stronger Connections Grant recipients. Each Stronger Connections LEA is allotted a maximum of 5 tickets. Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate additional vendors or participants.

Convening Schedule
-
Registration and Mingling
Welcome & TCSS Team Introduction
Remarks from Dr.Larkin, Region 16 Executive Director
Connect & Co-Regulate: Interactive Activity
Break & Snack (Provided)
The Why Behind the Work:
Dr. Rick Flores, Principal, Sidney Lanier High School
Dr. Paula Freeman, ESC Lead, Region 13
Tausha Nickleberry, ESC Lead, Region 20
Closing Remarks
-
Breakfast (Provided) and Mingling
Keynote: Dr. Summer Rose - Protecting Your Peace While Serving Your Purpose
Break
Keynote: Kem Edwards - Embracing Humanity: Reflections on Trauma
Lunch (Provided)
Connect & Cross-Pollinate: Interactive Activity
Break & Snack (Provided)
Keynote: Dr. Adolph Brown - Doing What’s Best for Students...Walking The Talk!™
Closing Remarks
FEATURING
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
-
Dr. Adolph Brown
Award-Winning EduTainer & Top Mental Health, Education, Corporate, & Relationship Expert
-
Dr. Summer Rose
Licensed Psychologist & Chief Clinical Officer for Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region
-
Kem Edwards, LPC-S
LPC-S, Former Director of Counseling, Educational Consultant, and Private Practice Counselor
SPEAKERS:
-
Robin Terry
Coordinator at Texas Center for Student Supports
-
Dr. Tanya Larkin
Executive Director at Region 16
-
Michelle Kinder
M.Ed, LPC, Chief Mental Health Officer at Tacky Box
-
Dr. Paula Freeman
Ph.D. - Counselor Education
-
Dr. Rick Flores
Sidney Lanier High School Principal at San Antonio Independent School District
-
Tausha Nickleberry
Consultant, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support at Education Service Center, Region 20