Wednesday, May 6, 2026

 

10:00am – 11:15am

Early Bird Session​

Youth Development Roundtable 

Facilitators TBA

Join your colleagues from youth bureaus and community-based organizations to discuss issues of opportunities and concerns on positive youth development.

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11:30am – 12:30pm

Keynote Speaker: TBA

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12:30 – 1:15pm

Lunch with Welcome Speakers

 

1:30pm – 2:45pm

Concurrent Sessions

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1. Mission Employable

• Debbie Burrell-Butler, Executive Director, City of Mt Vernon Youth Bureau

• Carolyn Treasure, Youth Employment Director, City of Mt Vernon Youth Bureau

• Christina Robinson, College Student/Office Assistant, City of MT Vernon Youth Bureau

This presentation outlines a multifaceted initiative to tackle the challenges of youth development and workforce readiness. This program creates a sustainable pipeline of skilled and engaged young talent while helping organizations effectively integrate this new generation. Two main challenges will be addressed: high youth unemployment and employers’ difficulties with recruitment and retention.     

2. Social Media Awareness

• Caitlin Lawler, Youth Services Coordinator, Lewis County DSS 

Screen time is an essential part of our daily lives in today’s digital world. However, this presentation dives into awareness to recognize that the amount of time spent and content consumed can impact both our physical and mental health. Especially for youth growing up and developing surrounded by ever evolving and new technology. The online world has many benefits, but dangers we also need to be aware of such as exploitation, scams, data collection, misinformation, validation and comparisons, along with an overall decrease in socialization in person. If we are going to be using screens, we need to make sure it is in a positive and well-informed way.

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3. Restorative Practices Circles- A Community Building Tool

• Gregg A Scheiner, MS Restorative Practices, MBA, BA, Director of Restorative Practices and Restorative Practices Trainer, LIDRC- EAC Network

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Circles are a versatile Restorative Practice communication process that develops communication and problem-solving skills. The Circle Process allows all participants to have a voice and to be heard (Pranis 2008) as they collaboratively develop deeper understanding and create a solution to an issue being presented. You will participate in an abbreviated circle and will be provided with a handout on the stages of the circles and being a circle keeper. Handouts will be provided.

 

​3:00pm – 4:15pm

Concurrent Sessions

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1. Schenectady County Youth Mission

• Bailey Gardiner, Youth Bureau Director, Schenectady County Connects

• Nicole Pitsas, Youth Commission Facilitator, Schenectady County Connects

• Elise Netoskie, Youth Commission Facilitator, Schenectady County Connects

• Youth Commission Representatives TBA

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This presentation will outline the creation and implementation of Schenectady County's youth commission. From redeveloping the concept that existed for a year in 2007, to recruiting youth, to outlining curriculum that would guide youth to develop a Request for Proposals to aid a community agency. We will also touch on our other youth events that youth commission participants are included in throughout the year.

2. Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Workforce Development Best Practices

• Liza Ochsendorf, Director of Workforce Development, Warren County Workforce Development

During this session, attendees will engage with the presenter about youth work experience and job readiness. Liza will share the research, data, and best practices around engaging youth in work experience programs and building foundational skills, professional skills, and technical skills for their success in their first jobs and long-term careers. Attendees will also learn about the American Job Center network and other local and state resources that fund and support youth workforce development.

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3. From Play to Purpose: The Impact of Programs that Grow with Youth

• Jennifer Villa, Director of Youth Services, City of Yonkers Youth Bureau

This interactive session builds on the power of play by exploring how engagement can evolve into long-term growth through intentional, connected programming. It focuses on how programs can grow with youth to create clear pathways toward leadership, ownership, and real-world readiness. Participants will learn how to design programs that build on one another to foster growth and help youth take on meaningful roles within their communities. Through interactive activities and real-life examples, attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen program connections. Leave inspired with new ideas to create environments where youth don’t just participate; they progress!
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4:30pm - 5:00pm

Annual Meeting of the Association

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Dinner on Your Own​​