Monday, April 3, 2023 
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Registration 
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast and Coffee provided 
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Pre-Conference Workshop for New Liaisons
Join seasoned foster care liaisons Brenda Sweeten (University of North Texas) and Dr. Christine Norton (Texas State University) for a comprehensive overview of what it means to be a foster care liaison. Learn about best practices, experiences of students, and strategies to overcome institutional challenges. This is a great session for new liaisons and liaisons who need a refresher in their role.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch on your own
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Welcome
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Session 1:  Ereka Howard, Keynote Speaker
Ereka Howard is a speaker, co-author, Certified Life Coach, Clinician, and Adoptee. Ms. She has been recognized as an authority on motivation, peak performance, and peer leadership. After overcoming many hurdles, she now shares her life experiences and teaches the community how to be successful. Ereka has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is currently working on a Doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision.
2:45 pm – 3:45 p.m. |  Session 2: K-12 to Higher Education Panel
LaTrenda Watson, Foster Care State Coordinator, Texas Education Agency
Aimee Corbin, Staff Attorney, Supreme Court of Texas for the Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families
Felicia Penn, Education Specialist, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Hollye Pickett, CPS KIN Specialist IV, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Session 3: Breakout 1
Four important breakouts, including sessions on housing, community programs and partnerships, accessing benefits, and campus support programs.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.| Continental Breakfast provided
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Session 4: Students with Experience in Foster Care Panel
Moderated by Jackie Davis, Dallas CASA
In this panel, students with lived experience in foster care will share their perspectives about what foster care liaisons can and should do to support students.
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.| Session 5: Research Updates
Led by Toni Watt (Texas State University), Monica Faulkner (The University of Texas at Austin), and Christine Norton (Texas State University)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.| Session 6: Breakout 2
These sessions will provide an opportunity for information sharing and networking with colleagues from various disciplines and regions.
12:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. | Lunch provided
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Session 7: Workforce Connections
Laura Villarreal, Program Specialist, Texas Workforce Commission
Chris Caballero, Program Specialist V, Texas Workforce Commission
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.| Farewell
COST
Scholarship registration: 
Free for anyone with experience in foster care 

Student Registration: $30 

General Early Bird registration (before March 1st):  $125 

General registration:  $150 
LOCATION
Texas State University
109 Student Center Dr
 San Marcos, TX 78666
HOTEL

Use links below to book a room at the Education Reach Rate.
Wingate by Wyndham (must call for Education Reach rate)
​Comfort Suites ($89 a night)