2-Day Retreat

Your district can send teams of 4-5 individuals to attend both days of the retreat. These teams should be made up school counselors, school nurses, school psychologist or school social worker workers. If you do not have 4-5 of these individuals that can attend, you may want to consider bringing a teacher that works the most with behavior and mental health in their students, or possibly an administrator.

If your district sends a team of at least 4 individuals to both days, they will receive an SEW mini-grant. This money can be used however the district sees fit to best support the social and emotional needs of those in your district. Perhaps it can help cover any costs the school may have with sending your team to this retreat (substitute, travel, etc.) If not every district participates, and there is room to send an additional team from your district, you will be notified; however, I am not sure if your district will receive the mini-grant for that team as well.

If your district can only send 1 or 2 individuals, that is perfectly fine. They just will not be able to receive the mini grant.

Thursday, October 23, 2025 and Friday, October 24, 2025

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM both days

Originally we were looking at Blue Spruce Park. However, upon further consideration, while it would offer a lot of outdoor activities, there is limited cell service/internet, limited indoor space, and no real (flushing) bathrooms. We then stumbled upon a barn that is used as a wedding venue, that when we put in the distance from our schools to that venue, it decreased the time for a few districts, and most that it increased for, it was only by 5-10 minutes. We know it is still closer for some, but that would be the case no matter where we hold it. This location will allow for a conference area, as well as space for indoor and outdoor activities to promote mindfulness. Our new location will be at the McCracken Brothers Barn Venue, 260 Swan Road, Homer City, PA 15748.

There will different speakers joining our own IU staff to lead both days of the retreat. You will have time to look at your district's PAYS data and get a better understanding of what all it includes, and look at making a plan to help students within your district. We will discuss ways to support your own mental health, as well as the students in your building, and look at trauma and mental health within out schools. Time will be given to network with other districts throughout both days.

Meals for both days are provided at no additional cost! Breakfast and lunch will be available, and of course, you can always bring your own if you prefer. Breakfast will most likely be from Riziki Cafe both days, with lunch likely coming from Texas Roadhouse and Luigi's.

There will be breaks built into both days that will allow for activities to restore your own mental health and well-being. This may include taking a walk around the fences or on the road, playing a yard game with others, painting, planting, reading and just relaxing, or sitting down for a 10-15 minute neck massage if we can find a mobile masseuse.

Nationally recognized motivational speaker, mental health advocate and author, Jordan Corcoran, founder of Listen, Lucy, is a Mercyhurst College graduate with a story to share. During her freshman year, she was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. After going through a difficult struggle with coming to terms and learning to cope, Jordan created an outlet where people can openly and candidly share their own personal challenges and struggles- an outlet where she can also use her lived experiences to end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Now Jordan’s time is spent touring around the country speaking to college, high school and middle school students about her story and the importance of acceptance – of others and of yourself. She is the author of Listen Lucy Volume 1 and Write It Out, and Little Lucy and the Little Butterflies, has been featured on Today.com and UpWorthy for her self-love campaigns and was a keynote speaker at NAMI and other mental health organizations. Her mission is simple: she wants to create a less judgmental and more accepting world.

Karen Vadino is a Motivational Speaker, Humorist, Trainer and Consultant. In her years of work as a human service professional, Karen’s experience has often been rooted in the field of chemical dependency, both as a licensed clinician and as a certified prevention specialist. She has extensive experience working with children and families, as she previously worked as a clinician and supervisor in Children’s’ Services group homes and a Children’s Psychiatric Hospital. Karen has also been a part-time instructor in Social Work, Sociology, Juvenile Justice and Human Development at Youngstown State University, Penn State University and Westminster College. She has been recognized nationally, speaking and sharing her insights with thousands of people every year. Karen has been described as “one of those rare people who can make you laugh and cry in the same moment." She is well known for her “Vadinoan Theories”, such as her idea that we shouldn’t wait until we are completely happy before laughing. Karen is completing a few book projects, including a compilation of her original workshop materials and activities.

Since we have to make sure that we have enough seats for each district to participate, if this sounds like something you want to do, you will need to contact Lacie Cook at ARIN Intermediate Unit. She can see if your district is planning to send a team, or if there is a seat for you to attend. If able to attend, she will send you a registration link with a code to register.