WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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2:00pm PDT

Solve the Case: The Healthcare Roles Your Students Are Missing

Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

A simple, classroom-ready lesson that expands how students see healthcare careers.Students can name nurse, doctor, EMT, but what about everyone else? In this interactive session, participants “solve the case” of a real-world health scenario to uncover the full team behind a single incident, including roles students rarely consider. Through a guided, hands-on activity, attendees will see firsthand how limited career awareness can be and how to expand it. Walk away with a ready-to-use approach that connects classroom learning to real-world pathways and higher education opportunities.

Speakers

Dawn McReynolds

Outreach and Recruitment Manager for the College of Education and Professional Studies at Central Washington University, Central Washington University

Dawn McReynolds has over 25 years of experience in higher education, including advising, admissions, and outreach, and is also a WA state certified teacher. She currently serves as the Outreach and Recruitment Manager for the College of Education and Professional Studies at Central... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4

HSCTE

3:00pm PDT

Clearing the Path: Policy, Practice, and Youth Access to Healthcare Work

Monday August 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 3

Across Washington, policymakers see high‑quality work‑based learning as essential to building the future health workforce. Yet many health sciences educators face real barriers when trying to place students under age 18 in clinical or workplace settings. At the same time, healthcare employers are navigating their own concerns around safety, liability, staff burden, and workflow. This interactive session brings educators, employers, and regulators into the same room for an open conversation about what it will take to expand meaningful work‑based learning for minors. Participants will hear directly from employers about their decision‑making, constraints, and what makes them say “yes,” while educators can share their on‑the‑ground experiences, challenges, and successes. State health workforce policy staff will facilitate a structured discussion focused on: Practical steps that can make partnerships easier and more sustainable. Where misunderstandings or assumptions may be getting in the way. How policy changes may open new doors for youth in healthcare roles, Whether you’ve struggled to connect with local employers or you’re looking to strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a chance to learn, be heard, and help shape solutions that work for your community.

Speakers

Renee Fullerton

Health Policy Associate, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

Renee Fullerton, MPH, is the Health Policy Associate at the Washington Training and Education Coordinating Board. She coordinates the Health Workforce Council, which makes evidence-based recommendations to policymakers about actions to maintain and strengthen the state’s health... Read More →

Dr. Donald Smith, Jr

Long-Term Care Policy Manager, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

Dr. Smith holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. In 2015, Dr. Smith moved into long-term care in Spokane. After four and a half years serving as an Administrator of a skilled nursing facility, including 28 months during the COVID pandemic... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 3

HSCTE

4:00pm PDT

Expanding Health Science Pathways: Bringing Dentistry to High School Programs

Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 2

This session explores practical strategies for integrating dentistry into high school health science programs. Participants will learn how to embed oral health concepts into existing curriculum, create hands-on learning experiences, and build partnerships with local dental professionals. The presentation will highlight ways to expand CTE pathways, increase student awareness of dental careers, and strengthen connections between oral health and overall wellness.

Speakers

Stefanie Brophy

Teacher, Graham-Kapowsin High School

My name is Stefanie Brophy, and I currently serve as the Sports Medicine, Medical Careers, and Leadership teacher at Graham-Kapowsin High School. I have also been the Sports Medicine Club Advisor for the past 13 years and a Certified Athletic Trainer and NATA member for 16 years.I... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE