WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

1:00pm PDT

WITEA Board Meeting

Saturday August 1, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Meeting Room # 2

Saturday August 1, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

WITEA

10:00am PDT

“You Can’t Be What You Can’t See”: Expanding Career Awareness in Rural Communities

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 2

This presentation explores the WSU Health Sciences Mentorship Program, a rural-focused initiative grounded in the belief that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Launched in 2019, the program builds STEM and career identity beginning in grades 7–8 through early, sustained, and inclusive mentorship. Serving 11 rural districts, it offers a scalable framework for recruiting, training, and retaining mentors; engaging families; expanding awareness of high‑demand health careers; and measuring success beyond credentials to strengthen rural healthcare pathways.

Speakers

Jessica Gerdes

Manager, Outreach and Mentorship, WSU College of Medicine

Jessica Gerdes is the Manager of Outreach and Mentorship at the Washington State University College of Medicine. Since 2016, she has focused on engaging youth in rural schools and building pathways into health science careers. While presenting in Addy, Washington in 2017, the need... Read More →

Ken Roberts

Professor and Chair, Department of Translational Medicine & Physiology, WSU College of Medicine

Ken Roberts, PhD | Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine | Washington State University

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE, Leadership

1:00pm PDT

Body Tissue Types Dissection Lab

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Meeting Room # 2

Come take part in a hands-on workshop guiding you through the prep and implementation of a Body Tissue Types Dissection Lab. Attendees will dissect a raw chicken quarter- harvesting each tissue type of the body to complete each square of their sample mat (skin, adipose, muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, bone marrow, nerve, cartilage, joint capsule, etc). The lab will culminate in tearing through the chicken ACL to feel and witness the destructive capacity of force loads on joint tissues. Attendees will leave the session with a list of required supplies, copies of all written instructional materials, and having participated in the exploratory lab themselves to gain a thorough understanding of the student experience to take back to their programs.

Speakers

Kirsten D. Harvey MEd, LAT, ATC

Sports Medicine Teacher, WCTSMA Advisor, HOSA Co-Advisor, WAHOSA SLC Workshop Coordinator, Lake Stevens High School

Kirsten Harvey is currently the Sports Medicine teacher at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. She advises the school WCTSMA CTSO and co-advises the HOSA Chapter as well. In addition to her work with Lake Stevens Kirsten also serves as the Washington HOSA State... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE, STEM

1:00pm PDT

Building Vision, Hope and Momentum with Future Pathway Alignment - Tips, tricks and tactics for driving student engagement with career pathways.

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 2

When thinking about their futures, students usually fall in one camp or the other. One is overly stressed out about making all the "right" decisions that lead to future success while the other is apathetic and questioning whether their efforts will even matter. The stress, anxiety and fear (either expressed or hidden) can be incredibly detrimental to their mental health.

Students need a better way to understand their unique skills and interests so they can align them to an industry and job type that leverages those traits. They need to embrace a growth mindset for the journey ahead and recognize that science supports a "Winding Path" on the way to job fulfillment.

We'll show you how employing the IDEAS Framework (Introspection/Design/Exploration/Adaptability/Service) gives students a way to take a deep breath, build a plan and connect the dots for their future to something more aligned with who they are and ultimately find more purpose, fulfillment and happiness along the way.

Speakers

Ryan Chun

Program Manager, Slingshot, Inc.

Ryan is an educator, innovator, and lifelong learner passionate about guiding individuals towards their purpose in life. With extensive experience in K-12 and higher education, he helps young adults navigate career decisions with confidence and authenticity. Ryan's passion for leadership... Read More →

Tyler Lafferty

Executive Director/Founder, Slingshot, Inc.

Tyler is the co-founder of three digital marketing agencies with clients including Amazon, AT&T, Nike, American Express and many others. For more than twenty-five years, he's also been following his own passion of helping students dream big and discover new career opportunities through... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

Multiple Sections

2:00pm PDT

The value of advisory boards for educator preparation programs

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

Meeting Room # 2

All Washington preparation programs, including CTE teacher and administrator programs, are required to maintain a Professional Educator Advisory Board (PEAB) made up of practicing educators. These PEABs are critical - our CTE preparation programs rely on feedback from the field in order to provide quality preparation to prospective CTE educators. In this session, we will discuss the incredible value of PEABs, share some data on recent PEAB contributions, and provide information on how YOU can get involved in this work!

Speakers

KC Hoffman Mendez

Program manager for educator preparation, Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)

Program manager at the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). I work with educator preparation programs, including CTE plan 1, CTE plan 2, and CTE administrator programs, as they work to meet state standards and undergo program reviews.

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

Multiple Sections

3:00pm PDT

The New Career Bridge: 7,000 Pathways, One Tool for Your Classroom

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

Meeting Room # 2

What if students could start discovering their career direction in just six questions? Explore the redesigned Career Bridge, Washington’s free career and education website. Learn how students can explore careers, compare more than 7,000 education and training programs, and see real employment and earnings outcomes. We’ll also demonstrate tools that help educators track exploration and support High School and Beyond Planning. Includes a live walkthrough you can use with students right away.

Speakers

Marina Parr

Director of Workforce System Advancement, Washington Workforce Board

Marina Parr is the Director of Workforce System Advancement at Washington’s Workforce Board. She helped launch the original CareerBridge.wa.gov in 2009 and has been promoting, and working to improve, this popular, public-facing platform ever since. Marina is a former journalist... Read More →

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

Multiple Sections

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

9:00am PDT

Generational Care - Preparing Health Science Students to Work with All Populations

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 2

In this session, we'll discuss the topics, lessons, and projects the EPS Healthcare Academy uses to prepare students to work with all populations. We'll discuss how we teach patient-first care, how we introduce students to other generations and cultures, and how we cultivate empathy. In addition, we'll look at the culminating projects that our students leave the class with that they can use directly in any healthcare setting they begin work in.You'll come away from this session with practical ideas and lessons ready to implement in your health science classroom.

Speakers

Ashley Undag

Health Science Teacher, Everett High School

Ashley is a health science teacher at Everett High School; she currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Patient Care, and Intro to Health Science Careers. Before teaching, she worked in preclinical research, higher education, and analytical chemistry.

Ashley Undag

Health Science Teacher, Everett High School

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE

10:00am PDT

Washington HOSA - Future Health Professionals Updates

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 2

Join the Washington HOSA Executive Director for a session highlighting the updates our organization is looking forward to this year!

Speakers

Elizabeth Carnesi-Hudson

Executive Director, Washington HOSA - Future Health Professionals

Elizabeth Carnesi-Hudson is proud to serve as the Executive Director for Washington HOSA - Future Health Professionals. She is looking forward to a great year and working with you to make this year the best yet.

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE

11:00am PDT

The Future of Nursing Assistant Programs in High Schools and High School Partnerships

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 2

High school Nursing Assistant training programs in Washington State are evolving to meet geographic and infrastructural challenges through creative high school–hospital partnerships, flexible scheduling, simulation, and in-school certification. By carefully aligning the Washington State Nursing Assistant Curriculum with high school frameworks, securing clinical and community partnerships, and implementing rigorous assessment practices, schools can expand access to NA certification, support local healthcare workforces, and provide students with valuable career pathways. The continued sharing of best practices and outcomes from these programs will be vital to scaling successful models statewide.

Speakers

Sandra Gonzalez Graham

Nurse Consultant, Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Board of Nursing, Nursing Assistant Education

Sandra Gonzalez Graham is currently a Nurse Consultant for the Washington State Board of Nursing with a focus on Nursing Assistant Education programs, including high school and hospital based partnerships in rural settings. Her passion for increasing education access to a diverse... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE

12:00pm PDT

HSCTE Business Lunch

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE members please join us for the HSCTE Business Lunch Meeting.

Speakers

Taelar Shelton

Teacher, Olympia School District

Taelar Shelton is a teacher at Olympia High School, specializing in Sports Medicine, Health and Biology. She is experienced in providing emergency care, managing program activities and overseeing rehabilitation. She holds a Doctorate in Athletic Training from AT Still University... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

HSCTE

2:00pm PDT

WCTSMA: Navigating the CTSO

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 2

We will navigate the processes of the CTSO for advisors and administrators both. How to start a chapter. How to register your chapter. How to participate in the CTSO events. Competition categories and scoring. Awards and scholarships available. We will answer questions you have regarding WCTSMA.

Speakers

WCTSMA Executive Director

Larry Howe

HS Teacher/SkillsUSA advisor, WSD

2026 WA ACTE Presentation WCTSMA pdf

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

HSCTE

10:00am PDT

CTE Office Hours

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 2

Meet CTE program supervisors during office hours and get your questions answered directly related to CTE processes and requirements. Excited to see you there!

Speakers

Megan Benzing

CTE Program Supervisor, OSPI

Megan Benzing is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), leading statewide efforts in construction, manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation pathways. She began her career in the classroom... Read More →

Krista Fox

Director of CTE, OSPI

Krista Fox, Ed.D. serves as Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at OSPI, leading statewide efforts to strengthen CTE programs, career-connected learning, and student opportunities across Washington.

Kari Morgan

Associate Director of CTE

Kari Morgan is the Associate Director of Career Technical Education and has been in K-12 education for over 14 years. Kari has served as a skills center registrar, a CTE Business and Marketing teacher, and a district CTE Director. Prior to her career in education, she worked in the... Read More →

Courtney Peart

CTE Program Supervisor, OSPI

Courtney Peart is the Education, Health, Human and Public Services CTE Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen career-connected learning and improve student outcomes. She brings expertise... Read More →

Tracy Powell

CTE Program Supervisor, OSPI/CTE

To be submitted later.

Holli Ryan-Kalaleh

Program Supervisor, Career Technical Education, Washington OSPI

Holli Kalaleh serves as a Program Supervisor at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). In partnership with Washington educators, CTSOs, and industry experts, her work focuses on transformative processes and programs that encourage innovation in career skills... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

Multiple Sections

11:00am PDT

How to Speak "Business" : An Insider's View to Connect to Employers

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Meeting Room # 2

Employers don't know how to speak "education." Educators don't know how to speak "business."
To tackle the workforce challenge and prepare workforce-ready graduates, a bridge must be built between them.

The best CTE programs include businesses adopting programs and creating a clear pathway to career success. Businesses need qualified workers and educators want to help prepare them. Learn how to talk the talk, strategies to connect with businesses, and bringing your business community into your classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Wade Larson

President (OTD) / Executive Director (PMI), Optimal Talent Dynamics / Production & Manufacturing Institute

Dr. Wade Larson is a Senior Workforce Consultant and Owner of Optimal Talent Dynamic. He has worked with hundreds of organizations over the past 30 years as a consultant, HR executive, and coach – helping them to become their best and improve their culture, talent, and leadership... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

Multiple Sections