Thank you for joining us this year. Your Digital Access Pass from this year’s conference will be ready by April!
ORION JEAN
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Brought to you in part by
- February 23rd, 2026
- Frederik Meijer Gardens
- 8:30am-4:00pm
The State of the Child is evolving. up to you. complex. shaping tomorrow. hopeful. critical.
Discover the best ways to support today's youth.
This event is led by a team of local teenagers in collaboration with a panel of community experts. Together, they will address the distinct challenges faced by children and families today.
- Dynamic Keynote Speaker
- Focused Breakout Sessions
- Panel of Community Experts
- Insights from Local Teens
- Opportunity to Earn SCECH & CEU Credits
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Orion Jean
2021 TIME Kid Of The Year
"What My Generation Needs From You."
In this powerful and thought-provoking talk, Orion Jean, TIME Kid of the Year, discusses what the next generation needs from adults to build a brighter future for all. Drawing from his experiences and insights as a young changemaker, Orion illuminates the next generation’s challenges. He offers practical insights and actionable steps to support their growth and development.
With a passionate and engaging speaking style, Orion invites the audience to reflect on their roles as individuals and as a society in shaping the future for the next generation. He highlight the importance of listening to young people, empowering them to become leaders, and providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Meet The Panel
The local experts who will be leading the panel discussion.
Judge McNabb
Panelist
Jason Lheureux
panelist
Dr. Lisa Lowery
Panelist
Brina Tiemeyer
Panelist
Mark Washington
Panelist
Maranda
Moderating
Timeline
Pick up your name tag at our registration table and enjoy your cup of coffee, along with a delicious buffet styled breakfast to begin your morning.
Sit back & enjoy a panel styled discussion, comprised of West Michigan experts. Hear as they respond to insights from local teens as they transparently share what is really happening in todays schools.
- Dr. Lisa Lowery, Adolescent Medicine Specialist, Corewell Health
- Judge Deborah McNabb, 17th Circuit Court
- Mark Washington, Director of Technology, Zeeland Public Schools
- Brina Tiemeyer, Director of Clinical Services, Wedgwood Christian Services
- Jason Lheureux, Associate Director of Residential Programs, Wedgwood Christian Services
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
Your choice between two topics:
- – Hidden in Plain Sight (Grand Room)
- Taylor Alvesteffer, BSW, SRAS (Wedgwood Positive Youth Development)
Gina Boscarino (Wedgwood Positive Youth Development) - – Eating Disorders: The Importance of Interdisciplinary Team Treatment
- Emily Welles, MS, RD, CDE, (Corewell Health System)
Kelly Boprie, LMSW, CEDS,
(GR Therapy Group)
Take a breather and enjoy some lunch, with networking opportunities!
Your choice between two topics:
- – Confronting the Loneliness Epidemic with Resiliency.
- Brina Tiemeyer, LMSW, CAADC-DP (Wedgwood Integrated Counseling)
- – Children & Digital Addiction
- Dr. Dennis, M.D., CCHP (Priority Health)
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
Your choice between two topics:
- – The Weight We Carry: A Healing Space for Caregivers
- Amber Z. Kilpatrick (Mindful School of Yoga)
- – Play & the Brain Training: From a Mental Health Lens
- Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RPT™ (THE PLAYGROUNDgr)
Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and network.
Cap off the conference on an uplifting and positive note. Dr. Angela Pharris, PhD, MSW will be delivering the keynote message on “The Science of Hope”.
Dr. Pharris’ research focuses on child welfare and human service organizations, applying a Hope-Centered and Trauma-Informed framework. This framework leverages hope as a psychological strength, buffering against stress, adversity, and burnout, while enhancing both organizational and individual outcomes.
Her work examines the impact of interventions aimed at improving program outcomes and client well-being, particularly for older youth aging out of foster care and support for the child welfare workforce.
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Photos From this year's conference
