INSPIRATION STATION WORKSHOPS
Inspiration Station workshops are an informal way to bring together a small group to share perspectives about specific area(s) of interest. Hosting an Inspiration Station is a great opportunity to share best practices, discuss new ideas, get feedback through a focus group, or offer a Make-It, Take-It session. There is NO COST for conference attendees and exhibitors to facilitate an Inspiration Station workshop Inspiration Station workshops can accommodate up to 8-10 attendees and are held within the Exhibit Hall.
Joining an Inspiration Station is a chance to learn something new, outside the traditional workshop setting, and to join groups of your peers who share similar challenges, questions, and ideas that you have. It's a great chance to build connections and create opportunities for collaboration.
The annual deadline to submit an Inspiration Station workshop application is January 31st.
Wednesday, April 30
10:30AM - 11:15AM
Station A
Join Us For A Quick Eye & Ear On The Fundamentals Of Funtology, Barbertology, Nailtology and Skintology
TeQuilla Holloway, Founder, Funtology Fundamentals, Augusta, GA
Join us for a dynamic and engaging session as we give you a quick "Eye & Ear" on the essentials of Funtology, Barbertology, Nailtology, and Skintology. Learn the foundational skills, techniques, and industry insights that make these programs an exciting pathway for students in grades 3-12. Whether you're interested in beauty, grooming, or personal care, this session will introduce you to innovative, hands-on learning opportunities designed to inspire and empower the next generation.
M, H, ULA, MLA, DS
Station B
Domino Math Games + Pizza = An Awesome Family Math Games Night
John Felling, Consultant & Author, Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks, Edmonton, Alberta, CA
Come prepared to play our favorite domino math games that are perfect for hosting an Elementary Math Games Night. If you pair it up with "Pizza" you have a perfect recipe for Success! Handouts and games supplied.
PK, E, MLA, DS
Station C
STEAMVentures: Cultivating Curiosity and Innovation in Young Learners
Suzy Haislip, Director of Business Development & STEM Education Specialist, PCS Edventures, Boise, Idaho
An innovative approach to engage TK/K students through hands-on activities centered on Flight, Transportation, and Food. This workshop integrates STEAM principles into early childhood education, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Educators will gain strategies to create inclusive learning environments and lead captivating STEAM explorations, preparing students for lifelong curiosity and success in elementary school.
PK, E, MLA, DS
Station D
Kindness Rocks!
Elle Essenmacher, Account Executive, Harmony Academies @National University, Windsor, CO
We will review the Harmony Academy Glossary of SEL words for inspiration to paint “Kindness Rocks” to share kindness with fellow BOOSTERS and friends at home.
PK, E, MLA, DS, CB
Station E
Café O Yea! Demo for Teens “Bust My Stress”
Alexis Woodward, Associate Director, HealthCorps, New York, NY
This fast-paced activity teaches teens about the different types of stress, the effects on their physical/mental health, as well as tools to help manage stress. Participants will leave with an easy-to-replicate lesson, our “Bust My Stress” habit tracker & a stress-busting tool: Beaded Fidgets. Using a fidget, such as the one we will create in this activity, induces a meditative mindfulness state which can help with nervous system regulation, increase focus, and alleviate stress & anxiety.
M, H, MLA, DS
Station F
Eliminating Exclusionary Discipline
Brett Garner, Director, High Tech High, San Diego, CA
During this session, attendees will be challenged to dismantle archaic mindsets and approaches to school discipline. Through relatable story-telling and practical strategy sharing, attendees will leave with concrete approaches to design a tiered, school-wide intervention response plan rooted in the ideals of social-emotional learning and restorative practices.
M, H, ULA, MLA, DS
11:30AM - 12:15PM
Station A
Add Bilingual Learning to Your Program, Even Without Bilingual Teachers
Anne-Louise Nieto, Co-Founder, Habbi Habbi Bilingual Books & Toys, San Francisco, CA
Think multilingualism is a superpower? Want to add language to your program, but struggle to find fun, approachable materials or bilingual teachers?
Learn how other programs (afterschool, public, private, dual language & more) use Habbi Habbi’s books, toys & magical talking Reading Wand® to foster a multilingual, multicultural environment - even without bilingual teachers! Independent play, small group or teacher-led; 7 languages. Plus take home a free bilingual book (while supplies last).
PK, E, MLA, DS
Station B
Engineering in Motion: Hands-On Creations with Strawbees
Jody Nova, Vice President of Curriculum, Brains & Motion (BAM!), Arlington, VA
Discover the power of screen-free STEM with our "Engineering in Motion" workshop. After-school teachers will dive into a hands-on experience using Strawbees to build imaginative structures, modeling how kids engage in open-ended engineering challenges. This interactive session highlights the benefits of our STEM Without Screens approach, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and real-world engineering concepts that spark curiosity and collaboration among students.
E, MLA, DS
Station C
Adding Fun to Math to Multiply Outcomes
Mary Curry, Math Enthusiast, MANGO Math, Palm Desert, CA
In this workshop, educators will discover creative ways to make math engaging and fun for students. Through games, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, you'll learn how to turn math lessons into dynamic learning experiences. The focus will be on boosting student motivation, improving retention, and deepening understanding. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to math, you'll leave with practical tools to enhance student success!
E, DS
Station D
Empowering All Students for Success: Multimodal Instruction & Game-Based Learning
Diana Christopherson, Account Manager, Legends of Learning, Laurel, MD
Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs provide opportunities to engage students beyond the classroom. Game-Based Learning (GBL), paired with multimodal instruction, offers an engaging solution by fostering active participation and deeper understanding. This approach helps OST educators enhance student achievement and engagement. Join this session to learn how GBL can revolutionize your program and drive student success.
E, M, MLA, DS
Station E
Nurturing Students' Love of Sports: Increasing Attendance Through Physical Activity
Sydney Smith, Manager of School Programs, High Performance Academy, Fresno, CA
This engaging and interactive workshop explores the impact physical activity has on student attendance, engagement, and well-being. Whether you’re looking to add new activities, enhance current offerings, or simply learn more about how physical activity can positively influence student engagement, this workshop provides actionable ideas and resources to help you get started. Join us to explore how sports can be a key to improving student attendance and creating a more vibrant school community!
PK, E, MLA, DS
Station F
Building Better: Activities to Enhance Group Connections
Raynee Russell, Operations Manager/Lead Teacher, Global Kindness Initiative, San Francisco, CA
Join us as we discover engaging, easy-to-do activities designed to strengthen relationships and group dynamics with both Youth and staff! This 45-minute session is designed to teach creative, interactive, hands-on activities that foster trust, communication, and collaboration, and empower participants to build deeper connections with staff and Youth to work more effectively as a group.
E, M, MLA, DS
2:45PM - 3:30PM
Station A
Books, Bubbles, & Beakers-Teaching Science the Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Way!
Terri Johnson, Owner/Developer, Creative 3, LLC-Quirkles and Fuddlebrook Science Series, Springfield, MO
Do you want to be the educator that kids remember for a lifetime? Create experiences instead of just lessons. Sounds hard? It's NOT! Come and learn how to integrate fun hands-on science with fun storytelling. Learning has never been more engaging or relevant. Eggs will fly, cans will lean and water will disappear all while teaching science standards. Great for summer and afterschool programs. We've done the work for you! Just teach and have fun!
E, DS
Station B
Playing for Keeps, Hands-on Materials for Math and Reading
Rich Stuart, Director, Learning Wrap-ups, a Division of EDC, Layton, UT
Attendees will play with and keep materials that will help elementary students master critical Math and Reading skills. All materials are hands-on, self-correcting and FUN!
PK, E, MLA, DS
Station C
Piper Make and Take
Chris Bouman, CMO, Play Piper, San Francisco, CA
Join our Piper Make and Take workshop, where each person will do a hands-on project building a circuit and blinking an LED with block coding! Each attendee will receive a Piper Make Starter Kit which they may take home.
E, M. MLA, DS
Station D
Hands-on is Minds On in Science
Denise Phillips, Solution Architect, LEGO Education, Groveland, CA
Join us for an engaging, hands-on building session where we will explore ways students can discover, interact, and play while developing scientific skills and knowledge. Students in your afterschool programs will be cooperating, collaborating, communicating, and problem-solving while having fun.
E, M, MLA, DS
Station E
How to Make Access and Equity Actionable in Expanded Learning Programs
Rod Hsiao, CEO, InPlay, San Mateo, CA
School districts often miss hidden barriers to access that prevent students from signing up and attending programs. Participants will share best practices with each other on how to streamline outreach, targeting, and registration to successfully enroll a disproportionately high percentage of underserved students. InPlay is a nationally recognized nonprofit that will share its research findings from having worked with dozens of cities and school districts across the US. (www.inplay.org)
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB
Station F
Everybody Reads: Targeted Strategies for Literacy Engagement Reads
Sheryl Davis, Consultant, Everybody Reads, San Francisco, CA
Join us as we explore innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships that enhance literacy engagement for youth. This interactive workshop will feature hands-on activities, curated book lists, and engaging reading exercises to inspire participants. Together, we’ll discuss how targeted approaches can increase access to resources and foster a lifelong love of reading. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to foster a vibrant culture of reading in their communities.
PK, E, CB, DS
Thursday, May 1
10:00AM - 10:45AM
Station A
Creating Tomorrow's Legends Today, Through the Magic of Drones
Scott Buell, Founder/CEO, Drone Legends, Cherry Hill, NJ
Buckle up for an exhilarating ride with our Action Labs workshop! You'll team up to pilot classroom-friendly drones on a real-world mission. Discover firsthand the transformative power of drones, their academic relevance, and the potential future careers for students. Ignite your teaching and catapult your classroom into the 21st century!
E,M, MLA, DS
Station B
Build-A-Bot, Save a Species
Marci Klien, Owner/President, 3duxdesign, Fairfield, CT
Engineering design meets environmental science in this Bot Safari workshop! Design and build a motorized bot, then join fellow conservationists to create habitats that protect these endangered creatures. This session fosters team building and explores real-world challenges through playful, hands-on, engineering activities. We will share a variety of ways to weave in cross-curricular learning opportunities based on learning goals. (yes- you can keep your bots!)
E, M, MLA, CB, DS
Station C
Sight Word Fun: Engaging Activities for Afterschool Programs
Chandra Roughton, Administrative Program Director, Luminous Minds, Loomis, CA
Ready to make sight word practice fun for your afterschool program? Join us for a hands-on workshop with creative games, multisensory activities, and strategies to help students master sight words. From catchy songs to partner games, fluency grids, and interactive worksheets, you'll learn playful techniques to boost retention and engagement. Perfect for Directors or care providers, this workshop offers adaptable tools to support student success in a fun, low-pressure environment!
PK, E, MLA, CB, DS
Station D
Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Expanded Learning Camp
Amy Bernhard, Vice President, California Adventure Camps, Redding, CA
Come to this inspiration station to learn about how to plan, organize, and execute an expanded learning program camp for your district, school, and students that they will be excited to sign up for and attend. Be inspired by various camp activities in various verticals such as STEM, Creative Arts, Outdoor Wilderness, Athletics, and more, that you can incorporate into your programs to create a robust and fun learning environment for your students. Let's think outside the box together.
E, M, MLA, DS
Station E
Get Hands-On with Purpose-Driven STEM: Explore the Climate Action Coding & Robotics Kit
Amy Brunetta, Learning Solutions Specialist, Forward Education, Kitchener, Ontario Canada
Join our 45-minute interactive presentation to explore how Climate Action Kits help afterschool program managers teach STEM through climate and environmental sustainability. Designed for ages 8-18, these kits are accessible for all learners with lessons that cater to both beginners and advanced students. Get hands-on experience and see how the kits connect STEM learning to real-world applications, making science engaging and relevant for all students.
E, M, MLA, DS
Station F
Give STEM a Sporting Chance
Jeff Golner, President & CEO, STEM Sports®, Phoenix, AZ
Learn how your program can utilize STEM education to engage and enrich the youth you serve. All participants will receive free plug-and-play tools that can be implemented instantly without needing training or PD. Takeaway lessons cover playing with accuracy, stretching to prevent injuries, and discovering the STEM behind students' favorite sports. Bonus item: everyone will receive a deck of playing cards to facilitate healthy exercises for all youth!
E, M, MLA, CB, DS
11:00AM - 11:45AM
Station A
Multisensory Language Learning Kits
Connie Romaniuk, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Communakit, Ardrossan, Alberta, Canada
Explore these incredible kits, expertly designed by an SLP to foster early language development. Each kit offers a multisensory, multilevel, and multipurpose approach, making them accessible and beneficial for all learners. These kits help children enhance their communication skills in a fun, interactive way that engages all their senses. Learning a language never felt so good!
PK, E, MLA, DS
Station B
Recruiting and Retaining Great Staff
Adam Rosen, CEO, Radar Talent Solutions, Minneapolis, MN
Learn practical strategies to attract top talent and keep them engaged long-term. Discover how to create compelling job postings, improve the candidate experience, and foster a culture that drives retention. Explore the role of onboarding, leadership, and key metrics like turnover rates to refine your approach.
PK, E, ULA, MLA, CB
Station C
Science Unlocked - Open the World of Learning with Hands-On Science
Scott Burns, National Educational Sales Director, Home Science Tools, Billings, MT
In today’s dynamic educational landscape, students need more than textbooks to spark a love for learning—they need experiences. Join us as we explore how Science Unlocked, a comprehensive and hands-on science curriculum from Home Science Tools, opens the door to curiosity and discovery for students of all ages. You’ll learn how to foster critical thinking, inspire creativity, and meet educational standards.
E, M, MLA, DS
Station D
How to use ELO-P to Close the Expanded Learning Gap
Helen Wang, CEO/Co-Founder, 6crickets, Inc, Bellevue, WA
(ELO-P) is an unprecedented opportunity to close the opportunity gap and to bring innovative, quality, and choice-driven learning to every student, but with great funding comes great responsibility. We will discuss how to implement student choice, measure results, and promote engagement. Additionally, we'll share challenges, triumphs, and creativity in meeting ELO-P intent, tackling staffing shortages, engaging both students and parents, and managing operations efficiently and effectively.
PK, E, ULA, MLA
Station E
Voices & Visions: Storytelling and Activism Through Zines
Brooke Newman, Director K-8 Programs, Outside the Lens, San Diego, CA
Create zines to share what matters to you, and inspire others to take action. This session creates a space of shared understanding, where participants' diverse voices and experiences converge. By crafting zines that spotlight meaningful causes, attendees will share their personal narratives and listen to one another's stories. We'll weave a collective tapestry that honors individual perspectives and nurtures a genuine sense of belonging, where every voice is valued and every story matters.
E, M, MLA, DS
Station F
Bigger Than Play! - Get in the Game to Experience How Play Inspires & Why Play Matters
Leah Ewbank. Regional Partnership Manager, Playworks, Oakland, CA
Learn about how Play does more than improve students physically. Experience new, inclusive, games and activities that focus on SEL. Take away key strategies to run a fast, smooth, program. Play benefits the whole child (physically, emotionally, academically, and socially) and also supports adult interactions & relationships.
E, M, MLA, DS
1:15PM - 2:00PM
Station A
Crafting Change: Multicultural Prevention Crafts to Make and Take
Carol Coyne, Tobacco Use Prevention and Education Program Manager, Corona - Norco Unified School District, Norco, CA
Create meaningful change while exploring diverse cultures through prevention crafts and games you can make and take home. This hands-on workshop fosters connection, creativity, and cultural understanding, giving you fun, impactful tools to inspire positive change in your community. Learn how to share your prevention messages in a natural and engaging way. Join us and craft the difference!
E, M, MLA, DS
Station B
Building Character through Movement and Mindfulness
Jess Wadleigh, Physical Activity Specialist, Skillastics, Corona, CA
When we combine physical activity, character trait building and mindfulness, it has a powerful impact on children! This combination helps them to grow as healthy individuals with positive character traits. Our Inspiration Station will focus on integrating these three components into your program, that can be used both virtually and on-site. Get ready to move, and calm your body, all while having some fun!
E, M, MLA, DS
Station C
Electric Exploration: Motorized Pinwheels for Purposeful Learning
Dr. Ellie Honardoost, CEO/Founder, InnovEd, Fresno, CA
Dr. Ellie Honardoost, with over 25 years of experience in STEAM, is an expert in hands-on learning & how to tackle classroom management challenges. This workshop features building a motorized pinwheel, showcasing key principles of electricity & purposeful learning. You'll also get to take home your pinwheel, a tangible example to inspire similar projects in your own programs. See how projects boost engagement & ease classroom management. Join us to empower your students through active learning!
E, M, MLA, DS
Station D
Speak with Multilingual Brenda, TeachMe TV®'s Proprietary AI Learning Assistant
Carolyn Sloan, Founder/CEO, TeachMe TV®, Brooklyn, NY
Ever wonder if you could get your students to be more curious? Have you ever wanted your students to ask better questions? Here's your chance to talk to TeachMe TV®'s AI Study Buddy to practice formulating great questions that yield the most informative and directive answers. Brenda is voice-activated, age-appropriate, and multilingual! Come try her out at our Inspiration Station Workshop!! Guidance will be given and then you can play all you want with Brenda, and maybe even learn something!
E, MLA, DS
Station E
The Prime Time Games: A Truly Inclusive Interscholastic Sports League
Peter Straus Executive Director, Team Prime Time, Los Angeles, CA
The Prime Time Games is a fully inclusive, evidence-based, interscholastic sports model that gives students with and without disabilities the chance to compete together in the only league of its kind. It is a single program that satisfies two educational priorities: Social Emotional Learning and Inclusion/Access.
This workshop will detail everything needed - from funding opportunities to CBO integration to student and staff training - in order to start a Prime Time league of your own.
M, H, MLA, DS
Station F
Unlock Your Child-Like Mindset
James Howell, CEO, CF Fitness, Inc, Inglewood, CA
Join us for an inspiring and interactive workshop designed to help you rediscover the wonder, creativity, and joy inherent in a child-like mindset. In a world that often prioritizes seriousness and routine, this workshop invites you to reconnect with the playful spirit within.
Unlock the door to creativity, joy, and a deeper connection with your inner child. Let’s embark on this playful journey together and rediscover the beauty of seeing the world through child-like eyes!
PK, E, MLA, DS
Inspiration Station Workshops contacts:
Kristen Gonzalez |
Blanca Orellana |
Inspiration Station Workshop FAQS
Who can host an Inspiration Station?
Anyone who attends the BOOST Conference can facilitate an Inspiration Station workshop. To be eligible, you must be registered for the conference and your account paid in full. Once you have registered and paid, you are eligible to submit an application. Please note we are only able to accept one application per organization/agency. The annual deadline to submit your Inspiration Station workshop application is January 31st.
How much does an Inspiration Station cost?
Hosting an Inspiration Station workshop is free for all registered and paid BOOST Conference attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors.
Do I have to register for the conference to host an Inspiration Station?
Yes. Inspiration Station workshops are accepted and scheduled on a first-come, first-scheduled basis, based on your registration status. You must be registered and paid in full for the current year's BOOST Conference before your application is accepted and your Inspiration Station workshop is scheduled.
Where and when do Inspiration Stations take place?
Inspiration Station workshops take place in the Exhibit Hall at round tables on Wednesday and Thursday during the conference. There are three different 45-minute time slots on each day that take place concurrently with workshop sessions. Please view the Exhibit Hall map above to see where Inspiration Station tables are located.
What are PROMISING PRACTICES for Inspiration Stations?
Successful Inspiration Station workshops start with a shared interest. Are you a Middle School leader looking for inspirational ideas to engage your students? Do you work with students with special needs and need strategies for making your program more inclusive? Are you trying to develop a measurement and evaluation plan for your organization? Use your Inspiration Station to collaborate with other organizations on the same mission.
Inspiration Stations are also an opportunity for BOOST Conference presenters to continue the conversation from their workshop, whether it be more in-depth to the topic of your workshop or another area of expertise you can offer BOOST Conference attendees.
For BOOST Conference exhibitors, Inspiration Station workshops are a great way to receive feedback on user interest in their product. With the help of BOOST Conference attendees, you can develop more ideas for possible or existing products and strategies for using the product more effectively.
The intent of an Inspiration Station workshop is that it is a small, intimate learning session. Please note that facilitators are not able to move/add tables or chairs and must abide by the Fire Marshall Code.
How are Inspiration Stations selected?
Inspiration Station workshops are scheduled on a first-come, first-scheduled basis. Once we receive your application, we will confirm your registration and that your account is paid in full. We will then schedule your workshop at your preferred time slot based on availability. Please note we are only able to accept one application per agency/organization/company.
What A/V is provided for Inspiration Stations?
We do not provide A/V for Inspiration Station workshops. Since Inspiration Station workshops are intimate sessions, we recommend that you facilitate an Inspiration Station workshop that does not require any audio-visual. Note: There is no electricity provided at Inspiration Stations.
Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including meals and workshops.