Stronger Connections Webinars

Our Stories of Strength: Using Photovoice to Explore Youth Psychological Strengths and Improve School Climate

April 16, 2026 | 9:00-10:00 AM Pacific

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Description:

Our Stories of Strength is a school-based program that is co-designed with youth to improve psychological well-being by integrating youth voice strategies with concepts and tools derived from positive psychology and narrative therapy. The program aims to illuminate and refine youths’ personal narratives of resilience and empowerment and to improve perceptions of school climate by building narratives around collective support and alliance. Using photovoice strategies, participants identify sources of personal competence, interpersonal support, and institutional support.

In this webinar, Our Stories of Strength adult researchers, educators, and youth collaborator-participants will describe key program activities and program benefits.

This is a 60-minute webinar. All participants are invited to stay for an additional 30 minutes after the webinar concludes to ask questions of the presenter and engage in peer-to-peer discussion. 

Presenters:

Dr. Meagan O’Malley is a Professor of School Psychology at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), where she prepares graduate students to apply evidence-based methods in psychoeducational assessment as well as academic and mental health interventions. Dr. O’Malley leads an active research program focused on school climate, school mental health, and psychoeducational assessment practices. A central aim of her work is to support educators and families in empowering youth from historically underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.

 

Dr. Sruthi Swami is an Assistant Professor in the School Psychology M.A./Ed.S. program at Sacramento State University and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Her work focuses on the impact of racism and discrimination on the mental health and identity development of racially and ethnically minoritized youths and adolescents. Dr. Swami engages in applied research with local high school students on building resilience in the face of trauma.

 

Dr. Jeremy DeWayne Greene is a nationally certified school psychologist, professor of school psychology, and poet/hip-hop artist. Although residing within the Sacramento region, his familial roots remain firmly planted in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Utilizing a narrative approach, Dr. Greene has a passion for advocacy via the promotion and strengthening of voices often minimized by society at large. Thus, in his free time, Dr. Greene enjoys gathering and sharing the stories that he has heard along those winding roads…stories that also include his time living and working as a school psychologist in Shanghai, China (from 2017 to 2019).

 

David Wong is an educator with over 25 years of experience in English Language Arts instruction and a longstanding commitment to equity and access for historically underserved student populations. He has taught across California and Texas, bringing a statewide and cross-regional perspective to instructional leadership, program implementation, and student advocacy.

Grounded in a student-centered teaching philosophy that emphasizes voice, agency, and academic identity, David is dedicated to advancing equitable, engaging learning environments that promote academic confidence, college and career readiness, and long-term student success.

 

Promoting Attendance and Reducing Chronic Absenteeism | Renewed Focus on School Connectedness and Student Engagement

April 28, 2026 | 10:00-11:00 AM Pacific

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Description:

This session will explore the connection between students’ connectedness and engagement at school and their attendance. The session will begin with an overview of research that emphasized a need for strong school connections, especially for students who struggle with attendance. Participants will explore statewide data trends in connectedness, engagement, and attendance from CalSCHLS and publicly available data. They will then learn from a school district that has renewed its focus on strong connections to reduce chronic absenteeism.

This is a 60-minute webinar. All participants are invited to stay for an additional 30 minutes after the webinar concludes to ask questions of the presenter and engage in peer-to-peer discussion.

Presenters:

Jenny Betz (she/they) is a Senior Program Associate with WestEd’s Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities team, providing professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to support inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and education fields, Betz has supported hundreds of state, regional, and local education agencies in advancing school climate, social-emotional learning (SEL), equity, and educator wellness through strategies including culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed approaches, student leadership, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, bias-based bullying prevention, and effective data use. Betz also brings experience supporting district and school teams with strategic planning, implementation design, and improvement strategies that promote sustainability and alignment with local goals. Their work is grounded in collaboration, reflection, and a commitment to equity and continuous learning.

 

 

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