| STTACC 2025 Virtual Conference Learning Sessions | |
OPENING SESSION 8/4 10am to 12noon | |
Champions of Change – Turning Vision into Action Join us as we launch the STTACC 2025 Virtual Conference with an inspiring opening session celebrating the heart of our colleges—classified staff. This year’s theme, Champions of Change: Turning Vision into Action, honors the everyday leaders who are driving transformation across Washington State’s community and technical colleges. Guest Speaker: Chris Bailey Believe. Create. Adapt. Change is hard. And perhaps even more difficult in an academic environment. Chris Bailey, former Lower Columbia College president and interim director of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, will present on methods to accelerate effective change in an organizational environment. Chris will emphasize the conceptual skills and interpersonal skills that can aid in the implementation of new initiatives. Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | |
 LEARNING SESSION 1 8/4 – 1pm to 2pm | |
| Option A ‘Heart Work: Supporting Youth in Crisis’ Educators are often the first line of support for young people facing mental health challenges. Drawing from original dissertation research on preadolescent and adolescent suicide, this session provides practical strategies to recognize warning signs, respond with care, and connect students to help. Participants will also explore the importance of self-care while supporting others through emotional distress. This session goes beyond statistics—it’s about the heart work of showing up for our most vulnerable students. Presented By: Mary Stover Spokane Colleges Adjunct Instructor Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | Option B ‘Why STTACC?’ STTACC (Staff Training for Technical and Community Colleges) is more than just a professional development organization—it’s a statewide network committed to empowering classified staff across Washington. We’ll explore what STTACC offers, how it can support your growth, and why your voice matters in shaping the future of our colleges. Whether you’re new to STTACC or just curious, join us to discover how being involved can strengthen your skills, expand your network, and elevate the important work you do every day. Presented by: Nicci Gooch – STTACC President Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |
LEARNING SESSION 2 8/5 – 10am to 11am | |
| Option A ‘Navigating Cultural & Leadership Change’ Organizational change can be challenging but also full of opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger team cohesion. This session equips participants with practical tools and strategies to navigate shifts in leadership and workplace culture. Learn how to foster resilience, improve communication, and address resistance to change while maintaining productivity and engagement Presented by: Carlee Osburn DES/EAP Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | Option B ‘SPARKing Clarity in Chaos: Doing More with Less in a Time of Constant Change’ In today’s fast-paced world, where change is constant and resources are limited, clarity is your greatest asset. Join us for an engaging and interactive session designed specifically for classified staff in higher education. Discover the SPARK method—a human-centered approach to AI that helps you reflect, realign, and lead with purpose. This session is tailored to support classified staff as they navigate shifting roles and rising demands. You’ll experience a live coaching demonstration, participate in group reflection, and get hands-on practice with powerful AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how AI can help you do more with what matters most. Please bring access to ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to fully participate. Presented by: Brandi Maynard Spokane Community College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |
| LEARNING SESSION 3 8/5 – 1pm to 2pm | |
| Option A ‘Herbal Teas – Wild Treasures of the PNW’ By the end of this lecture, students will be able to: Explain the health benefits of herbal teas and their role in supporting overall well-being. Identify safe and sustainable foraging practices for harvesting wild herbs used in tea blends. Describe basic methods for drying and preserving herbs to maintain flavor, aroma, and potency. Demonstrate proper preparation techniques for brewing herbal teas to maximize their therapeutic effects and taste. Presented by:Nina UriosteCulinary InstructorGrays Harbor College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | Option B ‘Sizzle Up Your Workflow with CoPilot’ Join me for a fun and fast-paced 50-minute summer workshop where we’ll show you how to use Copilot to breeze through everyday tasks. From writing emails to analyzing data and creating content, you’ll see live demos of how Copilot can help you work smarter—not harder. Perfect for anyone looking to boost productivity and enjoy more sunshine this season! Presented by:Heather Rane Digital Learning Coordinator Bellevue College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |
| LEARNING SESSION 4 8/6 – 10am to 11am | |
| Option A ‘Uplifting Classified Voices in Times of Change’ In this session, we will: 1. Identify the unique strengths, challenges, and contributions of classified staff during organizational change. 2. Develop strategies to amplify classified voices and promote inclusive communication practices in the workplace. 3. Explore tools that foster self-advocacy, confidence, and resilience in times of transition. 4. Recognize the role of equity and belonging in supporting classified staff through change. Presented by: Debbie Joyner, Elysee Kazadi, Cass McLain Multicultural Student Services Spokane Community College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | Option B ‘Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace’ Emotional intelligence (EI) is the foundation of strong leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. This session explores the five key components of EI—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—and how to apply them in workplace interactions, virtual communication, and decision-making. Learn how to improve emotional regulation, build trust, and create a psychologically safe work environment Presented by: Carlee Osburn DES/EAP Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |
LEARNING SESSION 5 8/6 – 1pm to 2pm | |
| Option A ‘WFSE: Benefits of your Union’ Discover the power and perks of being a member of the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This informative session will break down the many benefits your union provides—from contract protections and workplace rights to healthcare options, retirement planning, and professional support. Learn how WFSE advocates for you, how to access your benefits, and ways to get involved to strengthen your voice at work. Whether you’re new to the union or want a refresher, this session is your guide to understanding the value of union membership. Presented by: Theresa Sullivan WFSE Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | Option B ‘Cultivating Transformation: A Holistic Approach to Staff Success’ This interactive session invites staff to explore how sustainable change begins with self-connection. Through guided reflection, participants will examine their experiences in the workplace, identify areas for growth and support, and leave with a personalized strategy to help cultivate a thriving, inclusive culture. Outcomes: Define holistic transformation in the context of staff success Assess strengths and gaps across key domains of well-being Generate practical strategies for an inclusive workplace culture Commit to one small action to spark positive change Presented by: Heather Rane Bellevue Community College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |
| LEARNING SESSION 6 8/7 – 10am to 11am | |
| Option A ‘Advancing Equity Work with Generative AI ’ Generative AI presents both challenges and opportunities for equity. In this session, participants will explore how to use generative AI as a tool to identify and address systemic equity gaps within their departments. Participants will learn:The spectrum of systemic inequityHow to use generative AI to detect inequitiesHow to prompt AI for effective, equity-focused solutionsHow to evaluate and validate AI-generated solutions for equity impact Presented by: Jeremy WinnGrays Harbor College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools | Option B ‘Join us at STTACC’ Let’s take an inside look at what it is like to be a STTACC Board Member! Talking about open positions. Maybe you are not ready to take a board position. How else can you get involved! Presented by: Nicci GoochSpokane Community College Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |
| CLOSING SESSION 8/7 – 1pm to 3pm |
| Our final session brings everyone together to reflect, connect, and look ahead. We’ll start with a Treasury Report to provide financial transparency, followed by Regional Breakout Sessions where attendees can discuss what they’d like to see from STTACC moving forward. We’ll recognize outgoing and incoming board members, announce the Outstanding Classified Staff Award winner(s), and hold a brief Business Meeting to close out the year. This is also your final call to get involved—because as Champions of Change, our work doesn’t end here. Presented by: STTACC Board Zoom Links Available to Registered Schools |