Creating Healthy Schools and Communities school wellness conference

Conference Information

The annual Creating Healthy Schools and Communities School Wellness Conference is on March 12-13, 2025. The conference will be held at the Erie 1 BOCES education campus in West Seneca. This conference brings together educators, school food professionals, administrators, and community partners from Western New York to share and explore innovative wellness strategies that create healthier school environments.

This event will feature a diverse range of presentations on topics including indoor gardening, healthy celebrations, classroom physical activity and the Farm to School movement. We are thrilled to welcome Nick Kline, Director of Active Schools, as our keynote speaker, who will share insights on promoting physical activity and wellness in schools. Throughout the conference, you'll have the opportunity to hear from local schools about their innovative wellness initiatives and explore strategies for enhancing the well-being of students and staff alike. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by what's happening in our community!

Registration is available for the full 2 day conference or for the individual days. A healthy lunch is included both days.

Registration links:

Both Days: $175 March 12: $125 March 13: $125

Registration fees are waived for CHSC funded schools and community organizations working in CHSC schools.

Conference At-A-Glance


Day 1: March 12, 2025
8:00	Registration
8:30	Welcome and Keynote Address: "Be Your Best," Nick Kline Nick Kline is a National Board-Certified teacher who taught physical education for ten years. He continues his role in education as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Cortland. As the Active Schools Director, he champions comprehensive physical activity. Nick is an OPEN National Trainer and served as a founding member of the OPEN Development Council.
	Break
	Breakout Sessions I Building a Culture of Wellness: Initiatives for a Healthier School Community, Cori Lynch, Lauren Vargovich, Michelle Knavel, Shannyn Tirado, Sean Finch, Dawn Sass; Lackawanna CSD Reproductive Health Outreach in Buffalo Public Schools, Stephanie Saia, Erie County Department of Health
	Farm to School Spotlights From Garden to Market: Growing food for our Maryvale Community, Ben Szablewski, Peter Frank, Kelli Cookfair, Nicole Floss; Maryvale UFSD Frontier CSD, Anne Rich, Marleta Stansberry Hamburg CSD, Kim Abram, Tricia Miller
12:00	Networking Lunch
	Healthier Streets = Healthier Schools, Kaden Shea, GOBike Buffalo
	Lackawanna Middle School Wellness Highlights, Josh Wolfe, Cherish Masocco, Lackawanna CSD
	Break
	Breakout Sessions II Join the Movement, Nick Kline SNAP Ed's Tools for Wellness, Melissa Kimbrell, Trisha Shea, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County
	Reflection and Closing
3:30	End

Day 2: March 13, 2025
8:00	Registration
8:30	Inclusion and Connection
	Keynote: Health Education, Jaime Sparks, ETR
	Break
	Students Lead the Way in Wellness, Meghan Janora, Brodie Glass, Garrett Karb, Springville Griffith Institute CSD
	Using Data to Promote Wellness in Schools, Dr. Christina Ruggeri, Erie 1 BOCES
	Networking Lunch
	Breakout Sessions III Let's Tennis, Joe Steger, Lynn Buffamonti, USTA Eastern, Inc. Reproductive Health Outreach in Buffalo Public Schools, Stephanie Saia, Erie County Department of Health
	Breakout Sessions IV Developing a Comprehensive Recess Plan, Kate Huber, Creating Healthy Schools and Communities at Erie 1 BOCES SNAP-Ed's Tools for Wellness, Melissa Kimbrell, Trisha Shea, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County
	Break
	UPK and Early Elementary Physical Activity, Jasmine Filkov, Creating Healthy Schools and Communities at Erie 1 BOCES
	Staff Wellness Tips, Laura Corrin, Creating Healthy Schools and Communities at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County
	Reflection and Closing
3:30	End