Growing Up Strong Summit
About this Event
📅 December 3, 2026
📍 Location: RVC Downtown West Learning Center
🕘 Time: 8:30am to 2:00pm
Join us for a powerful day of data, dialogue, and collective action. This FREE conference will explore in-depth how we can build a more equitable future where our children grow up strong.
Attend one of three panel presentations/community conversations in each of the planned breakout sessions. Then stay for lunch and a panel discussion with public school district administrators. At the conclusion of the event stay for networking and an optional tour of the new RVC Learning Center!
Refer to the Agenda for a description of each panel, the presenters, and facilitators.
Breakout Session I (9:15 - 10:45 AM):
- Building Resilience Through Connection
- Strong Beginnings
- Thriving Neighborhoods, Strong Communities
Breakout Session II (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM):
- Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism
- Building Readiness with Connection
- Opening Doors and Building Belonging
EDI Public School Panel Discussion (1:00 - 1:45 PM)
- Dr. Larry Huff, Rockford Public Schools
- Dr. Terrel Yarbrough, Harlem School District
- Staci Thompson, Winnebago CUSD
- Dr. Heather Baker, Rockton School District
Coffee, Pastries and Lunch will be served. Seats are limited so RSVP to reserve your spot today!
If you need reasonable accomodations to participate in this event, please contact us at [email protected]. This event is funded in part by the WCCMHB with the 1/2 cent sales tax.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM
Doors Open
Info: Coffee and light refreshments provided
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome Remarks and Early Development Instrument Overview
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Building Resilience Through Connection Breakout Session
Info: Strengthening connections between schools, families, and community partners to build resilience in children. PRESENTERS: Morgan Gallagher (RPS205), Linsey McDanel (ROE4), Claudia Consuelos (CCS) FACILITATORS: Dr. Jason Blume (Harlem SD) and Emily Klonicki (Alignment Rockford)
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Strong Beginnings Breakout Session
Info: A discussion on program opportunities, community alignment, and outreach saturation for parents and caregivers prenatally to age five. PRESENTERS: Dan Berman (United Way), Kimberly Nelson (RPS205), WCHD FACILITATORS: Livia Bane (Birth to Five) and Larissa Currier-Brown (Alignment Rockford)
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Thriving Neighborhoods, Strong Communities Breakout Session
Info: An exploration of the social determinants of health, with special focus on the ways domestic violence impacts a neighborhoods ability to thrive. PRESENTERS: Jason Holcomb (R1), Andreas Carlson (Mayor's Office), Mary Cacioppi (Bridges to Prosperity) FACILITATORS: Ron Clewer (Tipping Point Consultancy) and Shelton Kay (Rockford Regional Health Council)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism
Info: An exploration of the factors that contribute to absenteeism and the programs in place to support those families and students. PRESENTERS: Maureen Kirschmann (RPS205), Alexandra Zimmerman (ROE4), Steven Whitmore (Law Office of Steven Whitmore) FACILITATORS: Dr. Jason Blume (Harlem SD) and Jillisa Bondurant (OSF)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Building Readiness with Connection Breakout Session
Info: How emotional learning and social competence serve as a foundation for learning. PRESENTERS: Isabel Cano (RVC), Mary Kelley (YSN), Hillary Cook-Harris (RPS205) FACILITATORS: Andrea Capriotti (YWCA) and James Peterson (YSN)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Opening Doors and Building Belonging Breakout Session
Info: Raising awareness of the barriers immigrant and refugee families face in our community and identifying ways we can better support families as they navigate those challenges. PRESENTERS: Monica Lozano (YWCA), Holly Sammons (RVC), Ricardo Picazo (Dave Vella's Office), Brian Doering (Constance Lane) FACILITATORS: Linda Zuba (Attorney and Activist) and Emily Klonicki (Alignment Rockford)
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
EDI School Panel
Info: Hear from district officials as we explore how session topics show up in their respective districts. PRESENTERS: Dr. Larry Huff (RPS205), Dr. Terrel Yarbrough (Harlem SD), Staci Thompson (Winnebago CUSD), Dr. Heather Baker (Rockton SD) FACILITATOR: Dr. Jason Blume (Harlem SD)
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Wrap Up and Closing
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
