2026 MTSS Summit

How do we move from collecting data to actually using it to transform student outcomes?

This free virtual summit brings together leading experts, researchers, and district practitioners to explore one of the most critical components of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports: data-based decision-making.

Whether you’re identifying students in need of support, monitoring intervention effectiveness, or aligning your Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 systems, effective use of data is what drives clarity, confidence, and impact.

Join us to learn:

How districts are designing systems to make data usable and actionable
Tools and processes to support early intervention and progress monitoring
How to build staff capacity to confidently use data at every tier
Real-world examples from leaders who are getting results

Let’s move beyond compliance and toward meaningful data use that empowers educators and improves student outcomes.

🎤 Free to attend. All sessions available on-demand after the event.

Dr. Loretta Whitson is the founder and executive director of the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), the second-largest state association representing school counselors in the nation.

Lezya Weglarz wears many hats in the school counseling profession. She currently serves as a Project Specialist for the San Diego County Office of Education where she supports K12 School Counseling across San Diego County.

Lauren is a school counselor at Cambridge Elementary in San Antonio, TX, a 2019 National School of Character. She is currently in her 17th year as a school counselor and serves as the Texas Coordinator for Character.org.

Matthew McClain has been a school counselor in rural Northeast Colorado since 2005. He spent 10 years counseling at the 5th and 6th grade level, then spent 6 years at the high school level, and is currently at the elementary level since 2021.

Join Us for the Summit Webinar:
Introducing Intellispark: The Customizable Platform That Powers MTSS from Assessment to Action

What: Join us for Introducing Intellispark and learn how to turn student data into meaningful school-wide action. Intellispark brings assessment, progress monitoring, communication, and case management together in one easy-to-use platform. See how your team can collaborate more efficiently, provide timely support, and use data alongside CharacterStrong’s curriculum to improve student outcomes. Kick off the MTSS Summit with us and discover a smarter way to support every student.

When: Tuesday, January 27th @ 9 am PST/11 am CST

Dr. Clay Cook is the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong and is an implementation scientist, psychologist, and former paraprofessional and middle school math teacher. He has spent the past 15 years working in partnership with school systems across the country to support the implementation of effective practices that promote better and more equitable outcomes for students. He has been a professor and researcher at three universities (Louisiana State University, University of Washington and University of Minnesota) studying topics such as implementation of evidence-based practices, educator well-being and resilience, and youth mental health. He has obtained over 20 million dollars in grant funding for his research and published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles. For his work, he has been invited to the White House and served on expert panels with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Education.

Dr. Ruth Alisha Hill is an educational leader, teacher, author, and coach. Dr. Ruth serves as the Executive Director of Professional Services here at CharacterStrong. Prior to taking on this role, she served the students and staff of Gwinnett County Public Schools as the Director of Social Emotional Learning. During her tenure in GCPS, she also served as a Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Coordinator in the office of Human Resources and as a Staff Development Coordinator overseeing Mentor Gwinnett, Educational Responsiveness, and School Support. Dr. Ruth is an experienced educator, who has a diverse background working in rural, urban, secondary, and post-secondary school settings. For over 22 years, she has played a key role in student leadership, teacher mentoring, culturally responsive teaching and educational equity. Having served as a teacher, Academy Leader, Adjunct Professor, Literacy Coordinator, and Director of Programs, Dr. Ruth leverages her on-the-ground experience in advancing student engagement and educator effectiveness. She presents research and facilitates learning focused on coaching, student agency, academic effort, psychological safety, culturally responsive teaching, wellness, and character development.

Felisha is the Director of MTSS at CharacterStrong and former District Climate and Culture Coordinator. Felisha served in Public Education overseeing PBIS, character and life skill development under the MTSS Framework. Her expertise ranges from a district secretary, special education aide, teacher at all grade levels, site administrator designee, Department Lead, District Specialist and ending as a District Administrator. She led over 25 schools in her district to obtain state of CA PBIS recognition that ranged from Bronze to Platinum. She has a passion for rooting for the whole child work, training staff in effective practices and giving voices back to our students.