Effective Practices in the School Setting for Helping Professionals Symposium

Presented by:
Cindy Murphy, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC, NCSC – Online School Counseling Faculty, Grand Canyon University
Dr. Murphy received her MEd in community agency counseling, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-Georgia), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), Certified School Counselor (Georgia), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Over the past 29 years, Dr. Murphy has worked with children and adults in a variety of settings including private practice, community agencies, and schools. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, adjustment issues, school issues, transitions to college, and trauma. Her research interests include anxiety treatment for children and adolescents, equity in the college admissions process, and school crisis response. Currently, she is a full-time online faculty member at Grand Canyon University and a part-time lecturer at the University of Georgia in the Department of Counseling and Human Development.

LeAnne Hale, MSW, Ed.S., CPT – School Social Worker, Oconee County Schools
LeAnne received her MSW and Ed.S. in School Social Work from the University of Georgia. Over the last 24 years, she has served primarily as a K-12 school social worker but also served for 7 years as an elementary school counselor. In these roles, LeAnne has served students from ages 5 to 20 years and their families to remove barriers to education due to multiple issues: mental health of students and parents, food insecurity, homelessness, poverty, and learning difficulties. Her current interests include helping students, caregivers, and faculty learn to normalize and manage anxiety in order to live fulfilling lives. As a Certified Personal Trainer, LeAnne is also passionate about education related to how overall health and wellness, both physical and emotional, are linked together, and how adequate sleep, movement, good nutrition, and strong social relationships contribute to good mental health across the lifespan.

Ashley Bell, M.Ed. – School Counselor
Ashley Bell, M.Ed. and school counselor is the face behind Mrs. Bell, The Crafty Counselor. She is a Florida-based elementary school counselor and social-emotional curriculum designer who loves travel, going to the beach, and all things SEL and emotional regulation. Ashley has been a counselor for almost a decade and is passionate about creating resources that leave a lasting impact on children. She specializes in behavior management and helping children learn to self-regulate their emotions. Ashley loves implementing crafty interventions that teach practical skills that, once mastered, can change the course of a child's life. Learn more about Ashley and her counseling programs at mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com.

Nick Swanson, LMSW – School Social Worker and Adjunct Professor
Nick Swanson, LMSW, is a school social worker for the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, based out of Bettendorf, Iowa. He has been a school social worker, serving schools for over ten years. Prior to his work in schools, he was a mental health professional at a residential facility for at-risk youth. He is an adjunct professor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Nick's focus in schools includes building systems to support social-emotional behavioral needs of students, providing direct services to students and families, and evaluating and supporting students within special education. His work has included great attention on improving practices and policies within districts, and increasing therapeutic supports in schools.