From Insight to Action: Strengthening School Counseling Across the Caribbean

2nd Annual Conference of the U. S. Virgin Islands School Counselor Association

Friday, February 6th, 2026

8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

University of the Virgin Islands Orville E. Kean Campus in the Innovative Center | St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands

Register to Attend Here

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Sheena Walker

Owner of Mind/Body Health & Psychology, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Sheena M. Walker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of the Virgin Islands. With nearly two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, higher education, and community-based mental health, she is deeply committed to strengthening counseling practices across the Caribbean and the Global South.

Counseling at the Crossroads: Addressing Trauma, Identity, and Belonging in Caribbean Schools

Passionate about empowering the next generation, Dr. Walker is known as a dynamic, student-centered educator and a powerful advocate for culturally grounded counseling models. She believes school counselors are at the frontlines of resilience-building, identity formation, and social change—and her keynote will speak to the transformative role of school counseling in the Caribbean context.

Registration Info

Registration Types and Fees

*All registration fees will increase by $10 on day of conference

  • $65.00

    This registration is for anyone who is not a member of the U. S. Virgin Islands School Counselor Association who wishes to obtain CEUs from the conference.

  • $50.00

    This registration is for anyone who is currently a member of the U. S. Virgin Islands School Counselor Association who wishes to obtain CEUs from the conference.

  • $35.00

    This registration is for anyone (member of the U. S. Virgin Islands School Counselor Association or not) who does NOT wish to obtain CEUs from the conference.

Click here to register to attend

Breakout Sessions

  • Creating Safe & Supportive Schools for LGBTQ+ Students with Jessamyn Souders

    9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

  • Data-Driven Counseling: Using Results to Avocate for Students

    9:30AM - 10:30 AM

  • Developing Career Pathway Tools K-12 with Dr. Latashia Edwards

    9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

  • Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in the Caribbean with Rashida Lester

    10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

  • Trauma-Informed Counseling Practices with Simona Thomas

    10:45 AM -11:45 AM

  • Designing Family Engagement Strategies with Dr. Latashia Edwards and Tarriesha Dawson

    10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

  • Family & Community Partnerships: Strengthening the Home & School Connection

    1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

  • Equity & Access: Culturally Responsive Counseling Across the Caribbean with Dr. Xuri Allen

    1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

  • Self-Care Blueprint for School Counselors with Dr. Tiana E. Wilson

    1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Closing General Session: The Future of School Counseling in the Caribbean

Panel Discussion

Regional leaders and professionals in education, mental health, and support services share their insights and strategies

Panelists TBD

Additional Information

On the conference and St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands

Will there be lunch?

The U. S. Virgin Islands School Counselor Association is providing a light lunch at no additional cost to attendees.

How do I get to St. Thomas?

Option 1: Fly into Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands. This is the best option for attendees coming from the mainland United States or other Caribbean islands.

Option 2: If coming from St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands, take the Seaborne seaplane from “downtown to downtown” for a 25 minute flight. Get more information on the seaplane here. You could also take the QE IV Ferry. Get more information on the QE IV Ferry here.

Option 3: If you are coming from the British Virgin Islands, you can look at the Fast Ferry Schedule here or the Native Son Ferry here.

Where should I stay?

Click the link to check out each hotel option:

Where can I rent a car?

Click the link to check out each car rental option":

What are some fun things to do on St. Thomas?

Check out this link to see VisitUSVI’s reccomendations for St. Thomas - https://www.visitusvi.com/st-thomas/

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

  • Dr. Latashia Edwards, UVI CELL

  • Coconut Counselor

Register to attend

2nd Annual Conference

of the U. S. Virgin Islands School Counselor Association

Register to Attend Here