Area educators, social service providers and other professionals are invited to attend the Eighth Annual Pete Tarantola Interagency Council Community Conference, 'See the Struggle. Spark the Strength!' April 15 at Spoon River College's Macomb Outreach Center. Regina Johnson, professional learning specialist at ROE33, is this year's keynote.
According to Abby Beck, Regional Office of Education #26 Project Stay-In Attendance Director and IRIS System Data Manager, the conference, which is held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb, will give participants the opportunity to hear from experts on such topics as poverty, growth mindset, resiliency and stress management. The annual conference is named in honor of the late Pete Tarantola, who was the longtime director for Big Brother Big Sisters-Mississippi Valley/Warren and McDonough Counties, started the conference. Tarantola, who dedicated his life to make a better life for area youth, passed away in October 2019 at the age of 43.
'When we truly see the struggle, we also begin to recognize the strength and resilience within our families and communities,' said Kate Mallory, Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Support at ROE #26. 'This conference highlights the power of educators; service providers; and community partners working together to spark that strength and help families facing poverty and adversity move from surviving to thriving.'
The conference kicks off at 9 a.m. with table displays and networking. The program begins at 9:50 a.m. with a brief welcome, with Johnson's keynote, beginning at 10 a.m.
Johnson is a seasoned educator and equity leader dedicated to fostering growth through awareness, healing, and intentional change. Currently serving as a Professional Learning Specialist for the ROE 33 and ROE 26 Professional Development Consortium and founder of the consultancy Champion Five, she specializes in navigating the complexities of identity, trauma, and systemic harm. With a career spanning high school history, healthcare and higher education, Johnson previously served for seven years as the director of Student Equity at Monmouth College. Her multidisciplinary background allows her to view individuals as 'whole beings,' deeply understanding how racial, generational, and professional trauma impact how people show up in the world.
After Johnson's presentation, lunch will be available for purchase from the following food trucks: Sandra's Authentic Mexican, Cousins Lobster, Paddy's Patties and hand-scooped ice cream and food from Erin Clayton. Following lunch, participants will have the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions of their choice. The day concludes at 4 p.m.
According to Abby Beck, Regional Office of Education #26 Project Stay-In attendance specialist and IRIS System data manager, the conference, which is held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb, will give participants the opportunity to hear from experts on such topics as the power of language, trauma and empathy.
Breakout presenters include Erica Kirlin, Social Emotional Learning Coach Regional Office of Education #1; Carol Kilver and Tessa Hobbs-Curley. Space is available for approximately 100 individuals (social workers, counselors, school personnel, human service field workers and medical professionals) to attend at no cost. Continuing Education Units (six credits) are available for attending the full day. To register and see more conference details at: https://www.roepd.net/?action=register& recid=2019 The 2026 conference is sponsored Area 3 SEL Hub, Spoon River College, ROE 26 and the ROE 33 Professional Development Consortium and Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health.
For more information, contact Beck at [email protected] or call (309) 5753257.
