School counselors applaud School Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson, the event organizer. The conference’s theme was “Inspire, Empower, Embrace.”

Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson greets attendees.

Emma Mulgrew, who was honored for her efforts supporting the School Counselors Chapter, accepts her award. She is flanked by UFT President Michael Mulgrew and School Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson.

School Counselor Jean Castano of PS 211 in Queens joins in a guided mindfulness meditation.

Attendees participate in an emotional self-regulation workshop geared to school counselors who work with elementary school students.

Misha Thomas, the founding contributor of the Sanctuary Institute and a Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainer, speaks to the school counselors in his keynote address. “We are confronting the erosion of social and educational norms,” he said.

School counselors, who may have few or no other school colleagues who are counselors, attend the conference not only for the workshops but also to get to know fellow counselors.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew, discussing the 2023 DOE-UFT contract, tells attendees, “The respect this group should have had all along is finally coming to fruition.”

Regine Dejean, who was the high school vice chair on the chapter's executive board and the assistant to the School Counselors Chapter leader, accepts her award for service to the chapter.

Counselors browse exhibits by community-based organizations, UFT services and vendors.

School counselor Jakara Rance-Fisher of PS 75 in Brooklyn participates in a workshop titled “The Calming Power of Crafts.”