25th Annual School Nurse Conference
Thursday - Friday, January 14 - 15, 2027
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301; Grand Hall
Target Audience
School nurses
Program Description
Celebrating 25 years of learning, connection, and the incredible impact of school nurses! School nursing is constantly evolving, and the challenges students bring through the school doors are more complex than ever. The 25th Annual School Nurse Conference is designed to give school nurses two days of timely information, practical insight, fresh ideas, and meaningful connection with colleagues who understand the work.
This year’s conference will take a closer look at the issues shaping school nursing today—from legal and regulatory updates and psychiatric emergencies to vaping, suicide prevention, and rapid response to real-life emergencies. Participants will also explore vision screening and referrals, the impact of homelessness and food insecurity on student health, and the opportunities and professional considerations surrounding artificial intelligence in school nursing.
Throughout the conference, attendees will have opportunities to connect with exhibitors, discover new products and services, explore resources designed to support school health, and learn about solutions that can make their work a little easier and more effective.
We’ll close this milestone conference by celebrating the voice, leadership, advocacy, and lasting impact of school nurses and the difference they make every day in the lives of students, families, schools, and communities. Come celebrate 25 years with us, learn something new, reconnect with colleagues, discover what’s new in school health, and leave inspired for the work ahead!
Registration Fee
Early Rate - Register by November 1, 2026
Both Days: $200
Day 1 Only: $165
Day 2 Only: $165
Group Registration – Both Days: $180 per person
Onsite Registration: $245
Regular Rate - Registration after November 1, 2026
Both Days: $215
Day 1 Only: $185
Day 2 Only: $185
Group Registration – Both Days: $200 per person
** Group Registration: A minimum of three participants must register and pay together using one form of payment to receive the group rate. Email Christi at Christi.Boahn@sr-ahec.org.
Breakfast and lunch are included for registered attendees.
Agenda
Day 1 - Thursday, January 14, 2027
8:30 a.m. Registration / Continental Breakfast / Exhibitors
9:10 a.m. Welcome
9:15 a.m. NC Board of Nursing Update: Legal, Regulatory, and Practice Considerations for School Nurse
Stacey Thompson, MSN, RN, NE-BC
School nurses must navigate complex legal and regulatory requirements while providing safe, effective care in educational settings. This session will provide updates from the North Carolina Board of Nursing and review scope of practice, delegation responsibilities, and key considerations for school nursing practice.
10:15 a.m. Break / Exhibitors
10:45 a.m. Psychiatric Emergencies in the School Setting: Recognition, Response, and De-escalation
Isabelle Soares Smith, MD
When emotional distress or a behavioral crisis escalates, knowing how to recognize the situation and respond safely can make all the difference. This practical session will explore psychiatric emergencies in the school setting, including how to distinguish panic attacks from situations requiring immediate intervention. Participants will learn effective de-escalation techniques to promote safety, reduce distress, support students in crisis, and connect them with appropriate care and resources.
11:45 a.m. Lunch / Exhibitors
12:45 p.m. Vaping: Understanding the Trends, Risks, and School-Based Interventions
Ernest Watts, BS, QMHP, Region 8 Tobacco Lead, Tobacco Branch, Robeson County Health Department
Vaping continues to impact student health, behavior, and school environments. This session will provide school nurses with current information regarding vaping trends, health effects, nicotine addiction, and strategies for prevention and intervention. Participants will explore ways to educate students, collaborate with school teams, and connect students with appropriate resources.
1:45 p.m. Break / Exhibitors
2 p.m. Suicide Prevention: Recognition & Action—A Practical Toolkit for School Nurses
Deborah (Deby) Tyndall, PhD, RN, CNE
School nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize students who may be struggling and connect them with support. This engaging session will explore practical strategies for suicide risk recognition, screening, response, referral, and prevention, including a school nurse suicide risk screening intervention currently being pilot tested in four school districts. Participants will learn about incorporating suicide risk screening into school nursing practice and gain practical strategies for engaging district and nursing leadership, building support for prevention initiatives, and strengthening suicide prevention efforts within their own schools and districts.
3:30 p.m. Adjourn
Day 2 - Friday, January 15, 2027
8:30 a.m. Registration / Full Breakfast
9 a.m. School Nurse Rapid Response: Real-Life Emergencies in Real Time
Justin Schwartz, MBA, BS, NREMT, CCHW
When a medical emergency happens at school, every second counts. This highly interactive session uses virtual simulation, gamification, and realistic case scenarios to put participants in the middle of common school-based emergencies and challenge them to make real-time clinical decisions. Participants will work through scenarios involving head injuries, anaphylaxis, seizures, asthma exacerbations, diabetic emergencies, and other time-sensitive events, followed by debriefing and discussion of best practices based on current evidence and national recommendations.
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Vision Screenings: Best Practices, Updates, and Referral Guidelines
Lynn Patterson, BS
Vision screening is an important component of school health services, but identifying concerns is only the first step. This session will review common vision concerns, red flags requiring referral, and strategies to improve follow-up care. Participants will explore how school nurses can address barriers to care, including social determinants of health, to help students access needed services.
11:30 a.m. Lunch (provided)
12:15 p.m. Meeting Students Where They Are: Addressing Homelessness, Food Insecurity, and Other Social Determinants of Health
Tambra D. Chamberlain, BSW, LSW; Kim Childers, BSN, RN; Jessica Biel, BS, M.Ed.
Social determinants of health significantly influence student wellness, attendance, academic success, and access to healthcare. School nurses are often among the first professionals to recognize when a student's basic needs are not being met. This session will explore the impact of homelessness, food insecurity, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on student health, while highlighting trauma-informed approaches, practical referral strategies, and community resources that support students and their families.
1 p.m. Break
1:10 p.m. AI Use in School Nursing: Practical Applications and Professional Considerations
Katherine Peppers, DNP, CPNP-PC, CPMHS
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly becoming part of healthcare and education environments. This session will explore how school nurses can thoughtfully incorporate AI into daily practice while maintaining student privacy, professional standards, and ethical responsibilities. Participants will examine practical applications of AI to support school nursing workflows, including AI-assisted documentation, student health communications, organization of health information, and policy development. The session will also address important considerations related to HIPAA, FERPA, professional accountability, accuracy, and potential bias when using AI tools. Participants will gain strategies for evaluating AI-generated content and using emerging technologies responsibly to enhance—not replace—clinical judgment and nursing practice.
2:10 p.m. Your Voice Matters: Celebrating the Impact of School Nurses and Leading Change for Student Health
Gale Adcock, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, US Senator
As we celebrate the 25th Annual School Nurse Conference, this closing keynote will recognize the dedication, resilience, and lasting impact of school nurses across North Carolina. School nurses play an essential role in promoting student health, supporting academic success, and serving as trusted leaders within their schools and communities. As the healthcare needs of students continue to evolve, so does the opportunity for school nurses to lead, advocate, and influence positive change.
3:10 p.m. Adjourn
Meet Our Speakers
Stacey Thompson, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Stacey Thompson is a Practice Consultant with the North Carolina Board of Nursing and has over 26 years of nursing experience. She worked as a med-surg nurse for 11 years before moving into nurse leadership. Stacey achieved her BSN from Barton College and an MSN in Nurse Administration from Kaplan University. She currently holds a Just Culture Certification and has held the certifications of Nurse Executive (NE-BC) and Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse (CMSRN) in the past. In her current role, Stacey provides regulatory guidance to nursing students, licensed nurses, employers and to the public. Her passion and philosophy are built on sharing knowledge and seizing opportunities for growth that will positively impact the nursing profession thereby promoting public safety
Isabelle Soares Smith, MD
Isabelle Soares Smith is a psychiatry physician currently completing training in both general and child and adolescent psychiatry at Cape Fear Valley Health, where she is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow. She is actively involved in efforts to improve mental health education and has developing interests in ADHD and behavioral concerns in children and adolescents. Through her training, she hopes to continue expanding her work in these areas while exploring her broader interests within child and adolescent mental health.
Ernest Watts, BS, QMHP
Ernest Watts is a public health educator and tobacco prevention specialist serving as the Region 8 Tobacco Lead for the North Carolina Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch. With more than 40 years of experience in higher education, behavioral health, community engagement, and public health, Ernest has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes and strengthening communities across North Carolina.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Ernest has served in roles including Human Services faculty member at Richmond Community College, Qualified Mental Health Professional with Southeastern LME, and project manager with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work. In his current role, Ernest partners with healthcare organizations, schools, universities, military installations, municipalities, businesses, and community organizations throughout southeastern North Carolina to advance tobacco prevention, cessation, and tobacco-free policies. A respected educator and presenter, he provides training on evidence-based tobacco control strategies and reducing tobacco-related health disparities. Ernest also serves on the Advisory Board for the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Deborah (Deby) Tyndall, PhD, RN, CNE
Deborah Tyndall is Professor in the School of Nursing. Her research advances mental health equity for youth by integrating school nurses into school-based suicide prevention programs. She specializes in community-engaged research methodologies and has spent more than a decade building sustainable partnerships with K-12 public schools in underserved, rural communities. Dr. Tyndall is an active member of the International Academy of Suicide Research and the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement. She has received grant funding from the Engaged Scholarship Consortium (ESC), the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to support her program of research.
Justin Schwartz, MBA, BS, NREMT, CCHW
Justin Schwartz is the Administrator of Allied Health Continuing Professional Development and Training Center Coordinator for American Heart Association programs at Southern Regional AHEC, where he leads the assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of continuing professional development and community health initiatives. He has 20 years of experience as an Army Medic, Emergency Medical Technician, and certified instructor specializing in emergency medicine in rural environments, optimal heuristics, and innovative learning methods. Justin is a published author of multiple works that standardize medical operations and organize resources to maximize decision making under pressure. His passion for education and experiences abroad have led him to develop innovative delivery methods to educate learners, including escape rooms, full immersion simulations, and serious games.
Lynn Smith Patterson, BS
Lynn Smith Patterson, has been with Prevent Blindness North Carolina since 2006, beginning as a trainer and now serving as a Certification Program Coordinator. Before joining Prevent Blindness, Lynn taught middle school in South Carolina, bringing more than 20 years of experience in vision screening, education, training, and community outreach. Lynn holds a degree in Elementary Education from Lander University and a professional certification in Middle School Mathematics from the University of South Carolina Upstate. Her experience as an educator and vision professional has strengthened her passion for helping children succeed and deepened her understanding of the connection between vision, learning, development, and well-being. A familiar face to school nurses across North Carolina, Lynn enjoys building relationships and supporting nurses in making vision screening practical and effective. She is dedicated to strengthening screening programs and equipping nurses to identify vision problems early, make appropriate referrals, and emphasize the importance of follow-up care. Her commitment to this work is also personal, as her youngest grandson has strabismus. When she isn’t working to improve children’s vision, Lynn can occasionally be found as an extra on television productions filmed in the Wilmington area.
Tambra D. Chamberlain, BSW, LSW
Tambra D. Chamberlain has worked extensively in the human service field for over 4o years. An alumna of North Carolina State University, Mrs. Chamberlain has a B.A. in Social Work and has a Professional Educator's license with NCDPI. Tambra has worked for Moore County Schools as a licensed school social worker for the past 23 years. For the past 6 years, Tambra has served as the District Liaison for McKinney-Vento and the ESSA Foster Care Point of Contact for Moore County Schools. Tambra also spearheaded and co-founded two transitional homes for youth named TambraPlace in her honor. She has two grown children and is actively looking forward to retiring so she can travel and spend time with her grandchild.
Kimberly Childers, BSN, RN
Kimberly Childers has been a nurse for 27 years and has served with Richmond County Schools for the past 14 years. She currently serves as the McKinney-Vento Liaison, ESSA Foster Care Point of Contact, and Lead Nurse for Richmond County Schools, where she is passionate about supporting students and families and helping them navigate life’s transitions. Kimberly is blessed to be married to her wonderful husband, Mike. Together, they have two amazing sons and two beautiful daughters-in-law. She is a proud Mimi to her precious grandson, with two more grandchildren on the way! As a pastor’s wife and a nurse serving in the school system, Kimberly considers it a blessing to serve the Lord and help others whenever she can. Her faith, family, and the people God has placed in her life are among her greatest blessings.
Jessica Biel, BS, M.Ed.
Jessica Biel brings more than 15 years of experience in corporate America and a unique perspective shaped by her work with diverse and underserved student populations. After transitioning to public education, she worked with English language learners, migrant students, and students experiencing homelessness through the McKinney-Vento program. Her passion for this work led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, with research focused on the societal readiness needs of unaccompanied homeless adolescent males. Jessica currently serves as the McKinney-Vento Coordinator and Foster Care Point of Contact for Pender County Schools, where she works to identify and address barriers that can affect students’ health, well-being, and educational success. Her work focuses on understanding the systems and social factors that shape students’ experiences and connecting families with the resources and support they need to thrive.
Katherine Peppers, DNP, CPNP-PC, CPMHS
Katherine Peppers is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) and Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) with over 26 years of clinical expertise. A leader in pediatric behavioral and developmental health, she previously owned and operated a successful nurse practitioner private practice in Raleigh and Wendell, North Carolina. Dr. Peppers earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Duke University and serves as both Faculty Chair and Professor in the graduate nursing program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. She is passionate about evidence-based, holistic care, and delighted to be resuming practice at the UNC Behavioral and Developmental Clinic in Raleigh, NC.
Gale Adcock, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
Gale Adcock is a family nurse practitioner serving her second term in the North Carolina Senate after eight years in the North Carolina House of Representatives. She is the first advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) elected to the North Carolina General Assembly and the first nurse to serve in the North Carolina Senate. Prior to her legislative service, Senator Adcock spent more than 25 years as Chief Health Officer for SAS, leading one of the nation's largest employer-based primary care practices. She has also served as President of the NCNA, Chair of the NC Center for Nursing, and a member of the NC Board of Nursing. A passionate advocate for patients, families, and the nursing profession, Senator Adcock is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to improving access to care, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and advancing policies that support healthier communities. She believes the advocacy skills nurses use every day are the foundation for meaningful leadership and lasting change.
Learning Outcome
At the conclusion of this conference, participants will have increased knowledge in current legal, regulatory, clinical, behavioral health, and emerging practice considerations relevant to the role of the school nurse.
Credit
Contact Hours: 9.75
Nursing Contact Hours: 9.75 Nursing Contact Hours will be awarded to participants who attend 90% of this educational activity.
Southern Regional Area Health Education Center is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Hotel Options
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fayetteville
4028 Legend Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (approx. 5.3 miles from venue)
Candlewood Suites Fayetteville Fort Bragg
4108 Legend Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (approx. 5.4 miles from venue)
Tru by Hilton Fayetteville Fort Bragg
507 N McPherson Church Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (approx. 5.5 miles from venue)
Embassy Suites by Hilton Fayetteville Fort Bragg
4760 Lake Valley Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (approx. 6.2 miles from venue)
Substitutes/Refunds/Transfers
• Cancellations must be in writing (email or mail).
• Registrants cancelling between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
• No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
• No refunds or credit will be given for no-shows.
• No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
• Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
Attendance at this activity grants permission for Southern Regional AHEC to use any photographs, audio, video, or other images from this activity for promotional or educational purposes. Please notify an AHEC staff member if you have concerns.
ADA Services
Americans with Disabilities Act Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA coordinator at least five days prior to the event at (910) 678-7240 or christi.boahn@sr-ahec.org.
Contact Us
Christi Boahn, Project Specialist | (910) 678-7240 | christi.boahn@sr-ahec.org
Tonja Teter, BSN, RN, Director of CPD for Nursing & RN Refresher Coordinator | (910) 678-7246 | tonja.teter@sr-ahec.org