1/18/24

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – In its commitment to supporting the mental well-being of students from pre-kindergarten through college, the FHSU College of Education will present the Olliff Family Educational Symposium Thursday, Feb. 15. This virtual event will be from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Jessica Sinarski, a highly sought-after therapist, speaker, and change-maker. Titled “The Hopeful Side of Neuroscience,” the presentation aims to shed light on the concept of “trauma-informed” education. A panel of professionals in the field will follow her presentation, discussing their current work.

Sinarski, LPCMH, brings more than 15 years of experience as a clinician and educator. She is the founder of BraveBrains, a resource and training platform that collaborates with school districts and child welfare agencies worldwide to unlock resilience in children and adults. Sinarski specializes in making social emotional learning (SEL) practical, providing trauma-informed tools for parents and professionals.

The virtual event is free of charge and is open for registration, and interested individuals can secure their spots by visiting https://www.fhsu.edu/olliff-family-educational-symposium/schedule-workshops/

About the Olliff Family Educational Symposium: The symposium began in 2017 and was later named after the Olliff Family in honor of the late Darel Olliff and his wife, Shirley. As a third-generation funeral director in Phillipsburg, Darel developed a passion for mental health. His son, Dr. Kenton Olliff – a long-time employee of FHSU – had worked with his dad for several years before going into teaching.

To ensure the symposium would be offered every year, Kenton committed in 2019 to financially support this important event along with his mother; his wife, Carol Solko-Olliff; and the Olliff family. Kenton, a licensed clinical professional and addiction counselor, is an associate professor of Advanced Education Programs at FHSU, where Carol is the director of International Student Services.