Laurel Life at the 2025 PSBA School Leadership Conference

Empowering School Leaders Through Trauma-Informed Practices

The 2025 Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) School Leadership Conference brought together hundreds of education leaders from across the state at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains. Each year, the PSBA Conference is one of Pennsylvania’s most anticipated gatherings for school administrators, board members, and educational professionals. It’s a time to connect, share ideas, and learn how to strengthen schools and communities across the Commonwealth.

For Laurel Life, this year’s event was a chance to meet face-to-face with school leaders and share how trauma-informed care can make a lasting impact in the classroom.

Sharing the Message Through ‘Trauma-Smart Schools’

One of the highlights of the week was Laurel Life’s breakout session titled “Trauma-Smart Schools.” The session was led by Paul Mancia, Vice President of School-Based Initiatives at Laurel Life, and Megan McGuire, Principal at Waynesboro Area School District. Together, they shared how trauma-smart approaches can completely reshape the way teachers and staff understand and support students.

Their talk focused on how schools can build learning environments where students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn. They explained that trauma-informed practices aren’t an add-on, but a foundation for helping students grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

Educators who attended the session walked away with practical ideas they could implement right away, simple ways to make classrooms calmer, more connected, and better equipped to meet students where they are.

Paul Mancia presenting at the 2025 PSBA School Leadership Conference

Connecting With School Leaders Across Pennsylvania

As an official PSBA Alliance Partner, Laurel Life was proud to host an engaging exhibit booth throughout the conference. The booth gave attendees a chance to talk with Laurel Life team members about school-based programs, transition classrooms, and mental and behavioral health services that help students and families overcome adversity.

Conversations often centered on how trauma-informed practices can transform not just classrooms, but entire school cultures. Many visitors shared their own experiences and asked how Laurel Life could partner with their districts to expand support for students who have faced challenges.

The team valued every interaction and left inspired by how many schools are ready to take the next step toward becoming trauma-smart.

Why the PSBA School Leadership Conference Matters

The PSBA School Leadership Conference continues to be one of the most impactful events for public education in Pennsylvania. It brings together the people who shape policy, guide classrooms, and set the tone for student success.

For Laurel Life, attending this conference goes beyond networking. It’s about reinforcing a shared mission, helping schools build trauma-informed environments where every child feels supported, valued, and capable of success.

Through partnerships with districts statewide, Laurel Life is helping make trauma-smart education a standard practice, ensuring that care and compassion are woven into every level of learning.

Looking Ahead

Laurel Life is grateful to everyone who attended the Trauma-Smart Schools session and visited our booth during the 2025 PSBA Conference. The conversations, insights, and collaborations that began at Kalahari Resorts are just the beginning.

We’re excited to continue working with schools and districts across Pennsylvania to strengthen trauma-informed practices, build resilience, and support every student’s journey toward success.

Click here to learn more about Laurel Life’s school-based programs and trauma-informed services