Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Sunday July 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
This session is designed for FCCLA advisers who want to strengthen student leadership, chapter impact, and program sustainability through Kansas FCCLA. Participants will receive a comprehensive Kansas FCCLA state update, including current initiatives, program highlights, and upcoming opportunities for students and advisers. Beyond updates, this session will focus on intentional program support, showcasing how FCCLA aligns with Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum, leadership development, and schoolwide goals. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for supporting FCCLA at the local level, increasing student engagement, and fostering strong partnerships between advisers and administrators.
Shandi serves as the Kansas FCCLA State Adviser, where working alongside Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and FCCLA members is the highlight of her role. She is passionate about supporting leadership development and meaningful learning experiences for students across the... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 22111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Monday July 20, 2026 11:40am - 1:00pm CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Learn our planning process, course sequencing, and resources used to support pathway implementation. This session shares how our district developed and implemented a Mental and Behavioral Health Strand. Presenters will discuss how partnerships were formed with the community, provide grab-n-go resources used in courses, and share our problem solving process for potential issues. Attendees will explore classroom-tested activities, instructional resources, and engagement strategies designed to increase relevance, student participation, and career readiness, with tools they can adapt for their own Human Services pathways.
Cathy Mong is a CTE teaching specialist in Wichita Public Schools, USD259. She serves the FCCS, Early Childhood, Restaurant and Event Management, Teaching/Training, Health and Biotechnology
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Wichita Public Schools
Aubry Weigel is the Family Community Consumer Services Pathway Leader in Wichita Public Schools. She is also the FCS department chair at Wichita Northwest and is an Early Childhood Teacher
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 22111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
All FCS Members: Plan to attend the KATFACS Business Meeting to engage with key leaders and gain insights into the strategic direction of our organization. This session will cover important updates, discuss ongoing initiatives, and outline future plans to enhance our impact in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. Board members and attendees will have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and collaborate on shaping the vision for KATFACS. Your participation is vital as we work together to advance our mission and support our professional community. FCS Teachers should plan to attend even if you're not a member!
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Personal finance is evolving faster than most curriculum can keep up. From sports betting and fast fashion to Buy Now Pay Later services and influencer investing, students are making complex financial decisions in real time. This interactive session gives CTE educators practical, classroom ready strategies to address emerging trends while reinforcing core concepts such as risk, credit, incentives, and consumer protection.
Midwest Partnerships Manager, Next Gen Personal Finance
Ryan supports teachers, districts, and states in delivering engaging, high-impact personal finance instruction. A former business and marketing teacher, he brings firsthand classroom experience to his work with CTE leaders and educators. He focuses on practical implementation by helping... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
With digitization reshaping the way we bank, pay, and earn, it's crucial to deepen students’ understanding so they can navigate our evolving financial landscape. This session will explore a new online course that delves into the innovative world of finance and technology through a student lens.
The lessons cover digital banking and payments, how to manage one’s digital financial footprint, social trends that intersect with finance, risks associated with digital banking and payments, digital currencies, avoiding financial frauds and scams, and more. The three stand-alone modules offer student-centered activities, built-in assessments, and a comprehensive teacher’s guide, and can also be integrated into existing learning management systems for students to complete independently. Join this session to discover how this new curriculum can help teens take control of their financial future and empower them to make more informed choices in our digital world.
Director of Education, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Gigi Wolf Neil is Director of Education for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where she coordinates the strategic direction of education outreach throughout Kansas, western Missouri, and the region. She has extensive experience developing curricula related to economics, entrepreneurship... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
NOTE: This session will start at 2:30 to allow attendees time to walk/drive to the GEB building.
Join the Department Chairs from both Fashion Merchandising & Design and Interior Design for an inside look at the dynamic programs shaping the next generation. We will explore academic pathways, student activities, and transfer options that can prepare your students for a thriving career. This seminar will wrap up with a guided tour of our studio spaces and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Historic Fashion Collection, a campus treasure you won’t want to miss.
Department Chair - Fashion Design and Merchandising, Johnson County Community College
Joy Rhodes is the current Department Chair of the Fashion Merchandising and Design department at Johnson County Community College. In addition to her Chair role, Joy has been teaching in the Fashion department for over 20 years. Joy has over 15 years of previous apparel industry... Read More →
Associate Professor/Department Chair, Johnson County Community College
Dr. Heather Carlile Carter is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Interior Design at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Architectural Studies from the University of Missouri and... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:50pm CDT GEB 353-A12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Join us for the KATFACS Social, an off-site networking event designed to foster connections and collaboration among professionals in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. This informal gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere to meet fellow attendees, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to unwind, connect, and expand your professional network.
Please RSVP to Janet Holden 620-249-3311
Location: Nick & Jake's 6830 W 135th St. Overland Park, KS 66223
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Monday July 20, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT Nick & Jake's6830 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Kansas FCS teachers are invited to explore the newly revised Nutrition & Dietetics course (formerly Nutrition & Wellness, 19253). This session will provide an overview of the updated curriculum developed through the Kansas Center for Career & Technical Education (KCCTE), highlighting increased rigor, stronger alignment to healthcare pathways, and enhanced career readiness opportunities. Participants will view student samples, classroom-ready activities, and practical implementation strategies designed to support science integration and real-world application in diverse teaching settings.
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Looking for practical classroom resources that save planning time without sacrificing quality? This session introduces educators to ready-to-use CTE lesson plans and classroom resources available through izzit.org. Designed around sound instructional practices, these materials help reduce planning time while supporting student engagement. An educator with 20 years of experience using the resources will demonstrate how to access them at no cost, including 45-minute lessons, daily current events articles with discussion questions, and classroom activities, and will share practical strategies for integrating them into existing courses to enhance instruction and streamline preparation.
District Coordinator - Career & Technical Education, Blue Valley Schools
Mark started his career in business after graduating with a degree from Western Michigan University. He spent the next 20 years working in the corporate world and also receiving his MBA from Kansas University. He also started an income tax preparation company with his brother that... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT RC 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Kansas schools have a unique opportunity to connect agriculture and consumer education by incorporating locally grown ingredients into school meal programs. This session explores how grain sorghum, one of Kansas’ most resilient and versatile crops, can serve as a nutritious, Kansas-raised ingredient in school cafeterias while supporting agricultural literacy and local supply chains.
Participants will learn about sorghum’s nutritional benefits and why this Kansas-grown grain is a strong fit for school meal programs. The session will highlight the many forms sorghum can take—from whole grain, milled into flour, or even popped—and examples of outreach initiatives that show how schools can introduce sorghum to students through food service, classroom learning, and partnerships across the local food system.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas for incorporating a value-added grain into school meals, strategies for connecting students to Kansas agriculture, and resources to support farm-to-school efforts in their own communities.
Senior Director of Communications, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission
Maddy Meier is the Senior Director of Communications for Kansas Sorghum, where she leads storytelling and engagement efforts that elevate the voice of Kansas sorghum producers and promote market development for the crop. From working alongside her family’s row crop and cattle operation... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT RC 14511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Please join me to find out more about Pathway Changes for 26/27 School year, upcoming professional development opportunities, and upcoming cluster and pathway reviews.
Family and Consumer Science Program Consultant, KSDE
Family and Consumer Science Program Consultant at Kansas State Education Department. I was a Facs instructor for 20 years prior to my role at KSDE. My experience includes a small rural school, a large city school and suburban districts. I live in Topeka with my husband and my... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT RC 23411190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Literacy is already happening in your CTE classroom—this session helps you make it intentional and impactful. Explore how key ELA standards naturally align with CTE tasks and learn simple, high-leverage strategies to support students in reading technical texts, writing with purpose, and communicating their thinking. Through real examples and quick application, you’ll walk away with practical tools and a ready-to-use plan you can implement tomorrow—no extra prep required.
ELA Program Manager, Kansas State Department of Education
Mary Lonker has spent 30 years in English Language Arts education, teaching both middle and high school students. She taught 8th grade English as well as over 20 years of high school English, including a decade in AP Language and Composition, and is certified to teach AP Seminar... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
NOTE: This session will be held in GEB. Join the Fashion Merchandising and Design faculty from Johnson County Community College for a hands-on workshop and learn creative ways to apply the Principles and Elements of Design in fashion assortment planning and product development. We will explore classroom project ideas in a creative learning environment using easy to find tools and materials. Learn more about the academic pathways at JCCC and how you can prepare your students for a successful career in the fashion industry.
Department Chair - Fashion Design and Merchandising, Johnson County Community College
Joy Rhodes is the current Department Chair of the Fashion Merchandising and Design department at Johnson County Community College. In addition to her Chair role, Joy has been teaching in the Fashion department for over 20 years. Joy has over 15 years of previous apparel industry... Read More →
Associate Professor - Fashion Merchandising and Design, Johnson County Community College
Audrey Michaelis is a Professor in the Fashion Merchandising and Design department at Johnson County Community College with over 15 years of experience as a fashion educator. Audrey is a passionate educator with a “real-world” approach to learning and brings industry knowledge... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT GEB 353-A12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Advisory boards are required for most CTE programs—but too often they function as compliance checkboxes rather than strategic workforce partners. This session will explore how secondary and postsecondary CTE leaders can transform advisory boards from routine meetings into meaningful collaborations that drive program innovation, strengthen workforce alignment, and create direct student opportunities.
Drawing from practical experience in rural community college CTE leadership and high school level CTE programs, participants will learn how to recruit the right members, structure high-impact meetings, leverage labor market data, and turn advisory conversations into actionable outcomes. The session will provide ready-to-use strategies, templates, and implementation ideas that can be adapted to both high school and community college programs.
If your advisory board feels stagnant—or if you're ready to elevate it to the next level—this session will provide practical, replicable tools to make it happen.
Agriculture Division Chair, Perkins Co-Coordinator, Faculty, Fort Scott Community College
Sara Sutton is the Agriculture Department Chair, Perkins Co-Coordinator, and faculty member at Fort Scott Community College. A proud graduate of Fort Scott Community College, she also earned her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT RC 15711190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Industry-recognized credentials are becoming increasingly important in Career and Technical Education programs as schools work to better prepare students for employment after graduation. This session will explore the value of the OSHA 10-Hour safety credential as a foundational certification for students entering a wide range of career pathways.
Participants will learn how OSHA 10 helps students develop a strong understanding of workplace safety while also reinforcing professional habits that employers expect. The session will highlight how safety training supports workforce readiness, increases student confidence, and provides students with a credential that is recognized across multiple industries including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas for implementing OSHA 10 within their programs and strategies for connecting safety training to broader workforce preparation goals.
Justin Williamson is a Sales Executive with CareerSafe, where he works with school districts, technical colleges, and workforce development programs across the country to expand access to OSHA safety training and workforce readiness credentials. With 17 years of experience in ed... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT RC 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Take a nostalgic look back into your childhood toy box to revisit the valuable leadership and life lessons. How do Lego bricks teach students about building their leadership skills through making connections? How can Slinky Dog demonstrate the value of patience? How does Lite Brite light your leadership message?
Leadership strategy from the Little Green Army Men and many more playful and insightful lessons. Whether you still feel young at heart or your childhood seems to be a distant memory, Toy Box Leadership will bring you back to the place where all important life lessons began to reinvigorate your ability to influence and lead others in the playground of life.
Engaging lessons for your students in the Leadership Service in Action course.
Cathy and Michael Caylor have been married for 30 years. They live in the small rural town of Buffalo. She has three children, Michael, Jon, Ashley and son in law Dylan. Michael and Cathy have two grandchildren - Madelyn, 4, and Crew, 2 years old. Cathy has had a very active life... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
