Claritycon2026: Full Schedule

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10:10am CDT

Adolescent Substance Use: Addiction & The Juvenile Justice System - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

Objectives:

Discuss emerging drug trends in the community
Identify techniques to engage adolescents
Analyze the effectiveness in addressing the needs of the community

Statement of need:
In the Juvenile Justice system we address the individual and family needs and not just the substance use.

Abstract
There are many reasons that may contribute to an adolescent using drugs so we look at the full picture of the child, their family, trauma, mental health, criminal history, and many other factors before making a recommendation to the court. There are many resources available within the community and within the juvenile justice system that we can use to aid in recovery. We will explore substances used by adolescents, how substance use affects the life of the child and those around them, resources, and treatments available to those within the community and those involved in the Juvenile Justice system.

Speakers

Gilbert Hernandez, LCDC

Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department

Gilbert Hernandez is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 25 years of experience helping adolescents navigate the challenges of substance use and recovery. He provides compassion, support, and guidance to adolescents suffering substance use. Gilbert is currently serving... Read More →

Tanya Jopling, MA

Supervisor, Behavioral Health Services, Bexar County Juvenile Probation

Tanya Jopling has a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology from UTSA, after working several years in her career she returned to UTSA for a Master’s in Counseling. Tanya has 29 years of experience working at Bexar County Juvenile Probation. She has worked in detention, the court unit... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
302 A

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

The Healing Power of Play: Using Play to Foster Connection, Regulation, and Growth - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

302 A

Objectives:

Describe how play naturally supports healing and connection.
Explain how play engages the brain and body to promote regulation, integration, and growth.
Apply play-based strategies to foster trust, co-regulation, and resilience in children and families.

Statement of Need:
Children and families benefit from play as a tool to build connection, regulate emotions, and foster resilience, making this session essential for caregivers and clinicians seeking practical strategies.

Abstract:
In this interactive session, participants will explore how play can be used as a powerful tool to strengthen connection and support emotional and physical regulation in children and families. Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or community member, play offers meaningful ways to build trust, co-regulate, and foster resilience — especially for children navigating emotional or behavioral challenges. Drawing from attachment theory, neuroscience, and play therapy, this session will offer developmentally informed strategies that can be applied in both therapeutic and everyday settings.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, BC-TMH

Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, St. Mary's University

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, Ph.D., is an LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S™, and a Board Certified- TeleMental Health Counselor. Priscilla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at St. Mary's University and serves as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC... Read More →

Anahi Esquivel, MA, LPC-A, NCC

CES Doctoral Graduate Student, St. Mary's University

Anahi Esquivel, MA, LPC-Associate, NCC, is a Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision at St. Mary’s University. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Baylor University. Her clinical and research interests include grief and loss, play the... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
302 A

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Navigating Psychoeducational Evaluations: Advancing Achievement Among Diverse Learners - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

302 A

CBMT Approved

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of psychoeducational evaluations in educational settings & identify disabilities as defined by The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
List sections of psychoeducational evaluation reports & summarize and identify assessments used in each section
Understand how psychoeducational reports are used to inform student’s learning

Statement of Need:
To effectively support students with learning disabilities, professionals must be able to translate psychoeducational evaluations into practical and implementable plans. Understanding the nuances of these reports allows stakeholders to leverage data-driven strategies, ensuring that every educational plan is optimized for student success and achievement.

Abstract:
Psychoeducational evaluations are a foundational component of supporting students with diverse learning, cognitive, and emotional-behavioral needs in educational settings. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the psychoeducational evaluation process, including its purpose, structure, and the critical role it plays in educational decision-making. Attendees will learn the purpose of psychoeducational evaluations and understand IDEA disability criteria. Key report sections are explored in depth and inform commonly used assessment tools. By navigating each step of the psychoeducational evaluation process, mental health professionals will gain practical strategies for integrating assessment findings into holistic student support and educational planning, ultimately enhancing outcomes for diverse learners.

Speakers

Almendra Reyes, MS

School Psychologist, The Winston School of SA

Almendra Reyes is a dedicated and experienced Licensed Specialist in School Psychology with a strong commitment to fostering student academic success through collaborative efforts. She holds a Master of Science in School Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Almendra has served as an LSSP across several districts in San Antonio, including Edgewood ISD, Southwest ISD, and San Antonio ISD. In these roles, she provided vital support to multiple schools by conducting comprehensive evaluations, participating in ARD meetings, and working closely... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
302 A

Breakout session