2025 NJAHPERD Annual Convention
Program Sessions – Monday, February 24, 2025
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BREAKFAST: 7:00AM-8:00AM – TERRACE VIEW
OPENING GENERAL SESSION: 8:00AM-9:45AM
Salon D and E - All
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS KC WOLFF
EXHIBITS: 9:45AM-4:00PM (9:45 AM-10:15 AM - Dedicated Exhibitor Time)
Salon Foyer - All
SESSION 1: 10:15AM-11:00AM
- Salon ABC – PE/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: SPARK Your Students’ Activity Levels Through Disguised Fitness Activities!
Description: Don’t miss this active, fun-filled session! Need more activities and strategies to keep your students moving? Want your students to leave your class sweating, not even realizing how much they were moving? Leave with modified games and activities to ensure high MVPA and learning plus a chance to win Gopher equipment!
Presenter: Erin Anderson, Gopher
- Salon D – PE/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: Get FAST and FURIOUS with Omnikin!
Description: Join in this fast-paced, action-packed 60 minutes of FUN that will leave your students begging for more! With everything from intense fitness games to hilarious partner tag activities to the ultimate cooperative team sport of Kin-Ball, this session will have it all! These activities and products will solidify the gym as the place to be in your school. Come join Team Omnikin today and blow your students away!
Presenter: Alex O'Brien, Omnikin
- Salon E – PE/Secondary and Future Professionals
Title: Adventures in PE
Description: Welcome to "Adventures in PE," a dynamic and engaging workshop designed to invigorate the traditional physical education experience through a blend of team building, collaboration, challenge, and fun. This session aims to equip educators with innovative strategies and activities that promote physical fitness while fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Presenter: Ray Ostrowski
- Salon FGH – All Disciplines/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: Snack Time Explorers: Feeding Curiosity & Growing Confidence
Description: Are you prepared to enhance your students' understanding and ownership of their health? We invite you to participate in a session that examines the benefits of the Snack Time Explorers Program and its contribution to the USDA's Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) by expanding the scope of food education. Learn how our Food Education Standards can increase student interest in fresh produce, foster a healthy mindset, and engage the community. We will offer a comprehensive overview of the program, strategies for implementing the food education standards, and a holistic perspective on food advocacy.
Presenters: Chella Bluth-Rosenberg, Megan Gottleib, Pilot Light
- Cumberland – PE/Secondary
Title: Tracking Effort Using Heart Rate and RPE
Description: More data is needed to reflect student effort during physical education. Monitoring RPE, HR, and performance during activities should be standard as it provides several benefits. Incorporating RPE and HR monitoring into secondary physical education programs can promote a safer, more personalized, and effective learning experience that prepares students for a lifetime of health and fitness.
Presenter: Kevin Wagner
- Mercer – All Disciplines/All levels and Future Professionals
Title: Using a Trafficking Survivor’s Lens to Address Human Trafficking Learning Standards
Description: Participants will receive Human Trafficking 101 training designed specifically for teachers, followed by a presentation given by a human trafficking survivor. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards state that human trafficking education should be implemented in middle school through high school. This presentation is pertinent to educators who teach these grades; Teachers will be empowered with online/in-person safety information to convey to their students, as well as activities that they can implement in their classrooms.
Presenters: Patti Pfeifer, Gina Cavallo, Fern Wolkin, NJK Coalition Against Human Trafficking
- Middlesex – HPE/Secondary
Title: Driver Education Activities
Description: This session will provide you with interactive activities to bring back to your classroom. As well as ideas for routines and procedures for your class!
Presenter: Ashley Palombi
- Fountain View – PE/All Levels
Title: Empowering Physical Education Beyond Your Gymnasium
Description: Physical Education is not just about sports, movement, and exercise within the confines of a school gymnasium or field; it's about instilling a lifelong appreciation for physical activity and overall health and well-being. In this workshop, attendees will unlock the full potential of the PE curriculum by learning practical strategies to extend its impact far beyond the classroom walls. Attendees will learn the exact steps to follow to bring PE home for their students achieving our ultimate goal of fostering physically literate individuals and lifelong exercisers. Attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to easily implement and bring PE home to their students.
Presenter: Christina Collins, NeverStopMoving365
- Somerset – Future Professionals
Title: Building the Future: Essential Skills for Health and Physical Education Professionals in Urban Schools
Description: This interactive workshop is tailored for aspiring health and physical education professionals preparing to teach in urban school environments. Participants will explore the essential skills and strategies needed to thrive in diverse, high-need communities while promoting health and wellness. Topics include creating inclusive, culturally responsive lesson plans, engaging students in fitness and wellness activities, and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in urban settings. The session will also focus on integrating social-emotional learning, fostering positive student behavior, and utilizing technology to enhance HPE instruction. Through hands-on activities, case studies, and insights from experienced urban educators, participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to make a meaningful impact in urban schools and ensure that every student has access to quality health and physical education. Whether you're just starting your career or preparing for your first teaching position, this workshop will equip you with the skills to succeed as an HPE professional in an urban context.
Presenter: Valerie Craig Ndiaye
- Nassau – All are welcome
Title: NJAHPERD Dance Gala (10:15-11:15,)
Description: Join us for what is sure to be a fabulous dance gala with performances featuring guest dancers from across the state of New Jersey.
Presenter: Dawn Schultz, Danielle Kushner
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SESSION 2: 11:15AM-12:00PM
- Salon ABC – All Disciplines/All levels
Title: Quick Games for Fun & Fitness
Description: 25 instant activities, lead-ups & large group games to re-energize your program. Indoor or outside, maximize participation for all students K-12. Large group movement activities involving SEL. The high level of student engagement and sustainability provide many activities ideal for teachers to use on a daily basis.
Presenter: Joe Gooden, John Jones, Heart Zones
- Salon D – PE/All Levels/Future Professionals
Title: Crank Up the MVPA
Description: Join this interactive session focused on maximizing student engagement and participation! You’ll walk away with a treasured trove of practical tools, engaging resources, and a splash of inspiration from the incredible free resource known as OPEN. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, this session will ignite your passion for elevating the physical education experience for all students. These outcome-based activities will show you how to Crank Up the MVPA!
Presenter: Nick Kline, OPEN
- Salon E – PE/All Levels
Title: Games, Games, Games
Description: Our workshop places emphasis on engaging games tailored to accommodate medium to large classes, ensuring constant movement while upholding the element of Fun. Students will gain valuable experience in teamwork, both individual and collaborative strategies.
Presenter: Tim Taggart, TAGG TIME
- Salon FGH – PE/All Levels
Title: Lacrosse 101 - Learn to teach Lacrosse in PE Class the right way for K - 12th Grade.
Description: Learn the methods and skills needed to teach an innovative, fun, and engaging Lacrosse Class to all students K - 12!
Presenter: Rich Burton and Ryan Eichner
- Cumberland – PE/Secondary
Title: Beyond the Track: Planning for a Secondary PE BLOCK Lesson
Description: Many secondary physical education programs are converting to a 70-80 minute block schedule in PE. Teaching a standard-aligned, energetic and motivating lesson takes careful thought and planning. In this session, learn to break the block into several distinct instructional strategies to help students get the most out of the PE time.
Presenter: Judy LoBianco
- Mercer – PE/Elem and Future Professionals
Title: All Stars Moving Together: Tips for Building an Effective CSPAP Partnership
Description: Presenters will describe the design and outcomes of an 8-year CSPAP partnership between an elementary school and university HPETE program called All Stars Moving Together (ASMT). Benefits of ASMT will be shared from the perspective of stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, college coaches, and children. Presenters will provide recommendations to create and maintain a sustainable CSPAP partnership to increase physical activity and nutrition knowledge for children while providing applied teaching experience for future professionals.
Presenters: Staci Drewson, Shannon Clifford, Tamara Rial-Faigenbaum, Jamie Pigman, Alexis Silverio
- Middlesex – PE/Secondary
Title: Exploring Perceived Challenges of Teaching Secondary PE
Description: I conducted research that looked at how coordination and collaboration between physical education teachers and administration are key for providing highly effective instruction in PE. The aim of the study was to determine the perceived challenges of physical education teachers and school administrators and if these challenges influence their coordination and collaboration.
Presenter: Adam Pyle
- Fountain View – HE/Secondary
Title: A Few of My Favorite Things
Description: This interactive workshop focuses on sharing and exploring favorite skills-based lessons for MS/HS health education classrooms. This workshop is designed to empower educators with engaging activities covering a wide range of health-related topics, encouraging student participation and skill development. Participants will leave the session with all lesson materials to be used in their classroom.
Presenter: Jessica Wright
- Somerset – PE/All Levels
Title: Potential Impacts of Sun Exposure while Teaching PE
Description: The well-established link between heightened sun exposure and
skin cancer is widely acknowledged. Moreover, employing sun protective measures, such as sunscreen application and wearing long sleeved clothing, plays a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of sun exposure. The vitality and fitness of physical education instructors are paramount, given their profound influence on the health and wellness of students. Therefore, the objective of this session is to present the initial survey results concerning the adoption of diverse sun protection strategies.
Presenter: Jennifer El-Sherif, Shari Willis
- Nassau - Dance/Secondary
Title: High School Dance Master Class
Description: Jazz Masterclass for visiting high school and college students by Barabra Angeline. The instructor's teaching at Rutgters University includes Jazz Dance, African Diasporic Movement Practices, History of Broadway Dance–a course which she authored–Broadway Dance Technique, Dance Studies, and Dance Improvisation.
Presenters: Barabra Angeline
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LUNCH: 12:00PM-12:30PM – TERRACE VIEW
SESSION 3: 12:30PM-1:15PM
- Salon ABC – PE/PK/Elem
Title: Teaching through Creativity: Thinking Out of the PE Box
Description: This workshop offers PE educators a valuable opportunity to enhance their teaching methods and explore innovative ways to incorporate creativity into their movement-based classrooms. Through hands-on activities and group collaboration, participants will discover how to incorporate artistic concepts into their physical education curriculum.
Presenter: Pascal Rekoert
- Salon D – PE/All Levels
Title: No Tennis Courts, No Problem! Teach Tennis Anywhere!
Description: Join us to learn how to teach tennis in any indoor or outdoor space. Learn how to receive free resources from the USTA including equipment, curriculum and additional training for your school.
Presenter: Neil Thakur, USTA
- Salon E – PE /All Levels
Title: Hunnyball: A Fun and Engaging Way to Promote Teamwork in Physical Education
Description: Hunnyball is an engaging game designed to foster teamwork, athleticism, and fitness among students. Combining elements of traditional sports in a unique way, it emphasizes inclusivity and skill development for all participants. This versatile activity – focused on the core skill of catching and throwing - can be adapted for various age groups and skill levels, making it an ideal addition to any PE curriculum. Easy set up on grass, turf, or in the gym.
Presenter: Nick Halliday, Hunnyball
- Salon FGH – All Disciplines/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: Incorporate AAP/CDC water safety guidelines into swimming lessons FAST
Description: YES / Flotation Aided Swim Training utilizes USCG life jackets which provide confidence, endurance, and stroke mechanics fast for all skill levels. These levels include 18 months - 98 years old, veterans, wounded warriors, panic-stricken patrons, and those with disabilities. In addition, there is no force submersion, 100% safety features, and maximum use of instruction time. Don’t miss this opportunity regarding the FAST presentation approved by the New Jersey Department of Health and the Department of Education.
Presenters: Linda Bolger, Janis Atkinson, Fast Swim Program
- Cumberland – All Disciplines/All Levels
Title: Beyond Behavior: Understanding the Spectrum of Discipline in Education- A journey through Trauma-Informed Practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions, and Diverse Support Strategies:
Description: In this presentation, we explored the multifaceted approach to discipline in education, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond traditional behavior management strategies. We will cover the impact of trauma on students and how trauma-informed practices can create a safe and supportive learning environment, discuss Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), highlighting its effectiveness in promoting positive behavior through proactive strategies rather than punitive measures, and delve into diverse support strategies, recognizing that each student has unique needs.
Presenter: Thomas George
- Mercer – PE/Secondary
Title: Making Waves: Building a Comprehensive Swim Curriculum for Lifelong Skills and Safety
Description: Dive into the essentials of creating a comprehensive swim curriculum that fosters safety, skill development, and a love for water among students. In this engaging session, participants will explore best practices for curriculum design, emphasizing age-appropriate techniques, inclusivity, and safety protocols. We will discuss the importance of water literacy, the role of swimming in promoting overall health, and strategies for engaging students of all skill levels. Join us as we make waves in aquatic education!
Presenter: Chandler Hubert, Patrick Remboski
- Middlesex – HPE, REC./Secondary
Title: Driver's Education for Teen E-Bike Riders
Description: This is a "Street Savvy Cycling" classroom designed for teenagers riding e-bikes. The presentation will provide a condensed version of the training available to families with teen e-bike riders. The principles are the same as the Street Savvy Cycling training presented at this conference in the past yet crafted to be more appealing to the teen audience.
Presenter: Paul Mickiewicz
- Fountain View – All Disciplines and Future Professionals
Title: Warming Up Winter with Laughter & Humor
Description: Laughter existed before humans had language, or a sense of humor. Yet, the primitive brain prioritized it for social bonding and cooperation. Today, many consider laughter fun, but not mandatory. However, it is an important component of resilience, well-being, and team success. No matter what your profession, there will always be levels of stress. Learn about the history of laughter and learn why teams that laugh together succeed together.
Presenter: Noreen Braman
- Somerset – All Disciplines/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: Skill-based HPE & Behavioral & Social Competencies Connecting the 2020 NJSLS- CHPE "Practices"
Description: Aligning the 2020 NJSLS- CHPE content Practices in units and lessons to build and develop the skills necessary for healthy and physically literate K-12 students.
Presenter: Lennie Parham
- Nassau – Dance/High School and Future Professionals
Title: High School & College Students Roundtable Dance Discussion/Collaboration
Description: This session will provide an opportunity for high school and college students to engage in discussion and collaborate with one another on various aspects of dance.
Presenter: Dawn Schultz
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SESSION 4: 1:30PM-2:15PM
- Salon ABC – HPE/Elem. And Future Professionals
Title: Moving Minds: Integrating Physical Education and Movement in Early Childhood Education
Description: This presentation explores the powerful role of movement and physical education in early childhood education. Attendees will learn how incorporating purposeful physical activities supports the development of motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional growth in young learners. Through evidence-based strategies and engaging examples, we will highlight how movement fosters creativity, enhances focus, and builds a foundation for lifelong learning. Join us to discover practical approaches to integrate movement seamlessly into the early childhood curriculum and inspire active, curious, and confident learners.
Presenters: Jessica Sargent, Jolie Dynak
- Salon D – PE/Elem. and MS
Title: Introduction to Volleyball
Description: We all know how difficult it can be to teach Volleyball in PE. It’s a challenging game that leaves students and teachers frustrated. With years of experience as a PE teacher, volleyball coach and clinic director, I’m here to share what I’ve learned as the best ways to teach volleyball to students. This session will progress from initial skill development to various lead up games, and into full game play.
Presenter: Jack Casey
- Salon E – All Disciplines/All Levels
Title: How to Rewire Your Breathing to Elevate Wellness & Performance
Description: Humans take around 20,000 breaths every day but not all breaths are created equal. The way that you breathe impacts every cell in your body which influences your nervous system, emotions, sleep, and mental performance. While using breathwork techniques to mitigate stress are helpful, the bigger value comes from proactively training the body to properly breathe. Learning this skill and practicing it will help you feel calmer throughout your day and improve the quality of your work.
Presenter: Sean Pritchard, INHABIT
- Salon FGH – All Disciplines/All Levels/Future Professionals
Title: Shifting Towards a Health and Physical Literacy Model
Description: Coming from a roll the ball out or sport-based model, the job of a 'gym' teacher may seem easy to others. Everything from your students’ behaviors, others’ attitude about how you do your job, and the impact you have on your student can drastically change as you adopt a model rooted in health and physical literacy.
Presenter: Adam Pyle
- Cumberland – Future Professionals
Title: So, You Want to Be an Interscholastic Coach
Description: This session would be primarily for Future Professionals but would also benefit members who are looking to get into or get back into coaching.
Areas of discussion would include: Why coach? What is Education Based athletics and how is it different from AAU/Club/Rec athletics? What are the requirements to coach in New Jersey?
Presenter: David Suiter
- Mercer – PE/All Levels, HE/Elem. and MS
Title: The Daily Mile! A School Wide Collaborative Effort to Increase Movement Literacy and Hit SEL targets
Description: The Daily Mile is a free initiative which allows classroom teachers to augment movement literacy in a collaborative manner. A free and inclusive initiative, the Daily Mile also offers plenty of health-related opportunities to hit SEL targets throughout the course of the year. Come learn how to engage the whole school in important movement concepts.
Presenter: Mark Torrie
- Middlesex – HE/Secondary
Title: Drivers Education Assignments Made Fun and Easy
Description: This session will provide a variety of ideas for assignments and projects to help make your class fun and engaging.
Presenter: Brad Cohen
- Fountain View – HE/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: What the Folklore?!: Sex Ed Updates
Description: There has always been folklore about sex, but did you know that sometimes it becomes part of our education? This workshop will cover the overlap between sex ed and folklore, how to use folklore to grab students' attention, and put to bed any lingering whispers still found in sex ed classrooms.
Presenter: Tazmine Weisgerber, Answer
- Somerset –
Title: Interdisciplinary Physical Education
Description: Provide insight into the importance of collaborating with colleagues from other subjects to incorporate interdisciplinary lessons in Physical Education. This can range from sight words in elementary school to American history in High School to collaborating with your school's OT to work on a fine motor goal for specific students.
Presenters: Jillian Donatiello-Caldwell and Aimee Hirst
- Nassau – HE/All Levels
Title: Health is an ADVENTURE, so teach that way!
Description: Are you ready to develop School Connectedness, Relationship Skills, Communication, Problem Solving & Trust Building within your Health Classroom? Activities are designed around the concepts of connection, trust, creativity, and energy which give Health Educators adventurous ways to engage students in a positive way to help connect students with the potentially difficult subject matter. Additionally, this professional learning experience will address student empowerment, assessment and framing of lessons to ensure appropriate sequential order for building your Adventure.
Presenter: Mark Friedrich
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SESSION 5: 2:30PM-3:15PM
- Salon ABC – All Disciplines/All Levels and Future Professionals
Title: Engaging, Healthy Games and Activities Featuring Activity Sensors
Description: Discover creative ways to integrate heart rate and activity sensors into PE classes for engaging, educational fitness experiences. This session highlights how to use sensors to boost activity, teach heart rate zones, and connect fitness to academic goals. Explore games that foster self-assessment, teamwork, and goal setting while aligning with PE standards. Gain practical strategies to make technology an engaging, movement-based part of your curriculum, helping students embrace fitness and health through fun and interactive learning.
Presenters: Joe Gooden, John Jones, Heart Zones
- Salon D – PE/Elem.
Title: TAGG-ED Introducing Literacy and Math through Active play
Description: Discover the groundbreaking impact of TAGG-ED® in this interactive workshop! With over 20 years of evidence-based research, this concept has consistently shown remarkable results in student performance. By incorporating TAGG-ED ®twice a week, students experience significant improvements in literacy, math, and motor skill development, all without sacrificing physical activity.
Presenter: Tim Taggart, TAGG TIME
- Salon E – PE/Rec/All Levels
Title: “Red Bulls: Soccer in your Local Community”
Description: The New York Red Bulls offer a variety of local soccer programs for players of all ages and abilities. These programs include the Red Bulls Youth Program, the Regional Development School (RDS), and the Red Bulls Academy.
Presenter: Daniel Vitu and Brett Robison
- Salon FGH – PE/All Levels
Title: Exciting new games and activities that will engage your students AND we can provide authentic data to prove it
Description: This session will provide you with the opportunity to participate in many new fun and engaging activities that will motivate your students. Let's evaluate, for the good of physical education, on how and what we teach! AND let’s use authentic data to evaluate student and teacher success
Presenter: Rich Butterworth, Heart Tech Plus
- Mercer – HE/Secondary
Title: How to be a REBEL Health Educator
Description: A REBEL educator is someone who prioritizes students’ needs and finds innovative approaches to administer curriculum. REBEL educators are: Resourceful. They are Experienced. They use Best practice. They are Encouraging. They teach Life-skills. They are Student centered. Come learn how to create a positive learning experience for students, encourage critical thinking, and embrace creativity in and out of your classroom.
Presenter: Jessica Wright
- Middlesex – HE/Secondary
Title: AAA in Your School: Teen Safe Driving Programs
Description: Come learn about AAA programs that will help your DE students build a foundation for safe driving. Topics include the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving, distracted driving, common mistakes that teen drivers make (and how to avoid them), interacting with law enforcement, and general safe teen driving tips.
Presenter: Shani Jarvis, AAA
- Fountain View –
Title: Teaching Dance in Elementary PE is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Elementary school children love to move, and they have rhythm.
Join me and learn how to create simple dances for early elementary school PE that children will enjoy. During this session you will earn 4 basic steps that can be put together in any sequence. You will also learn how to choose music and the skills to put the skills together
Presenter: Jennifer El-Sherif, Shari Willis
- Somerset – PE/Elem.
Title: Traverse Climbing Wall Activities & Tips
Description: Looking for ideas and activities for a traverse climbing wall? Attendees will discover a variety of dynamic climbing wall activities that develop physical, social-emotional and cognitive skills at beginner, intermediate and advanced climbing levels. This comprehensive presentation also reviews best practices and safety/risk management protocols and provides valuable teaching tips. The session ends with a sharing and Q&A session.
Presenter: Mallory Laurerhunt,Everlast Climbing
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SESSION 6: 3:30PM-4:30PM
Nassau – All
Title: 2025 NJAHPERD College Bowl
Description: Come see and cheer on your favorite college/university team as they try and win the 2025 College Bowl Cup in a jeopardy style competition.
Presenters: Arvin Arjona, Ellen Benham