Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Denise Saldamando
Saldamando, Denise
Campus Counselor
West-MEC School District #402
Denise is a highly experienced school counselor with over 24 years of expertise in education and student development. She has spent the last 9 years at West-MEC, where she has honed her skills as a counselor. Prior to that, she spent 8 years as a school counselor at a comprehensive high school in the Tolleson High School District, further expanding her ability to support students' academic and personal growth. Denise's career also includes 8 years working in higher education at both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, where she gained valuable insight into the transition from high school to college life. Throughout her career, Denise has had numerous opportunities to create and implement programs that support student success. She is passionate about helping students grow, find their path, and achieve their goals. Her extensive experience in collaborating with others and designing new systems for student development underscores her dedication to fostering an environment where students can thrive.
Sessions:
5462: MTSS in Practice: Defining Roles and Strengthening Collaboration
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Administration
- School Counseling
Schools are implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) to ensure that every student receives the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support they need. However, even the most well-designed systems can fall short when educator and student support roles aren’t clearly defined or effectively aligned. This session will take a practical look at how schools can strengthen MTSS implementation through clarity and collaboration. Participants will explore strategies to define the unique roles of teachers, counselors, administration and other support professionals within each tier, evaluate current practices, and build systems that promote shared responsibility for student success. Participants will: ✔️ Clarify their specific role within an MTSS framework ✔️ Examine how supports are delivered across tiers ✔️ Strengthen communication and collaboration among team members ✔️ Take away tools to engage staff, families, and community partners in MTSS practices
5491: Building and Maintaining Campus Culture: A Community of Growth
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Administration
- School Counseling
Join us as we explore how a strong community culture can support the needs of every learner. Through meaningful partnerships with students, families, and community partners, West-MEC’s Community of Growth model provides comprehensive support at every level. In this session, attendees will learn how to design impactful events and touchpoints that engage all stakeholders in advancing student learning. Using data-driven strategies, we will demonstrate how a well-developed Community of Growth ensures that students are prepared—both academically and personally—for their next steps in college, career, and life.
