About the Symposium
#AfterschoolSYM2026
On May 8, 2026, out-of-school time (OST) professionals are invited to attend Prime Time's annual Afterschool Symposium. Prime Time hosts its Afterschool Symposium every year to celebrate the exemplary efforts of our local OST practitioners while offering professional development workshops that deliver the tools to Light the Way Forward. The theme for Prime Time’s Afterschool Symposium is: "Lighting the Way: 25 Years of Afterschool Excellence." Our theme represents an opportunity to focus on honoring the legacy, dedication, innovation, impact, inspiration and progress of the OST field while charting a course for the future.
Together, we will celebrate the remarkable progress made over the past quarter-century and spark new ideas to ensure that afterschool and summer programs continue to serve as beacons of creativity, providing access to positive youth development practice and growth opportunities for generations to come.
Out-of-school time (OST) programs support children and youth before school, after school, over the summer, on weekends and during seasonal breaks.
Schedule
Location
Friday, May 8, 2026
7:30 a.m. - Check-In
8:00 a.m. - Welcome & Professional Development Recognition Ceremony
9:15 a.m. - Professional Development Workshops - Block I
10:25 a.m. - Professional Development Workshops - Block II
11:30 a.m. - Advancing Afterschool Awards Luncheon and Legacy in Motion: 25 Years of Prime Time
IMPORTANT: Professionals who work in youth-serving organizations within Palm Beach and Martin counties are given priority for registration. If you do not meet this requirement, your registration will be placed on a waitlist. Should any spots become available by May 1, you will be notified promptly. A registration fee will apply to individuals outside of Palm Beach and Martin counties.
In addition, to ensure equitable access to the conference, registration to the conference will be capped at four practitioners per site. If more than four individuals from the same site register, those additional registrants will automatically be placed on a waitlist with the exception of any pre-named nominees or honorees.
West Palm Beach Marriott
1001 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Meet Our Emcee
Tevin Ali
Tevin Ali is a nationally acclaimed, award-winning motivational speaker, author, and the dynamic founder of Talk With Tevin LLC. With an inspiring message rooted in resilience, leadership, and personal transformation, Tevin has empowered thousands of students and professionals across the country helping them overcome adversity, unlock their inner potential, and pursue their personal missions with purpose.
A captivating presence on stage and beyond, Tevin has spoken at colleges, organizations, and schools nationwide, leaving lasting impact through his signature blend of authenticity, energy, and actionable wisdom. He is also a 2X Amazon #1 best-selling and award-winning author of Forging Your Inner Diamond and the empowering children's book Ambitious Archie.
Tevin holds a Master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. His outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to uplifting others have earned him national recognition, including features in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, iHeart Radio, the USA Today Network, U.S. News & World Report, The American Book Fest and the national television Telly Awards.
Beyond the stage and the page, Tevin continues making a difference serving as one of the Board of Directors for the South Florida Fair, where he helps shape impactful experiences for the community and our youth. Tevin shares his journey and work on TalkwithTevin.com.
Workshops
The symposium will showcase practice-ready workshops that center youth experience and measurable outcomes, offering actionable strategies for afterschool, summer and expanded learning programs.
Beyond Supervision: What Out-of-School Time Can Become for Young People
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Dr. Cassondra Corbin-Thaddies
Founder-Chief Empowerment Officer
Connect to Greatness, Inc.
1530 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. #3525
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
561-502-0504
c2ginc561@gmail.com
www.connect2greatness.org
Andre Thaddies
Executive Director
Connect to Greatness, Inc.
561-503-8455
andrethaddies@connect2greatness.com
www.connect2greatness.org
Do More with Mizzen Education -
Exploring Mizzen for Teams
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Carlos Santini
CEO
Mizzen Education
13157 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, California 90292
310-906-8657
carlos@mizzen.org
www.mizzen.org
Alex Jergensen
Head of Product
Mizzen Education
alex@mizzen.org
www.mizzen.org
Healing-Centered Leadership: Supporting Youth by Supporting the Adults Who Serve Them
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Tessie Watts
CEO & Leadership Consultant
The Leadership Haven Resource Center LLC
560 Village Blvd. Suite 120 | Unit 18
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
561-574-6378
tessiewatts@theleadershiphaven.com
www.theleadershiphaven.com
Powered by Youth Voice
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Jessica Donner
Executive Director
Every Hour Counts
11 West 42nd Street
New York, New York 10036
212-729-4434
jdonner@everyhourcounts.org
www.everyhourcounts.org
Anton Spalding
Professional Development Manager
Prime Time Palm Beach County
2300 High Ridge Road, Suite 330
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-600-9544
aspalding@primetimepbc.org
www.primetimepbc.org
How Do You Destigmatize Mental Health in a Youth Organization?
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Emanuel 'Dupree' Jackson
Founder & Executive Director
EJS Project
3300 S Seacrest Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
561-600-1056
emanuel.jackson@ejsproject.org
www.ejsproject.org
Darius Murray
Founder, LMHC
ReAbleU Therapy
954-242-2397
darius@reableutherapy.com
www.reableutherapy.com
Promising Family Engagement:
Content and Strategies
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Folami Prescott-Adams, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
HTI Catalysts - A Network of Consultants
404-593-6548
drfolami@hticatalysts.net
www.hticatalysts.net
The Elemental Lens: Capturing Confidence Through the Voice of C.A.L.M.™
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Dr. Deidre Reid-Thomas
CEO & Director
Thomas Ed Learning Center
2655 S State Rd 7 STE E820
Wellington, FL 33414
561-235-3783
DRT@thomasedsolutions.com
www.thomasedsolutions.com
Beyond Supervision: What Out-of-School Time Can Become for Young People
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Do More with Mizzen Education -
Exploring Mizzen for Teams
➡️Click here for presentation.
presented by
Dr. Cassondra Corbin-Thaddies
Founder-Chief Empowerment Officer
Connect to Greatness, Inc.
1530 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. #3525
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
561-502-0504
c2ginc561@gmail.com
www.connect2greatness.org
Andre Thaddies
Executive Director
Connect to Greatness, Inc.
561-503-8455
Andrethaddies@connect2greatness.com
www.connect2greatness.org
Carlos Santini
CEO
Mizzen Education
13157 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, California 90292
310-906-8657
carlos@mizzen.org
www.mizzen.org
Alex Jergensen
Head of Product
Mizzen Education
alex@mizzen.org
www.mizzen.org
Healing-Centered Leadership: Supporting Youth
by Supporting the Adults Who Serve Them
➡️Click here for presentation.
presented by
Tessie Watts
CEO & Leadership Consultant
The Leadership Haven Resource Center LLC
560 Village Blvd. Suite 120 | Unit 18
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
561-574-6378
tessiewatts@theleadershiphaven.com
www.theleadershiphaven.com
How Do You Destigmatize Mental Health in a Youth Organization?
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Emanuel 'Dupree' Jackson
Founder & Executive Director
EJS Project
3300 S Seacrest Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
561-600-1056
emanuel.jackson@ejsproject.org
www.ejsproject.org
Darius Murray
Founder, LMHC
ReAbleU Therapy
954-242-2397
darius@reableutherapy.com
www.reableutherapy.com
Jessica Donner
Executive Director
Every Hour Counts
11 West 42nd Street
New York, New York 10036
212-729-4434
jdonner@everyhourcounts.org
www.everyhourcounts.org
Anton Spalding
Professional Development Manager
Prime Time Palm Beach County
561-600-9544
aspalding@primetimepbc.org
www.primetimepbc.org
The Elemental Lens: Capturing Confidence Through the Voice of C.A.L.M.™
➡️ Click here for presentation.
presented by
Folami Prescott-Adams, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
HTI Catalysts - A Network of Consultants
404-593-6548
drfolami@hticatalysts.net
www.hticatalysts.net
Dr. Deidre Reid-Thomas
CEO & Director
Thomas Ed Learning Center
2655 S State Rd 7 STE E820
Wellington, FL 33414
561-235-3783
DRT@thomasedsolutions.com
www.thomasedsolutions.com
Exhibitors On-the-Go
Adventures with Stephanie
Stephanie Deitch, Owner
stessie67@gmail.com
954-415-2581
Adventures with Stephanie offers groups of all sizes the opportunity to paint all types of custom ceramic pottery pieces. Many of the items are returned to the artists with a magnet on the back of the pieces so they put up future on a magnetic board or fridge. There is also the option to paint items that are food safe like bowls, mugs, plates and bowls. Most items will be painted with pottery glaze which requires kiln firing, but all items are usually returned the same week they are painted, as long as the project happens on a M-W of that same week. Canvas painting is also available for groups.
Bubble Time Parties
www.instagram/bubbletimeparties
Artem Lomaz, Owner
bubbletimeparties@gmail.com
561-880-5177
Bubble Time Parties brings interactive bubble party sessions to your location! A bubble artist arrives to create various EXTREME BUBBLES for participants to admire, chase and pop! Sessions can also include music, and the chance to get INSIDE of a bubble! Monthly sessions can include bubble workshops and a rotation of groups to make sure that everyone gets to experience the fun! Great for sensory and cardio!
Not to be confused with a foam party. No stage or seating is required - outdoor activity that's fun for all ages and abilities! No electric or water connection needed - all equipment is wireless! No cleanup afterwards!
Get Fit 4 Kidz
www.getfit4kidz.com
Corey Lewin, President
getfit4kidz@yahoo.com
954-931-1571
Get Fit 4 Kidz visits afterschool programs and summer camps to provide a mobile escape room, sports and games with kids, as well as kid- friendly archery and kid friendly axe throwing.
Learning Beyond the Bell
www.learningbeyondthebell.com
Dr. Corinne Muller, COO
cmuller@learningbeyondpaper.com
773-412-2819
Learning Beyond the Bell is a turnkey K–6 afterschool and summer learning curriculum designed to help programs deliver engaging, high-quality experiences for students beyond the school day. Created by the team behind Learning Beyond Paper, the curriculum was developed to support the needs of out-of-school-time programs where staff often manage mixed-age groups, limited preparation time, and diverse learning needs. Learning Beyond the Bell provides structured, easy-to-implement activities that help programs maintain consistent, enriching programming while allowing flexibility for local interests and community connections.
The curriculum includes ready-to-use activity plans organized across six key areas of development: Creative Arts and Expression, STEAM, Language and Literacy, Physical Play and Wellness, Social Studies and Civic Engagement, and Soft Skills and Life Skills. Each activity includes clear instructions, materials lists, and guidance for activity leaders so staff can confidently facilitate meaningful learning experiences with minimal preparation. Activities encourage collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while helping students build confidence and develop important life skills.
Learning Beyond the Bell was intentionally designed to support youth development best practices and help afterschool programs create safe, engaging environments where students can explore new ideas, build relationships, and discover their interests. The curriculum also supports program consistency across multiple sites, helping organizations maintain high-quality standards while empowering staff to deliver fun and impactful learning experiences. By combining thoughtful curriculum design with practical tools for activity leaders, Learning Beyond the Bell helps afterschool programs strengthen student engagement, promote positive youth development and create meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Nexplore
www.nexploreusa.com
Amanda Meeks, RFP Director
amanda@nexploreusa.com
850-443-2329
Nexplore is a national specialty enrichment service provider with a mission to foster the joy of learning through enrichment opportunities so that all children may discover and explore a passion that drives them to excellence.
Its hands-on projects are designed to empower ALL students—especially those in underserved communities—with the skills and tools to thrive academically and socially-emotionally. By expanding early, real-world STEAM experiences, Nexplore supports graduation readiness and advances access and equity in education.
Resource Depot
www.resourcedepot.org
Chelsea Passauer, Program Coordinator
cpassauer@resourcedepot.org
561-882-0090
REconnecting people, possibilities and the planet since 1999. Resource Depot is a non-profit cREative REuse Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, dedicated to helping others see the creative value and potential in excess materials destined to be wasted. We help keep these items out of the waste stream by creatively reusing and upcycling them instead of throwing them away.
Through workshops, events, and partnerships with the community, we instill environmental awareness and inspire creative expression. Our Pam Sartory GalleRE showcases local artists' upcycled artwork, while our Materials Marketplace and TreasuRE Boutique offer repurposed items for purchase, supporting our mission.
At Resource Depot, we're not just about providing materials; we're building a community committed to sustainable practices and creative expression. We invite you to join us in turning the tide against waste, as we breathe new life into discarded materials and cultivate a culture of sustainability and creativity.
Ser-Kallai, Inc.
www.serkallai.org
Emerson Leonardo Caycedo, Program Director
ecaycedo@serkallai.org
561-452-7909
Ser-Kallai, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to support individuals and communities to thrive and build fulfilling lives through resources that nurture their overall sense of well-being, foster healing from trauma, build healthy relationships and develop emotional resilience.
Spanish Academy LMBD
www.littlemindsbigdreams.com
Lucia Hansen, Founder
lucia@littlemindsbigdreams.com
561-703-5393
Spanich Academy provides spanish classes for Pre-K and elementary students. Its goal is to help young children learn spanish while enjoying the learning process and developing a positive connection with the language.
Techie Kids Club
www.techiekidsclub.com/front-franchise/techie-kids-club
Roxann Young, Owner
roxann@techiekidsclub.com
954-495-7076
Techie Kids Club is a hands-on coding, robotics and STEM enrichment organization serving children ages 2 to 11. Originally began as an afterschool enrichment program with the goal of bringing fun, engaging STEM experiences directly to children in a way that felt exciting rather than intimidating. As we have grown, Techie Kids Club has expanded beyond traditional afterschool classes and is now proudly incorporated into schools’ technology and enrichment programming, offering students meaningful hands-on learning experiences during and after the school day.
Its main goal is to get children excited, engaged, and confident in learning about science, technology, engineering and math. They believe that when kids are actively involved in the learning process, they are more likely to build curiosity, develop problem-solving skills and gain confidence in themselves. At Techie Kids Club, students do not simply sit and watch. They participate in interactive lessons that include coding robots, building engineering projects, exploring science concepts and creating hands-on STEM activities they can be proud of.
Young Singers of the Palm Beaches
www.yspb.org
Melanee Blankstein, Executive Director
melaneeb@yspb.org
561-651-4413
Young Singers of the Palm Beaches is a dynamic and inspiring community-based children's choir that has been igniting the passion of young musicians for two decades. Since 2003, the organization has provided thousands of children with the opportunity to discover their voice and explore the world of choral music.
Young Singers collaborates with Prime Time Palm Beach County to provide free afterschool choirs in local elementary and middle schools.
The Advancing Afterschool Awards honors exemplary individuals for their work in the field of afterschool. Recipients will be recognized for their commitment to quality standards, dedication to the children and contributions to the afterschool field at Prime Time Palm Beach County’s Afterschool Symposium. This is a peer nominated award ceremony.
IMPLEMENTING QUALITY BY AN AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL AWARD
This award honors an afterschool professional (counselor, group leader, activity leader, assistant or aide)who exemplifies the highest standards of positive youth development through mentorship and care, creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people can thrive.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME LEGACY AWARD
EXCELLENCE IN EXPANDED LEARNING AWARD
Nominate your peers for the Excellence in Expanded Learning Award, designed to acknowledge a professional who works for a Prime Time expanded learning opportunity (ELO) provider who excels in providing high-quality, challenging, learning experiences in the following areas: Supporting School-day Academic Learning, Caring for the Whole Child, Discovering Arts and Culture, Leadership and Career Pathways and Exploring Technology.
QUALITY LEADERSHIP IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME AWARD
Nominate afterschool director or any individual who supervises/oversees school-age programming and staff, who excels in fostering high quality within his/her/their afterschool program and provides equal access to opportunities and resources to individuals. This person has shown extraordinary dedication, such as covering multiple roles and responsibilities, creating new policies and schedules, mentoring and developing staff.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Nominate your peers for the Community Impact Award - The award will go to a supporter of the afterschool field but who is not employed by an afterschool program and provides support and services or advocates for children in out-of-school time hours, such as an individual volunteer who supports the program or a whole community organization. Community service organizations, such as Palm Beach County Youth Services Department, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Children’s Services Council of Martin County, United Way, Kiwanis, Rotary, elected officials and faith-based entities are eligible to be nominated.
Thank you to our partners, funders and sponsors for making this event possible.
Partners and Funders
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County
The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation
Sponsors
United Way Palm Beach County
Mizzen Education
Palm Beach State College
Grant Thornton
Connect
Have questions?
Contact Paola Cedeno, Event Manager, Prime Time Palm Beach County
Email: pcedeno@primetimepbc.org
Phone: 561-732-8066