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Friday, April 11th – 9:45 – 10:45 AM
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Location
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From Tray to Table: Elevating School Food Standards
Mallory Whorton, Director - Cartersville City Schools
Target Audience: School Level
This session explores the division of responsibility in feeding, strategies for improving food quality, and how line setups and presentations influence choices. Learn practical ways to elevate the dining experience, encourage healthy eating habits, and create a positive food culture. Whether you're a director, coordinator, manager, or assistant, gain practical insights to make school meals not just nourishing—but also engaging and effective. Small changes in quality, presentation, and service can create a lasting impact on student health and satisfaction.
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Athena
B
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Don't Freak Out When the Health Inspector Arrives
Erin Doane, Training/Compliance Specialist - Glynn County School Nutrition
Target Audience: School Level
Preparing for the health inspector is as easy as 1-2-3. Three ways you can be sure you are ready for a visit from the health inspector.
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Athena
C
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School Safety
Dr. Mike Ewton, Superintendent - Whitfield County Schools
Target Audience: School Level
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Athena
G
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Friday, April 11th – 9:45 – 10:45 AM
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Location
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Site Level Strategies for Administrative Review Success – target audience School Level and System Level
Trae Cown, Compliance Specialist – GA Department of Education School Nutrition
Sue Perry, Program Manager – GA Department of Education School Nutrition
Target Audience: Directors/District Level
Explore effective on-site monitoring strategies to ensure program integrity at the school level. Learn about tools and procedures for identifying and correcting errors in preparation for Administrative Reviews (AR), along with upcoming changes for School Year 2026. This session will equip you with practical solutions to maintain accuracy and ensure ongoing success.
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Athena
H
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First Timers First Timer Session
Sheila Cooper, Manager Trainer – Coffee County School Nutrition
David Pearson, Director of Sales/Partner - Pace Reps
Target Audience: First Time Attendees
Get the most out of your first GSNA conference experience! Join your fellow newbies for a quick overview of what you can expect to learn, do and see.
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Athena
I
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The Chick-fil-A Way
Malone Jones, Talent Development Program – Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Target Audience: School Level
During this session, we will dive into how hiring, training, and workplace culture leads to a Culture of Care for the customer and the employee.
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Athena
J
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Friday, April 11th – 2:15 – 3:00 PM
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Location
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Goodbye Burnout, Hello Wellness
Rebecca Robson, Account Executive, Fun Foods - SE Region
Target Audience: All
In this class, we will look at the habits of mind and attitudes that contribute to calm or stressful physiological states.
Rebecca will share simple, time-tested movement and meditation practices for the skillful navigation of these internal (mental and emotional) states.
We will move - stretch, breathe, and probably laugh a lot - come with curiosity and leave with real-world tools for a healthier, happier you.
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Athena
B
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Teambuilding: Learn Skills to Support Teamwork & Team Development
Ashly Huss, Culinary Specialist - Hall County School System
Target Audience: School Level
A fun and energized session that will help enhance the collaboration of teamwork. We will be hands-on working in groups to help teams learn to effectively work together to reach a goal in a fun and competitive way.
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Athena
C
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School Safety
Dr. Mike Ewton, Superintendent - Whitfield County Schools
Target Audience: System Level
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Athena
G
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Friday, April 11th – 2:15 – 3:00 PM
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Location
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A Winning Combination: Culinary Innovations and Marketing Mastery
Anna Coleman, Communication Media Specialist – GA Department of Education School Nutrition
Chef John Huff, Culinary Specialist – GA Department of Education School Nutrition
Target Audience: School Level and System Level
Explore innovative techniques to enhance flavor, appearance, and quality and learn impactful strategies for marketing school meals to increase student participation.
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Athena
H
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How to Feed an Athlete
Kaylee Patrick, RD, CSSD, LDN, University of Georgia Football Nutrition Fellow
Target Audience: School Level and System Level
Discover practical strategies to fuel athletes for optimal performance, endurance, and recovery. This session will explore the fundamentals of sports nutrition, including what to eat before, during, and after training or competition. Learn how to balance meals, time nutrition for energy and muscle repair, and support growing athletes with busy schedules.
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Athena
I
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The Chick-fil-A Way
Malone Jones, Talent Development Program – Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Target Audience: System Level
During this session, we will dive into how hiring, training, and workplace culture leads to a Culture of Care for the customer and the employee.
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Athena
J
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Saturday, April 12th – 1:15 – 2:00 PM
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Location
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Reading & Understanding State Reports TOGETHER
Cheryl Jones, MBA, SNS, Executive Director – Hall County School Nutrition
Target Audience: Central Office/Bookkeeper
State reports - HELP! What does all this data mean and where it comes from?
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Athena
B
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Goodbye Burnout, Hello Wellness
Rebecca Robson, Account Executive, Fun Foods - SE Region
Target Audience: All
In this class, we will look at the habits of mind and attitudes that contribute to calm or stressful physiological states. Rebecca will share simple, time-tested movement and meditation practices for the skillful navigation of these internal (mental and emotional) states.
We will move - stretch, breathe, and probably laugh a lot - come with curiosity and leave with real-world tools for a healthier, happier you.
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Athena
C
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TEAM Panel
Facilitator: Emily Hanlin MBA, RDN, LD, SNS, Executive Director, Food and Nutrition Services
Cobb County School District
Panelist: Dr. Mike Ewton, Superintendent -Whitfield County
Dr. Michele Taylor, Superintendent -Calhoun City Schools
Caroline Kiker, Teacher-Whitfield County Schools
Amanda Schutz, Director of Student Services – Calhoun City Schools
Crystal Shelton, Teacher-Calhoun City Schools
Nathan Ridley, Retired Educator/Principal
Target Audience: All
Join us for an engaging team discussion with educators as we explore the vital role School Nutrition plays in the educational process. Discover ways we can collaborate to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed and walk across the stage to receive their diploma.
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Athena
G
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Saturday, April 12th – 1:15 – 2:00 PM
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Location
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District Level Strategies for Administrative Review Success
Trae Cown, Compliance Specialist – GA Department of Education School Nutrition
Lydia Martin, Compliance Specialist – GA Department of Education School Nutrition
Target Audience: School Level and System Level
Review district-level practices for ensuring program integrity and preparing for Administrative Reviews (AR). This session highlights tools and strategies for strengthening processes and procedures, along with upcoming changes for School Year 2026.
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Athena
H
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From Tray to Table: Elevating School Food Standards
Mallory Whorton, Director - Cartersville City Schools
Target Audience: School Level
This session explores the division of responsibility in feeding, strategies for improving food quality, and how line setups and presentations influence choices. Learn practical ways to elevate the dining experience, encourage healthy eating habits, and create a positive food culture. Whether you're a director, coordinator, manager, or assistant, gain practical insights to make school meals not just nourishing—but also engaging and effective. Small changes in quality, presentation, and service can create a lasting impact on student health and satisfaction.
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Athena
I
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All In Together: Building Strong Relationships Across Central Office Operations Division
Condus Shuman – Executive Director, School Nutrition
Bibb County School District Nutrition Department
Target Audience: System Level
Session Summary: This innovative and interactive session will explore the importance of inter-departmental collaboration within the operations division. It will provide effective communication strategies for partnering and working with the transportation, campus police, and facilities and maintenance departments. You will identify best practices and explore techniques to leverage partnerships for operational success. Finally, you will develop an action plan ready for immediate implementation to improve collaboration and efficiency as an effective operations division.
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Athena
J
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Saturday, April 12th – 2:15 – 3:00 PM
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Location
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Retaining Staff at What Cost?
Jess Peaden, Director of School Nutrition - Bremen City Schools
Target Audience: System Level
In this session you learn creative ways to retain staff at the school level.
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Athena
B
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Building Community Relationships and Engagement for Summer Meals
Nicole Head, M.S, Director of School Nutrition – Gordon County Schools
Target Audience: All
Summer Meals are vitally important for families in our communities and understanding what and where the needs are in your communities are equally important. Building relationships and engaging in strong collaborations to make your program successful and give employees a sense of pride is the best thing that you can have.
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Athena
C
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Fueling Students for Success: Food Allergy Management Edition
Tarrah Westercamp, MS, RDN, SNS – National Peanut Board
Target Audience: System Level
Are you overwhelmed with managing food allergies and staff training? Do communications with the community and school staff make you feel overwhelmed? Join us for an interactive session discussing best practices for managing food allergies from delivery to meal service. We will demystify food allergy myths and misconceptions while providing tools to communicate these effectively with your team and community. Get ready to be fueled for success with a plan to serve allergens safely and communicate effectively.
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Athena
G
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Saturday, April 12th – 2:15 – 3:00 PM
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Team Up for Success: Local Foods for Schools in Action
Angela Reynolds, Procurement Farm to School Specialist - Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition
Target Audience: District Level
Join us for an inspiring session focused on the successful implementation of Local Foods for Schools (LFS) which has supported quality school meals and expanding distribution with stakeholder buy-in. This session will provide valuable insights into the benefits of using locally sourced foods, offer practical strategies for effective implementation, and you will hear from peers who have successfully integrated local foods into their programs.
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Athena
H
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GAME ON! Teambuilding Activities
Cathy Johnson, Director – Richmond County School Nutrition
Target Audience: School Level
Join us for an interactive session designed to enhance teamwork and collaboration among school nutrition professionals. Discover a variety of fun and effective team-building activities that foster communication, trust, and a positive work environment. Whether you're looking to boost morale, improve problem-solving skills, or simply create a more cohesive team, this session offers practical strategies and hands-on experiences to help you achieve your goals. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen your team!
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Athena
I
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Office Rewind - How to De-Stress & Be Your Best While at Work
Donna Hendley, M.Ed., SNS, Director of School Nutrition - Lowndes County Schools
Target Audience: All
Sometimes we all just need a moment. Incorporating self-care into your day, while sitting at your desk, can go a long way towards keeping a healthy and sound body and mind. In this session you will learn some ways to help calm your body and mind when life just seems to be a little bit more challenging than most.
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Athena
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