Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania (ASPP)
Event Description
Title: Strengthening Professional Resilience for School Psychologists
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 6th, @ 11:00am-12:00pm (offered virtually)
Presenter: Dr. Dana Milakovic
1.0 hour of Act 48, PSYCH, and NASP CPD are available
Cost: $10 (Cost covers the processing of Act 48 hours, PSYCH, and NASP CPD)
Session Description:
School psychologists play a critical role in supporting students, families, and school communities amid increasing academic, behavioral, and mental health demands. As a trained school psychologist, I understand firsthand the pace, pressure, and emotional weight of working in school settings. This session focuses on strengthening professional resilience by examining compassion fatigue and compassion resilience through a school psychology lens. Drawing from the Compassion Resilience Toolkit for Schools and evidence-informed self-compassion practices, participants will explore how setting and maintaining boundaries serves as essential self-care that supports wellness, ethical practice, and long-term professional sustainability.
Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Brief Presenter Bio
Dr. Dana Milakovic is the Assistant Director for the Office of School Climate and Wellbeing at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. With more than 20 years of experience across school mental health, pediatric neuropsychology, school administration, and school psychology, she serves as PDE’s trauma lead, supporting schools in creating safe, supportive learning environments. Dr. Milakovic co-chairs the education committee for HEAL PA, contributes to statewide work in criminal justice reform and child abuse prevention, and serves as a statewide PREPaRE trainer. Her work centers on strengthening equitable, trauma-informed systems that promote the academic, physical, and psychological well-being of students and staff.
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 6th, @ 11:00am-12:00pm (offered virtually)
Presenter: Dr. Dana Milakovic
1.0 hour of Act 48, PSYCH, and NASP CPD are available
Cost: $10 (Cost covers the processing of Act 48 hours, PSYCH, and NASP CPD)
Session Description:
School psychologists play a critical role in supporting students, families, and school communities amid increasing academic, behavioral, and mental health demands. As a trained school psychologist, I understand firsthand the pace, pressure, and emotional weight of working in school settings. This session focuses on strengthening professional resilience by examining compassion fatigue and compassion resilience through a school psychology lens. Drawing from the Compassion Resilience Toolkit for Schools and evidence-informed self-compassion practices, participants will explore how setting and maintaining boundaries serves as essential self-care that supports wellness, ethical practice, and long-term professional sustainability.
Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the difference between compassion fatigue and compassion resilience and their relevance to school psychology practice.
- Identify common professional risk factors that contribute to compassion fatigue in school-based roles.
- Explain how boundary-setting supports wellness, ethical decision-making, and professional sustainability.
- Reflect on actionable steps to integrate self-compassion and boundary practices into daily professional routines.
Brief Presenter Bio
Dr. Dana Milakovic is the Assistant Director for the Office of School Climate and Wellbeing at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. With more than 20 years of experience across school mental health, pediatric neuropsychology, school administration, and school psychology, she serves as PDE’s trauma lead, supporting schools in creating safe, supportive learning environments. Dr. Milakovic co-chairs the education committee for HEAL PA, contributes to statewide work in criminal justice reform and child abuse prevention, and serves as a statewide PREPaRE trainer. Her work centers on strengthening equitable, trauma-informed systems that promote the academic, physical, and psychological well-being of students and staff.