PSCA: Spring Virtual Conference - Pathways Begin Here

PSCA Spring Virtual Conference

Pathways Begin Here

March 13, 2026 | 8:45AM

We are excited to welcome you to the PSCA 2026 Spring Virtual Conference! Join us for a livestreamed keynote presentation by Laura Fridirici and Karen Rubican along with important updates during the Annual Business Meeting.

In addition, attendees will have access to a wide range of pre-recorded breakout sessions covering timely and relevant topics. 

A link to the online portal will be sent prior to the conference.  All sessions will remain available in the online portal through May 15, 2026, giving you ample time to view the content at your convenience.

Professional Development Credits: We will offer up to 10 possible hours. We will also offer Act 48, NCC hours, as well as CEUs through Lindenwood University. Proof of completion required.

We look forward to connecting with you online for the PSCA 2026 Spring Virtual Conference.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Laura Fridirici

Career Readiness Advisor

Laura Fridirici brings 21 years of classroom teacher expertise in business and special education with a focus on career and workforce readiness for all learners. She also brings a workforce perspective from her previous career experiences in both business and higher education. Laura attained her B.S. in Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her M.Ed. in Education and a M.Ed. in Special Education from Wilkes University. She attained her principal certification from Point Park University and is the Career Readiness Advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Special Consultant to the Secretary on Career and Workforce Readiness. Originally from southwestern Pennsylvania, her career path led her to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Ms. Fridirici believes that “every child has a vocation” and is firmly committed to seeing that happen as Pennsylvania’s future depends not only on a well-educated and skilled workforce, but youth who are passionate about their work and how it contributes to society.

Karen Rubican

MS.ED, NCC, LPC | School Counselor Advisor Bureau of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction | Division of Instructional Quality

Greetings, School Counselors! I am humbled and thrilled to be the School Counselor Advisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This is a fairly new position for the commonwealth, and I am eager to get started in providing resources, supports, advocacy, and a spotlight to the important work that you do each day with your students.

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and now make my home in Venetia, located in Washington County. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology from California University of PA (Now PennWest California), and my master’s degrees in Community Counseling Services, K-12 Education Administration, as well as K-12 School Counseling and Advanced Graduate Studies Certificates, come from Duquesne University. I am a licensed professional counselor and hold national board certification.

I began my career in public child welfare, working for Allegheny County Department of Human Services, then coordinated the Court-Teams grant for ZERO TO THREE and Allegheny County Children’s Court and the College and Career Counseling grant for Woodland Hills School District, which culminated in recognition as the outstanding multi-level career development program by the Pennsylvania School Counselor Association. I moved to Canon-McMillan High School in Washington County in 2009 and oversaw college, career, scholarships, National Merit, school counselor communications and more while directly supporting a student caseload of almost 400 students. I was recognized as the 2018 Secondary School Counselor of the Year by PSCA and was a national finalist for the AASA Women in School Leader award in 2018.

From Vision to Practice:  How Pennsylvania is Leading the Way in Career Readiness

Presentation Description:  Coming Soon

SCHEDULE

Tentative

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8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Welcome with Zachary Watters, Board Chair

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9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Keynote Session with Laura Fridirici and Karen Rubican

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10:05 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Annual Business Meeting

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10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Closing with Emilia Mattucci, Executive Director

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11:00 a.m. | View the Pre-Recorded Breakout Sessions at Your Convenience (available through May 15, 2026)

Professional Development Credits

We will be offering up to 10 credit hours, including Act 48 hours, NCC hours, and CEUs through Lindenwood University. 

PACDA members register at a discount using code in Member Resources