2026 SEL and Student Well-Being Conference

Keynote Speaker

Dave Verhaagen
Founder, Southeast Psych Nashville

Dave Verhaagen is a licensed and nationally-board certified psychologist who founded Southeast Psych Nashville and Southeast Psych Charlotte. He is the author or co-author of ten books, including “Therapy with Young Men” and "Parenting the Millennial Generation" and several book chapters. He has spoken over 600 times around the country and worked on-air in broadcasting for 6 years. He served as the host of an award- winning podcast and as the executive producer of two feature-length documentaries. He is the director of the Artists & Athletes program at Southeast Psych Nashville and primarily sees young adult men who are navigating struggles with anxiety, stress, career direction, identity, relationship issues, trauma, and substance use. He has been married to Ellen for over 30 years, and they have four adult children.

Featured Speaker

Jessica Meléndez Tyler, Ph.D., LPC, is a professor, licensed counselor, and community helper. Dr. Tyler's professional focus explores the nuances of suffering and the mechanisms by which individuals triumph over adversity. Her professional work involves working with harmed individuals who are stuck in their lives, cultural resilience, perfectionism, healthy social media behaviors, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Katie Herrington, PhD, HSP, is the Clinical Director of Green Hills Family Psych, as well as a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Herrington specializes in providing evidence-based therapy to children and adolescents ages 2+ with a wide variety of presenting concerns, which includes but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions. Janet Hicks, Ph.D., LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor. She serves as Chair & Professor for the Mental Health Counseling Program at Belmont University. She has researched and written extensively on child and adolescent counseling. Her specialties include child and adolescent counseling, stress management for teachers and administrators, as well as the integration of solution-focused brief therapy into both the counseling and teaching settings. Lauren King, PsyD, is a psychologist committed to helping girls and women (ages 7  and up) triumph over challenges such as eating disorders, body image concerns, negative self-esteem, anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma. Lauren adopts a positive, optimistic approach, focusing on her clients’ strengths to instill confidence and help them achieve their objectives. Lauren’s educational journey began with a BA from Samford University, leading to her Doctorate from the Fuller School of Psychology.

Jessie Klamar, LCSW, is a licensed clinic social worker whose clinical practice employs an array of specialized therapies such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Jessie works with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen attachment, improve communication, and create meaningful change. Using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, she helps clients build resilience, deepen connections, and move toward lasting healing.