10/15/2026
GOOD, GOOD things are happening!
We are presenting - Minnesota School Counselors Association (MSCA) Conference
Reclaiming the Heart of Counseling: Harnessing AI to Shift from Paperwork to Presence
October 25, 2026 at 1:50-2:40 pm
Facilitator: Charlie and Melissa Black
How do we find room for meaningful student connections when routine planning and ‘desk work’ consume our day? This session bridges practical technology with relational practice, showing how school counselors can leverage Generative AI to automate background tasks without losing the personal touch.
Drawing on research showing educators save nearly six hours a week with AI, we'll focus on how to use those reclaimed minutes to strengthen student resilience and belonging. Learn how to let AI handle the heavy logistical lifting so you can show up fully present for the students who need you most.
About Charlie Black and Melissa Barlau Black
Presenting together from Hastings, Minnesota, Charlie and Melissa Black represent the intersection of student advocacy and educational innovation. After more than 20 years on the front lines as a middle school counselor in Hastings, Charlie, M.Ed., knows firsthand the critical importance of creating a "personal village" for every child.
A longtime champion of the Full-Color Web of Support™ framework, he focuses his life’s work on ensuring students are seen, valued, and supported in full color.
Melissa grounds her work in over 20 years of elementary classroom teaching and educational technology leadership. With a Master’s in Education and a certification in wellness coaching, she bridges traditional pedagogy with modern AI innovation, helping educators streamline heavy administrative loads so they can show up grounded and present.
Now serving together at Brightways Learning, Charlie and Melissa combine a heart for positive youth development with practical innovation to help educational communities build stronger support systems and lasting human connections.
