University of Vermont Project ECHO
University of Vermont Project ECHO Current Topics in School Nursing
This continuing education series for school nurses will highlight best practices in a range of health care topics and provide an opportunity for networking and connecting with peers. Strategies for effective communication with students, families and others to support student health and student attendance will be woven throughout the series. Each session includes a brief didactic talk followed by a case presentation and group discussion. Case presentations are generated from the school nurse cohort, allowing participants to bring forward their challenging scenarios to receive input and recommendations from the group. Using the interactive Project ECHO “All Teach, All Learn” format, participants will have access to pediatric faculty experts and an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences in a community of school nurses.
This program is offered at no cost to participants through a grant from the Vermont Department of Health.
Participants can receive CE credits for each learning session attended.
General questions about the University of Vermont’s Project ECHO can be directed to Patti.Smith-Urie@uvm.edu, clinical/topic-specific questions can be directed to Katherine.Mariani@uvmhealth.org.
October 8, 2025 - March 11, 2026
Current Topics in School Nursing
Course Director: Kathy Mariani, MD
University of Vermont Project ECHO Current Topics in School Nursing Program Overview
Session Date | TeleECHO Session | Session Topic | Session Materials |
October 8
| Session 1 | Student Support Plans and the Role of School Nurses (Emily Cogan, Inclusive Practices Coordinator, Special Education Team; Michele Hartje, School Climate and Belonging Coordinator, Operations Team) | |
| November 12 | Session 2 | Anxiety and School Avoidance (George "Bud" Vana, MD) | |
| December 10 | Session 3 | "My stomach hurts!" Is it Just Bellyaching to Get Out of Class? (Michael D'Amico, MD) | |
| January 14 | Session 4 | Eating Disorders in the School Setting: Collaboration and Care Coordination (Haley McGowan, DO) | |
| February 11 | Session 5 | Cannabis Use: Updates in Use and Impact (Tom Fontana, LCMHC, LADC) | |
| March 11 | Session 6 | Aligning Education and Healthcare: Core Concepts to Improve School-Medical Home Collaboration (Heidi Schumacher, MD) | |