Strengthen the Ship: Building a Stronger Team Together
Enhance your professional skills with our six-part staff development series designed exclusively for Shippensburg University staff. This series covers essential topics to boost your workplace effectiveness and personal growth. Each session focuses on a different transferable or digital skill.
Participants will receive a ticket for free breakfast at Reisner Dining Hall the day of the session. They will also receive a certificate after each session they attend. Those who attend at least four out of the six sessions will earn a Certificate of Completion, a Digital Badge, and a special gift to showcase their commitment to professional development.
All sessions are located in the Faculty Dining Room, Reisner 107
September 10 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Leveraging AI – An Exploration and Overview
This session will provide a general overview of AI and include a hands-on exploration of AI tools useful for productivity and daily tasks. Bring your laptop!
Speaker: Dr. Christine A. Royce
Dr. Christine Anne Royce is a Professor in the Teacher Education Department. Her background and expertise includes instructional design and technology. Currently, she writes a blog for her professional association on the use of AI.
October 2 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What Color is Your Personality?
Are you blue, green, yellow, or red, or a mixture of all four? Learn what makes you tick and how you might drive another crazy without even trying and why. This presentation is great fun for small to medium size groups. A brief preference test is administered and then the results are discussed in an open forum.
Speaker: Sara Songy, RN | UPMC Cares Coordinator
Sara Songy is a graduate of the former Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
After 26 years of service as an Officer in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, where she served during the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, Sara retired. She later retired from Capital Blue Cross, where she was the Director of Claims and Customer Service.
In 2020, Sara came out of retirement to support UPMC part-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator for the CARES and Community Wellness Team.
November 5 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
First Steps with Conflict Resolution: Handling Peer and Customer Challenges
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn practical tools to approach conflict with clarity, calm, and collaboration. “Conscious Conflict Resolution” focuses on three key components essential for de-escalating conflict and finding effective solutions.
- Nervous System Regulation: Understand how conflict triggers the body’s autonomic response and how to implement techniques to regain control, fostering a calm, conscious mindset for more productive conflict resolution.
- Creating Trust: Learn how to build trust through active listening, uncovering hidden needs, and asking strategic questions, which help both parties feel heard and open to resolution.
- Collaborative Action Plans: Discover how to gain buy-in from both sides, ensuring that each party feels invested in the outcome. By fostering trust and collaboration, participants will leave with actionable strategies to create solutions that satisfy all involved.
This session is designed to provide attendees with the tools they need to resolve conflicts consciously, effectively, and with greater mutual understanding.
Speaker: Tarryne West | Founder and Lead Coach, Change One Woman
With nearly 15 years of professional coaching and consulting experience, specializing in empowering mission-driven women to create personal and professional success. Tarryne draws insights from diverse modalities, from psychology to neurobiology to help women become the most extraordinary version of themselves.
February 5 | 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Getting Started with Microsoft Teams
Speaker: Jamie Rhine | Director, Technology Support Services at Shippensburg University
March 6 | 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Balanced Dialogue: Communicating and Receiving with Respect
Speaker: TBA
April 3 | 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Networking Like a Pro: Strategies for Building Meaningful RelationSHIPs
Speakers:
Hayley Anderson | Director of Communications and Outreach, Shippensburg University
Lorelee Isbell | AVP of Career and Workforce Development, Shippensburg University
Hayley Anderson is an accomplished and forward-thinking young leader dedicated to leveraging technology, creativity, and psychology to enhance the lives of others. With a rich background in career development, digital marketing, and leadership roles, she brings a proven track record of driving innovative and impactful outcomes. Hayley’s experience spans from freelance web design/management and career services, to currently serving as the Director of Communications & Outreach for the Center for Career and Workforce Development at Shippensburg University.
When Hayley is not working, you can see her seeing live music or spending time with her friends, family, and beloved Goldendoodle, Oliver.
Lorelee Isbell is the Associate Vice President for Career and Workforce Development at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. In this executive role, Lorelee provides dynamic strategic leadership, spearheading innovation to fortify career readiness initiatives, expand the spectrum of workforce development opportunities, and play a pivotal role in supporting regional economic growth through the strategic acquisition and retention of top-tier talent in South Central PA. With a wealth of expertise in higher education leadership, Lorelee is tasked with navigating the dynamic intersection of education and employment and champions initiatives that not only enhance career readiness among students but also foster meaningful connections with industry partners.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lorelee actively contributes to various committees, holding key positions within esteemed organizations such as Leadership Harrisburg Area, South Central PA Works, and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association. Her commitment to community is highlighted by her current role on the Community Carepoint board of directors. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Messiah College and her master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from Shippensburg University.
April 4 | 2 PM – 4 PM
Networking Reception and Completion Ceremony
*This event will take place in Stewart Hall
