P2E Conference Program
Programming & Leadership
Welcome & Resource Fair
9:00 – 10:00am
Kick off your day at the Resource Fair—designed just for you!
Connect with a powerful network of support and discover a wide range of opportunities focused on education, career readiness, and personal growth. You’ll have the chance to engage with organizations and professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and plan for the future. This is a great opportunity to explore schools and programs, ask questions, and build meaningful connections to support your journey.
Featured participants include:
Keynote
[Coming Soon]
10:00 – 10:30am
Stay tuned for updates!
Workshop Session 1
10:45 – 11:45am
Unlock Your Money: Financial Aid Made Simple
College doesn’t have to be confusing or unaffordable. Whether you are planning to attend college, trade school, or another postsecondary program, this interactive session will help you understand how to make your education more affordable. Presented by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), New Jersey’s state agency dedicated to helping students and families access financial and informational resources for higher education—this workshop will break down the financial aid process in a clear and practical way. Participants will learn about grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, student loans, and the steps to complete the FAFSA and New Jersey financial aid applications. You will also discover common mistakes to avoid, important deadlines to remember, and valuable resources available throughout your educational journey. Youth will leave feeling more confident about paying for college, while caregivers and supportive adults will gain practical tools to help guide students through the financial aid process.
Presenter: Jamillah Barker, New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Green Flags Only: Building Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships help us grow, feel supported, and become our best selves, but what does a healthy relationship actually look like? Whether you’re building friendships, navigating dating relationships, living with roommates, connecting with classmates, or strengthening family relationships, learning how to create positive and respectful connections is an important life skill. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, participants will explore the key ingredients of healthy relationships, including communication, trust, respect, boundaries, and recognizing both healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Participants will leave with practical tools to build meaningful relationships, navigate conflict in healthy ways, communicate effectively, and maintain their independence, confidence, and self-worth.
Presenter: Juanita Henry, LCSW, MSW
Dream It. Plan It. Do It!
What does your future look like? Big dreams start with a plan! Whether you’re dreaming about college, a career, traveling, owning your own place, or becoming the best version of yourself, this hands-on workshop is your chance to get creative and turn those dreams into goals. Participants will create a personalized vision board, connect with other young people, and explore guided journaling activities designed to help identify goals, reflect on personal strengths, and map out the future they want. Along the way, you’ll discover how small, intentional steps can lead to big accomplishments. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind vision board, practical tools to stay motivated and focused, and inspiration to start turning your dreams into reality. No artistic experience is needed, just bring your ideas, your creativity, and an open mind!
Presenter: Carmelle Fils-Aime, embrella PACES Coach
Workshop Session 2
12:00 – 1:00pm
Level Up: Your College Journey
Ready to see what college really looks like? In this interactive “Game of Life”-style workshop, participants will make decisions, tackle real-life challenges, and discover how different choices can shape their educational journey. From exploring careers and choosing a college to applying for financial aid, overcoming obstacles, graduating, and launching a career, this session turns the college process into an engaging experience. Along the way, participants will learn key college terms, identify helpful resources, and leave feeling more confident about navigating higher education.
Presenter: Calleigh Kearns, Enrollment Services Advisor, Partnerships & Outreach Ocean County College
Your Voice. Your Power. Your Future.
Did you know your experiences can help create real change? Learn how the DCF Youth Council empowers young people with lived experience to influence policies, improve programs, and make a lasting impact across New Jersey. Participants will hear how youth leaders work alongside DCF leadership, develop advocacy skills, and use their voices to support themselves and others. Whether you’re interested in leadership, speaking up for yourself, or creating positive changes in your community, this session will inspire you to get involved and express yourself in a safe and supportive space
Presenter: Department of Children and Families Youth Council
Money Moves: Master Your Money
Money management is one of the most important life skills you can build and it’s never too early to start. Financial wellness starts with the small decisions you make every day. Whether you’re preparing for college, entering the workforce, or becoming more independent. This interactive workshop helps participants develop the confidence to budget, save, understand checking and savings accounts, and build healthy credit habits. We will also explore how financial aid, student loans, and smart borrowing decisions can affect your future. Through real-life scenarios, and practical tips, youth will gain skills they can use right away and strategies to reinforce healthy financial habits.
Presenter: Kylie Kunz, embrella PACES Coach
Lunch & Resource Fair
1:15 – 2:30pm
Lunch will be provided, along with a Resource Fair to meet with exhibitors.
Raffles & Closing
2:30pm
We’ll end the day with a raffles game and closing remarks.
Workshop Leaders
Calleigh Kearns
Enrollment Services Advisor, Partnerships & Outreach Ocean County College
Calleigh Kearns is the Enrollment Services Advisor for Partnerships and Outreach at Ocean County College. In her role, she works with community organizations and employers to create clearer pathways to college and helps students navigate everything from applying and registering for classes to accessing funding and support services. Calleigh holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education from Rider University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with minors in Education and Human Services, from Mount St. Mary’s University. Her work centers around her passion for removing barriers to higher education and helping students feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their college journey.
Carmelle Fils-Aime
PACES Coach
Region 2
Hunterdon, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties, embrella
Carmelle Fils-Aime is a PACES Coach dedicated to empowering youth through leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and public speaking. With years of experience developing emerging leaders, she is passionate about helping young people navigate life transitions, strengthen their independence, and pursue opportunities that foster long-term success. Through individualized coaching and meaningful support, Carmelle partners with youth to transform their potential into purpose.
Jamilliah Barker
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Ms. Barker believes that everyone has their role to play in the advancement of our youth. She has worked in financial aid for nearly 20 years. The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJ HESAA) has been her home for the past 17 years. Within her role as an Outreach and Communication Specialist, her primary goal is to disseminate information and resources to families to assist in their pursuit of education. As the state liaison for NJ high schools, colleges and community organizations, she is tasked with training and educating on the financial aid process. She regularly provides in person and virtual presentations on College Planning, Completing FAFSA, Financial Aid 101, Secondary School Counselors Workshops, and financial literacy modules. She has made it her mission to share the knowledge she has acquired.
Ms. Barker received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan campus. She earned her Master of Leadership and Public Administration degree from Centenary College. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated – Bergen County Alumnae Chapter, NAACP, as well as, professional organizations, such as New Jersey Coalition of Financial Educators (NJCFE), and New Jersey Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NJASFAA).
Of all of her accomplishments, she is most proud of being the mother of Kaleb Isaiah Barker.
Juanita Henry, LCSW, MSW
LSW Healthcare Professional at Greater New Jersey Therapy Partners
Juanita Henry, LSW is a Compassionate and Service-Driven Professional with 20 years of experience developing and managing community-based programs that cater to the social, emotional and mental health needs of youth and young adults. An accomplished health-care professional, with experience in both clinical operations and program administration. Juanita is dedicated to providing quality based services in a creative way that engages young adults to actively participate and apply the skills learned in their daily lives. Her motto: Even one inch forward is progress.
Kylie Kunz
PACES Coach
Region 3
Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties, embrella
Kylie Kunz is a Region 3 “Senior” PACES Coach with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and a strong commitment to supporting youth with foster care experience. Since joining the PACES program, Kylie has grown into a leadership role, using her expertise to guide students through academic planning, career exploration, and life skills development. She is passionate about empowering young people with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to achieve their goals and build successful, independent futures.