Legal & Ethical Practice: Defensible Decisions. Elevated Standards and Precision Happiness: The Science of Well-Being in Action (11/20/2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

FALL WORKSHOP

Friday, November 20th, 2026

8:00 - 3:30PM

In Person at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine

Virtual via Zoom

AM Session (3.5 hours) Legal & Ethical Practice:

Defensible Decisions. Elevated Standards.

School psychologists routinely face situations where ethical standards, legal requirements, professional judgment, school expectations, and real-world pressures collide. This program focuses on making sound, defensible decisions when the answer is not always clear. Through practical examples, participants will examine how to distinguish ethical concerns from legal obligations, recognize situations that increase

professional risk, and apply a systematic decision-making process. Topics will include confidentiality and records, subpoenas, professional boundaries, competence, documentation, practitioner well-being, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The emphasis is on practical reasoning, not simply knowing the rules, so that participants can approach complex situations with greater consistency,

confidence, and professional defensibility.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate ethical standards, legal requirements, and professional practice considerations in school psychology.

2. Apply a systematic framework for making and documenting defensible professional decisions.

3. Identify common areas of legal and ethical risk and strategies for reducing that risk.

PM Session (2.5 hours) Precision Happiness: The Science of Well-Being in Action

Happiness is often treated as something we either have or don't have, but research suggests we can understand, strengthen, and practice well-being with greater precision. This session explores the science of happiness and the psychological processes that contribute to sustained well-being. Participants will examine evidence-based strategies drawn from positive psychology, cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and related research. Topics will include self-compassion, gratitude, social connection, meaning, attention, and everyday habits that influence well-being. The emphasis will be on translating research into practical strategies you can use personally and incorporate into professional work with students, school staff, and families. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what the science says about happiness and practical tools to put it into action.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key psychological and behavioral factors associated with happiness and well-being.

2. Apply evidence-based strategies for strengthening well-being, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and positive psychology approaches.

3. Develop practical strategies for fostering self-compassion, gratitude, social connection, and other contributors to sustained well-being.

Presenter Bio:

Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and Delaware and a nationally certified school psychologist. He is also a nationally registered health service psychologist and board-certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology. Based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Dr. Christner operates an independent practice and provides telepsychology services across 43 states through APIT

(Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) and TAP (Temporary Authorization to Practice). His clinical expertise includes psychological and neuropsychological assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and program evaluation. He is a sought-after expert in legal cases involving school psychological practice, mental health practice, ethics, and special education. As an internationally renowned author and speaker, Dr. Christner has made significant contributions to psychology and education through numerous publications and over 250 presentations. One of his books, Cognitive- Behavioral Interventions in Educational Settings: A Handbook for Practice (now in its 3 rd edition), has been translated into multiple languages. He is the author of the forthcoming test, the Christner Behavior and Adaptability Assessment System (C-BAAS TM ), which will be released by PAR, Inc., in 2027. Additionally, Dr. Christner co-hosts the “Psyched to Practice” podcast, which is streamed in over 50 countries. His work has been featured in Today, Parents, Newsweek, Lifehacker, Yahoo! Life, ABC, Fox, Special Education Connection, School Psychology Today, and Authority Magazine, among others.

Registration Information

Full Day registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack

MASP Member Pricing

In Person = $195.00

Virtual = $150.00

Non-Member Pricing

In Person = $225.00

Virtual = $175.00

Student Pricing

In Person = $75.00

Virtual: $50.00

Retirees Pricing

In Person: $100.00

Virtual: $75.00

Online registration only

Registration closes

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Schedule for the Day:

Registration: 8:00 AM

Am: 8:30 to 12:00 PM

Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (including MASP annual meeting)

PM: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

5.5 NASP CEUs will be available to participants upon completion of the evaluation form.

Maine Association of School Psychologists upcoming events

Legal & Ethical Practice: Defensible Decisions. Elevated Standards and Precision Happiness: The Science of Well-Being in Action (11/20/2026)