Counselor Education Innovations Conference

The Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Conference, formerly known as CEDL, serves as a national forum for counselor educators, practitioners, administrators, and distance learning professionals to exchange research, share best practices, and highlight innovative approaches that enhance student learning and professional outcomes.

The 2026 theme, “Connecting Practice, Research, and Technology in Counselor Education,” underscores the integration of scholarship, applied strategies, and technological advancement to strengthen the field and prepare the next generation of counseling professionals.

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2026 Keynote Speaker

Woman speaking at a podium

Donna Sheperis, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH

Dr. Donna Sheperis is a Professor of Counseling at Palo Alto University with over 30 years of clinical experience. A Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, she is a past president of the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling and serves on the ACA Ethics Appeals Committee. She has authored numerous publications, including Ethical Decision Making for 21st Century Counselors (2024) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Fundamentals of Applied Practice (2025).

  • Conference Highlights
    • Keynote Addresses from leaders in counselor education and online learning
    • Concurrent Sessions & Workshops with practical strategies and research findings
    • Poster Presentations encouraging dialogue and scholarly exchange
    • Networking Sessions to foster collaboration and professional connections
  • Who Should Attend
    • Counselor Educators
    • Distance Learning Specialists
    • Graduate Students
    • School and Clinical Counselors
    • Higher Education Administrator
    • Researchers and Policy Leaders

    Be part of the conversation—follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

  • Registration Fees

    Join us for the Counselor Education Innovations (CEI) Virtual Conference 2026.

    • $150 – Professionals 
    • $75 – Students*

    *Students may attend for free with no CEs or Coursera access

    The professional and student registration fees reflect the cost of providing 6 continuing education credits (CEs) and the added benefit of a 3-month Coursera subscription.

  • Important Dates
    • Proposal Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025
    • Notification of Acceptance: December 15, 2025
    • Conference Date: February 13, 2026

    Virtual Event, Hosted by KU Advance

  • Call for Proposals

    Proposals are now being accepted for presentations, workshops, panels, and poster sessions.
    Submit Your Proposal here.

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Contact

Melissa Lincoln, Executive Assistant and Project Manager
lincoln@kutztown.edu | 610.683.4220