The Conference
The 2026 PCCYFS Conference features:
Wednesday Keynote
Annie Meehan
Thursday Keynote
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Valerie Arkoosh
Sessions during the conference include a variety of educational and topical content with many qualifying for Continuing Education Units (CEUs), including CEUs for Ethics and Suicide Prevention.
The conference also has numerous opportunities for networking including a Trivia Event and a sponsored evening mixer with a comedian.
The Venue
This year’s conference will again be held at the Best Western Premier, 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg.
2026 Schedule and Important Documents
Hotel Room Block
CALL or CLICK to Make Reservations
717-561-2800
If you’d prefer to make reservations over the phone, choose option #4 and then option #1 for the group block.
Remember to ask for the PCCYFS discounted group rate (no code needed over the phone)!
If the Best Western Premier sells out (it normally does!!!) additional hotel options nearby include:
The Hampton Inn at 4230 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Or call 717-545-9595.
The Comfort Inn and Suites Harrisburg-Hershey West, 1001 Briarsdale Rd, Harrisburg PA 17109, 717-558-8535
The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot Harrisburg Hershey, 1018 Briarsdale Rd, Harrisburg PA 17109, 717-412-4326
WEDNESDAY
Annie Meehan
Annie Meehan is a professional keynote speaker, author, and transformational coach who inspires, educates, and activates her audiences with a clear and compelling message: Be the Exception. With a warm and dynamic presence, she helps people break free from counterproductive habits, rise above the status quo, and live more meaningful, impactful lives—both personally and professionally.
A widely embraced international speaker, Annie has delivered powerful keynotes to corporations, associations, and nonprofits across the globe. Known for her signature blend of authenticity, humor, and actionable insights, she empowers teams to embrace change, eliminate long-held excuses, and leverage the power of words to unlock personal and organizational excellence.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Annie spent nine years in the financial services industry, earning five promotions in a male-dominated workplace. She later became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating two fitness franchises for over a decade and leading a thriving direct sales team. Her passion for health, wellness, and personal growth became a foundation for the empowering message she now shares with thousands each year.
Annie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry and brings a deep sense of purpose, faith, and encouragement to every stage she steps on. She is a member and past president of the National Speakers Association (NSA) Minnesota chapter, a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—the highest designation in the speaking profession—and a proud inductee into the NSA Minnesota Hall of Fame.
Annie is the author of 11 personal development books, including the award-winning Be the Exception and The Pineapple Principle, a refreshing take on customer service and hospitality. Her most recent passion project is helping organizations build H3 Cultures—Hopeful, Healthy, and Happy workplaces that retain engaged, motivated employees.
Now based in the Orlando, Florida area with her husband Greg, Annie enjoys adventuring with her family, volunteering in her community, and walking her beloved dog Leo. Whether she’s on stage or one-on-one, Annie’s mission remains the same: to help others live fully, love boldly, and lead exceptionally.
THURSDAY
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary
Valerie Arkoosh
Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH, was appointed to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services by Governor Josh Shapiro on January 17, 2023.
Prior to this role, Secretary Arkoosh served on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners for eight years, serving as Commission Chair from November 2016 through January 2023. As a physician and public health professional, Secretary Arkoosh was at the center of Montgomery County’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a data- and science-driven approach to the unprecedented challenge. Arkoosh’s leadership was praised during the county’s response, especially her transparency and public communication throughout the pandemic.
Arkoosh is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and received a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She performed her residency at Jefferson Medical College in Anesthesiology with a special focus in Obstetrics. Prior to stepping into public service, Secretary Arkoosh was Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania.
Upon obtaining her Master of Public Health in 2007, Arkoosh became deeply engaged in the national effort to achieve comprehensive health care reform. She led the National Physicians Alliance, a national non-profit organization of physicians, who, putting their patients before profits, joined a broad-based nation-wide coalition for reform. During this time, she developed policy and legislative strategy, and promoted public engagement in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and throughout the country. Dr. Arkoosh maintains comprehensive knowledge of the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its impact on individuals and the health care system.
Tuesday Evening (for early arrivals)
Trivia Night! Cash Prizes!
Join us on the evening of Tuesday, April 7th for a fun evening of Trivia.
Early conference arrivals can join the PCCYFS team and other conference attendees at O’Reilly’s Tap Room and Kitchen, located at the Best Western Premier conference venue hotel. Play by yourself or create/join a team.
Play for FREE for CASH PRIZES! All are welcome.
Wednesday Evening
Don’t Miss Comedian Robert Mac!
Robert Mac was the grand-prize winner of Comedy Central’s national stand-up competition and has appeared on Last Comic Standing, The Learning Channel, Comedy Central, and many shows that have since gone off the air. He’s performed at the prestigious Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, the San Francisco Comedy Competition, and the Boston Comedy Festival, to name a few.
His first Dry Bar Comedy special (Know More Robert Mac) was so successful that they asked him to perform a second (Back to Lake Titicaca).
His act is smart, delightful, and original. If you prefer brainy, dead-pan comedy over brain-dead, pandering comedy, check him out.
Thank you to all of our
2026 Conference Sponsors!!!!
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR???
If your organization is interested in being one of our sponsors, please explore our currently available sponsorship opportunities.
Brown and Brown – PREMIER SPONSOR
Brown & Brown provides risk management solutions to help protect what our customers value most.
George Jr. Republic – PLATINUM SPONSOR
George Junior Republic is dedicated to changing the lives of at-risk youth through a broad continuum of programs that engage the entire person and support the mental, physical and emotional needs while teaching responsibility, citizenship and skills that will help them grow into productive members of society.
EHR EDGE, enkompas – GOLD SPONSOR and NAME BADGE SPONSOR
enkompas is a leading consultancy that provides organizations with the technology guidance and support that drives organizational efficiencies, resiliency, cost control, and revenue improvements.
Binti – GOLD SPONSOR
Reinvent child welfare with us. Grounded in extensive research with youth, families and social workers, Binti’s mobile friendly platform promotes partnership, drives better outcomes and saves social worker time.
MHY Family Services – SILVER SPONSOR
MHY Family Services (MHY) offers a therapeutic campus environment supporting individualized education programs and community services where learning and healing occur for youth and families. Through MHY, youth and families have the opportunity to learn skills that help them to manage and cope with trauma-based issues and to remain engaged with home, school and community.
New Life Adolescents – SILVER SPONSOR
New Life Adolescents is a specialized, licensed organization focused on supporting youth through meaningful, purposeful care. They focus on addressing challenges, building resilience, and fostering positive outcomes for adolescents, with a commitment to community-supported, impactful programming.
Blockhouse – SPECIALITY SPONSOR
Durable, Functional, Customizable Furniture That Performs Time and Time Again. From a True Partner That Stands With You.
Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers – BRONZE SPONSOR and TOTE BAG SPONSOR
DTAC’s vision is to be the premier provider and leading innovator of child and adolescent mental health treatment through assessing community needs, allowing us to grow and evolve with the changing demands of the individuals we serve. Through integrity, kindness, empowerment, and respect, we are changing the lives of individuals in our community.
CAI – BRONZE SPONSOR
As a privately held company with a global footprint, our 9,000+ associates have the freedom and the focus to do what’s right for our clients, colleagues, and communities. We have a 40-year history of combining our dual strengths of talent and technology to deliver lasting results across the public and commercial sectors. And for nearly a decade, we’ve been national trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise. Let’s explore how we can power the possible—for you.
Amergis Healthcare Staffing – BRONZE SPONSOR
Amergis is a national healthcare staffing company with local roots committed to personal relationships with clients in recruitment, hiring and placement of a quality and diverse healthcare workforce. Amergis connects the nations top professionals to a variety of healthcare and education partners.
Qualifacts – BRONZE SPONSOR
The modern end-to-end behavioral health EHR software you need to bring your vision to life and optimize your client journey.
Our configurable software and services equip providers with the tools and technologies they need to deliver exceptional client care.
As the market leader of rehabilitative, human services, and mental and behavioral health EHR solutions, we continuously invest and innovate to better serve your evolving needs.
Cove Prep – BRONZE SPONSOR
There is hope for youthful sexual offenders if they receive intensive multi-faceted treatment that targets their individual patterns and needs. Cove PREP is committed to providing that treatment..
Lamb Insurance – BRONZE SPONSOR
Lamb is dedicated exclusively to nonprofits and human service organizations. We provide property, casualty, and risk management solutions to organizations of any size and budget. Your protection is our mission.
The Academy – SOCIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP
The Academy Schools is a proud network of award-winning schools for at-risk youth. Established in Western Pennsylvania and managed by leaders and innovators in the field of juvenile justice, these schools are both community-based and residential, serving both local and out-of-state students.
Families United Network – COPPER SPONSOR
Families United Network embarked on its mission on July 1, 1996, establishing itself as a premier provider of private foster care. We operate as a voluntary child welfare agency. Initially, the agency commenced its operations by offering foster care services to a modest number of children across various counties, focusing on the central, western, and north central regions of Pennsylvania. Presently, Families United Network extends its care to over five hundred children, encompassing foster care, adoption, and residential services across numerous offices and residential facilities throughout the state.
Adelphoi – COPPER SPONSOR
For more than 50 years, we’ve been one of Pennsylvania’s leading providers of youth and family services. We serve youth who are at-risk, abused, neglected, delinquent, or are struggling with academic or behavioral issues. Many of our youth and families have some involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Abraxas Youth and Family Services – COPPER SPONSOR
Abraxas is a national leader in providing residential, community based and in home services for youth, adults and families.
Abraxas Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit provider of a diversified array of services to over 5,000 youth, adults and families each year. Abraxas began in Marienville, Pennsylvania in 1973 with only one site and only 30 clients. Now, 50 years later, Abraxas operates programs in five states providing treatment, behavioral health services, educational & vocational support, life skills, family counseling, recreation and community engagement. We are strength-based, client-centered, family-oriented and trauma-focused. Abraxas offers alternative education, outpatient counseling, in-home services, shelter, detention, residential treatment and re-entry/transition assistance.
Perseus House – COPPER SPONSOR
Our mission is to serve youth and families through evidence-based programming designed to promote pro-social behavior and healthy lifestyles, via Shelter, PRTF, and Transitional Living congregate care.
AccountingTeks – COPPER SPONSOR
AccountingTeks is an award-winning CPA firm dedicated to serving residential facilities, foster care providers, community-based programs, drug and alcohol treatment centers, supervised independent living programs, adoption networks, mental health programs, workforce development/vocational training programs, behavioral health companies, governmental agencies, religious organizations, and educational institutions.
NetSmart – COPPER SPONSOR
At Netsmart, we believe providers and organizations need capabilities that extend beyond relying solely on an EHR solution and software. We are dedicated to digitizing your enterprise, helping your organization successfully thrive in today’s healthcare landscape.
Elwyn of Pennsylvania and Delaware – COPPER SPONSOR
Shaping Distinctive, Meaningful Lives
In 1852, we made a promise. To enrich the quality of life for individuals with diverse challenges. Every decision we make prioritizes the well-being of the individuals we support.
Fostering Families Today – COPPER SPONSOR
Fostering Families Today is an award-winning, bimonthly print and digital magazine that has served the foster, adoptive, and kinship care community for over 20 years. Published by nonprofit Fostering Media Connections, it provides practical advice, expert opinions, and trauma-informed care resources to help caregivers support children.
Company Mileage – COPPER SPONSOR
Mileage Reimbursement Software for a Mobile Workforce.
GDC IT Solutions – COPPER SPONSOR
GDC IT Solutions is your trusted partner for IT Transformation.
In today’s ever-changing technological landscape, navigating IT complexities can be overwhelming. That’s where GDC IT Solutions comes in. We’re not just a premier IT service provider established in 1995; we’re a team of passionate professionals dedicated to helping businesses like yours thrive in the digital age. We don’t just solve your immediate IT problems; we help businesses of all sizes achieve their full potential by providing comprehensive IT solutions and exceptional customer service.
Children’s Home of Reading – COPPER SPONSOR
The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) is a multi-faceted social service nonprofit offering specialized residential, educational, and community-based programs to help both at-risk children and their families.
CONCERN – TRIVIA NIGHT SPONSOR
CONCERN is a multi-service private non-profit 501(c)(3) human services organization that provides services to children, youth, and families encouraging growth, and promoting positive healthy lives. CONCERN’s services include foster care, adoption, and permanency, community-based prevention programs, behavioral health, and residential treatment.
CONCERN began in 1978 as a foster care agency in Fleetwood, PA. Since then, CONCERN continues to meet the growing needs in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Currently, 15 sites bring hope, offer opportunity, and inspire change to over 7,500 individuals each year.
Bethanna – CEU SPONSORSHIP
Bethanna is a Christian organization that provides the highest quality system of care for children and families in order to ensure safety, restore emotional wellness, and build family stability.
Bethanna provides adoption, child welfare services and behavioral health care in Philadelphia, Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Bethanna strengthens families, promotes resilience and offers hope in times of need. Contact us to find out how you can help lead the way home for children and teens in your community.
Gemma Services- STUDENT SPONSORSHIP
At Gemma, we help people know they matter by accompanying them through hard times. We provide education, mental health services in residential and community settings, foster family care, adoption and permanency services, and prevention programs for thousands of youth and families each year.
HUB International – BILLBOARD SPONSOR
HUB International offers employee benefits, business, and personal insurance products and services.
Children’s Home of York – ROOM SPONSOR
For over 150 years, Children’s Home of York has been evolving to care for children and families in need.
What started as an orphanage for displaced youth during the civil war is now a multi-faceted social service organization that services our most vulnerable children, youth, and families throughout Pennsylvania.
Children’s Home of York empowers children to thrive, strengthens families, and enriches communities. Our success is measured in the number of people we help with the quality of the programs and services we provide.
Beam – ROOM SPONSOR
Spend more time with people, less time on notes. Beam provides an AI tool built by frontline workers, for front line workers, and is empowering frontline workers across the United States.
Bruce Fagan – ROOM SPONSOR
Since 1994, Bruce Fagan Promotions has been dedicated to enhancing the marketing, development, public-relations, and branding of businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions. We strive to provide the highest quality promotional marketing products, printing, and design services while maintaining affordable pricing.
Children’s Home of Easton – Wi-Fi SPONSOR
We believe all children deserve compassion and respect. Given the right tools and support system, those children can reach their full potential.
Harborcreek Youth Services – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR
Harborcreek Youth Services is a trauma-informed behavioral healthcare agency that provides a wide range of residential and in-home services to children and their families from across Pennsylvania.
Temple University – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR
Strengthening your future and the community.
Prevention Learning Portal – STUFFED BAG SPONSOR
The Prevention Learning Portal is a comprehensive resource to broaden your knowledge, develop skills, and improve your ability to implement evidence-based prevention methods in your work and practice.
Maola & Schidlow, LLC – DIGITAL AD SPONSOR
Maola and Schidlow represent organizations in the child welfare space.
To sponsor or for more information contact PCCYFS hbgoffice@pccyfs.org or 717-651-1725.
Ticket Sales Are Now Closed!
Is the conference in-person? Where is it being held?
We are pleased to offer the PCCYFS 2026 Conference in-person at the Best Western Premier Hotel, located at 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111. The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 83.
How do I access the group room rate information?
Make your reservations online here.
Or call 717-561-2800, choose option #4 and then option #1. Then ask for the PCCYFS group rate (no code needed when calling for a reservation, simply mention our conference).
Where can I reserve a room if the hotel is full?
The following hotels are located close to the venue.
The Hampton Inn at 4230 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Or call 717-545-9595.
The Comfort Inn and Suites Harrisburg-Hershey West, 1001 Briarsdale Rd, Harrisburg PA 17109, 717-558-8535
The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot Harrisburg Hershey, 1018 Briarsdale Rd, Harrisburg PA 17109, 717-412-4326
Do I have to be a PCCYFS member to register?
No!!! Members and non-members are welcome to attend the conference. Every year, many non-members attend the conference.
Where do I direct questions about my conference registration?
Questions can be emailed to hbgoffice@pccyfs.org. During the event, you may also stop by the conference registration table and PCCYFS staff will help you.
What is the registration fee?
The registration fees vary. They can be located on the conference page under the “Registration” tab. Any questions can be directed to hbgoffice@pccyfs.org.
What methods of payment do you accept?
You may make your reservation using a credit card, PayPal or request to be invoiced. You do NOT need to create a PayPal account to use a credit card. If you choose to pay via PayPal/credit card, our website will pull you to a secure PayPal website page where you can complete your purchase using a credit card.
Again, you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to complete the checkout via the PayPal website.
Are the sessions eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Yes, many of our sessions are eligible for CEUs. Their eligibility is indicated by the course description in the program. There may be a separate cost for obtaining CEU’s (payable at the conference), typically no more than $10/day.
The Pennsylvania Council of Children Youth u0026amp; Family Services (PCCYFS) #SWPR004114 is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors to offer continuing education for social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. PCCYFS maintains responsibility for the program(s).
PCCYFS will maintain electronic and on-site records for 2 years; after 2 years, records will be sent to storage. You may apply for CEUs if the evaluation was completed in a timely manner. Please note that you may only apply for CEUs for courses where noted in the registration information. You may not receive more than one type of credit for a single course.
Are there any networking events?
Yes, this year’s conference offers many opportunities for networking.
On Tuesday evening, early arrivals may join PCCYFS staff and other conference early arrivals at the hotel bar/restaurant for Tuesday Trivia Night. PCCYFS will host trivia from 7 to 9 pm and award prizes. Play individually, as your own group, or pair up with PCCYFS staff to play.
On Wednesday, PCCYFS is presenting a comedian. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and have a drink in our private reserved bar area for conference attendees.
How do I cancel my registration?
All requests for cancelling registrations must be e-mailed to HbgOffice@PCCYFS.org by 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. All non-cancelled no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.
How can I sponsor the 2026 Conference?
Information on sponsorship opportunities can be found on our conference website page in the “Sponsors” tab. You may also e-mail hbgoffice@pccyfs.org for more information.
How do I become a member of PCCYFS?
Click this link for information about membership.
How can I offer feedback or ask a specific question?
Email the PCCYFS office at hbgoffice@pccyfs.org.
Can I use social media at the conference?
Yes.
Social media guidelines and best practices
We welcome social media use at PCCYFS’ Annual Conference, including live tweeting. Use includes all public settings such as the exhibit hall and receptions, and presentations and keynotes.
Use the appropriate meeting hashtag, e.g. #PCCYFSCon2026 for PCCYFS Annual Conference 2026.
Employ commonly used hashtags that relate to the content to increase engagement.
Treat all participants, attendees, staff, and vendors with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
Credit (identify) presenters by name.
Do not take or share photographs of individuals under 18 on social media without explicit verbal or written permission of a parent or guardian.
Photography guidelines and best practices
Photography by individuals for personal use and for social media is allowed at social events, in the Exhibit Hall and in public spaces throughout the PCCYFS Annual Conference.
The presenter must be identified by name when a photograph of the presenter, presenter’s slides, or poster is shared on social media or elsewhere.
Attendees should be respectful and considerate of others. Do not use flash, block attendees view of presenters when capturing photos, or otherwise disrupt presentations.
Do not photograph individuals under 18 years of age without explicit verbal or written permission of a parent or guardian. If in doubt, ask.
