The Missouri School Age Conference (MOSAC) has long served as the state’s premier gathering for afterschool professionals. To extend its reach, MASN created MOSAC Minis—regional one-day events offering high-quality professional development and networking opportunities closer to the communities that need them.
With established MOSAC Minis in St. Louis (ALI) and Kansas City (GAP), this year’s expansion underscores MASN’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to training and resources for afterschool staff across the state. 
As a team effort, area program directors and staff work with Brad Lademann, MASN associate director of quality, to plan and host each MOSAC Mini – ensuring sessions are truly tailored to the needs and interests of surrounding afterschool programs.
Ashlee Liska, MASN associate director of quality and former afterschool program director at STRIPES 360 in Republic says, “MOSAC Minis are about accessibility and impact. Not everyone can travel across the state for MOSAC, but every afterschool professional deserves access to the same high-quality learning and sense of togetherness.” Ashlee goes on to state, “By expanding to new regions like the southwest, we’re helping programs strengthen their work and their connections.”
Rebecca Longenecker, assistant program coordinator at Nixa XLT afterschool program and a part of the SWAP planning committee, added, “Bringing MOSAC-quality training right to our community helps programs grow and connect with one another.”
The day of professional development will provide participants with practical tools, new strategies, and a chance to connect with peers. Sessions are designed to support staff at all levels and address some of the most pressing needs in afterschool programs today. Highlights include:
- Facilitating Science Discovery – Hands-on exploration with robotics and purposeful questioning (Richard Irwin, MASN).
- Afterschool Behavior: Using a Behavior Management System – Proactive strategies through the CHAMPS framework (Brian Gasper, Republic STRIPES 360).
- 4-H in Afterschool – Incorporating project-based 4-H curricula into afterschool programs (Velynda Cameron, 4-H Center for Youth Development).
- It Starts With Us: Building Positive Culture in Youth Programs – Team-building activities and culture-strengthening tools (Courtney Carpenter, Ozarks Regional YMCA).
- Template Playground – Practical templates to streamline operations and boost efficiency (Emily Sprague & Danielle Neubauer, Nixa XLT).
- Chill Vibes Only! – Self-care practices to support staff well-being (Rebecca Longenecker, Nixa XLT).
- Play, Connect, Repeat: Elevating Group Facilitation – Strategies for collaboration and inclusive engagement (Tyler Dempsey, SPARC).
- Working with Children of All Abilities – Approaches to supporting youth with ADHD, Autism, and ODD (Dr. Reesha Adamson, Missouri State University).
By expanding into southwest Missouri, MOSAC Minis continue to advance MASN’s mission of strengthening afterschool programs statewide. These regional gatherings ensure that every educator—whether in an urban or rural community, whether a school day teacher or community youth development professional, whether a program director or direct service staff—has access to training, resources, and the professional connections needed to deliver high-quality programming for Missouri’s youth.
