FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
When: Friday, November 21, 12:05 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration & Location: Online, Via Zoom. Registration is free and open to everyone.
Topic: Join us for our November FOCUS Forum. This forum will focus on how the Syracuse City School District, together with government and community partners, is supporting students and their families in accessing needed services ranging from temporary housing, food insecurity, joblessness, and poverty to mental health support, crisis management, and more. These partnerships focus on the whole family, the needs and desires of famalies, and are leading to practical, sustainable approaches that strengthen community support systems.
Panelists & Sponsor:
Janel Milana, Director of Student Support and Interventions, Syracuse City School District
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With 18 years of experience in education, Janel Milana leads district-wide student support services for the Syracuse City School District. She oversees Pre-K–12 Social Workers, District Crisis Response Teams, and initiatives supporting child welfare and students experiencing temporary housing. Janel collaborates closely with county agencies to ensure comprehensive care for students and families. Her previous roles include Special Education School Improvement Specialist for NYSED, School Building Leader, and McKinney-Vento Liaison. She began her career teaching special education at the middle and high school levels. Janel is committed to equity, crisis response, and creating inclusive environments that foster student success.
Jessica Hopps, Senior Director of Program Management, Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
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Jessica Hopps is a seasoned and innovative human services leader with over 20 years of experience spanning child welfare, case management, family engagement, and staff development. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Program Management at Coordinated Care Services, Inc. where she leads program operations and drives business development for multiple community-serving programs across Onondaga County. Jessica is recognized for her strategic oversight, collaborative leadership, and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families through evidence-based, person-centered approaches.
Teresa (Terry) Bowers, Director, Mental Health, Syracuse City School District
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Terry Bowers is the Director of Mental Health for the Syracuse City School District, where she works to improve access to mental health services for all students. Her focus includes preventative systems like social-emotional learning, multi-tiered supports, threat assessment, and mental health first aid. She also leads staff development to strengthen student support.
Ms. Bowers helped launch a partnership with Upstate Medical Center to expand services such as psychiatry, therapy, evaluations, and case consultation.
A school psychologist by training, she has worked in both school and community settings in roles including preventive services, school psychologist, behavior specialist, and Director of Special Education. Her work reflects a commitment to integrated, accessible mental health supports for youth.
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to EDR for their generous sponsorship of the November 2025 FOCUS Forum. EDR’s support enables us to continue providing free access to this valuable educational resource.
| Founded in 1979, EDR is a certified Woman Owned Business (WBE) dedicated to sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions arrived at through collaboration with our clients and allies. EDR’s mission is dedicated to creating and sustaining a better environment – for our clients, for our employees, and for our communities. Our diverse Practice Areas include Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Cultural Resources, Community Planning, Visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supported by our Operations team that includes Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing/Communications. |
Join us in making a difference by becoming a sponsor and helping sustain this impactful program. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, organizations, and businesses who are eager to make a positive impact.