Friday Sessions
Keynote
My Struggle Is My Strength
Presented by Jordan Toma
Jordan explains finding strength through struggles - and how important it is for educators/staff/parents to help students (and adults) BELIEVE in themselves.
10:15 AM - 11:25 AM Breakout Sessions
TBD
Presented by TBD
TBD
The RADU E-Token System: Unlocking Student Potential and Engagement
Presented by Nancy Radu
The RADU E-Token System is a transformative, data-driven tool designed to support students with
invisible disabilities by increasing engagement, strengthening family-school collaboration, and
reducing teacher workload. This innovative system provides real-time behavioral insights,
empowering educators to recognize progress, reinforce positive behaviors, and drive meaningful
change in Affective Needs education.
Empower Your Students' Stories With The Imagine Project
Presented by Todd Daubert & Wendy Walker-Daubert
Empower your students while you co-teach with The Imagine Project's free, evidence-based writing
process. Foster self-expression, well-being, and hope. Learn to guide students in owning their stories,
setting goals, and unlocking their highest potential while blending social emotional learning into the
curriculum that you are already teaching.
The Power of Learning Spaces for All Students
Presented by Emily Scott & Dr. Robert Dillon
Discover how learning spaces can be transformed to better support all students, especially those in
special education. This session outlines a collaborative process that helps special education teachers
align their classroom environments with their values, mission, student needs, and support patterns to
create inclusive, effective learning spaces.
Building Confidence: Managing Anxiety in Crucial Conversations
Presented by Karan Steuart, Kristy Vance, & Sophia Carpiniello
This session will equip participants with strategies to manage anxiety during difficult conversations.Through practical techniques and role-playing, attendees will develop the confidence and skills toengage in crucial conversations with students, parents/guardians, and team members, fostering bettercommunication and stronger relationships in challenging situations.
Building Bonds & Bridges: Collaborative Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms
Presented by Caron A. Westland, Ph.D., Sapphire Barclay, & Dom Repucci
Because special educators play a vital role in supporting general education classrooms, implementing
targeted strategies is key to building a bridge for student success. In this session, we will discuss the
collaborative approaches, inclusive teaching strategies, differentiation, and family engagement needed
to create bonds and bridges with diverse professionals/families.
Rethinking Behavior: Creative Strategies for Neurodivergent Students
Presented by Kacie Wulf
One behavioral strategy does not fit all, especially when it comes to meeting the unique needs of
neurodiverse learners. Explore behavioral differentiation for a supportive learning environment. Shift
from compliance-based models to strength-based, individualized strategies. Leave with actionable
tools to support students with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles.
The Executive Functioning Experience
Presented by Cyle Feingold & Kristen Monteith
Through this interactive workshop, participants gain firsthand insight into what it feels like to have
executive functioning deficits through fun, fast-paced simulations. You'll laugh, reflect, and leave with
simple tools to support time management, planning, and greater independence in your students.
SEL- Stories & Strategies for Student Wellness
Presented by Courtney Parker & Caroline Wyman
Are you seeing more students with trauma, stress, and behaviour challenges? We are! In this session
we will share practical , proactive SEL strategies and interventions that increase student wellness and
decrease adverse behaviors.
Introduction to the Unique Characteristics of Twice Exceptional (2e) Learners
Presented by Emily Ottinger & Connolly Sherwood
2e learners are neurodivergent students with advanced abilities and unique challenges. This session
examines their key characteristics and explores strategies for applying 504 Plans, ALPs, and IEPs to
support both academic and emotional needs, ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations and
enrichment for success.
LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, Microaggressions and SEL Interventions
Presented by Lisa Mickleson & Betsy Basch
Join us as we examine navigating individual and systemic SEL interventions to address microaggressions towards students who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and students who are neurodivergent.
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM Luncheon Sessions
From Potential to Possibility: The Transformative Power of Entrepreneurship
Presented by Jenny Anderson
Entrepreneurship empowers individuals with disabilities with confidence, independence, and purpose. In this session, you’ll hear inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who transformed their passions into thriving businesses. We’ll also explore how introducing entrepreneurial education early can change life trajectories—equipping students with practical skills, resilience, and opportunities that reach beyond the classroom.
Overcoming Child Abuse, Tourette's Syndrome, Brain Injury, Speech & Visual Impairments, and Being a Teacher's Worst Nightmare
Presented by Mark Chartier
Mark earned two master’s degrees, became a successful special education teacher, and a published author. Thankfully, Mark had positive relationships with educators to help him succeed. Today, Mark builds these same relationships with his students to teach them every challenge can be conquered with determination, hard work, and a positive attitude.
Purple Threads: Unraveling Limits, Weaving Possibility
Presented by Abigail G. Manning
Discover the power of Purple Threads, a transformative framework for recognizing and removing limiting personal beliefs. This session blends empathy with accountability, offering educators and parents practical insights to foster resilience, sustain high expectations, and inspire growth by turning learning challenges into opportunities for lasting change.
Key Takeaways:
Understand the Purple Threads concept
Recognize hidden barriers in students and self
Learn empathy-based accountability tools
Shift limiting beliefs into growth mindsets
1:45 PM - 2:55 PM Breakout Sessions
For Neurodivergent Students of Color When the Classroom Wasn’t Enough
Presented by Dina Horsch & Sarah Wright
Neurodivergent BIPOC students face complex, deeply ingrained challenges in school settings. Rooted
in systemic biases and societal prejudice, these obstacles often go unnoticed, leading to mislabeling
and masking behaviors. These issues require a multifaceted approach, including culturally competent
identification and support systems.
It’s Never Too Late! It's Never Too Late! Strategies for Secondary Literacy
Presented by Lindsey Buck
This session equips secondary literacy specialists with research-based strategies to support struggling
readers. Attendees will explore assessment tools, evidence-based interventions, and structured literacy
techniques for diverse learners, including those with dyslexia. Practical resources ensure actionable
implementation, empowering educators to enhance adolescent literacy outcomes in middle and high
school settings.
Family Engagement: Meaningful Participation and Beyond
Presented by Beth Donahue & Ann Wilson
This session is intended to improve partnerships with families in the special education process. We
bring together perspectives of educators and families on how the IEP process fits within the broader
context of future planning. We will discuss meaningful family participation in meetings and helping
families to start early to build a strong foundation for their child’s future.
Inclusive Practices in Action: A Place for Every Child to Learn
Presented by Stephanie Cavallaro & Stephanie Games
The research supporting inclusion is clear. All students benefit when all students learn together. So why are center programs and separate schools more full than ever? Follow one elementary school's mission to keep all of their students learning together. Hear actual student success stories.
Promoting High Academic Expectations: Structured Differentiation That Works
Presented by Denise Levesque
It is imperative that our students learn and grow daily in our classes. This is challenging for our
students with diverse learning profiles and backgrounds. This session will help educators learn how to
structure differentiated lessons thoughtfully. Participants will explore how this can be applied to their
classrooms.
Cultivating Student Mindset Through Secondary Transition Planning
Presented by Kacy Little Owl
This interactive session equips educators, families, and transition teams with strategies to foster
student-focused planning. It emphasizes growth mindset, social belonging, and purpose, while
highlighting goal-setting, self-advocacy, and IEP development. Participants will engage in discussions,
resource-sharing, and activities like vision boards to support meaningful transitions to postsecondary
success.
Behavior Breakthroughs: Draw, Move, and Play!
Presented by Cynthia Hildner
Shift challenging behaviors with drawings, movement, and playful strategies. Join this interactive
session to discover ready-to-use tools that build connection, boost self-awareness, and offer strategies
that transform behavior, spark stronger relationships, and make learning social skills surprisingly fun.
AI a Teaching Superpower: Boosting Learning Without Burnout
Presented by Mollie Pitrone
Teaching with AI isn’t just about the tools—it’s about empowering students while continuing to grow
as an educator. Learn how to leverage AI to foster independent learning, streamline your workflow,
and avoid burnout for both you and your students. Let’s turn AI into a classroom ally, not a burden!
The Ways To Remember: The Role of AI in Our Classrooms
Presented by Philippe Ernewein
We are at a critical crossroads around the role of memory. How we respond, manage, and design for it matters. This workshop will provide an overview of the three significant parts of memory, highlight memory strategies, and how we can partner with artificial intelligence to support our organic memory systems.
What the World Needs Now is Compassion, Active Compassion
Presented by Kim Neely
It’s really hard to deal with...well, everything these days. Vague advice like “don’t think about it” or
“go change it” doesn’t really help. But compassion training gives you solid, down-to-earth ways to
toughen up emotionally, change how you see yourself, and boost your mental health without feeling
worn out.
Educating Ourselves & Others: Strategies from LEAD students
Presented by Cheyenne Mountain High School LEAD Program
Join the LEAD program’s session to hear strategies and stories from the students themselves. Learn
how these students are drivers of their academic achievement and growth, and engage in dialogue
about how adults can empower them as they navigate their learning disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety.
Nurturing the Brilliance Within
Presented by Leslie Gaiser & Dr. Michelle Pacheco DuBois
This session will focus on strategies to engage learners who are gifted with autism. Presenters will
share the characteristics of these unique learners with many ways to support and engage them in their
educational journey.
3:15 PM - 4:25 PM Breakout Sessions
TBD
Presented by TBD
TBD
Making Disability a Comfortable Conversation in Our Communities
Presented by Lindsey Blankenship & Kati Cahill
In this session, educators will explore key principles for creating a classroom culture that is safe,
inclusive, and curious. Through self-reflection and group discussion, participants will examine what
safety, permission, acceptance, and belonging look like in their own educational settings.
Experience DyslexiaTM: Gain Insight to Support Your Students
Presented by Tammy Curran & Jessica Bodden
In this session, participants will move through interactive stations utilizing the Experience DyslexiaTM
program. Following the simulation, we will share an overview of the “reading brain” and discuss
practical approaches to supporting students and families as they navigate the educational and
emotional challenges of Dyslexia.
Ultimate Para Educator Classroom Tool Kit.
Presented by Tammy Alexander
This session explores essential tools and strategies for ensuring paraeducators are equipped for success.
We will cover practical ways to create a supportive, structured, and adaptable environment for both
students and staff. Whether you’re a teacher, para, or administrator, join us to discuss real-world
solutions that make a difference in the classroom.
Reading Fluency It's More Than Reading Quickly
Presented by Mikayla Storey
Fluency is more than reading quickly. In this presentation, we will discuss the 4 forgotten fluency skills and how fluency impacts understanding. The presentation will provide a demonstration of activities that can be used to support fluency development, moving beyond speed to foster comprehension.
Winnie & Friends Go for a Forest Walk
Presented by Craig A. Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div
Learn about brain-based student temperaments, reactivity, and strategies to enhance emotional
regulation. Then use the fun, interactive activities to teach them to your students! All based on
Winnie the Pooh and his friends going for a walk in the forest. Includes emotional basketball and
student specific emotional management analogies!
Strategies for Successful Preschool Inclusion: Students with ASD
Presented by Katherine Barnes, M.Ed., BCBA
Inclusion benefits all students, but how can we ensure success for young learners with autism in
preschool classrooms? This session covers the importance of inclusion, teacher buy-in, and practical
strategies like prompting, environmental modifications, and visual supports. You’ll leave with tools to
create a supportive, inclusive classroom where all learners thrive.
Move Through Yoga: Expanding Access to Inclusive and Evidence-Based Wellness Practices in SPED
Presented by Stefanie Gross
Move Through Yoga empowers students of all abilities with trauma-conscious, adaptive yoga
techniques that enhance self-regulation, inclusion, and engagement. This session will explore how
integrating movement, breathwork, and mindfulness into the special education classroom can support
learning, reduce anxiety, and foster social connection among neurodiverse and physically diverse
students.
Community and District Collaboration, Why do it?
Presented by Jennifer Harris & Robin Carmack
Join a community provider and district representative to hear how meaningful collaboration can
work in the best interest of students. When families, community, and schools work together,
everyone benefits!
Unmasking ADHD in Girls
Presented by Kristen Hayton
Research shows girls are as likely to have ADHD as boys, but it frequently manifests differently. We
will explore the unique challenges faced by girls and women with ADHD, why they are often
underdiagnosed, how ADHD presents in girls, cooccurring conditions, and strategies for supporting
their needs.
Meaningful Mathematics: Leveraging AI to Support Student Growth
Presented byDr. Mindy Adair
In what ways can we prioritize creative thinking, collaboration, and mathematical inquiry over rote
processes? Participants will explore how AI can enhance student learning and teacher development.
We will also examine how AI tools empower neurodiverse learners and critically consider if, when,
how, and why to integrate them effectively.
PERA 101
Presented by PERA
Let’s talk retirement! Whether you’re decades, years, or months away from that milestone, join PERA educators Christy and Leslie to learn: 1. How your retirement pension is calculated and 2. How your strategic career choices can positively impact your pension and future financial security. We’ll explore actionable steps unique to your PERA-member details, with one objective: clarifying what you need to know to maximize your retirement income in a way that works for both Current You and Future You.
CO - TED Meeting
More information to come.