Session Sorter
The Session Sorter helps you search through the catalog of OCALICONLINE sessions to find ones that best match your work and interests. Sort sessions by one or more of the fields below. Additional sessions and presenters will be added in the coming weeks. Please continue to check back for more updates throughout the summer.
All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST UTC-5). Presentation days and times are subject to change. All updates will be reflected here in real time.
My Schedule
Use "My Schedule" to save selected sessions to create your own personal schedule. OCALICONLINE participants, log in to access "My Schedule".
Learn more about My Schedule
Save selected sessions to create your own personal schedule:
- Click the "Add to My Schedule" button to save sessions.
- Click the "View My Schedule" button to see your selected sessions for each day of the conference.
- Click "Remove from My Schedule" to remove a session from "My Schedule". You can always add a session again if you change your mind.
- Master Tip: Save two or more sessions for each time block so you always have a back up session.
Please note that adding a session to "My Schedule" does not reserve a seat for you, but is simply intended to help narrow your choices and decide which sessions to attend.
Total Sessions Found: 2 | Reset Sorter
| Title | Date / Time | Presenters | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Getting Ready for the 2022 Federal Quota Census
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Tuesday
4:30 - 5:30 pm | Presenters: Jennifer Govender , Sarah Buoni , Judy Siens , Kelly Houston | |
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NETWORKING: OCALI's Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials Center
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Thursday
4:30 - 5:30 pm | Presenters: Jan Rogers , Rachel Schultz , Jennifer Govender , Heather Bridgman , Judy Siens , Kelly Houston , Katie Robinson , Lisa Modena |
Presenter Detail
Chris Abildgaard
Chris Abildgaard, Ed.D, NCSP, LPC, NCC, is the owner and director of the Social Learning Center, LLC. located in Cheshire, CT. Chris has been in private practice for over 13 years. Chris earned his doctorate of education in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, a Board Certified national Counselor, & a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Chris also holds a Graduate Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Behavioral Interventions in Autism. Chris is an Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Joseph’s and the University of Hartford.
Presenter Detail
Ameena Ahmed
Ameena Ahmed is currently a fifth-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Xavier University. This year, she is completing the final step of her degree with her doctoral internship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center! Both her clinical and research interests include supporting children with developmental disabilities, as well as providing family-centered care for those who either parent or care for a child with a disability. Ameena has experience working as a psychology trainee at community mental health agencies, schools, and a children's hospital. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks outside, and playing with her cat, Elsie.
Presenter Detail
Jenna Allen
Jenna Allen is a transition to adulthood consultant at the OCALI Lifespan Transitions Center. Her professional experience includes provision and supervision of services to youth and adults with disabilities, with a primary focus on community inclusion and integrated employment, and frontline roles in the fields of education and community health. She is a certified Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador.
Presenter Detail
Natalie Andzik
Dr. Natalie Andzik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special and Early Education at Northern Illinois University. Her research interest grew from being a special educator in California. Natalie's research focuses on supporting communication independence among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She believes that teachers, paraeducators, and other school-based practitioners benefit from support when implementing evidence-based practices and once trained, school-baed practitioners can make a profound change.
Presenter Detail
Marc Angelier
Marc Angelier had a master's degree in English and Russian before becoming a school mainstream and specialized braille teacher. He has been working with visually impaired children for 20 years. Fervent defenders of braille, he travels the world on training missions promoting inclusive schools, aiming to reach a single goal: make inclusive school for all a reality! He has written a lot of tactile books for children and inclusive methods to teach braille and more. Since 2019, they are in charge of the creation and implementation of the global educational concept of LEGO® Braille Bricks for the LEGO Foundation.
Presenter Detail
Jenna Aranki
Jenna Aranki is a board-certified behavior analyst who has supported children, adults, and their families through home and community therapy for over nine years. As the Regional Training Supervisor at Easterseals Southern California, she is responsible for the development and updates to the training curriculum for direct and supervisory level staff. Aranki also has experience in research, teaching at the undergraduate level, and staff training. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, completing her master’s degree at CSUN, and currently residing in the beach communities of LA County.
Presenter Detail
Elijah Armstrong
Elijah is an epileptic activist from Jacksonville, Florida, who had to sue his high school over lack of access. This caused him to found Equal Opportunities for Students in 2016, where he advocates for marginalized students in education. He graduated from Penn State with a degree in Education and Public Policy in 2019, and earned his Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2020. Elijah is currently working on the Heumann-Armstrong award, an education award for students with disabilities, with funding from The Coelho Center and the American Association of People with Disabilities' Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award.
Presenter Detail
Lisa Arthur
Lisa Arthur is an educational consultant with the State Support Team, Region 16. She coaches educational leaders in system-wide UDL implementation and coaches teachers at the classroom level. She is a member of the Ohio UDL Collaborative. Arthur also provides learning and support to districts in the area of autism and other complex needs. She earned a master's degree in counseling from Cincinnati Christian University and worked as a licensed professional counselor in the mental health field for 10 years prior to her teaching career. Arthur entered the education profession as a paraprofessional and has been licensed as an intervention specialist for the past 15 years.
Presenter Detail
Ruth Aspy
Ruth Aspy, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist specializing in transdisciplinary assessment and intervention for individuals with ASD. She is co-author of The Ziggurat Model, which earned the Autism Society Literary Achievement Award. Aspy speaks nationally and internationally. Her focus is on understanding underlying strengths and characteristics of those with ASD and designing supports and strategies with these differences in mind. She believes that kindness is at the heart of all good intervention strategies. She has an emphasis on working with females with ASD and on catatonia.
Presenter Detail
Melinda Ault
Melinda Jones Ault is an associate professor of special education at the University of Kentucky. Ault served as a research associate on projects related to systematic instruction, single-subject research design, early childhood special education, and assistive technology. She has co-authored a book on systematic instruction, an environmental assessment instrument, a computer program for single-subject research design, and an instructional material for implementation of assistive technology in schools. She is currently co-editing a book on high leverage practices in inclusive settings for learners wtih extensive support needs. She has published 69 refereed journal articles.
Presenter Detail
Diana Autin
Diana Autin, JD, directs the National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment (National PLACE), working to strengthen the voice of families and family-led organizations at decision-making tables. She and her husband have raised four adult children from diverse backgrounds, and have a 14-year granddaughter. Autin is of Cajun and Native American (Houma, Cherokee, and Sioux) background.
Presenter Detail
Kara Ayers
Kara Ayers PhD is the Associate Director and an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD), part of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She is Director of the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities and co-founder of the Disabled Parenting Project. Dr. Ayers' interests include disability identity, bioethics, inclusion, and the use of media to reduce stigma. Dr. Ayers had an opportunity to spread her work widely this year, speaking at the White House and to news outlets. She infuses the mantra, "Nothing about us without us," into all her pursuits.
Presenter Detail
Edward Baisley
Edward Baisley began his career in 1992 in special education working for a non-public school. For thirteen years he served the NPS in varied certificated positions. In 2005 he began working for the San Diego Unified School District. Similarly, he served SDUSD in a variety of certificated and management positions. Currently he serves as the SELPA and Operations Director for Special Education.
Presenter Detail
Michele Bambauer
Michele Bambauer has a B.S. in Education, a master's degree, and a supervision and principal license from the University of Dayton. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Toledo with an education specialist degree. She has co-taught in a general education setting, resource room, and segregated classroom for students with behavior challenges. A majority of her 15 years within the classroom was as a preschool specialist. During this time, she was recognized as a National Board-Certified Teacher: Exceptional Needs Specialist. Bambauer joined the staff of State Support Team 6 in 2012.
Presenter Detail
Brian Barger
Brian Barger, Ph.D., an expert in autism and other childhood developmental disabilities, is a research assistant professor and the Director of Research and Evaluation in the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. Barger worked with the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities on projects to improve community-based identification systems that connect infants and young children with disabilities with early intervention services. Barger's research has focused on issues of autism, including regression, temperament, and peers knowledge of autism. Barger earned his Ph.D. in education psychology from the University of Georgia.
Presenter Detail
Jennifer Baribeau
Jennifer Baribeau, Ph.D., is the Pupil Services Department Supervisor in West Hartford, CT. Her work focuses largely on developing inclusive practices and developing systems that support change within organizations to look critically at how we serve students with disabilities.
Presenter Detail
Carson Barnett
Carson is a 2nd year graduate student in the Occupational Therapy program at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY.She graduated from EKU in May 2020 with a Bachelors of Occupational Science. She is a graduate assistant for the Department of Occupational Therapy at EKU.Carson's career goals are to become a pediatric OT specialized in sensory integration working in her rural hometown of Harrodsburg, KY. Carson has participated in fieldwork placements including Neurorestorative in Lexington, KY working with indivudals with traumatic brain injuries and the Colonels Mentoring Colonels program at EKU working with individuals with various intellectual and mental health disabilities.
Presenter Detail
Rachel Barnhart
Rachel Barnhart is a Parent Mentor and mom of three boys. After graduating from Ohio University with a degree in Human Resources, Rachel continued her work with the State of Ohio until her third son was born, when she and her husband were also navigating the autism diagnosis process and services for both of their then two year old twins at the same time. This path led Rachel to the Ohio Parent Mentor Project, and she began working with the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center as a Parent Mentor in 2014. During this time, Rachel has worked with countless families and educators to help build partnerships and an understanding of the special education process.
Presenter Detail
Charles Barrett
Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, is a school psychologist and adjunct lecturer at Northern Virginia Community College, the Graduate School of Education at Howard University, and the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. An award-winning educator for his commitment to students, families, schools, and communities, Charles has held various leadership positions with the National Association of School Psychologists and frequently speaks to professional and lay audiences about promoting positive outcomes for children. To learn more about Charles, visit www.charlesbarrett.org.
Presenter Detail
Megan Barrett
Megan Barrett, M.Ed., is an intervention specialist at Ankeney Middle School within the Beavercreek City School district in Beavercreek, OH. With 9 years of teaching experience in both general and special education settings, Barrett is a tenacious educator who enjoys working with students with high-functioning autism and other social communication needs. This past school year, she worked alongside Jennifer Schmidt to create and implement a middle school curriculum based on the PEERSpective social communication class.
Presenter Detail
Julia Bascom
Julia Bascom serves as Executive Director at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Previously, she did state-level work in her home state of New Hampshire, where she served on the DD council and co-led an inter-agency team to revitalize self-advocacy within the state. Julia edited Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking, an anthology of writings by autistic people, and currently serves on the advisory board of Felicity House, and the boards of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, the Institute for Exceptional Care, and Allies For Independence.
Presenter Detail
Terry Batley
Terry is an autistic self advocate employed at the City of Kawartha Lakes since 2005 in the IT division. Terry is currently serving as a delegate for on the Lindsay and District Labour Council, worker co-chair for the Joint Health and Safety Committee, on the Workers with Disabilities Committee for CUPE Ontario. Terry is certified in First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, certificate for PEERS Social Skills training. Terry and his supportive wife have three adults on the autism spectrum ages 20, 23, & 24. Terry serves as Vice President on the board and partners as a community connecter for Autism Home Base, runs D&D on Tuesday nights. Terry coordinates online fundraisers using twitch.
Presenter Detail
Hannah Batsche
Hannah Batsche is a graduate student in the Occupational Therapy department at Eastern Kentucky University. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Science in Spring of 2020. She will graduate in Spring of 2022 with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She is a current graduate assistant for the Department of Housing and Residence life where she coordinates the Colonels Mentoring Colonels program which assists Autistic college students. She has completed level I fieldwork at Foundation Hand and Physical Therapy and Colonels Mentoring Colonels. Her career goals are to work with adults with neurological impairments in outpatient or inpatient facilities.
Presenter Detail
Jen Bavry
Jen Bavry serves as OCALI's Family and Community Outreach Center Program Director. She has been instrumental in supporting OCALI initiatives to equip families with resources, including the launch of ASD Strategies in Action and a tools to promote self-care. Additionally, Jen has led efforts to enhance community awareness and access, such as building the knowledge and understanding of future hospitality industry leaders and increasing accessibility at state and county fairs across Ohio. As a parent of an autistic son, Jen is a strong advocate for individuals and families having access to supports in their homes, schools and communities leading to greater opportunities and outcomes.
Presenter Detail
Allison Bean
Allison is associate professor at The Ohio State University. She received her B.A. from Iona College and her M.S. from New York Medical College. During her clinical fellowship year, she participated in the Leadership in Education and Neurodevelopemental Disabilities (LEND) training program. Allison completed her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa in 2010, followed by a year of postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on language development in individuals with autism spectrum disorders and outcomes in individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication.
Presenter Detail
Suzie Beaumont
Suzie Beaumont is a qualified careers advisor and careers lead. She has worked with students at Doncaster Deaf Trust who are deaf, hard of hearing, and those with different communication difficulties for the last 18 years. She is a qualified teacher and British Sign Language user. In her current role, she leads the Careers Programme at Communication Specialist College, ensuring all students have access to a meaningful careers education with access to real employers.
Presenter Detail
Elizabeth Bee
Elizabeth Bee is 21 years old with lived experience. She is from Wood County and serves on the YouthMOVE Ohio state advisory board. She is currently the project lead for YM online support zooms and represents YouthMOVE on several state advocacy groups.
Presenter Detail
Steve Beha
Steve Beha is an experienced professional in the field of developmental disabilities with a strong background in research, policy implementation, and program development. He provides a unique viewpoint for policy design through his diverse and comprehensive understanding of Ohio's complex system for supporting people with disabilities and their families. Currently, he coordinates the training and resource developement efforts by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) in order to provide information about department intitatives, services, and supports provided by DODD.
Presenter Detail
Shawna Benson
Shawna Benson has worked at OCALI since 2008 where she is the Program Director for the Teaching Diverse Learners Center. In addition to working at OCALI, she has also worked within Ohio school districts, ESC, SST, DODD, private preschool and higher education as an educator, Assistive Technology Specialist, Autism/Low Incidence Specialist, Literacy Specialist, Associate Professor and Director of Disability Services. She has experience co-teaching in inclusive settings and providing academic instruction/intervention to students with a wide range of exceptionalities, ages, strengths and needs which has provided her with a wealth of information that she now applies to her current work.
Presenter Detail
Matt Bergman
Matt Bergman is a former teacher turned international speaker, blogger, consultant, and Digital Learning Specialist. He is passionate about infusing technology into instruction in meaningful, personalized, and accessible ways. Matt was recognized for his efforts in 2015 as the PAECT Teacher of the Year and has proudly served as a Harvard University UDL Institute faculty member, Google for Education Certified Trainer, Apple Educator, and CAST Professional Learning Faculty Member.
Presenter Detail
Karen Berlin
Karen Berlin, M. Ed., BCBA, LBA is the autism and intellectual disabilities coordinator at the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at George Mason University. She also serves as a Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS) coach. Karen received her undergraduate degree from Penn State University, M. Ed in Special Education from Georgia State University and completed the BCBA certificate program at George Mason University. She is dually certified in early/middle education and special education, including general and adapted curriculum and has a variety of teaching and student support experiences, ranging from preschool through adulthood.
Presenter Detail
Nicole Berning
Nicole Berning, BCBA, works with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division as the Autism Clinical Lead for the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention benefit, which provides services for people with ASD and related conditions up to age 21. Berning provides consultation and technical assistance training to early intervention providers across the state on clinical best practices and procedures, and provides training to caregivers on the services and supports available and how to access them. Her interest stems from years of clinical experience working with families that were challenged to access early intervention services for their children.
Presenter Detail
Ann Berry
Ann B. Berry is a Professor Emerita at Plymouth State University. She has a strong passion for finding innovative ways to support the professional development needs of rural teachers who serve students with disabilities. Through funding from the Center for Rural Partnerships, Berry has been researching the needs of rural teachers in northern New England so that the training and support they need to feel effective in their positions can be part of the university's outreach efforts. Berry is Past Chair of the board for the American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) and is a member of the editorial board for Rural Special Education Quarterly.
Presenter Detail
Stacey Betts
Stacey Betts is an assistant principal with Doncaster Deaf Trust.
Presenter Detail
Madelyn Betz
Madelyn Betz is a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh completing her Master's of Rehabilitation Technology and is graduating in December 2021. She graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder with a certificate in Public Health. She is passionate about seating and mobility applications, specifically in adaptive sports and recreation.
Presenter Detail
Sherry Birchem
Sherry Birchem is the director of Learning and Instructional Strategies at the Ohio Department of Education. She is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of creating positive environments for both staff and students, and skilled in building partnerships to support school vision and leading staff to empower students as leaders.
Presenter Detail
Amy Bixler Coffin
Amy Bixler Coffin, M.S., is program director of the Autism Center at OCALI. A special educator for 31 years, Coffin has served as an intervention specialist, low-incidence supervisor, director of special education, and autism program director. She currently coordinates and provides regional and statewide professional development for districts, families, and organizations. Coffin has presented at state, national, and international conferences, contributed to several articles and book chapters, and has authored a book on supporting individuals with ASD in the community.
Presenter Detail
Nicole Blake
Nicole Blake is currently working as the Executive Director of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and fierce advocate for early learning. She has fourteen years of experience teaching every elementary grade level and eight years as an administrator. She has played a significant role in leading and facilitating the inclusive practice work in the Richland School District.
Presenter Detail
Tracy Blankenship
Tracy Blankenship, Ph.D., is currently working as the Executive Director of Special Education in the Richland School District. She has over twenty years experiences as a leader in special education. She is passionate about inclusionary practices and has been instrumental in the early implementation of this work in the Richland School District.
Presenter Detail
Grace Blatt
Grace Blatt has been a Good Life Ambassador for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities since the creation of this role in 2016. She advocates and promotes the acceptance and embracement of people on the autism spectrum as well as all people with disabilities. Blatt hopes to attain a PhD degree in neuroscience and is currently attending Cleveland State University in pursuit of a major in psychology and a minor in neuroscience. She hopes to go into the research field and study movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Presenter Detail
Tara Bord
Tara Bord is a clinical psychology graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University. Tara is interested in working with children and adolescents with development disabilities. Tara co-developed an adult social group for adults with developmental disabilities. She is currently conducting both the adult social group and a teen social group for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Presenter Detail
Aaron Bouma
Aaron Bouma was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and with Asperger's at the age of 12. He worked hard and graduated high school on the honour role. Based on special interests, he strongly pursued a career in the Canadian Forces, but was not able to due to autism and OCD. Bouma began giving military history presentations to local schools and came up with military designs and concepts that the country or allies could use, even drafting warship designs. Today he serves as military specialist for Carleton County. He runs his own business, building military models from wood, as well as furniture. He is involved in federal and provincial politics as well as in autism groups and projects.
Presenter Detail
Trinell Bowman
Trinell Bowman, associate superintendent for special education in Prince George's County Public Schools, has served many roles in her 26-year career, including school social worker, special education teacher, secondary transition coordinator, and principal. She worked on the Maryland State Department of Education managing assessments for students with disabilities and accommodation policies. She served as Chair of the Accessibility, Accomodations and Fairness Workgroup for PARCC assessment consortia. Bowman serves on national advisory boards including: National Center for Educational Outcomes, Council for Chief State School Officers Special Education Advisory Committee, and the TIES Center.
Presenter Detail
M. Gayl Bowser
Gayl Bowser, M.Ed. is an independent consultant whose work focuses on the creation of effective, legal and high-quality service systems to encourage integration of technology into programs for people with disabilities. Formerly the Coordinator of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) and the State of Oregon's Specialist in Assistive Technology, Gayl provides consultation, training and technical assistance throughout the United States and internationally. She is a teacher by training, a founding member of the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) Consortium and a co-author of several books about AT services.
Presenter Detail
Susan Brasher
Susan Brasher, Ph.D., a recognized pioneer for her advocacy and successful history of leading grants aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, works closely with community members and researchers to reduce disparities and improve health and developmental outcomes of children and young adults. Her dedication to childhood development is evident through her work with Talk With Me Baby (TWMB), a national initiative to train families, nurses, and other professions on the importance of engaging with infants socially, emotionally, and linguistically to enhance development. She is the designated lead of TWMB at Emory University School of Nursing.
Presenter Detail
Sandy Brickner
Sandy Brickner is the Statewide Preschool Program Coordinator, Information Specialist and Statewide Trainer with the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Throughout the past 20 years with OCECD, she has provided resources, information, technical assistance and statewide training for students, families, parent mentors and other professionals. Prior to working for OCECD, she guided families through the special education process as a Parent Mentor. Sandy's involvement in the educational field started much earlier when she served children and their families as an Early Childhood Educator.
Presenter Detail
Heather Bridgman
Heather Bridgman, a rehabilitation engineer, has been working in both the medical and educational environments for over 20 years on computer access, augmentative communication, universal design for learning, and online learning. She has a master's degree in systems engineering, a teaching license in high school mathematics, is certified as a RESNA assistive technology professional, and also teaches AT courses at Ashland University. Bridgman has presented at numerous conferences on a wide variety of assistive technology topics and market trends. Recent projects include development of SIFTS which is an AT feature-matching tool and the online modules known as ATIM.
Presenter Detail
Leslie Bross
Leslie Bross, PhD, BCBA-D, is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She currently serves as the graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorder director and teaches undergraduate and graduate classes related to autism, classroom management, single-case design research, and transition. Bross's primary research interest is examining ways to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder during their transition to adulthood in the areas of postsecondary education, competitive employment, and community integration.
Presenter Detail
Samantha Brown
Samantha Brown, MA, MLIS, is the Clearinghouse Librarian. She is responsible for maintaining and developing resources for the lending library, which serves the state of Ohio, providing digital, print, and technological resources specializing in autism and low incidence disabilities and assistive technology. Her life as a librarian began in a public library setting, where she helped individuals find the books they needed, taught classes about current and upcoming technologies, and answered reference questions. Samantha continues to use those skills as Clearinghouse Librarian.
Presenter Detail
Teresa Brown
Teresa Brown, Ph.D., is the Director of State Support Team Region 4. She earned her doctorate from Kent State University focused on authentic assessment practices, development of quality and legally defensible IFSPs and IEPs, inclusive practices, and promoting early literacy in preschool special education programs. Dr. Brown has training and experience in working with individuals with disabilities from birth through age 21, and has consulted with programs to create high-quality inclusive environments.
Presenter Detail
Ginny Bryan
Ginny Bryan is the Resource Specialist for the Autism Society Central Ohio and the Information and Referral Coordinator for the Autism Society of Ohio. She has worked in the field helping families affected by autism for over 10 years. Bryan helps advocate and educate families, promotes autism awareness, plans monthly family activities, organizes workshops, coordinates the Coffee Tea and Autism support groups and provides information and referral to families, educators and providers. She sits on the executive board of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Bryan is also a parent of an individual with autism.
Presenter Detail
Robin Bryant
Information Specialist/Trainer, Southwest Office Robin has been with OCECD since 1990 and as a consultant prior to that time. She provides information, training and support to parents in her area. Previously she provided servicesto families as an employee of the Special Education Regional Resource Center for ten years from 1979-1989. Robin has a love for early childhood education and has taught pre-school and kindergarten in the public school system. Robin has a hearing impairment and is the parent of a son and daughter with learning disabilities.
Presenter Detail
Kelly Buckland
Kelly Buckland is a person with a disability who has been involved in disability issues since 1979. He served for over twenty years as the Executive Director of Living Independence Network Corp. and the Idaho State Independent Living Council. In 1978, Kelly graduated from Boise State University with a B.A. in Social Work and in 1988 Summa Cum Laude from Drake University with a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. Kelly has a long history with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). He has served on the NCIL Governing Board since 1998, as NCIL Vice-President from 2001-2005, and as NCIL President from 2005 to 2009. Kelly is currently the Executive Director of NCIL.
Presenter Detail
Simon Buehrer
Simon Buehrer, CMP, is one of the OCALICON coordinators, and producer of SLOW TV on the OCALICON Channel. He is also host and producer of OCALI's Inspiring Change podcast.
Presenter Detail
Sarah Buffie
Sarah Buffie MSW, LSW, founding director of Soul Bird Consulting believes that nothing has the power to heal like supportive relationships. Specializing in trauma responsive care, she helps organizations and individuals disrupt current models of thinking by building empathy and understanding around the effects of developmental trauma. Her focus is to spread awareness about how trauma affects the brain and body, and teach effective approaches for developing resilience within the people organizations strive to serve, and the people closest to the work, caregivers and direct providers.
Presenter Detail
Kara Bull
Kara Bull has been an ASL Interpreter for 18 years and holds her National Interpreter Certification. She has a Bachelor's degree in ASL/English Interpreting from Bethel University (IN). Her interpreting experience includes a wide variety of settings with her current focus on working with d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals that use language atypically. She is employed by the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Kara and her husband Caleb have three children, ages 12, 10 and 8. Their youngest was adopted at the age of 3 1/2 and is hard of hearing. Her communication needs are unique and she uses a combination of speech and sign language both expressively and receptively.
Presenter Detail
Myra Beth Bundy
Myra Bundy, Ph.D., BCBA is a professor of psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and a licensed psychologist with specialization in autism and developmental disabilities. She interned at the University of North Carolina's TEACCH program. In the EKU psychology clinic, she works alongside graduate students with individuals with ASD across the lifespan. She researches autism topics, and coordinates the EKU ASD certificate program. She is a clinician with the Kentucky OCSHCN autism clinics. Bundy and her students enjoy spending time with individuals with autism and their families.
Presenter Detail
Sarah Buoni
Sarah Buoni M.Ed. is the assistant director for the Diverse Learner Team with the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education. She has worked in the area of low incidence disabilities for thirteen years as both an administrator and an itinerant teacher. Sarah provides technical assistance to families and districts and informs policy and procedures for the education of children who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, have traumatic brain injuries or have autism spectrum disorder. Sarah participates on statewide meetings including the Interagency Workgroup on Autism, the Ohio Brain Injury Advisory Committee, and the Communicative Competency Taskforce.
Presenter Detail
Carol Burmeister
Carol Burmeister, MA, has served as a paraeducator, general education teacher, special educator, program specialist, university instructor, and consultant across a variety of settings. For the past several years, her work has focused on executive function (EF), helping parents and educators understand the complexity of social, academic, and behavioral challenges that accompany EF deficits and practical tools that support EF across all environments. She has presented at regional, national, and international conferences and has co-authored two books and several articles on this topic.
Presenter Detail
Tamara Burnett-Penny
Tamara Burnett-Penny has over 30 years' experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adolescents. She started her career in a counseling position, working with emotionally challenged youth and their families before moving into an administrative position at a special school. After 10 years in administration, she elected to return to a classroom setting, and currently works with deaf and hard-of-hearing students of transitional ages with multiple learning challenges.
Presenter Detail
MoE Buti
Mo Buti is a practiced professional in special education with over 30 years of experience. She has served as director of Neumann Family Services and director of autism and intellectual disabilities at Chicago Public Schools. She possesses an M.Ed.-BD, M.Ed.-ADMIN, QIDP certification, director of special education degree/certificate from Illinois, and Type 75 administrator certification. Buti is a dynamic speaker and well-respected authority on autism, intellectual disabilities, adult services, behavioral strategies, educational supports, and more.
Presenter Detail
Mark Butler
Currently Dean of College of Education at Anderson University, Dr. Mark Butler was formerly a faculty member at Indiana University-Bloomington, in the School of Education's Department of Curriculum Studies and Associate Dean of the School of Education at Asbury. He completed his PhD at the University of Kentucky in Special Education. He is currently a board chair for the American Council for Rural Special Education (ACRES). ACRES is a non-profit organization committed to the enhancement of services to children and adults with exceptionalities living in rural communities.
Presenter Detail
Mark W. Butler
Mark W. Butler is the father of three adult children, two of whom have Autism. His son Andrew also has a severe intellectual disability and several mental illnesses. In 2014, the Butlers were forced to surrender custody of Andrew to access necessary residential treatment for his complex needs. Mark is an advocate for young people like Andrew and serves on the Ohio Multi-System Youth Coalition and the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s OhioRISE Advisory Committee. Professionally, he is the Director of Founded Ministries for the Dominican Sisters of Peace. In this capacity, he oversees mission identity and governance for 22 non-profits in nine states, including five in Ohio.
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Marbella Caceres
Marbella is the Assistant Director of OCECD. Marbella is involved in the daily operations of the Coalition, working closely with all the staff to ensure the best services for families of children with disabilities. She serves all families across the state by providing opportunities for professional development to the staff, as well as current special education information. Marbella is involved in the development of trainings that address the cultural needs in the state of Ohio. Marbella is the mother of a child with special needs, as well as a gifted child. Most recently she has served as a volunteer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Franklin County.
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Mark Campano
Mark Campano, M.Ed., is the statewide coordinator of the Delaware Program for children with deaf-blindness. He has served children with deaf-blindness in five states in a variety of roles, such as technical assistance specialist and project director. Prior to working in the field of deaf-blindness, he worked with emotionally challenged deaf adolescents in a 24/7, therapeutic milieu in a variety of roles. Campano's education includes a B.A. in psychology/sociology and an M.Ed. in severe intensive special needs. He has a certification for K-12 in deaf-blindness.
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Amy Campbell
Amy Campbell earned her Master of Education degree from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and has been in the field of visual impairment, including blindness for over 20 years. Her experience ranges from teaching itinerantly to residential school settings, working with children from birth through high school graduation, and leading educators as a state vision consultant. Currently, she is the learning management system administrator for the American Printing House for the Blind, the world's largest distributor of products and services for individuals with visual impairment.
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David Cantrell
David J. Cantrell, Ph.D., serves as the acting director in the Office of Special Education Programs within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, at the US Department of Education. He is responsible for overseeing administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which authorizes formula grants to States under IDEA Part B, formula grants to lead agencies under IDEA Part C, and discretionary grants under IDEA Part D. He has worked as a special educator, district coordinator, school administrator, and as director of special education and student support services. Throughout his career, he has advocated on the behalf of students with disabilities.
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Thomas Capretta
Thomas Capretta joined the Center on Education and Training for Employment as the Family Engagement Project Coordinator at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center. Tom previously worked for the Ohio Department of Education where he supported schools to serve students in foster care. Tom, a Cleveland native, holds a BA in religious studies from Seton Hall University and an MPA from the John Glenn College. As a 2012 Teach for America Mississippi Delta Corps Member, Tom taught 4th and 5th grade math and science for three years. Tom lives in the Southern Orchards neighborhood of Columbus with his cats, Maude and Jasper, where they enjoy an extensive collection of records.
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Megan Carpenter
Megan Carpenter is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on behavioral supports to support the inclusion of students with extensive support needs.
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Aliceson Carver
Aliceson Carver is the Supervisor within the Bureau of Policy and Technical Assistance with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, specializing in Child Care Policy Technical Assistance and Training. The bureau provides training and technical assistance to county agencies, creates training and resource for providers and maintains the consumer webpage. Aliceson has twenty-one years in the public assistance sector main work experiences in early childhood. Aliceson has an undergraduate degree in Human Services and Professional Counseling with a concentration in child development and family studies from Lindsey Wilson College of Professional Counseling.
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Siena Castellon
Siena Castellon is an 18-year-old multi-award-winning neurodiversity advocate, bestselling author, and UN Young Leader for the SDGs. She is the founder of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an international initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences by highlighting the strengths and accomplishments of the neurodivergent community. In 2021, over 860,000 students and 1,400 schools took part worldwide, as well as more than 200 businesses, charities, and government agencies. Siena is the author of The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How To Grow Up Awesome and Autistic and The Spectrum Girl's Survival Toolkit: The Workbook for Autistic Girls.
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Lori Chambers
Lori Chambers is a Coordinator for TASN Autism and Tertiary Behavior Supports. She has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist for 31 years through home-based, clinical and school services for the Oklahoma Dept.of Health, Utah State University, and Kansas Schools. In 2006, she was recognized as Autism Teacher of the Year by Autism Southwest Kansas. Lori presents statewide and nationally on topics around autism and complex social communication needs. Her most valued sources of wisdom are those families and individuals with complex needs that have allowed her to be part of their lives.
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Jacqueline Cheadle
Jacqueline Cheadle is the Assistant Director in the Office of Nonpublic Options at the Ohio Department of Education. Her responsibilities include oversight of the Autism and Jon Peterson scholarship programs. She has been with the Ohio Department of Education for five years. She is also an Ohio licensed Intervention Specialist. Prior to coming to the department, she worked as an Intervention Specialist in both public and private schools specifically working with students with autism.
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Johnson Cheu
Dr. Cheu works in Disability Studies in the Humanities, Film/Popular Culture Studies and poetry. He is the athor of scholarly articles and essays, the editor of three scholarly film collections including the internationally-used, Diversity in Disney Films. He is also a Pushcart-prize-nominated poet. Most recently, he was awarded a commendation for Outstanding Peer Reviewer for the Journal of Literary and Cultural Disabiliy Studies from Liverpool University Press in the U.K.
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Nancy Childress
Nancy Childress is an Education Consultant for Autism with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and has more than 19 years of experience with exceptional children as a teacher, program specialist and education consultant. Nancy provides technical support and professional development across North Carolina with a primary role of building the capacity of public school districts to provide quality programming and services to students with disabilities. Some of her areas of PD delivery include foundational knowledge of ASD, supporting students with ASD in the general education setting, literacy for students with significant cognitive disabilities and supporting student engagement.
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Rakhee Chowdhury
Rakhee Chowdhury, M. Sc., communications manager at CASDA, completed her graduate studies at l’Université de Montréal (Québec) in Psychology, where her research focused on the intersection of language and music processing in children on the spectrum. She has been involved in a variety of projects alongside neurodivergent youth and their families. At the Centre for Innovation in Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, she coordinated EmploymentWorks, a pre-employment initiative for young adults, and provided parent coach services to families of pre-school children. She has also supported operations of accommodated exams for students registered at the Office for Students with Disabilities.
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Kim Clairy
Kim Clairy, occupational therapist, international and keynote speaker, private consultant, and self-advocate has unique expertise in understanding the intersection of autism, mental illness, and trauma. Diagnosed with ASD with catatonia, ADHD, SPD, Kim broke through barriers as she struggled with an eating disorder under a system uneducated on neurodivergent populations. She went from being told "your ASD is severe, you need to live in a nursing home," to educating the community at large through didactic and experiential workshops. Kim gives voice to those unable to articulate their inner worlds by sharing her personal journey and professional expertise as an occupational therapist.
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Chrissy Cline
Chrissy Cline became an education program specialist with the Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) in 2006. She has served as a complaint investigator, due process coordinator, mediation/facilitation coordinator, and as a member of several interagency committees. She has presented about mediation and facilitation, most recently at the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Oregon. Cline received a BA from Capital University and an MA from OSU. Prior to joining the staff in the OEC, she taught special education for 26 years and served as a curriculum specialist for 5 years.
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Heather Clingerman
Heather Clingerman joined the Office for Exceptional Children in 2014. As an education program specialist, she investigates state complaints and serves as a mediation/facilitation co-coordinator. Ms. Clingerman received a B.A. and a B.S. from Ohio University. She attended Capital University Law school and received a JD with a concentration in children and family law. Prior to joining the OEC, she was an attorney in private practice focusing on family law.
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Josh Cobbs
Josh Cobbs is Senior Manager of Employment Initiatives at Autism Speaks. His work encompasses leading day to day operations and implementation of Autism Speaks Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) digital and virtual programs and platforms, as well as the production and implementation of virtual and hybrid Pathways to Employment events. His past work includes serving as a vocational counselor for the State of Iowa, working with post-secondary institutions on transition and employment programs for individuals with barriers, and founding an autism center. Cobbs resides in Iowa with his wife and three children.
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Stephanie Coffman
Stephanie Coffman, Ms.Ed., is a 3rd-grade teacher in central Ohio. She specializes in differentiation, small-group instruction, and inclusion of all students. She has co-taught for 12 years. She's spent multiple years in UDL trainings. She has a bachelor's in early childhood education, an intervention specialist degree, a reading endorsement, and many hours of gifted training. In 2010, she received the Intervention Specialist of the Year award, and in 2018, the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Team Award. Coffman has a master's degree in reading and mathematics from Walden University. She presented at OCALICON in 2019.
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Bobbi Colatruglio
Bobbi Colatruglio is a speech language pathologist at the Ohio School for the Deaf. She has worked with students with hearing loss for over 10 years at both OSD and Nationwide Children's Hospital. She currently serves students at OSD and is on the evaluation team for OSD Statewide Services, providing evaluations for Deaf/hard of hearing students across the state of Ohio. Bobbi is fluent in American Sign Language. She has completed the FIRST YEARS program through the University of North Carolina in order to receive a Certificate in Auditory Learning in Young Children with Hearing Loss. She serves as an advisory council member for the Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALI.
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Belva Collins
Dr. Belva C. Collins in Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and at the University of Kentucky. During her career in higher education, she was the author of over 100 research publications and several texts. Her revised text on systematic instruction will be published in the current year and her new edited text on working with students with special needs at a distance will be publsihed in the coming year. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona State University where she is mentoring a doctoral cohort in single case research.
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Stacy Collins
Stacy Collins is responsible to lead the Community Life Engagement Team at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The team's primary focus is to ensure that individuals eligible for DD services in Ohio will have increased opportunities to live, work, and thrive in their homes and communities through state-of-the-art planning, innovative technology, and supports that focus on their talents, interests, and skills. Her goal is to develop a system of continuous innovation and responsiveness, through both the Employment First and Technology First initiatives.
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Aaron Conn
Aaron Conn, assistant principal, Circleville Elementary School Aaron Conn is an assistant principal at Circleville Elementary School serving as the building lead for special education services for Preschool through 5th grade. Conn holds a Bachelor of Science (Education) in Middle Childhood Education (Shawnee State University, 2012) with concentrations in Math and Social studies. Now in his third year as assistant principal at Circleville Elementary (9th year in education overall), he also holds a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership (Wright State University, 2016).
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Arianna Constantakes
Arianna Constantakes, Psy.D. is a recent graduate from Xavier University Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program. She completed the Children and Adolescent focus track and her dissertation focused on the experiences of parents of children with autism. She presented a poster at the Internation Conference on Eating Disorders in New York in 2019. Her clinicial work focuses on children and families in a community outpatient setting, especially those who have experienced trauma.
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Alesha Cooper
Alesha has worked within support for a number of years, holding posts from support worker and autism practitioner to, Positive Behaviour Advisor, and more recently, service delivery manager. Aleshas most recent post is within Life-Pod, a Social Enterprise, Community Interest Compoany, based in Edinburgh; offering support people with chronic disorganisation and hoarding behaviours. Alesha has began collabertively working on research looking at Hoarding and Autism. Alesha is also currently working on another project looking at hoarding behaviours as a result of trauma and, how we can impement safe staretgies to support a person with this this.
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Gerard Cortez
Gerard Cortez is the assistant superintendent for disability and learn support services in San Antonio Independent School District.
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Alex Corwin
Alex Corwin, M.A., is the Secondary Transition and Workforce Manager at OCALI's Lifespan Transition Center. Alex has been a professional in the developmental disability field as a job coach, adult day services manager, service and support administrator (SSA), SSA supervisor, and previously oversaw the Ohio Transition Support Partnership for Ohio's Department of Education. The partnership, Ohio Transition Support Partnership, is between the Ohio Department of Education and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities which promotes competitive, integrated employment outcomes for students with disabilities and supports transition planning for students as early as 14 years old.
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Joshua Counceller
Joshua Counceller is a project manager and manager of pperations with the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF). He started public service nearly fifteen years ago. His passion and heart for fatherhood, both personally and professionally, drives him to further the mission of OCF to help fathers be the best parents, partners, and providers. He primarily focuses on all operational aspects for OCF. Counceller earned his B.S. in Psychology, Biology, and Human Development and Family Services, as well as his Master of Business Administration.
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Ginevra Courtade
Ginevra Courtade is an assistant professor in Special Education at the University of Louisville. She specializes in instruction of students with moderate/ severe intellectual disabilities.
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Melissa Courts
Melissa Courts is a member of the DODD’s state team supporting Ohio’s statewide Early Intervention program. Her portfolio includes EI monitoring compliance and outreach and public awareness for the EI program. She also has extensive experience in the area of early care and education having previously worked at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services as a childcare licensing specialist. Courts is passionate about issues related to inclusion and supporting connections across family-serving programs and has worked with numerous early childhood programs and systems-building initiatives.
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Sarah Cox
Sarah Cox, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Special Education. Prior to becoming a faculty member, she taught mathematics and science in inclusive K-12 classrooms. Her scholarly interests focus on academic supports for students with autism spectrum disorder. Her current projects explore how explicit instruction of mathematical practice standards (e.g., representation of mathematical thinking, problem solving, mathematical discourse, and abstract reasoning) can help students with ASD enhance their mathematical proficiency. Her dissertation was recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children with the 2020 Division of Research, Student Award for Single Case Designs.
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Anthony Coy-Gonzalez
Anthony Coy-Gonzalez is a teacher at the Ohio School for the Deaf and the 2021 Ohio Teacher of the Year. He is passionate about hands-on learning and making an impression on students with humor, emotion, a little magic, and opportunities to live through learning. He craves partnership with the community and an outward lens to instruction. He works to connect students with community role-models and encourages students to be civically-minded young citizens. He believes partnership and teacher empowerment can lead to greater equity in education. Anthony earned his BA and MA degrees in Deaf Education from Flagler College. #TeacherDreams
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Rebecca Crance
Rebecca Crance is the Equity Program Administrator at the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Career-Technical Education.
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Debra Crawford
Debra Crawford is a 20 year veteran of Cincinnati Public Schools, Certified ScrumMaster, and lifetime tech enthusiast. Her years of service with the school district includes experience in the civil service, administrative, and certificated fields. As a Digital Learning Manager, Crawford is able to blend technical skills and leadership abilities with her field experience, providing her better insight on how to provide access to the right digital tools and online resources that can empower students to drive their learning experience, while allowing teachers to tailor support to students’ strengths and interests.
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Teresa Crowson
Teresa Crowson has worked in the field of education for 26 years in roles of OT, AT provider, and behavior and autism support coach. She is currently an educational specialist for autism and behavior at the Training and Technical Assistance Center at Old Dominion University. Crowson received her BSOT from East Carolina University, MAEd. in Educational Leadership from Touro University, and her Graduate Certificate in ABA from Old Domininion University. Crowson is committed to helping educators support students in all areas of education and is motivated by the power of presuming competence.
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Christine Croyle
Christine Croyle, CCC-SLP, Ed.D.,CCC-SLP, Currently serves as the Program Director of the Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness. She provides leadership to that team as they work to build capacity at the local level for learners who are D/HH or B/VI. Christine has served as a school administrator for Pickaway County Board of Developmental Disabilities and as a speech language pathologist at The Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB). She has presented at state, national, and international conferences on topics including leading inclusive models of education, instructional strategies, and designing spaces with accessibility in mind.
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Kaetlyn Culter
Kaetlyn Culter graduated from Ohio State University in May 2020, with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a minor in speech and hearing. Her undergraduate thesis examined accessible community navigation for individuals with disabilities, focusing on caregivers through adult learning theory, and she received a scholarship through Ohio State's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Kaetlyn is currently a pursing a doctorate in occupational therapy at Ohio State University. She has previously presented her research at the 2019 Ohio Occupational Therapy Association conference, and presented at the 2020 and 2021 American Occupational Therapy Association Conference and Expo.
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FrancesMary D'Andrea
Frances Mary D'Andrea, Ph.D., is an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh and other universities, and an educational consultant specializing in literacy issues related to students with visual impairments. She has completed the reading specialist program at University of Pittsburgh. D'Andrea began as a teacher of students with visual impairments, and eventually worked at the American Foundation for the Blind, helping to establish their National Literacy Center. She has co-authored a number of textbooks. D'Andrea is currently Immediate Past Chair of the Braille Authority of North America, and has served as AFB's representative to BANA since 1998.
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Rhonda Danner
Rhonda Danner, Ms.Ed., has a master's degree in special education with an emphasis on severe needs. Currently, she works for the Colorado Department of Education as an autism specialist, supporting educators through the Autism Education Network. Danner has created and facilitated webinars through the Tri-State Webinar Series. She was previously an autism interventionist for a district in Colorado where she coordinated autism programming and facilitated a family support group. As a sister of a female with ASD, Danner has a unique view of both the educational and the community setting.
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Carly Dauch
Carly Dauch, OTD, OTR/L is a 2017 graduate of the University of Toledo. She began her career with the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) in September of 2017, where she developed a passion for the use of assistive technology. Dr. Dauch led a Remote Support Grant project for the WCBDD, which aims to increase access and use of remote supports and assistive technology for Ohioans with disabilities. Dr. Dauch has presented at the TechSummit 2.0, School-Based Practitioner Summit, Ohio Healthcare Association, WAIMH Conference in Edinburgh, OOTA conferences, and the AOTA conference. Her research on the influence of toys on play is published in Infant Behavior and Development.
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Nathan DeDino
Nathan DeDino joined state service at the Ohio Department of Health in 2011. He worked in various roles at ODH supporting the Early Intervention program before becoming the Part C Coordinator in 2015, a role he continues in at the Department of Developmental Disabilities. Nathan serves on several boards including as Vice President of the Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA), a not-for-profit corporation promoting cooperation and the exchange of information and ideas in the administration of Part C. Nathan obtained his bachelor of arts from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He also holds a law degree from the Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University.
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John Dellick
John Dellick is 27 years old with lived experience, and from Mahoning Co. He is currently a student at Cleveland State and a Certified Peer Supporter. He is very active in his community and currently serves on the YouthMOVE Ohio State advisory board and several state and national youth advocacy committees. He serves as the project co-lead for training and coaching youth peer supporters in Ohio.
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Kimberly Dent
Kimberly A. Dent is currently the Exec Dir of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood/ODJFS. She brings over 23 years of government experience to the fathers and families she serves. During her time with the govt, Ms. Dent has served in various capacities in the local and state Child Support Program. Ms. Dent participates on the State Addiction Recovery Supports Committee, ODRC Family Engagement Advisory Council, and Eliminating Disparities in Infant Mortality Workgroup. Ms. Dent holds a bachelor’s degree in Poli Sci from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in Pub Poli & Admin. from Ohio Univ. She is working on her PhD in Pub Poli & Admin, Specializing in Law.
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Maddy Dever
Maddy (Matthew) Dever (they/them) is an Autistic adult and parent of five children with four also Autistic, living in rural Eastern Ontario. Maddy advocates with both provincial and federal governments for inclusion and acceptance of Autistic individuals and for Autistic people to have their own voice in policy decisions. Maddy is a former member of the Ontario Autism Program Advisory Panel, and OAP Implementation Working Group. Maddy is on the board of directors of CASDA (Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance), and also the host of their new podcast The Autistic Rambler.
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Tina DeVito
Tina DeVito, M.S., is a consultant for State Support Team Region 5 specializing in early learning inclusive instructional practices, curriculum and assessments, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. As an early learning professional of 27 years, DeVito has served as a general education teacher, an intervention specialist, teacher mentor, director of education, early learning literacy specialist and consultant. She currently coordinates and provides regional professional development and technical assistance to support the learning of all children.
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Cynthia Dewey
Cynthia Dewey is the director of the Office for Improvement and Innovation at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Beth Diaite
Beth Diaite is a special educator with over 20 years of experience. She has spent her educational career serving students and families in Prince George's County Public Schools as a teacher and her current role as a specialist for family and community engagement. Diaite is also trained as a licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and enjoys supporting families of children with challenging behaviors.
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Argyroula Diamanti
Argyroula (Argy) Diamanti, works for Dayton Public Schools as an intervention specialist, supporting students with developmental and emotional difficulties. With a bachelor's in psychology and Spanish and a master's in educational psychology, Diamanti worked in Greece as a child psychologist for 18 years. Areas of expertise include autism, communication difficulties, and early intervention. Diamanti participated in conferences in Greece, enhancing understanding of autism and developmentall delays and also participated in the annual SSIP, promoting literacy in students with intellectual disabilities.
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Kaylea Dillon
Kaylea Dillon is 21 years old with lived experience dealing with mental illnesses and a Certified Peer Supporter. She graduated Youngstown State University and is in the process of getting a Masters in Biomedical Science. She is a passionate about improving mental health for youth. She currently serves as a Leader on the YouthMOVE Ohio advisory board and is the project lead on developing a new Medicaid billable peer support service for youth.
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Laurie Dinnebeil
Dr. Laurie Dinnebeil is a Distinguished University Professor Emerita and prior to her retirement from the University of Toledo held the Judith Daso Herb Chair, Inclusive Early Childhood Education. Currently she is a part-time consultant for OCALI and directs federal and state-funded personnel preparation projects. She is a past Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Early Intervention. She is an expert on itinerant early childhood special education service delivery as evidenced by her numerous publications, scholarly presentations and externally funded projects related to this important topic.
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Jaclyn Disibio
Jaclyn DiSibio graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After working with students with disabilities and feeling called to ensure access for all, she also added a licensure of Intervention Specialist K-12. She went on to earn a Masters in Educational Administration and has a principal licensure for grades K-9. She has worked as an Intervention Specialist and is currently working as a Consultant for the State Support Team Region 5.
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Starr Dobush
Starr Dobush is an OCALI secondary transition consultant. She has filmed the "Take 5" webcast on OCALI Lifespan Transitions Center's webpage covering Google apps and how they can be used when planning for post-school goals in independent living and competitive employment. Dobush has received a master's in special education with an emphasis in transition to work (TTW) and is licensed as an intervention specialist mild/moderate K-12. Dobush is also certified through Association of People Supporting Employment First Initiative (APSE) as a certified employment support professional.
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Peter Doehring
Peter Doehring, trained as a clinical psychologist, has worked with people with ASD for 25 years. He has led the development and expansion of school-, hospital-, and university-based programs, integrating services, research, training, and policy. He has presented internationally and published books evaluating evidence-based treatments for ASD and the development of innovative ASD programs at the state and national level. Doehring is the father of a young adult with multiple and complex developmental disabilities.
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Malissa Doster
Malissa Doster has been the executive director at the Yellow Springs Community Children’s Center for 4 years. In collaboration with the staff and board, they have created a 5-star Early Education program that thrives on teaching to the individual child and inspiring creativity and learning through play. Doster has been in the early childhood education field for over 20 years and have a passion for building connections and mentoring.
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Monica Drvota
Monica Drvota is an associate director in the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Melissa Dubie
Melissa Dubie is an educational consultant at Indiana Resource Center for Autism. Her areas of interest include: Evidence-based practices, coaching, social skills (PEERS® provider), puberty and sexual health. She had the opportunity to publish a book, Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health: A Curriculum for Teaching Adolescents/Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Challenges (AAPC, 2012). Currently, she is creating materials to educate adult women with IDD on comprehensive sexual health.
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Michelle Duda
Michelle A. Duda, Ph.D., BCBA-D, founding president of Implementation Scientists, LLC, is an internationally known leader in implementation science and a highly sought-after systems coach. For almost two decades, she contributed to the evolution of the field of implementation science and gained expertise in her previous roles as a scientist (UNC-Chapel Hill). Duda serves a variety of populations and has published articles, assessments, and chapters across the human services fields (early childhood, autism, education, health, mental health).
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Kari Dunn Buron
Kari Dunn Buron, MS, taught students on the autism spectrum for 30+ years and was a founding member of the MN Autism Project. She developed an Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program for educators at Hamline University. Her work has focused on positive teaching, emotion regulation, and social understanding, and she has worked with parents and educators in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Nepal. She is the co-author of several books, many which have won awards. In 2012, Buron was inducted into the Illinois State University Education Department Hall of Fame.
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Lesley Evans
With a BA Hons in Marketing, Lesley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. With over 25 years running her own businesses, Lesley worked with a range of private, public and third sector clients. As Business Development Officer at Autism Network Scotland; with lived experience, Lesley offers support to partners to improve secure better outcomes for autistic people. With a keen interest in employability, Lesley chaired a social enterprise assisting women back into the workplace for 10 years and currently manages the Autism Aware Glasgow City Project. With a Certificate in Counselling Skills, Lesley is studying for a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling.
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Jena Fahlbush
Since 2015 Jena Fahlbush has served as a Specialist for the PATINS Project, an education agency supporting Indiana public schools in creating and sustaining an equitable learning environment for every student. She has presented at the local, state, and national levels and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Exceptional Student Education. Jena has over 9 years of clasroom experience. Spending much of that time in general education fostered her passion for Universal Design for Learning, Accessible Educational Materials, and Assistive Technology. She is excited about sharing how the right tool paired with universal design can change the game for a student.
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Erin Farrell
Erin Fitzgerald Farrell, M.A., BCBA, is the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Specialist and a member of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) State Leadership Team at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Erin holds a teaching license in autism spectrum disorders, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with many years of experience working with students of all ages in clinical and educational settings. In addition to her role at MDE, Erin is a doctoral student in educational leadership and an adjunct professor with the University of Saint Thomas.
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Danene Fast
Danene Fast, PhD., is a clinical assistant professor and faculty lead for the Programs in Visual Impairments at The Ohio State University. A dually certified teacher of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility specialist, she has received both local and national awards for her teaching, including a fellowship with the National Leadership Consortium for Sensory Disabilities (NLCSD). Fast has published and presented at local, national, and international venues, with a research agenda that focuses on accessibility and inclusion.
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Andrea Faulkner
Andrea Faulkner, EdD, assistant director for the Urban Support Team at OEC-ODE, holds a BA in English and an MA in education from Morehead State University, an EdD in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and several professional licenses. In addition to 8 years in the classroom, she spent 7 years as a district level administrator and has been at Ohio Department of Education for the past 5 years where she has severed as an assistant director in both the Office for Improvement and Innovation and the Office for Exceptional Children. Faulkner also serves on the Morehead State University Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Destination Imagination Board of Trustees.
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Jacquelyn Fede
Jacquelyn Fede, PhD is a super fun, Autistic Self-Advocate and developmental psychologist. She works as a community engagement research associate on an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Rhode Island. Her research interests include immigration policy, autism, and program evaluation. She uses her experience to help educate others about autism through lecturing, blogging and consulting on evaluation projects in school districts and communities. A full scholarship Division I athlete in college, Dr. Fede continues to meet her sensory needs by seeking extreme physical activity.
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Corey Ferguson
Corey Ferguson works at DODD where he focuses on educating, engaging, and empowering Ohio families. His experience includes supporting people with IDD and their families via multiple programs and initiatives implemented to support them in pursuing their best lives. He received his Master of Health Administration- Health Services Management & Policy at The Ohio State University. While at OSU he pursued a graduate minor in Public Policy and Management at the John Glenn School of Public Affairs, and participated as a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) trainee within the Nisonger Center.
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Reginald Fields
Reginald Fields is the director of communications and external affairs at the Ohio State Medical Association. He is also co-chair of the OCALI Advisory Board. Fields has over 20 years of experience as an award-winning major daily newspaper reporter and manager with assignments ranging from presidential and gubernatorial elections, state General Assembly, Ohio Supreme Court and education and state budgeting. He previously worked at The Plain Dealer, The Baltimore Sun and The Akron Beacon Journal.
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Chris Filler
Chris Filler is the program director of the Lifespan Transitions Center at OCALI. She has worked with individuals/families with ASD and developmental disabilities for over 30 years as an early intervention service coordinator, family resource specialist, autism/behavior consultant, and private consultant. Currently, her focus is transition to adulthood and creating supports that promote a meaningful adult life. To this end, Filler is working extensively with the Ohio Employment First Initiative targeting community employment and community membership.
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Caroline Fitchett
Caroline Fitchett is a doctoral student at the University of Louisville. She is currently pursuing an Ph.D in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction.
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Lorraine Flick
Lorraine Flick has served in public education for over 30 years. She has been a teacher and a building principal. Her current role at the Board of Developmental Disabilities involves support for students and staff with emphasis on building administration, special education services, and curriculum development. Her primary work ensures staff have the needed supports to offer ongoing meaningful instruction to the students.
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Megan Flowers
Megan Flowers is an Education Program Specialist in the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education. Megan is certified as a K-12 Moderate to Intensive Special Education Intervention Specialist (Reading Endorsement) and a PreK-6 Principal. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Cincinnati. She has experience working with students that have orthopedic impairments, multiple disabilities, are medically fragile and have complex communication needs. She is currently serving on the Diverse Learner team as the low incidence and sensory disabilities consultant.
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Kim Floyd
Dr. Floyd received her PhD from Old Dominion University in Special Education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She joined the Special Education Department at West Virginia University after teaching at East Carolina since 1992. She has been a member of American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) since joining the faculty at WVU and in 2015 became the Co-cordinator for ACRES Headquarters. Her main lines of inquiry are assistive technology, early childhood inclusive practices, rural education, teacher preparation and trauma informed practices. Her publications are focused on both independent resesearch and practitioner focused.
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Earl Focht
Earl Focht works in Resource Management at the Office for Exception Children, Ohio Department of Education.
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Thomas Foley
Tom Foley is the Executive Director of National Disability Institute. Trained as a tax lawyer, Tom has more than 30 years experience serving the disability community. As a person who is blind, Tom has dedicated his career to partnering with other thought leaders to address complex drivers of economic inequality and create pathways to employment and financial security for vulnerable groups. He is the author of EQUITY, the first asset building book for people with disabilities. Tom has worked with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Department of Treasury to design programs and provide technical assistance to better reach the disability community.
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Catherine Fowler
Catherine Fowler is project co-director for the NTACT:C. Dr. Fowler is also an adjunct instructor of graduate and undergraduate courses in transition methods and collaborative service delivery at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and supports technical assistance and research on other U.S. Department of Education funded projects related to secondary students with disabilities. Her work as a practitioner included early intervention service coordination and classroom teaching of students with autism and intellectual disabilities. Her work focuses on the successful, respectful, and meaningful integration of individuals with disabilities in society.
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Gereen Francis
Gereen R. Francis, MS, BCBA is a Behavior Specialist at the Center for Leadership in Disability, in the School of Public Health at Georgia State University. She provides training and technical assistance related to the use of Tier III positive behavioral interventions and supports to educators, families, and early interventionists across the state of Georgia. She is also the coordinator of the annual Autism Conference and Expo of Georgia. Before joining the Positive Behavior Support Team, she was provided in-home parent/caregiver training to hundreds of families and their children with autism and related developmental disabilities.
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Robert Frantum-Allen
Robert W. Frantum-Allen has over 33 years experience working in public and private schools. He most recently retired from Denver Public Schools but resumed working for the district as an interim director of gifted and talented/school nursing. He has experience developing long term strategic plans for two school districts as well as a history in innovation in education. When not working to improve education, you can find him volunteering at the Denver Zoo as a keeper assistant for the elephants.
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Brian Freedman
Brian Freedman, Ph.D., is the director of the Transition-Education-Employment-Model (TEEM) Unit at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies. This includes the Career and Life Studies Certificate for students with intellectual disabilities and Spectrum Scholars for autistic undergraduate students. His research interests include mental health for people with I/DD and related interventions and systemic barriers. Brian is a licensed psychologist and is an assistant professor in the UD School of Education.
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William Freeman
William Freeman is the Tactile Technology Project Manager at the American Printing House for the Blind. He comes to this position as a certified braille transcriber and former quality assurance tester with a focus in braille, technology, and project management. He is passionate about literacy in all forms and believes that no one should be deprived of reading materials in the medium that they prefer. He is a graduate of Berea College with a degree in English Writing. He currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife and dogs and spends his time hiking, writing, and complaining about user interfaces.
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Jennifer Frey
Jennifer Frey studied at Ohio State University and received a Bachelors in Psychology from Wright State University. She was trained in applied behavioral analysis and provided services to teenagers on the autism spectrum. She then worked as a certified developmental specialist in Greene County for 8 years until she went into management. During that time I became P.L.A.Y. Project certified. Finally in August of 2020, Frey became the Early Intervention Programs Director for the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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Bethany Frick
Bethany Frick received B.S. degrees in communication sciences and disorders and Spanish from Missouri State University in 2017. She received her M.A. in speech-language pathology in 2020 and is pursuing a Ph.D. in speech and hearing science at Ohio State University. She was a trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program at the Ohio State University Medical Center from 2019-2020. Her research interests include augmentative and alternative communication, assistive technology, autism spectrum disorders, and language development.
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Meggin Funk
Meggin Funk M.S.Ed, CCC-SLP, BCBA Western Region Coordinator for the NE ASD Network. A Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, supporting and training teams to implement individualized student goals using evidence-based practices within an interdisciplinary framework, collecting and analyzing data for effective behavior intervention plans, and promoting independence through education and resources in order to increase local capacity in providing effective educational programming to students with ASD.
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Tammy Funnell
Tammy Funnell is an early childhood specialist with the Office of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network through STG International where she provides professional expertise in early childhood education and development, specifically around school readiness, family engagement, and professional development through targeted and intentional on-site and virtural training and technical assistance to programs in Michigan. In addition to her over 24 years working for Early Head Start and Head Start programs, she was also a Part C Coordinator in the mid-Michigan area for several years. Funnell holds a Masters in Human Development and Family Studies from Central Michigan University.
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Amy Gaffney
Amy Moore Gaffney, M.A., CCC-SLP, a Speech-Language Pathologist and a TEACCH Certified Advanced Consultant, is employed as an educational consultant for the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University. She has experience working with children, young adults, and their families in a variety of settings, including in-home, public and private schools, private clinics, and in the community. Amy brings to her presentations experiences that she has learned as an autism consultant, as well as from being a parent of a child with a disability. Amy has presented nationally and internationally.
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Angelica Gagliardi
Angelica Gagliardi, M. Ed, provides outreach services specifically for the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for The Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALI. She was a Teacher of the Deaf for ten years serving students in residential programs, day school programs, and mainstream programs throughout her career. Angelica has a passion for literacy, which was the focus of her graduate degree, and is a Master Teacher for the Fairview Learning Program. She works as adjunct faculty at Kent State University helping our soon-to-be educators develop high expectations for DHH students by using research-based strategies to provide full access to grade-level standards.
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Andres Gallegos
Andrés J. Gallegos is a disability rights attorney and shareholder with the Chicago law firm of Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd. where he founded and directs its national disability rights practice, which focuses on achieving health equity for persons across all categories of disabilities. In Feb. 2018, Andrés received a congressional appointment to the National Council on Disability (NCD). In January 2021, President Biden designated Andrés as the Chairman of NCD. NCD is an independent federal agency that advises the President, his administration, Congress and the head of federal agencies on all matters affecting persons with disabilities in the country and in the US territories.
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Will Gallup
Will is a self-advocate and serves as an inspiration to others who desire to live independently. He enjoys discussing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the latest in legislation and encourages others to build relationships with their elected officials. Will has worked for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Good Life Ambassador for the past five years. In addition to advocating, Will has played boccia for seven years. He recently started learning how to do adaptive hand-cycling and looks forward to learning other adaptive sports in the future. Will also enjoys listening to old school music especially Paul Simon/Simon and Garfunkel.
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Kristin Garrett
Kristin Garrett is a Program Administrator for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Ms. Garrett leads the agency's Postsecondary initiatives including the College 2 Careers Program. She started her career with OOD in 2010 where she was hired as a Disability Claims Adjudicator to process Social Security Disability claims for OOD's Division of Disability Determination. From there she promoted to a Supervisor role and then to a manager role over OOD's Monitoring and Compliance Unit. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Ohio State University.
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Wes Garton
Wes Garton, M.S., is the Program Manager for Spectrum Scholars, University of Delaware’s college to career initiative for autistic students. Wes’s interests include coaching for college students through person-centered processes and postsecondary transition for disadvantaged high school youth with disabilities. Wes holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs from West Chester University and has been at the University of Delaware since 2016.
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Julie Gentile
Julie P. Gentile, M.D., is a Chair and Professor at Wright State University, Department of Psychiatry. She is the psychiatrist for the Montgomery County Board of DODD Mental Health Program and Medical Director for Ohio's Telepsychiatry Project for IDD. Dr. Gentile is also the project director for Ohio's Mental Illness Developmental Disabilities Coordinating Center of Excellence and provides psychiatric assessments for dual-diagnosis individuals for the state of Ohio. She has been awarded more than $9 million for the support of her work with IDD and has recieved multiple national awards for clinical excellence in MI/ID.
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Barb Gentille Green
Barb Gentille Green is a UDL Professional Learning Facilitator and Coach, and the Director of Teaching and Learning for Centerburg Local Schools in Ohio. Through collaboration and coaching, Gentille Green focuses on improving outcomes for all learners, especially those who are eligible for special education services. The most common PD and coaching topics addressed are UDL, specially designed instruction, autism, and positive behavior interventions and supports. Her 38+ years of school experience include the roles of OT, intervention specialist, curriculum coordinator, preschool director, and special education director.
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Peter Gerhardt
Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the EPIC School in Paramus, NJ. Gerhardt has over 40 years of experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. Gerhardt serves as Co-Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research and is on numerous professional advisory boards. He currently is adjunct faculty in the Institute for Behavioral Studies at Endicott College. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey's Graduate School of Education.
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Beth Gilchrist
Beth Gilchrist is a Literacy Consultant for the Exceptional Children Division at the NC Department of Public Instruction. She provides, coordinates, and supports the professional development of teachers and administrators in research-based reading and writing instruction. Additionally, she works with professional, parent, and service organizations and Institutions of Higher Education to promote appropriate public education and improved services for North Carolina Public Schools. Beth has served as a Reading Specialist and coach in for 9 years, and an exceptional children's teacher for 13 years. She has worked as an adjunct professor at both NC State University and Campbell University.
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Maggie Gons
Maggie Gons, M.A., CCC-SLP is the Early Childhood Professional Development Manager in OCALI's Center for the Young Child. She coordinates and provides training opportunities for the Autism Diagnostic Education Program (ADEP), PLAY Project autism intervention, and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Ohio Early Intervention professionals. Maggie continues to practice as a speech-language pathologist and certified PLAY Project/Teaching PLAY in private practice. In addition, Maggie is a trained PLAY Project supervisor and master trainer and is a graduate of the ASHA Leadership Development Program.
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Emma Goodall
Emma Goodall is an autistic author, keynote speaker, researcher, and disability and education consultant. She works both publicly and privately to facilitate the best life outcomes possible for autistics with a range of support needs. She has written and presented on education, autism, resilience, mental health, interoception, relationships, and sexuality for autistics. An adjunct Professor at the University of Wollongong and a member of the Australian Society for Autism Research Executive Committee, she has developed an online module on interoception for Torrens University and has collaborated with the Australian Psychological Society to develop an autism-specific course for psychologists.
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Jennifer Govender
Jennifer Govender, M.Ed., is an AEM Specialist for the AT&AEM Center. Throughout her education career, she has worked as an early intervention specialist, assistive technology specialist, and a teacher for students with visual impairments. These experiences have aided her in becoming a well-rounded and compassionate individual, who takes each student's unique goals, needs, and interests into account to allow them to be successful in the school setting.
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Karen Grafton
Kari is a 2001 graduate of Ohio State University. She has a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Dayton and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She has work for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities since 2013
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Rachel Greene
Dr. Rachel Greene is the autism coordinator for Fulton County Schools in Georgia. She began her career in education as a one-on-one aide for a student with autism before stepping into the role of a teacher. Dr. Greene has worked in many areas of special education from inclusion to self-contained. She has had the opportunity to provide supports to students with disabilities in the eligibility areas of autism, emotional behavior disorder, traumatic brain injury, and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Greene completed her doctoral degree in special education in spring 2019.
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Tina Greene
Tina Greene, M. Ed., is a Universal Design for Learning Coordinator (UDL) for Bartholowmew Consolidated School Corporation in Columbus, Indiana. Before becoming a UDL Coordiantor, Tina taught for 15 years as an elementary school teacher. Tina's understanding and implementation for UDL has grown these last 10 years working with co-UDL Coordinator Rhonda Laswell and BCSC's UDL Facilitators to implement the UDL framework thorughout the district. Besides a love for UDL, Tina also coordinates Positive Behavior Instructional Supports throughout BCSC, working with district PBIS Facilitators and BCSC's District PBIS Team. Tina resides in Columbus with her husband and three teenage children.
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Synita Griswell
Synita Griswell, MPH, program manager for the Georgia Autism Initiative at the Georgia Department of Public Health, supports the design, development and implementation of key autism spectrum disorder initiatives for Georgia's service delivery system. She maintains stakeholder partnerships with nationally recognized academic and research institutions that make significant contributions to the advancement of understanding ASD and render quality services. Griswell holds a master's degree in public health from Florida International University with a concentration in health promotion and disease prevention.
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Barry Grossman
Barry G. Grossman, Ph.D. is co-owner of the Ziggurat Group, which specializes in transdisciplinary assessment and comprehensive intervention for individuals with ASD. Grossman, along with his co-author, Dr. Ruth Aspy, wrote The Ziggurat Model - a book on designing interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The Ziggurat Model, which earned the Literary Achievement Award from the Autism Society of America, is being used successfully throughout the United States and internationally. Grossman serves on the Autism Society of America's Panel of Professional Advisors.
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Wendy Grove
Wendy Grove is the director of the Office for Early Learning and School Readiness at ODE, where she helps develop and implement policies for preschool special education and early childhood education. She works closely with colleagues across state government whose programs benefit early learners. Grove earned bachelor's degrees in both psychology and sociology from Gonzaga University, a master's degree in sociology from Portland State University, and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Akron. Before coming to ODE, Dr. Grove spent seven years overseeing Ohio's Help Me Grow Home Visiting and Early Intervention programs.
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Daniel Gruber
Danny Gruber, MPA is the project coordinator for information and data management in OCALI's Research and Impact Office. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dayton in 2016, majoring in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in English. He then earned his Master of Public Administration graduate degree from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University in 2018. In his current role at OCALI, Gruber oversees data collection, analysis, reporting, and program evaluation efforts across the organization.
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Kimberly Ha
Originally from Philadelphia, Kim studied cognitive psychology and neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh before returning to her hometown and receiving a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught students with high and low incidence disabilities as a full-time special education science teacher before she joined OAR back in 2014. Kimberly worked as a programs and outreach associate for two years before she transitioned into her current role as research and programs director.
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Jennifer Haddow
Jennifer Haddow, MS Ed, has a background which includes teaching elementary students with intellectual delays and students with emotional disturbance, time as a behavioral specialist, facilitator of a school climate grant, administrative experience as a Special Education Coordinator for South-Western City Schools, and most recently, as the Director of Student Services of Grandview Heights Schools. Additionally, Haddow is trained as a certified trauma specialist and worked with The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children.
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Sandra Hallett
I am a mother of 2 boys, TC, 21 and Ryan 20. Ryan was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. Later he was diagnosed with spina bifida occulta, OCD and a seizures. As a profession I am a parent mentor. I am trained through ODE, OCECD and OSU. I assist parents and individual on IEP's with the schools. I wrote 2 books on autism and I send out a monthly autism newsletter. In 2007 I started a support group in Seneca County for autism- SALSA (Seneca Autism Learning and Support Association). I am also on the Seneca County Board of DD and the county FCFC. I have been fortunate to publicly speak and train police, fire and first responders since wandering is one of my platforms.
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Lynne Hamelberg
Lynne Hamelberg, Ph.D. is the Outreach and Family Information Specialist with the Ohio Center for Deafblind Education (OCDBE), a federally funded project. Lynne supports the dissemination and outreach efforts, consultation and technical assistance to families of children with combined hearing-vision loss, the annual parent retreat, and collaborates with the project's deafblind education consultant to plan and deliver training and professional development to families, school district and agency personnel, and others.
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Pam Hamer
Pam Hamer, a licensed social worker, has worked in early intervention for 20 plus years. She is the mother of an 18-year daughter with autism. Her personal and professional experience along with her specialized training and certifications in child development infant mental health and trauma informed care have shaped the lens in which she works and lives. She truly believes early intervention and supportive community connections can change a child and family’s trajectory in life especially when they have experienced any form of emotional or physical trauma.
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Elaine Hamilton
Elaine Hamilton Elaine and her husband Reginald have a daughter Maliyah. Maliyah was diagnosed with autism at 3 years of age. Elaine is a Trainer and Information Specialist for The Ohio Coalition for The Education of Children with Disabilities the Parent Training and Information Center for the state of Ohio. She provides special education information, assist with understanding the special education evaluation process, parents' rights, educational programs, services and supports to parent/guardians of students with special needs. She is trainer and presenter for Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University in the area of Family Centered Care and Autism.
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Judy Hanson
Judy is founder and CEO of Autism Home Base Durham in Ontario, Canada, a charity that champions social inclusion for autistic adults and their families. Judy is mom to two adult sons, one on the autism spectrum with complex needs. A serial entrepreneur, Judy was drawn to serve non profits after an early career in the private sector. She has led communications and fundraising teams of staff and volunteers in arts and social service sectors.Judy earned the internationally recognized fundraising credential of CFRE in 2011.She is a member of AFP and holds a CAAP designation from the Institute of Canadian Advertising.
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Gene Harshaw
Gene Harshaw is a dad with a B.A. and works in Financial Compliance. Over twenty years ago, he and wife, Gwen, received the diagnosis of autism upon their 4 year old son, Zayne. They began educating themselves about ASD and even served as parent mentors for the autistic teen social group, Aspirations, at OSU's Nisonger Center. Now managing Zayne's band, Blue Spectrum, Gene speaks as an advocate and minister to spread the message that also serves as the band's motto: "We do not look at life through the single lens of a diagnosis but live life through the Spectrum of potential, promise and purpose".
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Gwendolyn Harshaw
Gwendolyn Harshaw is a wife and mother to Zayne Harshaw, who was diagnosed with Autism over 20 years ago. The diagnosis transformed their lives. Gwen left the corporate world of finance to begin educating herself about ASD in order to help her son. This led to becoming an advocate for other families dealing with ASD. She has served as a parent mentor for the autistic teen group, Aspirations. She is a frequent attender and participant in ASD seminars in order to be a source of information for others. She currently serves as Program Director for OCALI's Family & Community Outreach Center Program.
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Marcy Henry
Marcy Henry has been an educator for 30 years. She was in the classroom for 27 years as an intervention specialist, and is currently a literacy specialist for Perkins Local School District. Henry is a certified Wilson Read instructor, an Acadience Reading mentor, as well as a LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) facilitator/trainer. She trains administration and teachers in the science of reading to support all learners.
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Shawn Henry
Shawn A. Henry is the executive director of OCALI. As such, a major focus of his work is on systems change, advancing statewide capacity to improve outcomes for individuals with ASD. Henry holds leadership roles on national and state advisory boards and interagency workforces involving policymakers, parents, and professionals. He was previously the program director of professional development at the Kentucky Autism Training Center. He also served as an elementary special educator for students with autism. His Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) has been utilized across the country.
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Nicole Herbert
Nicole Herbert is a coach with State Support Team 1. She serves as a member of the UDL Collaborative at OCALI. Previously, Nicole was a Dean and Assistant Principal. Nicole holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, an administrative license and a K-8 teaching license. Nicole believes all students deserve access to a rigorous and relevant school experience and sees the need for equitable practices across the region. Along with supporting the implementation of UDL, Nicole has developed and delivered Professional Development in the area of evidence-based practices, Collaborative Teams, and the Ohio Improvement Process.
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Heather Herbster
Heather Herbster, Ph.D., works with the Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALI. Herbster is a licensed certified orientation and mobility specialist with experience in lifespan transitions, signed language modalities, and higher education instruction. She has had the opportunity to build partnerships utilizing both state and national initiatives focused on improving student outcomes; her research interests include the examination of evaluative practices for children with vision and/or hearing loss.
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Meghan Herron
Meghan Herron, associate director of research at Easterseals Southern California, has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in education and applied psychology from the UC Santa Barbara and a master's degree in counseling, applied behavior analysis, from California State University, Los Angeles. Her research interests include organizational behavior management and she has published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management and Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice and has presented at several international behavior analytic conferences. Herron also works as an adjunct professor for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's ABA master's program in Anaheim, CA.
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Erika Hertel
Erika Hertel, program manager for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program at Child Health Specialty Clinics, received her BS in psychology and MA in counselor education from the University of Iowa. She is a certified Family Development Specialist through the National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice and a Family Peer Support Specialist through the Iowa Board of Certification. She has served as co-chair for the Iowa Autism Council, which offers consultation and recommendations to the Governor and Iowa legislature regarding matters concerning the ASD population and leads the RAP Expert Panel Advisory Committee. She is the parent of three young adults, one of whom has autism.
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Tina Herzberg
Dr. Tina Herzberg is a Professor and Coordinator of the Visual Impairment Program at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Her research focuses on braille literacy, STEM braille codes, assessment of students with visual impairments, tactile graphics, and efficacy of continuing professional development. She is also currently serving as the principal investigator of the federally funded braille training grant, Project INSPIRE: Increasing the STEM Potential of Individuals Who Read Braille. She was previously a general education math and English teacher, a teacher of students with visual impairment, and specialist/team leader for a regional service center in Texas.
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Thomas Hess
Tom Hess brings 20 years of experience working with Ohio agencies, individuals, and families with disabilities. He has national and international program development experience specific to autism and leadership experience with programs that cross multiple systems. Hess previously held the position of director of transition services at the Licking county Board of DD. Prior to that he was the disability program manager at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Hess is the national co-chair of the Autism Treatment Network Family Advisory Committee.
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Judy Heumann
Judith Heumann is a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled people. She contracted polio in 1949 and began to use a wheelchair for her mobility. She is now an internationally-recognized leader in the disability rights community. Heumann has been instrumental in the development and implementation of legislation, such as Section 504, the Individuals with Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which have been advancing the inclusion of disabled people in the US and around the world and fighting to end discrimination against all those with disabilities.
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Lisa Hickman
Lisa is the Executive Director for the OCECD as of August 2019. She holds a Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. in Sociology. For over 11 years Lisa was faculty at Grand Valley State University and additionally served as chair for her department for two years. She taught courses and conducted research in the areas of education, children and families. Lisa moved back to Ohio for family reasons and worked for the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission conducting research to help inform criminal justice policy in Ohio. The transition to Executive Director for the Ohio Coalition is an honor and feels like coming back to her roots, what she is trained in, and what she does well.
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Kristin Hildebrant
Kristin is an experienced senior attorney practicing for 32 years in education law focused on disabilities concentrating in special education, and is a subject matter expert in state administrative hearings and federal litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Kristin is the education practice team leader, and oversees the representation of families and children with disabilities in all special education matters at Disability Rights Ohio. Kristin is a past chair of the Education Law Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association.
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Lisa Hite
Lisa Hite has 26 years of experience in the field of education. As an educator, she has taught at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. After 12 years as a classroom teacher, she spent 11 years working with staff and students as an administrator at a career center. Currently, Lisa works with State Support Team, primarily serving those in career tech education in SST regions 1, 6, and 7. She is an advocate for UDL and has presented at OCALICON in previous years. She has also presented at the National High Schools that work summer conference and the Ohio ACTE summer conference.
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Jessica Hoefler
Dr. Jessica Hoefler is an educational audiologist for the Summit ESC in Northeast Ohio. She is currently the Audiologist-at-Large for the Ohio School Speech Pathology Educational Audiology Coalition (OSSPEAC). Dr. Hoefler has presented on multiple topics in educational audiology for OSSPEAC, Ohio School Psychologist Association, and Ohio Department of Education. When she is not working, Dr. Hoefler enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has two amazing daughters, one of which is passed away in May 2020 inspiring her to start Piper's Key, a non-profit that gifts inclusive books to children with disabilities that represent themselves in a positive light.
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Megan Hoffey
Megan Hoffey works at the Colorado Department of Education as a Technical Assistant Consultant on the Autism Specialist Team. She was diagnosed with autism when she was four. Her belief is that experiences and events in childhood can impact the rest of one’s adult life, and the more that one learns about themselves and their mental health, the better they can advocate for themselves. Her personal experiences in the special education system and in a chaotic family provide her team with a unique and valuable perspective, a perspective she is excited to share.
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Jessica Hoffman
Jessica Hoffman currently serves as Regional Literacy Specialist for Urban Support for Ohio State Support Team 13, consulting with Cincinnati Public Schools. She has been an educator for over 20 years in many roles: general education teacher, researcher, writer, teacher educator, professional development provider, instructional coach, and literacy consultant. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters in literacy practitioner and researcher journals and presented for many years at the Literacy Research Association and International Literacy Association conferences.
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Phyllis Holloway
Phyllis Elizabeth Holloway (she/her) is currently a graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University. She is pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy along with an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders. Her current research interests include the Autistic community, ableism, and sexual health education. Phyllis Elizabeth's journey began at the University of Kentucky where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human health sciences with a minor in photography and an undergraduate certificate in universal design. She then went to Eastern Kentucky University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in occupational science.
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Sue Hope
Sue is Development Manager for Scottish Charity called IWORK4ME. IWORK4ME is Scotland's only Charity to champion self-employment as an achievable and beneficial career solution for autistic adults. IWORK4ME provides regular, one-to-one business mentoring sessions, tailored to individual needs. We enable clients to develop existing skills and talents and create viable micro-enterprises, offering open ended support, taking clients from abstract ideas to business launch and beyond. This results in the acquisition of fresh lifeskills, personal growth, engagement with wider society, improved mental health, a sense of purpose, belonging and fulfilment and some financial independence.
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Megan Horstmeier
Megan Horstmeier has 18 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, science coordinator, and administrator. She has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from University of Cincinnati. Megan has led multiple buildings in implementing new curriculums and improving instruction. She has provided professional development in areas such as school climate, transtion, and family engagement. Megan’s background in working with at-risk schools provides a unique understanding into the school improvement process. Megan is currently working with State Support Team 13 assisting schools with the Ohio Improvement Process to improve outcomes for all students.
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Brittany Hott
Brittany L. Hott, Ph.D. is an associate professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) with interests in rural school-based interventions, program evaluation, and the effective translation of special education research to practice. Her work is predominantly with deep east Texas and south east Oklahoma schools. Dr. Hott is a member of the executive board of the American Council on Rural Special Education.
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Kelly Houston
Kelly Houston is a Project Assistant at the AT&AEM Center at OCALI. She supports the operation of the AT&AEM Center's delivery system of accessible educational materials to Ohio school districts. Kelly carries out the annual Federal Quota Registration of Legally Blind Students on behalf of ODE-OEC resulting in Federal Quota Funds for AEM for Ohio students. She maintains the AT&AEM Clearinghouse of braille, digital, and large print textbooks and educational aids for loan to eligible students, and provides technical assistance related to AEM. She also assists with data collection for the AT&AEM Center. Kelly has supported the Federal Quota program for 17 years.
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Jacqueline Howley
Jacqueline Howley is the mother of 2 children with disabilities and grandmother of a child with Autism. Howley has served as a Parent Mentor for Champaign County for over 20 years, building bridges of communication between home, school and community. She has extensive training and experience, working to make a difference for students with unique needs by collaboration within local system supports, advocating for all children to have meaningful inclusion in school and community.
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Jill Hudson
Jill Hudson coordinates National/State Partnerships and OCALICON at OCALI. She received her master's degree in Autism from the University of Kansas and her child life certification from John Hopkins Hospital. Hudson was an invited particpant at the 2011 Autism Awareness event held at the White House. She presents internationally and has many publications in the field of autism, including four books. Hudson co-coordinates OCALICON, is the co-chair of the National Autism Leadership Collaborative (NALC), and facilitated NASDSE's federal funded national Community of Practice on ASD.
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Janelle Huefner
Janelle Huefner is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital and is Orton-Gillingham-trained at the Associate Level; currently pursuing training at the Certified Level. She has been a practicing pediatric speech language pathologist for 22 years in a variety of settings. Her clinical focus is on spoken language and literacy development with patients who are D/HH and patients with dyslexia. Janelle has a passion for serving young children diagnosed with hearing differences and students facing language-based academic and behavioral difficulties from hearing/listening, speaking, reading and/or written expression challenges.
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Bobby Huffman
Bobby Huffman is an intervention and behavioral specialist at Jones Middle School in the Upper Arlington School District with 14 years of teaching experience. He holds a master's degree in ABA from The Ohio State University. During his studies at Ohio State, Huffman's research interests targeted behavioral interventions, leading to the publications of one of these studies in the journal Behavior Analysis in Practice. Bobby Huffman has presented at various conferences in Ohio and the midwest, including OCALICON, the OHABA Conference, and the ABAI Conference.
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Richard Ibbotson
Richard Ibbotson has an extensive background in the development and delivery of services to autistic people in Scotland. Originally nurse trained, with a degree in autism studies he has presented at National and International conferences. As Director of Autism Network Scotland he is leading in responding to key strategic autism priorities across Scotland. In addition he is chair of a charty supporting self-employment for autistic adults (IWORK4ME) and chair of a UK wide network of senior autism professionals (CoSPPA).
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Haley Ingram
Haley Ingram, M.S., is a graduate student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Eastern Kentucky University. Ingram's goal is to work with children and adolescents with developmental and emotional/behavioral disorders. Her clinical work has included assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with disorders such as ADHD, ASD, and social-emotional behavioral challenges. Ingram has participated in facilitating social groups for children and teens on the autism spectrum, as well as led a therapy group for young adults experiencing disordered eating behaviors.
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Debbie Irish
Debbie Irish is an accomplished not-for-profit leader with over 30 years experience in developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Early in her career she focused on the delivery of respite services to provide families a break from caregiving. This led to the development of respitesevices.com, a service that supports families in navigating services, as well as connecting to respite providers. She worked in a variety of roles at Geneva Centre for Autism, including leading projects through the Training Institute, client and family focused program development, operations and as the CEO. Currently, she is the Chief Operating Officer at Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work.
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Daniel Irwin
Daniel Irwin is the Education Specialist for Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Assistive Technology for the Virginia Department of Education. He is the project lead for the Applied Studies Diploma and is the project manager for Virginia Commonwealth University's Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE) and the Virginia Assistive Technology Network. He has been a Behavior Analyst since 2012 and has worked as an educator and instructional coach in public and private school settings. Currently, Daniel manages the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Network and is highly committed to promoting behavior analysis and supporting behavior analysts working in public schools.
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Mia Ives-Rublee
Mia Ives-Rublee is currently the director of Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress. She obtained her Master's in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill and began working with disabled people to help them find work and independence in their communities at the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Mia is best known for founding the Women's March Disability Caucus and organizing the original Women's March on Washington in 2017. She has worked with numerous progressive organizations on disability justice and inclusion.
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Carissa Jackson
Carissa is a Rhode Islander, graduating from Rhode Island College with a Master's of Social Work. She has spent years working with individuals with special needs, ranging from being a Home-Based Therapeutic Services provider to assisting with research as a graduate assistant at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities. Carissa completed a fellowship through the RI Leadership Education in Neurodevelomental and Related Disabilities program and currently works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside in nature as well as being an equine-therapy instructor for children and adults with disabilities.
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Doug Jackson
Doug Jackson serves as the deputy director of STABLE Accounts for the Office of the Ohio Treasurer of State. His has been dedicated to the field of developmental disabilities for over 20 years, and works with a passion to serve people with disabilities and their families through improving the support system and support staff. Jackson's experiences include managing the services of a direct support agency, serving in the executive administration of Ohio's County Board of DD system, teaching human services classes at Wright State University, and being a superintendent of a state-operated developmental center.
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Melissa James
Melissa James is a Parent Consultant at the Ohio Department of Health in the Maternal, Child, and Family Health Bureau. Melissa enjoys bringing the family perspective and voice to the bureau's 40+ programs. She finds great comfort in this work, as she is also the mother of a child with special healthcare needs and the founder of the nonprofit, Feel Better Foundation. Feel Better serves children with life-threatening diseases/conditions and provides no-cost therapy and programming. Melissa loves that she can combine her background in early childhood education, communication, nonprofit outreach, as well as her lived experience, to support and amplify the voices of families.
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Sarah James
Sarah James came to the Ohio Department of Education in 2018 to support Title programming in the Office of Federal Programs. She has recently joined the Resource Management section in the Office for Exceptional Children. Before ODE, James worked with IDEA Part C Early Intervention services in West Virginia. Her background also includes Special Education advocacy for students receiving IEP and 504 services and supports. She has a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's in Public Administration with a Certificate in Disability Studies from West Virginia University.
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Matt Jameson
J. Matt Jameson is an associate professor in special education at the University of Utah. His primary research interests include instructional strategies and inclusive educational procedures for students with significant cognitive disabilities.He has authored and coauthored articles and book chapters focused on the provision of a free and appropriate public education and highly qualified special education teachers, instructional strategies used to support students with significant cognitive disabilities in inclusive settings, and evaluations of distance education and teacher preparation programs. He is currently the program coordinator for the Low Incidence Disability Program.
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Alexis Johnson
Alexis Johnson has several years experience of senior leadership in various organizations providing specialist education and care for people with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities. He has worked with children and young people with autism, sensory impairment, cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, behavioural difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs. He started his career as an English teacher and found the challenge and reward of teaching those with special educational needs a learning experience like no other. He loves football, reading, chocolate biscuits, soul music, India Pale Ale and stand-up comedy.
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Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University for her undergraduate degree, specializing in special education with a focus on moderate to intensive disabilities. Emily is currently employed as an intervention specialist at Princeton City School District in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been working at Princeton since 2015, and was promoted to special education department chair in 2020. She works closely with high school students and their families on their transition to adulthood.
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Jennifer Johnson
Dr. Jennifer Johnson is the Deputy Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities (AoD), Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where she oversees the cross-disability programs funded by AoD which work to remove barriers to community living and empower individuals with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. Her work focuses on a broad variety of disability issues, including early care and education, implementation of disability policy, the intersection of disability and diversity, and professional development for educators. Dr. Johnson earned her doctorate in special education from the George Washington University.
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Karen Johnson
Karen Johnson has been with the Ohio Department of Education since 2019 in the Center for Students Support, Office for Exceptional Children.
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Pari Johnston
Pari Johnston interested in community-based autism and housing issues when trying to find sustainable solutions for her oldest son's transition from the family home to independent and supported living. This led to becoming a founding member of the Housing Through an Autism Lens solutions lab team. Her day job is Vice-President, Policy and Public Affairs, at Genome Canada and she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Royal Mental Health Care Group, after time on the Family Advisory Council. She has been involved in national research and policy initiatives in Canada to raise awareness and share systems-level solutions for the challenging intersections of autism, mental health, and housing.
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Clairie Jones
Clairie Jones is the director of the Office of Intensive Supports at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Kari Jones
Kari Jones serves as the President & CEO of DSACO. Prior to her start with DSACO, she served as Executive Director for Embracing Autism and Director of Supported Living at Goodwill Columbus. As President & CEO, Kari is charged with providing strategic direction, development, and ensuring membership needs are satisfied. Through community partnerships, DSACO strives to fill the gaps in systems that serve the I/DD community. Kari is a graduate of Leadership Columbus (2015), a 40 Under 40 Honoree (2018), and serves on various boards and committees at the local, state, and national level.
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Laura Jones
Laura Jones has a master's degree in early childhood education and educational leadership; Curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as a reading endorsement. She has worked for the State Support Team for the past 11 years providing professional development and coaching in early childhood and early literacy topics. Jones has presented at state conferences in the areas of special education and literacy.
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Melissa Jones-Bromenshenkel
Melissa Jones is a professor in the Department of Special Education at Eastern Illinois University. She led the PILLARS Induction Program for new special educators in the region and currently runs an induction group for alumni. Prior to moving to the university setting, Melissa worked as a special educator serving students with a variety of abilities and disabilities in instructional and co-taught settings. Melissa's research interests include: evidence-based practices, teacher induction, and mental health challenges. In addition to working as a professor, Melissa serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a Volunteer Family Advocate, and a Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer.
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Emily Jordan
Emily Jordan, MSW, LISW, is an Education Program Specialist with the Office for Exceptional Children. Her primary responsibilities consist of providing technical assistance and investigating complaints regarding restraint and seclusion and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Ms. Jordan earned her bachelor and master's degree in Social Work from the Ohio State University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and has experience working in both community mental health and education settings.
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Lauren Katzman
Lauren Katzman, executive director of the Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative, leads strategic efforts to foster the leadership development of urban school district administrators in general and special education and ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need to enhance systems, programs, and services for students with disabilities and their families. Katzman holds a BA in Special and Elementary Education from Washington University (St. Louis, MO) and an MS in Special Education from Bank Street Teacher's College. She obtained an EdM and an EdD in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
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Sandy Kaufman
Sandy Kaufman is an education program specialist in the Dispute Resolution section in the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education.
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David Kearon
Dave Kearon, Director of Adult Services at Autism Speaks, focuses on national initiatives promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan. Kearon's work in recent years has included the development of an autism-led corporate employment consultancy, an online job search tool for autistic job seekers, and an autism small business accelerator. Current initiatives include the development of digital, interactive developmental pathways for the transition to adulthood, as well as a larger employment collaboration with other nonprofits for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities called Delivering Jobs.
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Dan Kelley
Dan Kelley is a proud father of 2 boys. He is a teacher of the visually impaired and assistive technology specialist at the Ohio State School for the Blind for 24 years. Dan Kelley is also an adaptive technology trainer and specialist for the State of Ohio and the I Can Connect program. He has many years of being a guest lecturer at The Ohio State University and Shawnee State University. Dan loves a challenge and has a passion to help empower people to meet life challenges with the correct tools, encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills. Hobbies and interests include outdoor activities like biking, camping, fishing and taking his new puppy for long walks.
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Randall Kempton
Randy Kempton works in Resource Management at the Office for Exception Children, Ohio Department of Education.
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So Yoon Kim
So Yoon Kim is an assistant professor at Duksung Women's University in South Korea. So Yoon Kim received her Ph.D. from Boston College and studies social situatedness (non-autistic people's stigma toward autism and representation of autism/disability in media) and the social development of autistic individuals.
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Soo Youn Kim
Soo Youn Kim, M.A., is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Psychology program at the Ohio State University. She is under the supervision of Dr. Luc Lecavalier studying anxiety and depression in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She received a Master's degree from the Clinical Psychology program at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea in 2015. Soo Youn's research interest started in feeding difficulties in young children with ASD which now developed into a broader psychopathology prevalent in children and adolescents.
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Molly King
Molly King is a clinical psychology graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University. Molly is interested in autism spectrum disorders and has assisted with some of the autism and other developmental disorders social skills groups at Eastern Kentucky University. She is currently conducting a teen friendship group for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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John Kinsel
John Kinsel has been an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Professional for over 40 years. He has served as a counselor, consultant, educator and advocate. His specializations include children with special needs and their families, those who have experienced trauma and promotion of early social and emotional wellness. He was founding president of the Ohio Association for Infant Mental Health and has served on many committees addressing Infant and Early Childhood issues sponsored by ODE, ODMHAS, ODJFS, ODH and ODD.
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Rebekah Kintzinger
Rebekah Kintzinger is an autistic advocate from British Columbia, Canada. Her advocacy includes writing about autism in health and policy, which has led her to be featured in many mediums, and she has been quoted at the Senate of Canada. In addition to presenting at conferences, she is also a director at the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA), where she has published documents on language and autism. Most recently, she spoke at two United Nations Conference Side Events on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is a founding member of the Canadian Journal of Autism Equity where she continues her advocacy in championing the voices of Autistic Canadians.
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Heidi Kleinman
Heidi Kleinman is the Assistant Director of Dispute Resolution Section at the OEC. She has been with the OEC for over 8 years, and was formally the Complaint Coordinator for Dispute Resolution.
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Teresa Kobelt
Teresa Kobelt directs OCALI's Office of Policy. Prior to joining OCALI, she was Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Direction at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, overseeing key initiatives such as Early Intervention, Family Engagement & Support, Trauma-Informed Care, and Employment First. Kobelt has a master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University, and got her start in the field as a LEND trainee at OSU's Nisonger Center.
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Karl Koenig
Karl Koenig is the director of the Office of Community Schools at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Shannon Komisarek
Shannon R. Komisarek, B.A., joined Ohio's state vocational rehabilitation agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, in July 2017. She is an Assistant Deputy Director in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, responsible for the Supported Employment and Transition Unit. Prior to OOD, Shannon worked at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, the state's juvenile correctional agency, for over 21 years. She served in many capacities while at ODYS, including Deputy Superintendent and Bureau Chief. She has a B.A. in Sociology from the Ohio State University.
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Colleen Kornish
Colleen Kornish, M.Ed., is a consultant with SST9. She assists schools in utilizing the Ohio Improvement Process to meet the needs of each LEA that she serves. She is a member of the UDL Collaborative and works to help teachers remove barriers and provide access for ALL students using the principles of UDL. Colleen is a social justice advocate and serves as a lead for Region 9's ALL IN work. She is an OLi4 coach. She also helps support Community Schools in Region 9. Colleen was an elementary principal prior to becoming a consultant at SST9.
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Jessica Kramer
Dr. Kramer's research draws upon theoretical concepts and methodologies from occupational therapy, disability studies, education and rehabilitation to: 1) Partner with youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the development and evaluation of rehabilitation products; 2) Develop community-based interventions that equip youth with I/DD and their families with the skills to identify and resolve environmental barriers to participation; and 3) Design high quality patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) using contemporary measurement approaches.
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Megan Krasnodembski
Megan Krasnodembski is a special projects coordinator at the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA) and incoming law student at Queen’s University in Canada. In her role at CASDA she has worked on a number of projects, including establishing the newly launched Canadian Journal of Autism Equity and has supported CASDA advocacy efforts on the international stage. This includes but is not limited to UN regional consultations and the recent 14th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities wherein CASDA participated in a side panel event.
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Jennifer Krumins
A passionate international speaker, educator and author, Jennifer is also the founder of Autism Aspirations and Autism Aspirations Academy. Both sites provide down to earth, practical resources and online learning tools that will increase your confidence and competence as you seek to develop the full human potential of those with autism. Having taught students from the ages of 3 to 21 in Ontario, Canada for 26 years, Jennifer holds a Master of Education in Applied Psychology and has studied extensively Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is married with three young adult children (one of whom has autism).
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Al LaBarre
Alison B. LaBarre, Ed.D., director of auxiliary services for the Ohio State School for the Blind and the Ohio School for the Deaf. She has presented at state and national conferences on topics related to middle-level education and the educational needs of the exceptional child.
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Paul LaCava
Paul G. LaCava, Ph.D., is an associate professor of special education at Rhode Island College, where he directs two graduate programs and teaches courses in special education, assessment, research, and autism. He also conducts research at RIC's Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities. LaCava has published and presented on topics such as PBIS, ASD historical perspectives, legal and policy matters, social-emotional methods, evidence-based practices, and technology.
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Darlene LaFontaine
Darlene LaFontaine is the Parent Mentor for Hudson City Schools where she helps families navigate the special education system and supports school personnel. In the Parent Mentor role she has participated in the Parent Mentor Council, Skills and Knowledge Committee and DACUM job analysis project. Previously she had worked in the public schools as a substitute teacher, school aide and volunteer. Darlene’s first role of supporting individuals began in the Investment Industry where she worked as an Investment Advisor, Branch Manager and Vice President assisting clients within the financial securities market. Darlene is a graduate of Gettysburg College and resides in Hudson OH.
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Jonathan Lai
Jonathan Lai, executive director at CASDA, is an Adjunct Faculty position in Health Services Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. During a CIHR Health System Impact Fellowship at McGill University and the Centre for Innovation in Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, he led the development of a program evaluation of a specialized medical-dental primary care clinic for people with developmental disabilities, led federal government engagement of evidence-use in policy dialogues, and reports at the United Nations Convention on research evidence used in rights-based approaches for children with disabilities in Canada.
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Mike Lake
Mike Lake is the Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Wetaskiwin. Lake was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council after being asked by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to serve on a Cabinet Committee tasked with efforts to balance the federal budget. In 2019, he was re-elected to a fifth term. Previously, Lake worked for 10 years with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club, serving as National Accounts Manager, Director of Ticket Sales and Group Sales Manager. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with distinction) from the University of Alberta. The Lakes have been active supporters of autism organizations, families, and individuals around the world, sharing their story of life with Jaden who has autism.
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Michelle Lange
Michelle is an occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide, editor of Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, 4th ed., NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a certified ATP, certified SMS and is a Senior Disability Analyst of the ABDA.
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Angela Lariviere
Angela Lariviere is the Director of YouthMOVE Ohio. She joined the NAMI Ohio team in 2013, and has over 25 years professional experience in trauma informed youth program development, advocacy, peer support, and leadership. As director of NAMI Ohio YouthMOVE, she supervises staff and youth leaders to develop strategic plans for youth inclusion and voice in Ohio, provides training and guidance to youth, partner organizations and county groups. She also oversees grants, chapter development, and participates in various state committees. Lariviere attended Otterbein College.
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Rhonda Laswell
Rhonda Laswell, M. Ed. is the Coordinator of Universal Design for Learning for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. Prior to serving as the UDL Coordinator, Rhonda was a middle school science teacher, team leader, and science department coordinator. In her role as UDL Coordinator, she is responsible for the design and facilitation of professional development of staff, consultations for curriculum and learning environment design, and the integration of UDL, PBIS, Equity & Inclusion, SEL, Executive Function. She also coordinates an annual UDL Implementation Summer Institute which is currently being prepped for its 9th year.
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Bernadette Laughlin
Bernadette Laughlin is the Related Services Consultant in the Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education. Previously, she was a school speech-language pathologist, a special education department head, and an attorney in special education. Bernadette holds a B.S. in Education, an M.A. in Educational Policy and Leadership from the Ohio State University and a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. Bernadette received the Ohio School Speech Pathology and Educational Audiology Coalition's Founders' Award. She enjoys volunteering in the Student Mentor Program with Leadership Worthington and as a judge for the Ohio High School Mock Trial Competition.
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Marci Laurel
Marci Laurel is an SLP with the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Programs, providing services and training across New Mexico. She has been practicing for the past 35 years, providing direct services, consultation, training, and student supervision in public school, private practice, and university settings. Laurel has presented nationally for the past 25 years on topics related to sensory processing and communication, family issues, and ASD; is the co-author of several publications.
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Amy Laurent
Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L is the co-director of Autism Level UP! a neurotypical / neurodivergent partnership dedicated to the provision of education, accessible resources, and practical strategies focused on increasing active engagement for autistic individuals and the members of their communities. She is a co-author of the SCERTS Model and frequently lectures internationally. She is passionate about neurodiversity and helping others to honor and understand the implications of "different ways of being" in relation to navigating the physical and social world. Dr. Laurent strives to practice what she preaches and uses her love of play and movement to meet her own regulatory needs.
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Hyo Jung Lee
Hyo Jung Lee, Ph D., is professor at Donngguk Univ.-Seoul in South Korea. As the former chief editor, Journal of Persons with Autism which is the peer-reviewed academic journal of the Korean Association for Persons with Autism (KAPA), she has been working with many professionals and families in the field of autism spectrum disorders. Lee has written numerous book chapters and articles on ASD. Her recent interests include inclusive education and leadership, universal design for learning, positive behavior support. Currently, she is working on developing the Korean ASD screening Scale for children aged 3 to 18 as a principal investigator(PI).
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Youngsun Lee
Youngsun Lee is a professor in the Department of Special Education at Ewha Womans University in Korea. She received her MS and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, and her BA from Ewha Womans University in Korea. Her research interests lie at the intersection of special education and technology use. Her current research explores facilitating outcomes of people with disabilities using technology, promoting self-determination, ASD, and social communications. Currently, she is an Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Korea Association for Persons with Autism.
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Melinda Leko
Melinda Leko is a Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education. Her areas of research focus on (a) educator preparation to promote and support inclusive and equitable educational experiences for learners with disabilities, (b) educators' implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs), and (c) literacy instruction for students with disabilities. She has been awarded extramural funding from multiple funding agencies including the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Special Education Programs. She is the co-editor of the journal Teacher Education and Special Education.
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Nathan Levenson
Nate Levenson is president of New Solutions K-12 and a senior advisor at the District Management Group. He is the author of Six Shifts to Improve Special Education and Other Interventions, published by Harvard Education Press. As a superintendent he led an effort that closed the special education-general education achievement gap by 40 points at the high school level and reduced the number of struggling readers by 2/3 at the elementary level. As a consultant he has helped over 250 districts in 30 states better serve students with special needs, raise achievement of students living in poverty and reduce inequities and systemic racism.
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Talila Lewis
Talila "TL" Lewis is an abolitionist organizer and community lawyer who works to ground social justice movements in disability justice by helping people recognize the links between ableism and all forms of systemic/structural inequity and violence. Lewis' work primarily focuses on abolishing the medical-carceral industrial complex; correcting wrongful convictions of deaf/disabled people; and supporting multiply-marginalized disabled people affected all forms of incarceration. Lewis, who taught at Northeastern University School of Law and Rochester Institute of Technology, co-founded the cross-disability abolitionist nonprofit HEARD and co-created #DisabilitySolidarity.
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Ya-yu Lo
Ya-yu Lo is a professor of special education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research focuses on multitiered academic and behavioral interventions, applied behavior analysis, and school-based research.
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Maria Lohr
Maria Lohr is an Education Program Specialist for gifted services at ODE-OEC, providing technical assistance to school administrators, educators, and parents regarding state laws, rules, policies, and best practices for gifted education. She previously worked in the North Carolina public school system providing gifted services to identified students in general education settings at the elementary level. She serves on the board of the Council of State Directors of Programs for Gifted, a national organization of state education agency personnel in public school programs for the gifted and talented.
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Rebecca Loosemore
Rebecca Loosemore is an assistant principal with the Doncaster Deaf Trust.
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Claudia Lopez
Claudia is a coach, facilitator, and connector. She successfully navigated leadership roles in non-governmental, non-profit, academic and corporate sectors. She has been a bridge to facilitate transitions, connections and integration for the evolving organizational needs and visions. Claudia is executive director and founder of Profluence, a unique coaching experience that encompasses mind, body and data by seamlessly combing multiple effective coaching methods. This innovative, comprehensive process helps leaders move stiff, unstable, tense systems towards a more fluid, stable, and calm environment while measuring the tangible results of coaching for the organization, including ROI.
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Lynn Loving
Lynn Loving has been an educator for over 35 years. She spent the last 15 years of her career working in Douglas County, CO School District mentoring new teachers and providing staff development at a school and district level. She completed several courses on coaching and used it in all aspects of her different roles. She is currently providing coaching training with the CDE CAMP (Colorado Autism Mentor Programs), and provides coaching training throughout the state of Colorado with different school districts. In addition, she continues to be involved in teaching and learning as a Board member of the Belize Education Project, where she works and learns alongside teachers from Belize.
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Craig Ludwig
Craig Ludwig is the Director of Special Education for the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education. He then obtained his Master's Degree in special education from Wright State University with a concentration in mild-to-moderate disabilities. In 2011, he obtained his K-12 principal license from Wright State University. Prior to serving in his current leadership role with the ESC, he taught special education classes at Waynesfield-Goshen Local Schools in Auglaize County.
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Kelly Lusk
Kelly Lusk, Ph.D., is a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) with The Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a clinical affiliate with the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and is on faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology - University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Lusk specializes in pediatric low vision, literacy, and working with children and families. She has presented nationally and internationally, and has authored/co-authored multiple journal articles and textbook chapters. Dr. Lusk received her masters and doctoral degrees in special education/visual impairments from Vanderbilt University.
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Leslie MacFarland
Leslie MacFarland graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and received a master’s degree in deaf education. She worked with a wide range of grade levels from pre-k to 12. She worked at the Virginia School for the Deaf in Staunton, VA for two and half years as a middle school math teacher. Then, she relocated to Columbus, Ohio to work at the Ohio School for the Deaf. She worked with multiple grade levels as a teacher’s aide then a long-term substitute teacher until the high school math position was open. She pursued her dream job as a high school math teacher for a long time, and this is her 7th year of teaching math in high school.
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Kathi Machle
Kathi Machle's interest in child advocacy began as student at The University of Michigan Law School. When her third child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, her vocation and avocation expanded to include the needs of the disabled. She has been active for many years in Autism Society Central Ohio, Worthington Special Olympics and various other community groups. She is managing director of Autism Society Central Ohio.
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Laura Maddox-Bechard
Laura Maddox, PhD, BCBA, COBA is the program director for the Center for the Young Child at OCALI. Her passion for young children and families are evident in her 30 years of work in early childhood health and education. She has worked as a teacher and administrator within school, university, and hospital settings and collaborated across state systems and within local communities to improve early care and education for young children. Maddox participates in several early childhood stakeholder and advisory groups in Ohio and Nebraska.
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Thomas Madura
Thomas Madura is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at San Jose State University. He is a theoretical and computational astrophysicist who specializes in the study of massive stars, as well as astronomy outreach and education for students with blindness/visual impairments (B/VI). During his four years at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, he developed a program to 3D print astrophysical objects to help teach astronomy to students with B/VI. He has expertise in various 3D printing technologies, having produced the first 3D print of a nebula based on astronomical observations and the first 3D prints of a supercomputer simulation of an astrophysical system.
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Kelly Mahler
Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L, has been an occupational therapist for 19 years, serving autistic children and adults. She is winner of the 2020 AOTA Emerging and Innovative Practice Award. Kelly is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College and is a co-principal investigator of multiple research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, trauma, autism and social skill development. She is an international speaker, presenting frequently on topics related to the eight, award-winning resources she has authored including The Interoception Curriculum & My Interoception Workbook.
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Janet Maine
Janet maine is the parent mentor for Princeton City Schools. I have a 22 son with Down Syndrome. I am working on a pilot program for charting the course with Celia Schloemer at Princeton City Schools.
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Prashant Malhotra
Prashant Malhotra, MD, FAAP, is a surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology and the Hearing Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Malhotra received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, and completed residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He was fellowship-trained in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Stanford University in California. Dr. Malhotra's academic and clinical interests focus on pediatric hearing loss and pediatric cochlear implantation. He advocates for D/HH children at the state and national level.
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Beverly Malone
Beverly Malone is the parent of two twice-exceptional school-age children, one on the autism spectrum. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, California to join Medtronic Diabetes, she was the parent facilitator for the Shaker Heights, Ohio Autism Support Group and the 2018-2020 Special Education Chair for her local elementary school. She is a former teacher and now owns Go Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategic implementation with frameworks for large-scale inclusive change. She was also on the Leadership team of New One Shaker, advocating for a 'universal design' lens on local community initiatives.
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Michael Maloney
Michael Maloney, executive director of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), is part of OAR’s founding team. A native of Weymouth, MA, and a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, he graduated from Holy Cross and later earned a master’s degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University.
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Elizabeth Manley
Elizabeth Manley is nationally recognized for her expertise in children's behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disability and substance use policy, system financing and design. Elizabeth has a specific focus on innovation and evidence based practice implementation with states and communities. Her 30 years of executive leadership at the national, state, and provider levels in both the public and private sectors have given her a unique understanding of the complexity of systems in these areas. Elizabeth is the former Assistant Commissioner for NJ's Children's System of Care.
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Dee Marks
Dee Marks, mother of 2 children with significant disabilities, has advocated for her children to be fully included in their school and community. Marks has a strong background in special education law and the ability to foster positive, collaborative communication. She is an Ohio Parent Mentor for Dublin City Schools, helping families navigate the special education process. Marks also provides specialized education services for adolescent students in a mental health treatment center and previously taught at Ohio Dominican University.
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John Marquina
John Marquina, passionate about advocacy and social justice for people with disabilities, racial minorities, and gender-diverse communities, has developed programs for these communities through a variety of organizations and services in Alberta, Canada. Through his involvement to improve the lives of the marginalized, he represents autistic, Filipino, and gender-diverse communities. He is an autistic doctorate student for industrial and organizational psychology at Adler University. He aims to continue his career by collaborating with organizations, government agencies, and businesses to create a caring community for people with disabilities, racial minorities and gender-diverse communities.
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Gabriella Martin
Gabriella Martin, M.S. is a graduate student in the doctoral Clinical Psychology program at Eastern Kentucky University. Martin's primary training interests include working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and conducting neuropsychological evaluations. Her clinical work has included assessment and treatment of individuals of all ages for disorders such as ASD, ADHD, and social-emotional behavioral challenges. She has completed evaluations with medically complex individuals presenting with a variety of diagnoses, such as Spina Bifida, TBI, and FOXP1 gene mutation.
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Iliana Martinez
Iliana Martinez, has been with OCECD since June 2010. She serves the Hispanic/Latino families of Mid-Ohio, providing individual assistance and information their rights as parents through trainings in the area of Special Education and supports parents in being advocates for their children through her leadership of P.L.A.N.E.O. (Latin Parents Associated for Special Children in Ohio), an empowerment group for Spanish speaking families who have children with disabilities. She holds an Associates in Biology Science and a Community Health Worker Certification granted by OSU Collage of Nursing/State of Ohio Board of Nursing. Iliana has two children, one having multiple disabilities.
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Kerry Martinez
Kerry Martinez is an assistant director at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Matthew Martinez
Matthew Martinez was a classroom teacher of students with significant cognitive disabilities before transitioning to working at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He currently serves as the statewide consultant for students with significant disabilities. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Moderate to Severe Disabilities from Morehead State University, Master's Degree in Low Incidence from East Carolina University, and a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher for Significant Disabilities. Matthew currently delivers a variety of professional learning throughout North Carolina addressing literacy, mathematics, and communication skills for complex learners.
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Kim Mathews
Kim is a Parent Consultant at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). She serves individuals and families involved in the Maternal, Child and Family Health programs within ODH. Kim has almost two decades of experience supporting families who have children with medical complexities/special health care needs. One of her specialties at ODH is serving families who participate within the Children with Medical Handicaps Program at ODH. Kim's contact information: Kim Mathews Parent Consultant Bureau of Maternal, Child and Family Health Ohio Department of Health Kimberly.Mathews@odh.ohio.gov Direct Phone: (614) 644-7563
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MaKayla Matthews
MaKayla is currently entering her second year of graduate school working towards becoming an Occupational Therapist. She is attending EKU and working to obtain her Autism certificate in addition to her masters degree. MaKayla graduated from EKU in 2020 earning a bachelors in occupational science which provided a strong foundation for entering into the OT program. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge to confidently enter the therapy world to serve a variety of individuals, especially those with autism.
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Bridget McComas
Bridget McComas started as a middle school intervention specialist in Ohio and Maine. She continues as an administrator with Cincinnati Public Schools as a Student Services Manager and in 2019 joined the Curriculum and Instruction Department as Manager of Curriculum Access.
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Lillian McCree
Lillian McCree is the Family and Community Partnership Liaison for GCESC. She shares a wealth of experience in supporting families within the education and behavioral health systems, and has been an intervention specialist for the GCESC education programs. She has over 10 years experience teaching in charter/community schools in New Mexico, Florida, and Springfield, OH. McCree is a U.S.A.F veteran having served as a mental health specialist, a former child protective caseworker, and college advisor and adjunct instructor. She joined the GCESC consultative Early Childhood Mental Health team and works to build capacity for effective family engagement among GCESC area school districts.
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Jillian McFarlan
Jillian McFarlan, school psychologist, Circleville City Schools School psychologist Jill McFarlan is in her seventh year at Circleville City Schools overseeing an array of student testing, social-emotional/mental health supports, and continuity of care needs. McFarlan has a graduate degree (Ed. S) in School Psychology (University of Florida, 2015) and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology (Ohio University, 2012). In addition to her psychology background, McFarlan is currently in Ohio University's Educational Leadership in Administration cohort to further her studies of helping students and families through this additional Master of Arts degree and principal licensure program.
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Corrie McLean
Corrie has professional qualifications in teaching. They have a background in primary teaching as well as teaching children and young people with additional support needs. Corrie is a carer of an autistic sibling and has lived experience. They have spent 16 years working with autistic pupils in various roles, was previously lead on Education at ANS. In their previous role, Corrie trained teachers nationally on how to make their practice more autism inclusive. As a member of the Autism team at the University of Strathclyde as training and enquiries officer, Corrie co-delivered the PGDE professional specialism module for PGDE students at the University.
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Patrick McMyler
Patrick McMyler recently joined the team as a Good Life Ambassador for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 2021. He enjoys writing poems and developed his passion for writing at the age of 13. Family and friends refer to McMyler as an "excellent teacher." When asked what it takes to be a strong self-advocate, he responded "...to always be positive, ready to talk to people and be ready for anything. You must have a big heart! Make your audience think, wow! Make them believe in themselves that they can be a better person."
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Tyler McQueen
Tyler McQueen is a clinical psychology graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). He is interested child and adolescent population groups. Tyler has assisted with some of the autism social skills groups as well as child, adolescent, and adult socialization groups at EKU. He is currently co-facilitating an autism social skills group and an adult developmental disabilities socialization group.
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Emily Meier
Emily Meier is an Instructor at the USD Sanford School of Medicine. She works extensively in Healthcare Transition and Individual Healthcare Plans. Meier instructs healthcare professionals in caring for patients with disabilities, chronic health conditions and genetic disorders. She serves as South Dakota’s ASD Program Coordinator. She has academic appointments as Pediatrics Instructor and Adjunct Graduate Faculty. Meier began her career teaching children with ASD. She then served as Ed. Coordinator/Sp. Ed. Director. Meier provides training in the areas of healthcare transition, individual healthcare plans, ASD, challenging behavior, social skills and educational programming.
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Nick Miller
Nick has worked in the field of developmental disabilities services for the past 7 years. Nick's professional experience began as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a bachelors in Political Science, Nick worked for a local county board of developmental disabilities as a SSA. For the past two years, Nick has worked for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) as the DSP Development Specialist, with the focus on recruiting, retaining, and training DSPs. In that role, Nick has presented all over Ohio on recruiting and retaining the Millennial and Gen Z generations and DODD's vision for supporting DSPs.
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Brittany Miracle
Brittany Miracle is the Whole Child Program Administrator at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Megan Misegadis
Megan Misegadis is the parent of a 22-year-old son on the spectrum and his twin sister. Her experiences as a mom, Family Resource Liaison for an early childhood autism grant, and her current work as an Assistant and Project Coordinator at the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network continue to inspire her to learn and grow in the area of autism advocacy and support. Megan is the president of the Autism Society of Nebraska and serves on several statewide autism committees. She enjoys finding humor in most things and spending time with her husband, kids, and pets.
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Lisa Modena
Lisa Modena works at the AT&AEM Center at OCALI in accessible materials production.
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Jessica Monahan
Jessica Monahan, Ph.D., is a neurodivergent research manager with the Spectrum Scholars program at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies. Her research interests include inclusion of autistic young adults in higher education and employment, with a focus on mental health and centering the voices, opinions and needs of autistic people in her work. Prior to working in higher education, she was a secondary special education teacher.
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Charisse Montgomery
Nikki Montgomery, the Senior Community Liaison for Bright Beginnings, focuses on collaboration, communication, equity and strategic planning. She is a patient advocate, pediatric hospital board member, and former classroom teacher with graduate research in engaging the families of children with significant health and educational needs. As the parent of a medically complex child with disabilities, she is an advocate for families and children, working with local, national and international healthcare and educational organizations. She was the first lay member of the editorial board for Pediatrics® and has authored multiple articles and books about family engagement and patient safety.
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John Moore
John L. Moore is the CEO of Deaf Services Center, Inc. (DSC), a 501 (c) 3 organization that empowers those faced with communication barriers by promoting full and equal access to communication. DSC is the largest provider of services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind in Ohio. Mr. Moore has filled a number of roles in various capacities to further partnerships with like-minded agencies and organizations. He has been involved in various deafness and disability organizations on a local, state and national level. Mr. Moore received his Master's in Public Administration from Northeastern University in Boston. He and his wife, Marsha have four children.
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Sarah Morales
Sarah Morales has worked as an ESOL teacher and brings her passion for supporting language acquisition and literacy development for all students to her role in Curriculum and Instruction.
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Nathan Morgan
Nathan Morgan, MSSA, LSW, is a Social Worker at Milestones Autism Resources in Ohio and has a background in childhood development, early intervention, and childhood mental health. Nathan is also an autism self-advocate who has presented on panels, at events, and on the local news. Nathan is passionate about teaching, autism advocacy, and autism-related research.
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Kimberly Moritz
Kim Moritz completed her undergraduate work at Bluffton University and earned a master's degree in education from Bowling Green State University. She has worked as a teacher both in a traditional classroom setting and online and has worked for several educational technology companies. In her current role as consultant for State Support Team 6 (SST6), Moritz combines the experience of being an educator with that of raising a child with special needs. She also serves on advisory boards for SAPEC, OCDBE, OCALI, and Dayton Children's Medical Center.
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Mary Morningstar
Dr. Mary E. Morningstar is a Professor in Special Education at Portland State University and Co-Director of the Career and Community Studies program, a fully inclusive postsecondary education program for youth with intellectual disability. She is Director of the Transition Coalition, a national center offering online, hybrid and in-person professional development and resources for secondary special educators and transition practitioners. She is currently co-director of the OSEP and RSA jointly-funded National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative. www.transitioncoalition.org
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Jeremy Morris
Jeremy Morris is the Executive Director at Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council. Before joining the SILC in 2017, Jeremy has been working in Independent Living over 13 years, previously serving as the Executive Director of the Access Center in Dayton, Ohio and Finance Coordinator at the Western Reserve ILC in Warren, Ohio.
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Michelle Motil
Michelle Motil obtained her bachelor of arts in adolescent to young adult education with a concentration in English writing from Heidelberg University. She is currently working with the Outreach Center as the Family Support Liaison. Motil is blind and has two cochlear implants. She knows braille and basic sign language, and she enjoys dancing, nature, people, and reading.
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Jeff Moyer
Jeff Moyer has been a leading disability rights advocate educator, and developer of music-based and other materials to help create inclusive schools and communities for 50 years. Moyer has been invited to work in 47 states and 5 other countries over the passed 50 years and has been dubbed the troubadour of inclusion.
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Nicole Murphy
Nicole graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2019 with her BA in Psychological Sciences. She is currently continuing her education at the University of Connecticut in the MA/6th year School Psychology program. Nicole is a Clinical Associate at the Social Learning Center. She came to the SLC in 2018 as the summer intern, where she assisted with groups and observed individual counseling sessions. In 2019 Nicole took on the roles of Social Coach and Executive Functioning Coach. Nicole's role as a Clinical Associate means she works directly with clients, helps develop programs, assists with evaluations, and supports the SLC with some administrative duties.
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Marika Nadel-LaMotta
Marika Nadel-LaMotta graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA in Public Affairs and is currently working toward obtaining her M. Ed. from Vanderbilt University. She has been working at OCALI for a year and a half assisting various centers with research and data needs.
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Anne Nagel
As a cognitive engineer, Anne works are creating workplaces that are designed for all humans. She applies the principles of universal design to improve the employment opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent populations.
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D'Arcee Neal
D'Arcee Charington Neal (he/they) is a professional storyteller, and 3rd year doctoral candidate at The Ohio State University in English and Disability Studies, focusing on the intersections of black digital media and disabled erasure within Afrofuturism. With a double Masters in Creative Writing and Rhetorical Composition, he has worked as a professional writer and activist for over 10 years for the Secretary of the Interior and consulting with The World Bank and others. Currently, he works to bring his experiences of global ableism, race, and agency through his policy and advocacy work and works to ensure the experiences of the multi-marginalized are consistently at the forefront.
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Diane Neal
Diane Neal is an assistant director in the Office of Federal Programs and lead for the ED STEPS One Plan Committee. She has 35 years of experience in education after spending 30 years in working in districts. She was a Federal Programs Director in a district in Ohio prior to joining the Ohio Department of Education 5 years ago. Neal brings with her years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. With over 25 years’ experience in writing and developing improvement plans within districts and assisting districts, she brings with her a body of knowledge and experience in the plan development and school improvement process.
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Loui Lord Nelson
Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized leader in UDL implementation. A former special education teacher, she originated the role of UDL Coordinator, completed her post-doctoral fellowship at CAST, and is part of the UDL-IRN Leadership Committee. Some of her publications include: Design and Deliver: Planning and Teaching Using Universal Design for Learning, Culturally Responsive Design for English Learners: The UDL Approach, and A Tree for All: Your Coloring Book of UDL Principles and Practice plus the card game, Go Fishing with UDL. She hosts the popular podcasts: UDL in 15 Minutes and UDL Research in 15 Minutes. Find out more at www.theudlapproach.com.
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Cyril Nonga-Mann
Cyril Nonga-Mann is currently studying at Santa Fe Community College and is part of the Project SAINT (Student Access and INclusion Together). He is an active member of the Artist Entrepreneurship program and participates in the Best Buddies Program, UF Chapter. He was selected among the top ten Finalists in the Alachua County Double Exposure Competition. He graduated from Gainesville High School (GHS), where he was the captain of the junior varsity lacrosse team and received the Heart and Team Spirit award. He has worked in the YELL Lab at the University of Florida since May 2020.
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Morgan Oates
Morgan Oates, MA, CCC-SLP, is a PhD student at the Ohio State University in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science. Her clinical experience as a speech-language pathologist includes preschool through transition-age students in a variety of school settings. Her research interests include language development, the intersections of gender and autism, and neurodiversity.
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Marie Oddoux
Marie Oddoux became an occupational therapist in 1997 and works with children having sensory impairments. In 2007, she obtained a university degree in low vision rehabilitation. She has been working with visually impaired children for 20 years. Fervent defenders of braille, she travels the world on training missions promoting inclusive schools, aiming to reach a single goal: make inclusive school for all a reality! She has written a lot of tactile books for children and inclusive methods to teach braille and more. Since 2019, she and a colleague are in charge of the creation and implementation of the global educational concept of LEGO® Braille Bricks for the LEGO Foundation.
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Chris Ondrus
Chris Ondrus is the Executive Director of Student Services for Dublin City Schools. Chris started his career in Dublin teaching high school students with intensive disabilities, and later became the special education department chairperson at Jerome High School. He served as Assistant Principal and then Director of Pupil Services in Olentangy Local Schools prior to returning to Dublin in the fall of 2015.
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Lisa Orem
Lisa Orem has been teaching for 28 years in the field of special education. In 2015, she participated in the filming of the ASD Strategies in Action training series for OCALI. Lisa has presented for the past 5 years at OCALICON on parent-to-home connection, empowering students, classroom strategies, building capacity within teams, and data collection strategies via technology resources. She has also presented in Dublin City Schools to her colleagues about data collection and organizational skills within the classroom setting. She is the lead intervention specialist in her current school, Thomas Elementary.
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Heidi Orvosh-Kamenski
Heidi Orvosh-Kamenski, Ph.D., is a consultant with State Support Team Region 7. She works with districts around the region to build the capacity of local educational agencies to engage in systemic and sustainable improvements for students. Her work experience includes teaching at both the secondary and postsecondary level as well as administration. Orvosh-Kamenski has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University. She has published several journal articles and book chapters in the area of culturally relevant pedagogy.
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Nancy Osko
Ms. Osko has over 23 years of teaching and leadership experience teaching, coaching, and in various leadership roles in public education in the United States and Internationally. These experiences included rich language immersion in multiple cultures. Nancy has also been an active member of the Northern Ohio Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) for the past eight years. Her current leadership role is focused on working in the regional capacity serving 31+ local education agencies and 10 charter schools to help them increase their level of knowledge around the Science of Reading (SoR) and supports to better support our diverse learner populations.
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Sarah Ott
Sarah Ott is the Executive Director of San Diego Unified School District. She began her career as a para educator in college with students with extensive needs. This drove her passion for students with significant needs. After graduation she was a teacher in the moderate/severe program for several years in Illinois and San Diego. She then moved into a district role as a resource teacher to support multiple schools in inclusion practices. Shortly she was promoted to an Interim Vice Principal position at Central Elementary then a Principal at Torrey Pines Elementary. Her vision and passion is Ownership, Access and High Quality Instruction for all learners especially students with disabilities.
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Ciara Ousley
Ciara Ousley is a former special education teacher for young children with developmental disabilities in Nebraska and Ohio. She is currently in her final year of doctoral studies at Penn State. Her theoretical model of research and practice blends applied behavior analysis and early child development. Ciara's research focuses interventions for social communication development for young children with autism and other developmental disabilities with minimal vocal speech. She has recently completed an online study evaluating video feedback to coach parents to embed strategies within playtime routines with their child.
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Wendy Parent-Johnson
Wendy Parent-Johnson, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities and Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, at the University of Arizona. She has thirty-seven years experience in the areas of supported/customized employment, transition from school to work, and Employment First policy and practice. Her research and teaching have focused on healthcare transition, interdisciplinary health science education, and the integration of health and employment. She has conducted presentations and trainings, produced journal articles and book chapters, and developed practical tools to enhance inclusion, healthcare access, and employment outcomes.
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Lori Parker
Lori Parker is an program specialist in the Resident Educator Program at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Jamie Pearson
Dr. Jamie Pearson, a former behavioral interventionist and autism program consultant, is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at North Carolina State University. Dr. Pearson earned her PhD in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she developed FACES, a parent advocacy program designed to support African American families of children with autism. Her research interests include: (a) disparities in autism identification, service access, and service utilization, (b) the impact of parent-advocacy and empowerment training on child and family outcomes, and (c) parent-professional partnerships.
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Shirley Peganoff O'Brien
Shirley Peganoff O'Brien, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, is a professor of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She has clinical, research, and teaching expertise in sensory modulation, leadership, and student development theory and practice. She is published and presented on ASD, sensory issues, leadership, and implications for school performance.
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Robert Pennington
Robert Pennington PhD BCBA-D is the Lake and Edward J Snyder, Jr. Distinguished Professor in Special Education. He has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, their families, and teachers. He has over 70 publications related to working with persons with ASD and intellectual disability. Robert has provided hundreds of refereed and invited presentations to researchers, practitioners, and families and values service to field through membership on advisory and editorial boards, leadership in professional organizations, and consultation. His current research interests involve communication instruction and improving educational programming for students with ESN.
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Joseph Petrarca
Jospeh Petrarca is an associate director in the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education. He is a seasoned school administrator with over 30 years experience in public education. Some of his responsibilities include program and staff supervision, compliance monitoring, monitoring and management of federal funds, grant writing, professional development, and program development. Petrarca received a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Cleveland State University
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Eric Petro
Eric Petro is a education program specialists in the Office of Educator Effectiveness at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Diana Petschauer
Diana Petschauer, M.Ed., ATP is an AT Consultant & Managing Director of AT for Education & Access4Employment. She has over 20 yrs of experience in K-12, College & Adult services, supporting individuals using AT for education, work, community & home. She presents nationally & internationally for schools, businesses & conferences. Previous to ATforED, Diana was the AT Specialist at UNH & started her career in public Special Ed services. Diana manages her team of expert consultants who provide AT, AAC & Accessibility services- Evaluations, Consult, Training, Workshops & Webinars. View: ATforED.com & follow FB, IG,Twitter& LinkedIn @ATforEducation
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Logan Philipps
Logan Philipps assists individuals and families in planning for their lives and legacies through various estate planning strategies, including revocable living trusts, wills, and custom powers of attorney. An area of concentration for Logan is work concerning individuals with special needs including guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and special needs trusts that allow continued eligibility for government benefits while providing funds for quality-of-life enhancements. Logan frequently speaks to parents, educators, lawyers, and financial advisors about planning for children with special needs.
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Nicholas Pink
Nicholas Pink grew up in the United States, but now reside in the south of England. He works at a Michelin-starred restaurant as the head bartender. He enjoys reading, being active, and exploring the world.
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Paula Pompa-Craven
Paula Pompa-Craven, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. She is the Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Therapy Services, where she supervises a staff of over 1,400. Pompa-Craven earned a Doctorate of Psychology and master’s degree in psychology at Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA. She received Pepperdine University’s Wave of Service award and Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology’s Alumni Award.
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Allison Posey
Allison Posey is an international leader for implementation of UDL. She works at CAST to collaborate with researchers and educators to integrate and apply current understandings from brain research into instructional practices so that all students are able to access, integrate and become expert learners. Prior to coming to CAST, Allison was a life science teacher in high school and college settings. She received a degree in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and is author of Engage the Brain: Design for learning that taps into the power of emotions (ASCD, 2018) and Unlearning: Change your beliefs & practice with UDL (CAST Publishing, 2020).
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Suzanne Prescott
Suzanne Prescott, the Early Childhood Program Director, Butler County Educational Service Center. Her roles for over 22 year have included program management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Political Science a minor in Social Work and a Master’s degree from Xavier University in Agency and Community Counseling. Recognizing the impact of early childhood development, she has taken additional courses in early childhood education. Lastly, Ms. Prescott is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio. Suzanne believes that children only have one early childhood, so we have to help them and their families make it the best possible!
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Barry Prizant
Barry Prizant has 40 years' experience as a researcher and international consultant for persons with ASD. He is an visiting scholar at Brown University and Director of Childhood Communication Services. His publications include The SCERTS Model and more than 130 chapters and articles. Prizant has presented 800 seminars internationally and has developed a parent retreat now in its 25th year. Honors include 2014 Honors of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2005 Princeton University-Eden Career Award in ASD and 2013 Divine Neurotypical Award of GRASP. His latest book is Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism.
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Kathleen Quill
Kathleen Quill, Ed.D. BCBA-D is an adjunct professor, ABA-Autism Graduate Program at Endicott College; an educational consultant, Autism Institute; and ABA consultant, Sheela Behavioral Consulting, LLC. Kathy lectures internationally, conducts applied research on social-communication development in autism; and has authored numerous publications, including three bestsellers: Teaching Children With Autism and DO-WATCH-LISTEN-SAY 2nd edition. Kathy was the leading developer of AutismPro, an innovative online system of comprehensive intervention and training. She is on the editorial board of major professional journals and on the advisory board for numerous national organizations.
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Sheida Raley
Sheida K. Raley, Ph.D. is an Assistant Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities and Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education. Dr. Raley's research focuses on assessment and intervention related to self-determination for all students, including students with extensive support needs learning in inclusive contexts. The ultimate goal of her research is to understand how to enable all students, including students with and without disabilities, to build abilities and skills associated with self-determination.
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Brigid Rankowski
Brigid Rankowski is artist, educator, and advocate living in Maine. She obtained a master's degree from Nova Southeastern University after her undergraduate studies at Cornell College in Iowa. Her master's degree is in developmental disabilities with an emphasis on leadership and advocacy. Rankowski participates on state and national disability boards. She is the founder of The Way We Move, a social circus promoting the circus arts for marganalized communities. When not doing advocacy work, Rankowski is an experienced circus performer.
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Dora Raymaker
Dora M. Raymaker, Ph.D., is a systems scientist and Research Assistant Professor at Portland State University's Regional Research Institute for Human Services, Co-director of AASPIRE (aaspire.org), and associate editor of the academic journal Autism in Adulthood. Dr. Raymaker's research interests include community-engaged practice, systems thinking, measurement, and disability. They conduct intervention services research in collaboration with the Autistic and mental health communities to improve employment outcomes and reduce stigma. In their remaining three minutes of time, they enjoy writing own voices speculative fiction and making multimedia art (doraraymaker.com).
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Amy Rebekah Chavez
Amy Rebekah Chavez's scholarship and practice of trauma-informed leadership has been a holistic exploration through personal, professional, and academic development. She practiced 20 years as a holistic health practitioner, with a focus to supporting trauma healing through the body and relationally while cultivating skills for resiliency. In 2016, Chavez closed her private practice to pursue a PhD in leadership and change through Antioch University. Through this research and dynamic learning, she has deepened her capacity to support groups and organizations move into more authentic, responsible, and collaborative leadership practices that are rooted in trauma and resilience-informed care.
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Brian Reid
Dr. Brian Reid has taught at all levels of education from kindergarten to doctoral students. He was a teacher for ten years (elementary, special education and gifted). After graduate school and a stint as senior research assistant at the National Research Center on Gifted and Talented, he ran the graduate program in gifted. In 1997, he became Director of School and University Partnerships at EIU, In 2003, he left to be the Associate Dean for CELL at the University of Indianapolis, managing school reform projects funded by the Lilly Endowment and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. After retiring (briefly), Dr. Reid returned to EIU in 2009 to teach and manage grant projects.
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Megan Reister
Megan Reister, Ph.D., a former hearing itinerant and special education teacher in Delaware and Pennsylvania, was responsible for deaf education, transition services, and early intervention services. She then became a college professor in North Carolina before relocating to Ohio. Dr. Reister enjoys conducting research, writing, and teaching at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Her primary areas of research include self-advocacy and identity in students with hearing loss; itinerant teaching; and fostering collaboration among parents, general education, and special education teachers.
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Sharon Rhodes
Sharon Rhodes is an assessment and admissions manager with Doncaster Deaf Trust.
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Amanda Rioux
Amanda Rioux graduated from Appalachian State University where she majored in Global Studies and Communications, and earned a master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. Having worked and interned in the non-profit sector for more than a decade, Rioux has a genuine passion for giving back to others and her community. During undergrad, she volunteered more than 300 hours as a NC-ACTS AmeriCorps member and co-led two Alternative Spring Break volunteer trips. More recently, she was a participant in Arlington County’s civic leadership development program Neighborhood College. Rioux joined OAR in 2018.
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Kate Roberts
Kate Roberts is a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Special Education department. Her research focuses broadly on equity in special education policy. She holds masters degrees in policy and teaching from UW-Madison and Hunter College in New York. Before returning to pursue a doctoral degree, Roberts was a high school special education teacher in New York City and a political organizer in Colorado and DC.
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Delphia Roberts-Brown
Delphia Roberts-Brown is an early childhood/infant toddler specialist for STG International Inc. providing training, technical assistance and consulting services to Early Head Start/Head Start programs in Ohio. She has experience working in early childhood care and education for more than 40 years and supporting programs for young children birth to five years. She also worked as training/resources specialist for Help Me Grow of Cuyahoga County. She graduated from the University of Akron with a BA in Family and Child Development, and a minor in Child Life. She completed her Child Life internship at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Katie Robinson
Katie Robinson works at the AT&AEM Center at OCALI in accessible materials production and has worked in the field for eleven years, producing educational materials in braille, large print, and digital text. She is certified in both EBAE and UEB literary braille production. She serves on the Transcriber and Educator comitee for the National Braille Association. She speaks to university students about her experiences as a disabled person in the education system, and is an active disability advocate. Robinson received her degree in Computer Networking Administration from DeVry University. She enjoys reading, baking, knitting, sewing and gaming.
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Jan Rogers
Jan Rogers, MS, OTR/L, ATP, is the program director of the AT&AEM Center at OCALI. Her work includes oversight of activities and resources designed to improve outcomes for people with disabilities through statewide capacity building in the area of AT and AEM. She has worked in a variety of programs serving the needs of people with disabilities as well as teaching at OSU, BGSU, and Ashland University. Rogers is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences and has authored numerous articles on the topic of AT.
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Ron Rogers
Ron B. Rogers, Ed.D., is the UDL program director for OCALI, working directly with Ohio's 16 state support teams on universal design for learning, and collaboratively leads the Ohio UDL Collaborative, which braids UDL into the overall system of support. In the past, Rogers worked with district leadership teams through the Ohio Improvement Process. Rogers received a master's of education from The Ohio State University and a doctorate from the University of Findlay. He has over 30 years of professional expertise in the areas of education and criminal justice, and has served as a curriculum specialist, director, principal, and consultant.
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Janette Rondy
Jan Rondy is a mother to 2 girls with autism spectrum disorder. Her youngest daughter was diagnosed in 2012 at the age of 3, and in 2015 her oldest daughter received an autism diagnosis on the heels of also qualifying for gifted academic services during her 1st grade year. She has experience navigating IEP services in both the private school setting and in public districts, and has attended several parent trainings in using AAC and participated in academic studies with The Ohio state University on the effects of using AAC in the home.
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Jenny Root
Jenny Root, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Florida State University and Director of the General Curriculum Access Lab. Her scholarship focuses on designing and evaluating interventions to improve academic outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. She is a former middle school special education teacher and has over ten years of experience conducting research and teaching at the university level. Root has authored over 40 publications in the area of instruction and assessment in special education and was the recipient of the 2019 Tom E.C. Smith Early Career Award from the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
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Margaret Rosencrans
Margaret Rosencrans is a postdoctoral researcher at the Ohio State University Nisonger Center. She earned her doctorate in school psychology from University of Oregon, where she also obtained a master's degree in special education. Her research focuses on the mental health and well-being of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as families of school-age children with IDD. Currently, her work involves research to inform mental health treatment guidelines for adults with IDD, as well as coordination of a national prevalence study on psychiatric conditions in the IDD population.
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Chloe Rothschild
Chloe Rothschild is a young adult who has autism. She enjoys using her talent and love for writing to raise awareness about autism. Chloe is a teacher's aide at a school for children with autism. Rothschild serves on OCALI's (Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence) advisory board, and on the ARC of the United States national board. In addition, she writes blogs and operates a public Facebook page, where she shares her story. Chloe is the co-author of the My Interoception Workbook: A Guide for Teens, Adolescents and Adults. Finally, she has spoken to various groups of people and at conferences about autism from her perspective.
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Susan Rothschild
Susan Rothschild is the mother to two daughters, her oldest daughter Chloe has autism. Susan has been a great advocate for Chloe and a great support to Chloe. Chloe has been traveling and advocating for autism from her perspective with Susan by her side since 2012.
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Dawn Rowe
Dawn A. Rowe, PhD, is an Associate Professor at East Tennessee State University. Her research is focused on evidence-based practices and predictors of postschool success for students with disabilities, life skills interventions (e.g., goal setting, communication skills), and professional development (e.g., families, in-service/pre-service educators). She has over 20 years' experience working in the adult service system and public-school system. Dr. Rowe serves as the academic editor for the TEACHING Exceptional Children journal. Dr. Rowe's publications have focused on transition assessment, transition skill instruction, and family engagement.
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Denise Rozell
Denise Rozell, JD, is the Director of Policy Innovation at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). Denise works primarily on issues affecting youth in post-secondary education, employment and independent living. Denise has thirty years of experience in disability policy at the federal and state level working on almost all issues and legislation affecting individuals with disabilities beginning with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Before joining AUCD, Denise spent 15 years as the Assistant Vice President for State Government Relations at Easter Seals as the primary resource to the affiliates in building capacity and state government support for disability issues.
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Emily Rubin
Emily Rubin, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the director of the Educational Outreach Program at the Marcus Autism Center and Emory University. As a former adjunct faculty at Yale University, she served as a member of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. Her publications have focused on programming guidelines for social-emotional development. She is a co-author of the SCERTS Assessment Process and Social Emotional Engagement - Knowledge and Skills. Rubin participated on ASHA's ad hoc committee, which was charged with developing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
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Elizabeth Sailer Agnew
Dr. Elizabeth Sailer Agnew is an Educational Program Specialist in the Office of Early Learning and School Readiness at the Ohio Department of Education. She supports state-wide implementation of the Early Learning Assessment the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Revised. Previously she worked in the Office of Educator Effectiveness and before joining the Department, she was a Curriculum Implementation Specialist in grades K-8 and taught elementary grades. Elizabeth earned her BS at Ohio University in Early Childhood Education, and a Masters and an Education Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Phoenix. She has presented at many conferences.
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Janet Sanchez Enriquez
Janet Enriquez is a Bilingual Board Certified Behavior Analyst and doctoral student at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has a Master's degree in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Interventions and Applied Behavior Analysis. Janet has over 15 years of experience working and supporting families and professionals in a variety of settings in the school districts and within various community organizations.
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Josie Santomauro
Josie Santomauro's an international presenter and writer published with over 60 resources. Son Dr. Damian, diagnosed at 5 with Asperger 27 yrs ago, completed his Ph.D., on emotion regulation in teens with ASD, and is now a senior research fellow and resident statistician. Also an affiliate assistant professor with the University of Washington, for work on Global Burden of Disease Study where he's responsible for the severity analysis, and the epidemiological modelling of ASD. Josie's received the Autism Qld's Parent/Carer Award and recently honoured to work on the biography of Prof. Tony Attwood, clinical psychologist known world wide for his knowledge of Aspergers Syndrome.
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Melanie Sargent
Melanie Sargent is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired at Akron Public Schools, currently serving grades pre-k through middle school. Prior to becoming certified as a TVI from Ohio State University in 2012, Melanie taught integrated preschool for 18 years. From 2018 to present, Melanie has been itinerant, traveling to various schools in the district to meet the needs of her students. Melanie obtained her Perkins-Roman CVI Endorsement in 2019, currently serving students in all ranges. She is currently attending Shawnee State University in the Teacher of the Hearing Impaired program in hopes of furthering her knowledge of dual sensory impairments.
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Ivette Sarkar
Ivette has worked in the Northeast Ohio area for OCECD as a Multicultural Information Specialist since 2014. She provides training and support to professionals and families of children with special education needs in the Spanish-speaking/Latin American Communities and also collaborates with families, schools, therapists, and IEP team members to help school-aged students with special education needs on an IEP or 504 Plan obtain the best possible outcome on their goals and objectives. ·
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Elizabeth Sautter
Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, is a licensed speech and language pathologist, and the co-director of Communication Works. Sautter specializes in social, emotional and executive functioning intervention, and presents on her work all over North America. She is the founder of Make Social Learning Stick where she provides free resources, a book, a blog and parenting course to help parents find ways to embrace teachable moments in building their child's social-emotional skills through everyday routines and activities. She is the co-author of the Whole Body Listening Larry series and Zones of Regulation game and children's books. She is also a collaborative trainer for The Zones of Regulation.
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Denise Sawan Caruso
Denise Sawan Caruso is a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Ohio. She currently provides consultations, inservices, and workshops to schools and families living and working with individuals with developmental disabilities. She has presented nationally on behavior, autism, and parent-professional collaboration. She has served as a member of the Autism Society of Ohio board of directors for 20 years and is serving as an ad hoc board member with the Autism Society of America. She is chair of the Chapter Affiliate Committee.
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Celia Schloemer
Celia Schloemer is part of Ohio's Community of Practice Supporting Families of Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities lead team. As an Ohio LifeCourse Ambassador for the past 4 years, she has offered LifeCourse training and support to families and professionals across Ohio and supports two regional CoP's. Schloemer is the family support coordinator at the University of Cincinnati Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She uses the framework with families individually and professionals in education, transition, and employment there.
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Jennifer Schmidt
Jennifer Schmidt is an Intervention Specialist at Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, OH. She has 24 years of teaching experience in both general and special education settings. Schmidt piloted the PEERspective class in the fall of 2007, and the class continues in Beavercreek as well as other districts today. Schmidt is a faculty member at Wright State University and The University of Dayton and has published Why Didn't They Just Say That? through AAPC Publishing. The book won the 2018 National Parenting Product Award and was a finalist for the International Book Awards. Her second book with her co-author, Megan Barrett, is due out in Fall 2021.
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Connie Schneider
Connie Schneider has been in the education field for more than 40 years. She has served as a superintendent for 17 years and is currently service as the Director of Special Education at the Midwest Regional Education Service Center for the past three years. In this capacity she has supervised multiple disabilities units located in Shelby County. Prior to serving in Shelby County, she served as the Special Education Director at Simon Kenton School in Hardin County and worked closely with the Office of Exceptional Children to provide leadership and direction in meeting compliance with IDEA.
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Grace Schoessow
Grace Schoessow, M.S., is an early childhood mental health consultant and certified trauma practitioner with a master's in clinic psychology and specialization in early intervention to address developmental differences. She has 20+ years of experience serving children and families facing emotional, developmental, mental, and behavioral health challenges. Grace is the ECMH project director for the Greene County ESC, and is actively involved in advancing Ohio's efforts to integrate early childhood systems to best met the complex needs of children and their caregivers.
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Shauna Schramke
Shauna Schramke is an Education Program Specialist with the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education. In her six years with the Department, she has focused on facilitating stakeholder engagement, collaborating with districts to assess areas of need, and connecting agencies for support. Shauna assists districts with satisfying required activities related to Ohio's Special Education Profile indicators. Currently, her attention is in developing supports that facilitate a reflective process by which districts explore current policies and practices as they relate to indicator data regarding student outcomes, compliance, and disproportionality in education.
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Rachel Schultz
Rachel Schultz, M.A., is the accessible educational materials specialist at the AT&AEM Center. She holds a B.S. in special education and a master's of arts in curriculum and instruction, with state licensure in both TESOL and special education. Schultz has been working with people with disabilities for 16 years in a variety of educational and residential settings. She is the recipient of local and national grants.
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Dustin Schwab
Dustin Schwab is a Career Development Specialist at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. As part of the Ohio College2Careers initiative, Dustin helps connect college students with disabilities with internships and careers that align with their professional goals and majors. Prior to working with OOD, Dustin served as a Community Employment Services Manager for the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. There, he supervised staff members who provided job coaching and job development to individuals with disabilities. Dustin has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Rollins College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida.
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Tammie Sebastian
Tammie started with OCECD in September, 2011 and is the Statewide Program Coordinator for OCECD and also manages social media. She previously provided information, training and support for parents in Cuyahoga County .Tammie was an advocate for the Tapestry System of Care before coming to OCECD. Her focus was the Juvenile Justice System and helping families getting the schools to evaluate children that were not getting the proper services they needed and therefore ended up in the court system. Tammie has two daughters, one who is challenged with AD/HD and one who has the diagnosis of Autism and Anxiety and Sensory Processig Disorder.
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Roni Sedor
Roni is currently a Special Education Supervisor and school psychologist at Northmont City Schools. She has worked at Northmont for 11 years. Roni earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowling Green State University and her Master of Education and Education Specialist Degrees from Valparaiso University.
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Matthew Segall
Matt Segall, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Emory University School of Medicine where he is the Program Director for Education and Transition Services at the Emory Autism Center (EAC). His work focuses on educational consultation for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly training educators and other professionals on evidence based practices. Dr. Segall also is the Principal Investigator for a project entitled, Individualized Transition to Adulthood Plan (ITAP). The mission of ITAP is to develop a best-practices ASD transition planning model. He received his doctoral degree in School Psychology from the University of Georgia.
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Andrea Seymour
Andrea has been a registered nurse for 17 years.She has first had parental experience on autism and complex medical conditions. Andrea graduated from the Leadership Academy from The Center for Disability Empowerment and received her Bachelor's degree in nursing in 2021. She previously held the role of Special Education Nurse and chaired the Parent Outreach group for Delaware City Schools. Andrea knows and appreciates that every individual with a disability are amazing, unique and capable of so much in life. When proper people, education and resources are in place, anything is possible!
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Debra Shirley
Debra has been with The Ohio Department of Education for over 13 years, the last 6 working in the Office for Exceptional Children. She has worked in the Office for Federal Programs, 21st Century Community Learning Centers and currently focuses on Special Education Indicators within OEC serving SST Regions 1,6,7,11,14,15 and 16. She enjoys developing and presenting training for stakeholders, as well as proving technical assistance to school districts as they reflect on processes and services to serve and support Ohio's students.
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Karrie Shogren
Karrie A. Shogren, Ph.D. is Director of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) and Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Shogren's research focuses on self-determination assessment and intervention with people with disabilities. Shogren has led multiple grant-funded projects, including assessment validation and efficacy trials in school and community contexts. Shogren has published over 180 articles in peer-reviewed journals, is the author or co-author of 10 books, and is the lead author of the Self-Determination Inventory (www.self-determination.org).
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Julie Short
Julie Short is a regional consultant for the Autism Center at OCALI. She coordinates and provides regional and statewide professional development, consultation services, and technical assistance to improve outcomes for individuals with ASD. Short has participated on the National Community of Practice of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is a member of the National Autism Leadership Collaborative and Statewide Autism/Low-Incidence Collaborative and is an adjunct professor at Ashland University. Prior to OCALI, Short taught elementary and middle school, both general and special education. She has a daughter on the autism spectrum.
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Judy Siens
Judy Siens is a Project Assistant at the AT&AEM Center at OCALI. She manages the operation of the AT&AEM Center's delivery system of accessible educational materials to Ohio school districts. Siens carries out the annual Federal Quota Registration of Legally Blind Students for the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children, generating Federal Quota Funds for AEM for Ohio students. She maintains the AT&AEM Clearinghouse of braille, digital, and large print textbooks and educational aids available for loan to eligible students and provides technical assistance related to AEM to Ohio School Districts. Siens has worked with the Federal Quota program for 16 years.
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Erin Simmons
Erin Simmons is married with six children. Her two oldest girls are academically gifted, her two younger daughters have dyslexia, her fifth child has severe non-verbal autism, and her youngest also has autism - she is raising children on every end of the spectrum. She is a passionate parent advocate, who works to help others understand what it is like to be a parent to children with special needs. Simmons sits on the Ohio Governor's Early Childhood Council, Ohio Early Intervention Council, Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Family and Children First Council, and is a Peer Mentor.
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Lanisha Simmons
Lanisha Simmons, the 7-12 ELA curriculum manager with Cincinnati Public Schools, began in education over 10 years ago as a high school English language arts teacher. She has worked with 7-12 grades, been a reading specialist, mock trial advisor, and step team coach. Her goal in life is not to give a voice to the voiceless as some say, but to ensure that space is created for everyone to be heard when they speak. She believes that knowledge is power. In order for that knowledge to be used effectively, she creates safe spaces that provide all students with access to knowledge, as well as tools to empower them to be critical thinkers, with the ability to influence and be catalysts for change.
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Jill Sims
Jill Sims, principal, Circleville Elementary School Circleville Elementary School principal Jill Sims is in her 16th year at Circleville City Schools. Sims oversees approximately 120 educators in a Preschool through 5th grade setting responsible for facilitating education to over 1,200 students. Sims began her career as an intervention specialist and 3rd grade teacher before pursuing a career impacting students on the administration side. Sims holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Rio Grande as well as two Master of Arts degrees in Special Education (University of Rio Grande, 2006) and Educational Leadership (Wright State University, 2012).
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Lori Slater
Dr. Lori Slater has worked in the School of Education and Child Development at Drury University since 2017. She teaches courses in special education, assessment, and neurodiversity. Previously, she was a high school special education teacher, district mentor, worked for the NV Department of Education, and MO State University's Professional Development Center. In addition, Dr. Slater oversees the alternative special education certification and master's degree program, a program she redesigned to be online to increase accessibility to rural areas of MO, nearly tripling enrollment in just two years. Additionally, she developed a special education minor and a certificate in neurodiversity.
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Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith is a 3rd-grade intervention specialist in Ohio, specializing in differentiation, small-group instruction, data collection and analysis, and writing IEPs tailored to each student's needs. She has a B.A. in early childhood education and intervention specialist, an endorsement in reading and a M.A. in Educational Leadership. Smith spent the first 8 years of her teaching career in a Colorado Springs as an intervention specialist for kindergarten through 3rd grade. During this time she served students with varying academic, social, and behavioral needs. She spoke at OCALIOCON in 2019.
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Caycie Smith
Caycie Smith is a clinical psychology graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University. Caycie is interested in forensic assessments, including psychological evaluations. Caycie co-developed an adult social group for adults with developmental disabilities. She is currently conducting both an adult social group for individuals with developmental disabilities and a teen social group for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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Cherie Smith
Cherie Smith is a regional school improvement consultant who supports schools the implementation of Universal Design for Learning. She has a master's of education in both educational leadership and the inclusive classroom. Her experience as a special education supervisor, adjunct instructor, consultant, and intervention specialist at the secondary level in both Florida and Ohio has helped her coach and train school districts in designing for a variety of learners. She has been a member of the Ohio UDL Collaborative for 7 years and she has been the co-chair of the UDL-IRN Implementation Special Interest Group for 5 year.
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Sean Smith
Sean J. Smith, a professor of special education at the University of Kansas, has a background in special education and technology. He is a Project Director on several US Department of Education program initiatives and has authored and presented hundreds of articles/papers on special education technology. He has served in Leadership (e.g., President) of th Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Technology (ISET) and currently serves on the Board of the National Down syndrome Congress. He is the proud parent of four children, one having an intellectual disability.
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Sheila Smith
Sheila M. Smith, Ph.D., is a Senior Director, leading OCALI's Research & Impact Team; a new office for OCALI. She continues to support the Outreach and AT&AEM Centers as they work to build capacity to serve the B/VI or D/HH communities. Previously, Dr. Smith led internal operations and development of OCALI's online learning (Autism Internet Modules - AIM) and collaborated with state agency partners to build OLAC, OASC-E, and other initiatives. Prior to OCALI she held positions as PD specialist, administrator, university instructor, and teacher across seven states. Her numerous presentations and publications reflect her wide-range of experiences within the field of special education.
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Laurel Snider
Laurel A. Snider, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow with the Emory Autism Center's Education and Transition Services program. She received her doctoral degree in Child, Family, and School Psychology from the University in Denver. Dr. Snider completed her pre-doctoral internship at University of Pennsylvania's Penn Center for Mental Health, where she received specialized training in school- and community-based services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Her research centers on leveraging collaborative relationships in order to improve psychosocial outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Emily Sobeck
Emily Sobeck, Ph.D., is an associate professor of special education at Franciscan University. Sobeck earned her doctorate in special education from the University of Pittsburgh and has special education teaching experience at both the elementary and secondary level. Her research interests include paraeducator training and supervision, extended school year programming, teacher preparation, and behavior management. Sobeck teaches courses related to intervention and instruction for students with disabilities, classroom organization, as well as behavior management.
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Kristin Souers
Kristin Van Marter Souers, MA LMHC is an award-winning author of Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for creating a trauma-sensitive classroom environment (ASCD, 2016) and many other publications and articles. She provides critical professional development, consultation, education, and training services to schools, school districts, and organizations throughout the country. She has supported the learning and growth of countless educators, caregiving professionals, and other individuals. kristinsouers@gmail.com
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Carrie Spangler
Carrie Spangler, Au.D., CCC-A is currently the lead educational audiologist at the Summit Educational Service Center. Dr. Spangler has been in the field of educational audiology for over 20 years (previous employment at Stark County ESC and The University of Akron). Areas of interest include educational audiology for all students with hearing challenges, teens and support groups, advocacy, and humanitarian audiology. Dr. Spangler served as an active participant on the ODE Related Services Shortage Workgroup. Dr. Spangler also serves as a Governor appointed audiology board member for the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professional Board.
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Julie Stewart
Julie Stewart M.S., ASL Specialist at Ohio School for the Deaf comes with 10 years of classroom teaching experience and 5 years of education consultant working with professionals/parents with DHH learners. Julie works with National Deaf Education Conference planning committee as a workshop chair and National Deaf Center with their Engage for Change: Local project. One of Julie's passions is to have each deaf learner have literacy skills in ASL/English to improve their quality of life. She grew up using all of the communication modalities- ASL, Signing English, spoken English, English in print and attended mainstreaming schools and a residential deaf school.
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Lynsey Stewart
Lynsey has recently gained a distinction in her Masters in Autism (Adults) where her research focus was autism and dementia. This is an area which has almost no research globally and is an exciting and innovative focus. Lynsey was the author of the Autism Supplement to the Principles of Good Transitions 3 and co-produced the Because Life Happens: Autism Across the Lifespan E-learning resource. Lynsey is lead co-ordinator for ageing, transitions, employment and research. She sits on the steering group of Strathclyde University Project SEARCH. Lynsey strongly believes in the importance of participatory research and of ensuring autistic people are at the heart of all work and research
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Lee Stickle
Lee Stickle, Ms.Ed., is the director of the TASN Autism and Tertiary Behavior Support Project in Kansas. TASN ATBS provides technical assistance and training in ASD. Stickle received her undergraduate degrees in special education, recreation, and psychology from Southern Illinois University. She taught for 5 years in a self-contained classroom for children with emotional disturbance before taking a position in a residential center. She has worked in the area of autism for 28 years, and has spoken at state, national, and international levels.
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Michael Stoehr
Michael Stoehr, M.S., is a Knowledge Development and Technical Assistance Specialist with the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: the Collaborative (NTACT:C). He has worked in the special education field for the past 36 years and has extensive experience in the areas of secondary transition, assessment, job analysis, supported and customized employment, transition communities of practice, effective transition planning, inter-agency collaboration, transition practices for students with complex support needs, family engagement, and youth leadership and self-advocacy.
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Wendy Stoica
Wendy Stoica supervises the Diverse Learner Team at the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children. She has a rich history in Ohio beginning her career as an educational audiologist. Currently, her team at OEC focuses on improving outcomes for diverse learners through access, multi-tiered systems of support, with priority areas of literacy, assessment, and transition.
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Julie Stone
Julie Stone, MEd, RDN, is the Associate Executive Director of the Ohio Head Start Association, a professional membership organization whose work is dedicated to leadership, professional development, research and advocacy. She has been with Head Start for over 25 years and is committed to building and strengthening strategic partnerships that support Ohio’s most vulnerable children and families.
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Kelli Suding
Kelli Suding is a PATINS Specialist and has a background in general education and special education. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University-Purdue University with licensing in both general and special education K-6. Suding has keynote, national, state, and regional presentation and training experience. She has a strong understanding of and ability to connect theory to practice. Suding has instructional experience with students requiring mild, moderate, and intense intervention. Kelli specializes in Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities, Google Chrome Accessibility, Accessible Educational Materials and Assistive Technology Integration.
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Rachel Sunderlin
Rachel is currently seeking her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She is completing a multidisciplinary certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders during her studies. She has previously presented a virtual poster at EKU's Health Science's Research Day in the spring of 2020.
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Rachell Swanson-Holm
Rachell Swanson-Holm received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa. She has worked the past 13 years for the University of Iowa, Child Health Specialty Clinics, Iowa's Title V program for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs. Currently, she serves as program coordinator for Child Health Specialty Clinics, Regional Autism Assistance Program, and serves as the CDC's Act Early Ambassador to the state of Iowa. These various roles have given her opportunity to work with stakeholders and families throughout Iowa to improve the services for young children with developmental disabilities, including autism.
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Wendy Szakacs
Wendy Szakacs is an OCALI regional consultant for northeast/eastern Ohio. She develops evidence-based materials and provides technical assistance and professional development, leading projects in social competence, bullying, behavior, communication, and executive function. Szakacs collaborates with regional partners, including State Support Teams and Educational Service Centers, in the creation and presentation of professional development to local school district staff and families. Prior to OCALI, Szakacs has held positions as a consultant, adjunct instructor, and intervention specialist.
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Amy Szymanski
Amy Szymanski, M.Ed., has over 20 years of experience in education, primarily in the area of special education and secondary transition for students with disabilities. Ms. Szymanski currently works as a secondary transition and workforce development consultant contracted by the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children.
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Shea Tanis
Emily Shea Tanis, Ph.D., has supported access to technology solutions for people with cognitive disabilities for over a decade. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in cognitively accessibility, technology solutions for community living, and inclusive research design. Dr. Tanis is on the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado, where she has published articles and investigated the definition of intellectual disability, the measurement of adaptive behavior and support need, the construct of self-determination, federally funded supports and services for people with IDD and their families, and self-directed employment strategies.
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Melissa Tapp
Melissa Tapp is a doctoral candidate in special education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has over 15 years experience working with directly with students, teachers, and families. Her research interests include increasing engagement of students with extensive support needs within school settings with a focus on communication and behavioral interventions as well as improving teacher education.
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Kathleen Mo Taylor
Kathleen Mo Taylor, OTR/L, is an OT with a 35-year history of working with children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. She is the owner and lead therapist at Theraplay LLC where she provides: sensory/social groups, school consultation, community based therapy, and family coaching. Taylor is currently an adjunct faculty at the University of New Mexico and has shared her experiences through trainings around New Mexico and internationally. Her career has been devoted to better real-life outcomes for all individuals.
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Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor is a professionalized deaf educator with experience in a variety of settings including itinerant, teacher of record services, educational consulting, preschool, e-learning and K-12 classroom. She currently works for a federal discretionary grant as an Indiana state-wide technology and instruction specialist in the areas of deaf/hard of hearing and primary transition and adjunct instructor in deaf education. She holds a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology, a minor in psychology, a master's degree in deaf education and is currently working towards a doctorate in education in the area of special education law and policy, director of exceptional learners licensure.
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Shaye Taylor
Shaye Taylor is one of the newest member of the Good Life Ambassadors for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Taylor enjoys sports and singing. She is a Special Olympics figure skater competitor and has sung the Star Spangle Banner at four Cleveland Indians games. When asked what it takes to be a strong self-advocate, she responded "It takes a lot of courage and audacity to be a self-advocate. You have to understand the role of a self-advocate is to promote the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities (DD) and teach people about being neurotypical."
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Dixie Teeter
Dixie Teeter is an ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist who has worked in the education field for over 24 years. She graduated Fort Hays State University and also has an Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate from Pittsburg State University. The majority of Dixie’s work has been in the public-school system where she worked with students of all ages who have complex communication needs. She is currently in her third year as a state trainer for the TASN ATBS team. Her passion is promoting positive student outcomes through supporting, coaching, and training educators and families.
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Elijah Thomas
Elijah Thomas has cerebral palsy and communicates with a dynavox. Despite his disability, he has overcome many obstacles to get where he am today. As he is always told practice makes perfect which he must admit it’s a fact. He is ready for whatever comes his way. Elijah has worked in the YELL Lab at the University of Florida since April 2020.
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Corinne Thomas-Kersting
Corinne Thomas-Kersting is a Speech-Language Pathologist and retired Special Education Administrator. During her 30+ years in the schools, Corinne served as an AAC consultant and Transition Program Principal. Her career has focused on advocating for educational equity and supporting people becoming successful communicators. She has presented regionally and nationally, as well as taught communication workshops to Personal Support Workers throughout the state of Oregon. Corinne currently serves as a Board Member of Independence Northwest Brokerage Services for People with Disabilities.
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Beth Thompson
Beth Thompson, MSSA, LSW, is the program director for Milestones Autism Resources. Thompson earned her undergraduate degree from Hiram College and her master's degree from Case Western Reserve University. Thompson has specialized in transition to adulthood for individuals with disabilities for 10 years. She participated in the Employment First Transition Council for the State of Ohio. She was recently appointed to a three-year term with the Cuyahoga County Council for Persons with Disabilities.
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Rachael Thompson
Rachael is autistic and an Occupational Therapist. Following completion of her PGCert in Sensory Integration Rachael has specialised in providing sensory processing assessment and intervention for autistic teenagers and adults. Rachael presents regular webinars on sensory processing in the UK where she brings together both personal experience and professional practice. Rachaels personal journey to developing interoceptive awareness has been facilitated by her interests in outdoor swimming, climbing and yoga.
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Meaghen Tidwell
Meaghen Tidwell is the Director of Special Education for Indian Lake Local Schools and Logan County. She received her Bachelor's degree in early childhood education with an emphasis on math and social studies. She continued her education at Wright State University where she earned her Master's degree in special education, and went on to obtain a Master's degree in educational leadership from Norte Dame College. Tidwell has taught PK-6 grade and 10-12 grade special education, and has also taught a diverse population of students with disabilities to include autism, multiple disabilities, Downs Syndrome, hearing impairment, emotional disturbances, and other low-incidence disabilities.
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Michelle Tofte
Michelle Tofte is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University where she majored in Elementary Education and endorsed in Special Education. Recently, she presented at the Illinois Association of Colleges for Teaching Education (IACTE), and the Northern Illinois 2021 College of Education Student Research Symposium. Michelle is an advocate for inclusion and believes in creating a learning environment that fosters kindness, acceptance, creativity, individuality, critical thinking, and lifelong learning for all students. In the fall, Michelle will be teaching fourth grade in a general education classroom at Eswood Elementary School.
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Vanessa Tomas
Vanessa Tomas, MSc, is a PhD student in the Rehabilitation Science Institute and Collaborative Program in Neuroscience at the University of Toronto. She is conducting her Ph.D. research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, working under the supervision of Dr. Sally Lindsay in TRAIL (TRansitions And Inclusive environments Lab). Tomas' research interests include knowledge translation, patient-oriented research, youth and young adults on the autism spectrum, participation and inclusion, and the transition to adulthood. She has engaged with Canadian organizations such as CanChild, the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance, and Kids Brain Health Network.
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Marsie Torchon
Marsie Torchon has served in education for over 20 years. She has a B.S. in psychology/special education from James Madison University and received a masters degree in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Kansas. Her career has included roles as a teacher, assessment specialist, and program manager for assessments for students with disabilities at the Maryland State Department of Education.
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Maria Town
Maria Town is the President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, where she works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. Town is the former senior associate director in the Obama White House Office of Public Engagement where she managed the White House's engagement with the disability community and older Americans. Previously, she was a policy advisor at the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, and served as the Director of the City of Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.
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Jen Townsend
Jennifer C. Townsend, M.Ed., Educational Consultant and owner of Universal Access Consulting, LLC. She co-authored Social Emotional Engagement Knowledge and Skills (SEE-KS) and contributed to Social Emotional Learning Competencies for Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and A Spectrum of Solutions for Clients with Autism. Jen recently published Think Differently: An Educator's Approach to Appreciate What Works. Master's in Education and Autism Spectrum Distorder graduate certification - Johns Hopkins University, Director of Special Education - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Jen believes that together we can go beyond just making a difference; we can be the difference.
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Taryn Traylor
Taryn Traylor is an autism consortium coordinator at Virginia Commonwealth University's Autism Center for Excellence. She provides training and technical assistance in Superintendent's Region 1 (Central Virginia) and Region 6 (Southwest Virginia). Traylor has various experiences in developing, executing, and evaluating state and local programming for students with autism and developmental disabilities. Her professional career has focused on the translation of applied behavior analytic services within the public school setting.
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Wendy Trotter
Wendy Trotter, MS, CCC-SLP, is the Education Program Consultant for Autism at the Iowa Department of Education where she has over seven years of experience supporting statewide capacity building efforts to support educators/providers in the areas of autism and social-emotional competencies. She is a speech language-pathologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorders and has over 26 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families in a variety of settings including: pediatric rehabilitation, early intervention, public school settings, non-public or special school settings, and diagnostics.
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Stacey Tucci
Stacey Tucci, Ph.D., experiences of parenting her Deaf daughter forged the path for her work in the field of Deaf Ed. She began her career as a teacher where she taught students using a diverse range of communication modalities. Tucci received her BS in Early Childhood Ed/Special Ed, her MS in Deaf Ed, and her PhD in the Education of Students with Exceptionalities from Georgia State University. She is a co-author of and the training director for Foundations for Literacy, an evidence-based, early literacy curriculum for DHH students. Tucci has provided professional learning seminars across the US as well as Ethiopia, Australia, Taiwan, Greece, France, Canada, and the UK.
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Peter Tucic
Peter Tucic graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. Peter is currently the Brand Ambassador of Blindness Products for HumanWare. He travels throughout the US and Canada, supporting teachers and students and presenting at state and national conferences. Peter has presented at such conferences as the National ACB and NFB, in addition to the CSUN and ATIA conferences amongst many others. Peter has also been published in Closing the Gap magazine and regularly creates written and video tutorials for a wide array of products.
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Deborah Turner
Deborah Turner is the PBIS Coordinator, Ohio Department of Education, and has received a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio Dominican University in Elementary Education (K-8), Master Degrees from Muskingum University in Special Education (K-12) and Administration (Principal, K-12), and certified with the National Drop-Out Prevention Association. She has worked in the field of education for 25+ years as a teacher, administrator, and state coordinator for WV and OH. Deborah received the Teacher of the Year Award, DOW Excellence in Education Award, Licking County Foundation Leaders in Education Award and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi National Honors, and Who's Who Among American College Students.
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Celina Urquidez
Celina Urquidez is the Clinic and Education Coordinator for the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health with an emphasis in public health promotion from the University of Arizona. Urquidez began her career at the University of Arizona while coordinating public school health and wellness grant programs in partnership with the YMCA of Southern Arizona, Pima County Health Department, and local school districts. In her current role at the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, coordinates activities for multiple UCEDD programs, such as: Transition AHEAD Roundtable and all trainee interdisciplinary training programs.
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George Van Horn
George Van Horn, Ed.D., is director of special education for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Columbus, IN, and a member of the CAST UDL faculty cadre. Van Horn completed both his bachelor's of science and master's of science degrees at the University of Dayton. He received his doctor of education degree from Indiana University with a concentration in school administration and special education.
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Laurie VanderPloeg
Laurie VanderPloeg, Associate ED for the Council for Exceptional Children. Prior the director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the USDOE. Laurie served as director, assistant director for monitoring, compliance and parent support, supervisor and special education teacher, adjunct professor in the SE administration program, parent of a son with disabilities. Graduated from GVSU in MI with a bachelors and master’s in special education administration. She holds administrative approvals as supervisor and director of special education and certification in learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, emotional impairment, and K–8 regular education.
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Stephanie VanDyke
Stephanie VanDyke is a Literacy Specialist for State Support Team Region 3. She has been in the public education setting since 2005, serving as a teacher, interventionist, director and coach. She obtains licensures in:Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Intervention, Reading, Literacy and Phonics Instruction, Elementary Mathematics, Educational Leadership & Instructional Coaching. Stephanie also serves as a national trainer for Lexia Learning's 'LETRS' training, considered one of the most premier professional development offerings around the science of reading and its implementation.
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Andrea Vinson
Andrea Vinson has had an expansive educational career over the past 15 years dedicated to improved student outcomes for students with disabilities and unique student groups. Her previous leadership roles include Principal of ALBA Community Day School, Principal of Adult Education and Director of Special Education. Vinson's current leadership role as Director of Equity and Access in San Diego Unified engages teams to support schools to design learning conditions that ensure equitable outcomes for all students across the K -12 system.
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Kelly Walker
Kelly Walker joined the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children in 2014. She serves as a complaint investigator and the due process coordinator. Kelly earned a B.A. from Capital University and a JD from Capital University Law School. She is a licensed attorney who has acted as a guardian ad litem and had a private practice focusing on juvenile delinquency and family law.
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Kenyona Walker
Kenyona Walker, Ph.D. is a Senior Project Manager at The Ohio State University’s Center on Education and Training for Employment. She is the Director for Oversight and Professional Development of the Ohio Parent Mentor Project. Her passion for education and equity, led her to earn her PhD in Educational Studies, with a focus on School Psychology from The Ohio State University. Dr. Walker completed her School Psychology internship in schools in the Columbus area with urban students where she worked collaboratively with educators and parents to identify and address a multitude of educational issues related to the evaluation of students regarding Special Education.
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Sara Walker
Sara Walker is the support group facilitator for Coffee, Tea & Autism Fairfield County. She is the mother of an 12 year old son who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. In 2012 she reached out to the Autism Society of Central Ohio for advice. Soon she became an active volunteer with ASCO and a parent mentor & activist in the Columbus area. In May 2016 Coffee, Tea & Autism was launched to bring support & fellowship to families facing autism in the S.E. area of Columbus. The support group provides occasional special guest speakers, yearly Easter egg hunts, Halloween "trunk or treat", parent's nights out, art therapy, Christmas parties with Santa, fundraisers & more.
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Sean Walker
Sean Walker is a strong, energetic, young man that enjoys sports and work. When he is not working one of his three part-time jobs, you can find him somewhere watching a sports game or reading up on the latest statics related to people with developmental disabilities. With a degree from Wright State University in organizational leadership, Walker finds pleasure analyzing data and applying it to the real-life situations. His insight on integration and inclusion has proven to be invaluable to stakeholders and community members. He has worked for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Good Life Ambassador for the past four years.
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Virginia Walker
Virginia L. Walker, PhD, BCBA-D, is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at UNC-Charlotte. Walker's research has focused on PBIS, supports planning to enhance the inclusion of students with extensive support needs, and effective training practices for school staff supporting these students. She serves as an editorial review board member of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, a primary publication of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, the primary publication of TASH, and Inclusive Practices, a practitioner-oriented publication of TASH.
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Jo Hannah Ward
Jo Hannah Ward serves as the director of the Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education. Her background includes direct classroom experience, building level leadership, and mental health services in schools. Ward most recently served as the executive director for the Center for Continuous Improvement, and previously served as director of the Office for Improvement and Innovation, assistant director in the Office for Exceptional Children, and as the deputy superintendent at the Ohio Department of Youth Services and the Franklin County Court Juvenile Detention Facility. Ward received a M.Ed. from the University of Dayton and has a B.S. from The Ohio State University.
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Theresa Warren
Theresa Warren is the Director of Special Education with Princeton City Schools. During her career, she has worked as a social studies teacher, intervention specialist, school improvement consultant, and special education coordinator prior to her current role. She received her Master's in Special Education and then Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Colorado Denver, while working as an intervention specialist for Denver Public Schools. Theresa is committed to empowering teams to make student-centered decisions, engaging families in the special education process, and improving academic, social-emotional, and transition outcomes for students with disabilities.
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Bruce Watson
Bruce Watson serves as the Project Manager for the Urban Collaborative at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Bruce holds an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, a master’s degree from Penn State, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) at the University of Arizona.
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Alisha Waugh
Alisha Waugh is a COMS, PT, Perkins-Roman CVI Range© endorsed specialist, and parent of a teenage son with CVI. She has worked with children in Early Intervention & schools for 20 years and loves helping others learn how to foster students' learning. In 2013, she started Fundamentals First, providing O&M, CVI-specialized services and PT services to EI agencies, districts and families. Alisha has presented nationally and locally on the topic of CVI & is coauthor of the the O&M chapter in Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy's, Cortical Visual Impairment:Advanced Principles publication. She has served on the board of The Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society (PCVIS).
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Abbey Weaver
Abbey Weaver began working with Southern Ohio Educational Service Center/Hopewell Center Region 14 in 2003 as an Itinerant Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She is also the Team Leader for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department and supervises itinerant teachers, educational interpreters, and an audiologist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Education from Kent State University and a Master's degree in reading from Xavier University. Weaver was also certified by the National Board in Deaf Education. She works with a variety of individuals in various schools located in Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland Counties.
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Courtney Weaver
Courtney Weaver is one of three self-advocate advisors for the Housing Through an Autism (HAL) Solutions Lab, a project that seeks to highlight current housing challenges faced by Autistic adults as well as sustainable solutions. She is also very much involved in a variety of other autism and disability roles. These include Program Support Officer for the Accessibility, Accommodation & Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) Program, office assistant to MP Mike Lake, and project coordinator for the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance’s (CASDA’s) Work from Home project.
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Gregory Wellems
Greg Wellems is the Executive Director of Intellectual Disability Services for Keystone Human Services. Before joining Keystone, Greg worked as the Chief Operating Officer for Imagine!, a Colorado-based service provider. He is a strong advocate for incorporating technology into human services, including the development of Imagine!'s SmartHomes, an innovative model for supporting individuals with disabilities. He has served on the Board of Directors for ANCOR, the Life Enrichment Trust, and the Longmont Symphony. Wellems is recognized as a national consultant, speaking at conferences and assisting service provider organizations in strategically adopting technology into their services.
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Lisa Welsh
Lisa Welsh currently serves as the Lead Education Specialist for The Ohio State University Early Head Start Partnership Program. She coordinates the curriculum, assessment, disability and learning services for the child care partnership and home visiting programs. She has over 18 years of experience in the field of early intervention and early childhood education as an early childhood developmental specialist, early intervention provider and supervisor, and professional development consultant. She presents regionally and nationally on evidence-based early childhood practices including coaching, family-centered practices, and team collaboration.
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Andy Werner
Andy Werner is a doctoral student in special education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research interests include behavior interventions to support students and adults with IDD.
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Julie Weyandt
Julie Weyandt is an educational consultant with the State Support Team Region 9. She designs and facilitates professional development on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). She is a member of the Ohio UDL Collaborative and a national presenter. Prior to joining the State Support Team, Julie worked as a curriculum director, gifted coordinator, RE coordinator, testing coordinator, elementary principal, third grade teacher, and adjunct professor for Walsh University. She earned her Master's Degree in School Administration from Ashland University.
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Abby White
Abby White is a teacher for deaf and hard-of-hearing students employed by the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She has a Master's of Deaf Education from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences. In addition, she has an Advanced Plus rating on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview, is a trainer for Visual Phonics, and has over 15 years of experience teaching. She serves as secretary for Ohio Hands & Voices, is a member of the State Literacy Team for ODE, and founding member of Deaf Education Ohio.
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Gail Whitelaw
Gail M. Whitelaw, PhD is a clinical associate professor and Director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at The Ohio State University. She is involved with Interdisciplinary practice and education as part of education and healthcare teams. Her areas of clinical interest include auditory processing disorders (APD), tinnitus and sound tolerance disorders, educational audiology, and suprathreshold auditory deficits. Dr. Whitelaw has been involved with leadership aspects of the profession of audiology, including serving as the President of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). She is a Distinguished Audiology Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP).
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Tiffany Wild
Tiffany Wild, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning and the program in visual impairment at The Ohio State University. She was awarded a doctoral fellowship with the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairments, and her dissertation received the Dissertation of the Year award by CEC's Division on Visual Impairment. Her research on science education for students with visual impairments has resulted in numerous publications and presentations.
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Sheri Wilkins
Sheri Wilkins, PHD has been an educator at the preschool, elementary, middle school, and university levels. She has dedicated her career to students with disabilities and building the capacity of educators to serve them. After one of her sons sustained a mild traumatic brain injury in a car accident, she learned firsthand how environmental modifications and metacognitive strategies support people who struggle with executive functions. Dr. Sheri has presented internationally and has written numerous articles and books on the topic of executive functioning skills. She is co-author of FLIPP the Switch with Carol Burmeister and FLIPP the Switch 2.0 with Carol Burmeister and Rebecca Silva.
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Barb Williams
Barb currently works as an Early Intervention Specialist with Cleveland Sight Center. She holds a Master's Degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Barb is passionate about working with young children, and she has worked with Infants and Toddlers for the past 25 years. She is a trainer for the INSITE and VIISA programs through Utah State University's SKI-HI Institute, and she holds a Perkins-Roman endorsement to provide assessments and interventions for children with Cortical Visual Impairment.
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Dawn Williams
Dawn Williams, PhD, is the Curriculum Manager of Mathematics with Cincinnati Public Schools where mathematics is a social justice issue. She has successfully led the K-12 curriculum adoption, Distance Learning Summer Program for all high school students during the summer of Covid-19, and co-founded the Justice In The Details podcast which has sparked courageous conversations around the district. She previously was a high school mathematics educator for over ten years and has served as a high school administrator and assistant principal of instruction. She earned her Master's Degree in education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction and her EdS and PhD in Educational Leadership.
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Dennis Williams
Dennis Williams, M. Ed, is currently teaching Middle School Deaf Plus at Ohio School for the Deaf, where he teaches DHH students with additional disabilities. He has worked with DHH preschool students for 2 years prior to moving to middle school. His passion includes early language acquisition and teaching life skills for Deaf Plus students. Before he moved up as a teacher, he worked as Youth Leader in the dorms at OSD for 4 years. In addition, he graduated from Ohio School for the Deaf back in 2008.
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Donna Williams
Donna Williams works with high school end of course and Ohio graduation tests at the Ohio Department of Education.
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Sondra Williams
Sondra Williams is an individual with ASD and PTSD. She is a national speaker on autism and trauma-related topics, and is employed at The Learning Spectrum, creating and developing the social/self-advocacy pre-transitional program. Williams was the 2013 recipient of the Courage Award from Governor Kasich in the state of Ohio. She serves on several boards and loves mentoring teens and adults with autism. The parent of 4 adults with autism, Williams is in the main character in the film The Leprechaun's Wife.
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Therese Willkomm
Director of New Hampshire's State Assistive Technology Program; clinical associate professor in OT at UNH; over 30 years providing assistive technology services; invented over 2000 different AT devices; presented in 42 states and 10 countries and authored over 22 A.T. publications including three assistive technology books.
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Ashley Wilson
Ashley Wilson is on the Programming Committee and the Marketing Committee for the Autism Society Central Ohio. She assists in planning educational seminars, inclusive activities for families, and community outreach. Ashley is also a facilitator for the Coffee, Tea, Autism, and More High Resource support group. This group started meeting virtually last year after the pandemic started. This group specializes for caregivers to individuals who have a high level of care involved. Ashley is a mother of four, her youngest who is 7 has Autism and is non verbal. She also helps coach the Superhero Adaptive Sports program in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
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Amy Wise
Amy Wise is the former center director of KinderCare Learning Center in Cuyahoga Falls. The center serves children and families ages 6 weeks through 12 years old. The center has served children who have developmental and physical disabilities and are medically fragile. Wise was the recipient of the Summit County Russ Pry Community Impact Award in 2020 for her school's work with inclusion. She has a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Akron and is committed to changing the world through our youngest learners.
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Carrie Wood
Carrie Wood is a literacy consultant with SST7. She works as a Regional Early Literacy Specialist to help district leaders leverage the OIP process in conjunction with Ohio's Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement in creatating healthy and sustainable literacy models within a multi-tiered system of supports for ALL children. Her expertise in the region has engaged leadership and teachers from PK-12 in evidence based and culturally responsive instruction in the science of reading pedagogy. She is poised to share her 22 years of classroom and consulting experience in the pursuit to impact all students' achievement in literacy.
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Lauren Woodcock
Lauren Woodcock qualified as a speech and language therapist from the University of Sheffield in 2009, gaining a first-class honours degree in Speech Science. She went on to work at a residential college for young adults with autism and severe learning disabilities for 6 years, and in 2016 began her role at Doncaster Deaf Trust, working with children and young people with varying levels of hearing loss and other communication difficulties, such as autism and learning disabilities. Her aim is to support those she works with to be the most effective communicators that they can be, feeling as confident and independent as possible while navigating their way through the world.
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Patricia Wright
Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, BCBA-D, has a commitment to ensuring all individuals with disabilities have access to effective services and supports that has guided her work over the past 25 years. She has served as a special educator, in state and national-level program management, as the national director of Autism Services for Easter Seals. Currently, she is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for NEXT for AUTISM. Wright has held advisory roles for professional associations and advocacy groups, has provided expert testimony at congressional hearings, and is a frequent contributor in the media.
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Courtney Yantes
Courtney Yantes, CMP, serves as an Event Specialist for OCALI, supporting all things OCALICON by way of designing and drafting content for social media, coordinating registration, managing and editing the conference website, and facilitating purchasing and procurement. She previously worked as a project manager for two statewide Ohio initiatives aimed at lowering the average age of diagnosis of autism and implementing appropriate early intervention. Courtney graduated from William Woods University with a bachelor's of arts in history and a master's of business administration, and earned her Certified Meeting Professional status from the Events Industry Council in August 2020.
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Kelli Yeagley
Kelli Yeagley, M.A., is a consultant, educator, and advocate specializing in autism, disability, accessibility. Much of her work is focused in the areas of equity and inclusion, social justice, and community outreach both in online and offline spaces. Yeagley graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and completed a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with specialization in Autism.
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Kurt Young
Kurt Young, assistant principal, Circleville Elementary School Previously a 1st grade teacher and high school dean of students, assistant principal Kurt Young was hired on to be an assistant principal at Circleville Elementary School at the start of the 2020-2021 school year and is in his 18th year overall as an educator within the district. Young is a 2003 graduate of the University of Rio Grande with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Young also holds two graduate degrees in Teaching (Grand Canyon University, 2011) and Administration (Concordia University, 2019).
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Linsey Zanchetti
She received her Bachelor of Science from Boston University and a Masters in Arts degree in Special Education from Fairfield University. She attended New York Medical College and received her Masters in Science degree in speech-language pathology. She is currently working full-time at an elementary school as well as per diem for a pediatric hospital. She co-authored a presentation examining the perceptions of individuals who stutter. She also worked as a research assistant and participated in the publication which examined the effect of lidocaine on swallowing. Linsey presented her graduate research at the New York Speech and Hearing Association examining physician-patient interactions.
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Jessie Zink
Jessie Zink is a curriculum specialist and gifted coordinator for Northmont City Schools. She has a bachelor's of science in elementary education from Florida State University and a master's in educational leadership from the University of Dayton. She has 18 years in education and has worked as a middle school ELA teacher, gifted intervention specialist and curriculum specialist. Jessie has led the development of Northmont's Local Literacy Plan and the implementation of both the Striving Readers and Comprehensive State Literacy Development grant work at Nortmont.