Thanks to all our presenters!
We had a great time.
2010 Vermont Family Network Conference:

May 13 at Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center

Our Conference Presenter Bios

Keynote Speaker: Sarah Helena Vazquez
Sarah was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of four. Sarah’s mother raised her mindful of two major facts: the fact that rice and beans could not be missing from the dinner table due to her Puerto Rican culture, and the knowledge and awareness that she could do anything to which she put her mind. Proud to have been educated within the Newark Public School system, Sarah is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned her BA degree in Psychology and English. Currently, she is a Support Coordinator working at Neighbours Inc. Sarah is also editing her first autobiography, Unpaved to Paved Roads.
She has been the keynote speaker and master of ceremonies at several events, which include: the New Jersey Department of Education’s Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conferences; graduation ceremonies for John F. Kennedy High School and Malcolm X. Shabazz High School (Newark, NJ); The Latinos with Disabilities Employment Conference; the Secondary Transition State Planning National Institute (New Jersey City University); the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education Annual Conference; SPAN’s Regional Conference; and the annual New Jersey Governor’s Conference on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities. Sarah serves on the Boggs Center Advisory Board as well as The National Youth Leadership Consortium. In addition, Sarah has been a freelance writer for the World Institute on Disabilities of Oakland, California. Sarah bases her achievements on two major factors—having dreams and following her dreams on a full stomach. http://sarahvazquezspeaks.com

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Workshop Presenter Bios

1. Stepping Into Your Future
This workshop will focus on the high-school student’s transition from school to adulthood ... options and strategies for successful transition planning from high school to work, postsecondary education, and life in the community for youth with special needs ... Target audience is late teens and young adults, as well as parents, educators, and professionals who are involved with the process of students transitioning to adulthood. From Workshop #1:

Eric Johnson, VocRehab Vermont
Eric is a Transition Counselor with VocRehab Vermont. He holds a Master in Education degree from Springfield College and is currently earning a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling through Johnson State College.

Mame Grossman, Mt. Mansfield Union High School
Mame is a Special Educator for persons with intensive needs at Mount Mansfield Union High School, in Jericho, Vermont. Holding both a B.S. in Special Education and a M.Ed. in the Persons with Severe Profound Disabilities from Syracuse University, Mame has been a Special Educator for nearly 30 years. Formerly, she was Mount Mansfield Union High School’s Special Education Department Co-Chair and Community-Based Learning Program Director

Nancy Rice, Mt. Mansfield Union High School
Nancy is a special educator at Mount Mansfield Union High School, in Jericho, Vermont. She teaches students in the Bridging Program, a transitional educational program which provides a “bridge” between what the students have learned in the classroom to practical applications for home, work, and the community. The transition-focused Bridging Program is designed to serve high school students with significant disabilities, who are 18 years and older, in their final years of public school. Students from five Chittenden-area high schools meet together, three times a week, to learn and discuss issues, such as increased independence, employment, mobility in the community, social and communication skills, and giving back to the community. Nancy is a graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned a BS degree in Home Economics and a M. ED. degree in Intensive Special Education.

Jen Mitchell, Senior Manager, SUCCEED, HowardCenter, Developmental Services
Jen has ten years experience working in a variety of capacities supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. As Senior Manager, she is responsible for the development and oversight of all aspects of SUCCEED, the collaboration with the University of Vermont, and the supervision of the SUCCEED leadership team. Pennsylvania State University, B. S. Human Development and Family Studies.

2. Champion Your Cause
Attendees will learn about the legislative process in Vermont from different angles: from a legislator, from parents who have provided testimony at the Legislature or worked to put an act into law, and an experienced political organizer. We hope participants will gain a better understanding of how the legislative process works and the roles they can play in effecting change.
From Workshop #2:

Kim Friedman, Organizing Director, Kids Are Priority One
Kim oversees the Kids Are Priority One Coalition's leadership development and community organizing work. She has dedicated the past two decades to early-childhood advocacy, community organizing, social-action research, and public engagement work in Connecticut and Vermont. Kim is an experienced meeting facilitator, workshop presenter, researcher, and author. She served on Vermont's Early Childhood Steering Committee and Public Engagement Coordinating Committee. The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC) awarded Kim its Community Service Award in 2001. Kim has a Master of Arts in Third World Development from Antioch University, a Bachelor of Arts in French from Vassar College, and Senior Organizer Training from Midwest Academy.

Patsy French, Legislator
For the past eight years, Patsy has been a State Representative for the Orange-Addison 1 District, while serving also on the House Human Services Committee for the past six years. She and her husband live in Randolph, where they raised two sons, who are now young adults, both living out on their own. Their older son was born eight weeks prematurely and has cerebral palsy, a significant learning disability, and bipolar disorder.

Lisa Maynes, Developmental Disabilities Council, Medicaid Advisory Board
Lisa is a parent of two children. Her son was born with a form of leukodystrophy. Often accompanied by her 17-year-old daughter, Lisa speaks in classrooms on the subject of family-centered care and also is active in advocacy work at the Vermont Statehouse, with issues related to disability and poverty. She currently serves on the Medicaid Advisory Board and the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council, while pursuing a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at UVM.

Lisa Erwin-Davidson, North Country Health System
In addition to her Master of Science degree, Lisa holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency-Speech-Language Pathology. She is also the Supervisor of Speech-Language-Swallowing Department at North Country Health System, in Newport. As a leader in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication since the 1980s, Lisa has presented nationally and locally on subjects such as Augmentative & Alternative Communication, traumatic brain injury, and swallowing disorders. Currently, Lisa provides contract work within and across different agencies in the Northeast Kingdom, including Early Essential Education, K-12 education, home health, and nursing homes, and is Co-Chair of the newly-formed Vermont Citizen Coalition for Autism Insurance Reform, an independent advocacy group dedicated to passage of a legislative bill that mandates private insurance plans cover autism treatment.

Ron Marcellus, Parent, Vermont & Bennington Autism Task Force
When his youngest son was identified as being on the autism spectrum, Ron came to the disturbing realization that his son had no access to qualified providers of evidenced-based treatments for autism in southern Vermont. Not yet familiar with the provisions of IDEA, Ron and his wife traveled to Washington, DC every three months to consult with Dr. Serena Weider, one of the founders of Floortime, for help in setting up their own comprehensive, early-intervention program at home. Since that time, he has served on the task force that delivered the 2007 report to the Vermont Legislature. He has been a member of Vermont Autism Task Force since 2008 and is a member of the Bennington Autism Task Force. As Co-Chair of the newly-formed Vermont Citizen Coalition for Autism Insurance Reform, Ron is dedicated to spreading the word that effective treatments for autism exist and that our children have a right to them. He has helped coordinate compelling testimony to the Vermont Senate Finance Committee while advocating passage of a legislative bill that mandates private insurance plans cover autism treatment.

3. Speech Recognition Software—It Really Works Now!
An overview of all the new and exciting speech-recognition software options now available on the market ... a hands-on exploration and speak into the microphone and have your words translated into text on the computer screen. .. tips for troubleshooting voice-dictation issues. Discussion ... of a student who might benefit from using Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, to produce written work in a school setting.
From Workshop #3:

Dan Gilman, Vermont Assistive Technology Program
Dan has worked for Vermont Assistive Technology Program since July 1992. He is certified by RESNA as ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) since 2000 and a College of St. Joseph graduate. His areas of expertise include Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities, Computer Access devices/methods, Electronic Aids Daily Living (ECU), accessing Alternative Augmentative Communication devices and AAC computer software. Dan provides AT information, resources and training, and tryout of assistive technology devices to Vermonters with disabilities.

Eileen Haddon, Vermont Assistive Technology Program
Eileen is an Assistive Technology Practitioner, certified by RESNA through 2010. Eileen provides information and training of computer access tools for all ages. She specializes in adaptive toys and conducts frequent workshops for educators and daycare providers, on inclusion of children with disabilities through assistive-technology use. With a degree is in Rehabilitation Engineering Technology, from Vermont Technical College, Eileen has worked in the field since 1995.

4. Fun, Fitness, & Friends
A panel of leaders, who offer a variety of social and recreational opportunities, will discuss programs that can be adapted to individual needs, regardless of age, ability, cognitive impairment, or special needs. Participants will learn about ways in which children and adults can engage in an active and healthy lifestyle, through fun experiences at camp, school, and community activities. The emphasis will be on adaptive and inclusive recreation in a social environment. For Workshop #4:

Peggy Owen Sands, PT, M.S., Facilitator, VT-ILEHP
Peggy has been providing physical therapy services in Vermont since 1990. She has worked in pediatric PT for over 25 years, specializing in group fitness and strengthening for children with physical disabilities. As Clinical Assistant Professor for Vermont Interdisciplinary Leadership Education for Health Professionals Program (VT-ILEHP), offered through UVM, Peggy teaches sections of graduate lab courses related to pediatric physical therapy. She also provides physical-therapy services within the school setting and to children within their homes. She lives in Burlington with her husband and daughter.

Deb Lamden, Partners In Adventure (PIA)
Deborah is the Executive Director of PIA, Inc, a non-profit organization centered on partnering teens with and without disabilities via year-round social and recreational activities, including summer and winter camps. With a background in Fine Arts, Deborah’s career goals changed when her son was born extremely premature, in 1988, resulting in his having cerebral palsy, an auditory processing disorder, an eating disorder (requiring a feeding tube until the age of 13), and developmental delays. Prior to founding PIA, Deborah worked at the VT Parent Information Center and served as a member of the Governor’s Council for Families of Children with Significant Disabilities. Her expertise lies in the area of designing programming to be accessible and adaptive to meet the full range of physical and developmental abilities. In 2009, Partners In Adventure served over 400 children.

Patrick Standen, Northeast Disabled Athletic Association
As Co-Founder and Board President of Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA), Patrick has been a driving force for organizing recreational programming and competitive opportunities for people with disabilities. Graduating from the University of Vermont in 1988, Pat went on to do graduate work at Boston College, Harvard University, and Harvard Law School. He holds a Master’s degree and teaches Philosophy at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont. An accomplished wheelchair athlete, Pat is a certified US Sailing Level II Coach and has taught sailing, hockey, wheelchair basketball, as well as coached junior-high football. Pat became a paraplegic 25 years ago from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Prior to the accident, he was a three-letter varsity athlete, competing in football, hockey, baseball, and wrestling. He lives in Burlington with his wife and two cats.

Joan Martin, M.A., Unified Sports of Special Olympics
Joan has been an adapted physical education teacher for 30 years and currently teaches in the Essex Town School District, in addition to her part-time work with Special Olympics Vermont, assisting schools in starting up Unified Sports Programs. She has national certification in Adapted Physical Education and was Vermont Adapted Teacher of the Year, in 2003. Joan coaches in the Essex Town Unified Sports’ afterschool program, in which an estimated 200 students have participated. She was also selected as Coach for Team USA, for both the 2007 Summer and 2009 Winter World Special Olympics Games.

5. Healthy Social and Emotional Development of Young Children
Strong lives are cultivated in childhood ... forge a pathway toward infant and toddler mental health ... useful for interventionists, parents, child care providers, infant and toddler teachers, and others ... the importance of the 0-3 years in every child's life. This is the time when trust, empathy, conscience, and self-regulation are laid down. For Workshop #5:

Jeanine Fitzgerald, Better Behavior Bureau
As a certified teacher and human-behavior specialist, a licensed mental health professional, and a parent of three grown children, Jeanine Fitzgerald is founder of the Better Behavior Bureau. She works to empower teachers and parents, in order to achieve more with children at risk. She specializes in research-based strategies in educational leadership, relationship building, motivation, preventing risk factors that compromise the fulfillment of a child’s full potential, and implementing positive interventions in “real world settings.” By understanding the daily struggles and frustrations of parents and educators, Jeanine works with them to help each child discover “the hero within.” In the past 30 years, Jeanine has worked with thousands of educators, childcare professionals, and parents, nationwide, as a consultant and presenter. She is the author of The Dance of Interaction and is finishing her second book, Educating the Heart

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6. Build a Better IEP
This step-by-step explanation of the Individualized Education Program process will enable parents to better understand how the plan is designed to work for their child and their role as team members. Discussion will also include suggestions around how to actively participate in the IEP planning process in order to create a well-written IEP that can help the child make meaningful progress.

Christine Kilpatrick, VFN Family Support Program Co-Director and Director of Parent Training & Info Center
Christine is first and foremost a parent and, in addition, she has been working with children and families for over 20 years in a variety of roles, including that of related-services provider, delivering occupational-therapy services, providing information about assistive technology, and as a Family Consultant at VPIC and, now, at VFN, supporting families as they navigate the special education system. While Christine enjoys sharing her personal and professional experiences with families, it is her hope that sharing what she has learned will assist families in understanding how to access the appropriate educational services and supports available for their children with special needs.

7. Creating a Better Future through Effective Communication
Basic communication strategies, best practices, and research-based techniques for getting your point across respectfully, even in situations of conflict, will be explored during this session. There will also be time for audience scenarios and group problem-solving to highlight and implement the newly-learned strategies of this facilitated discussion. This workshop is designed for parents, school administrators, and educators.

Kathleen Kilbourne, VFN, Director of Parent Information and Resource Center
Kathleen is the Vermont Family Network’s Director of the Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC VT). As a former classroom teacher and Special Educator for fifteen years, Kathleen works with schools, families, and communities to increase family engagement statewide. As a licensed principal and the mother of two children, she routinely draws upon her experiences, both professionally and personally, to build collaborative relationships between families and schools.

Jay J. Morris, PhD, VFN, PIRC Project Manager and School Based Parent Involvement Coordinator, PIRC-Vermont
After graduating from the University of Vermont, Jay spent the first 12 years of his career as a police officer, where he found his love of teaching as Officer Friendly, then later teaching other officers at the Vermont Police Academy. From police work he moved into teaching, first as a high school chemistry teacher, then as a building administrator. He served in these capacities at all levels, in both public and private education, and presently serves the Vermont education community at large as the Project Manager for the Parent Information & Resource Center, PIRC-Vermont. Jay holds an AS in Law Enforcement, BS in Secondary Science Education, M.Ed. in Educational Supervision, and Ph.D. in Adult Education. He holds endorsements in secondary science and social science, and K-12 Principal and Superintendent of Schools.

8. Caring for Ourselves and Our Children with Special Needs
...families of children with special needs find they are often vulnerable to stress that comes with their unique set of life challenges... will explore commonly-faced challenges for families of children with special needs... stresses associated with parenting a child with special needs...consider preferred methods of self care ...examine communication patterns with new ways of relating...

Dr. Marlene Maron, Director of Pediatric Psychology Service
As a practicing Clinical Psychologist since 1991, Marlene joined the University of Vermont teaching staff of Fletcher Allen Health Care in 1996 as the Director of the Pediatric Psychology Service. Additionally, in 2003, she became Fletcher Allen’s Chief Psychologist/Manager of Psychological Services. Throughout her career, Dr. Maron has been engaged in psychotherapy, clinical supervision, teaching, consultation, and administration of services devoted to children, adolescents, adults and families. Since 2003, Dr. Maron has also directed the efforts of the VCHIP Child Mental Health Initiative (CMHI), a collaborative project aimed at increasing access to mental health services for children and families in Vermont, particularly those enrolled in Medicaid programs.

9. Effective Strategies for Challenging Behavior
Finding solutions for a child’s behavior issues can be challenging to parents and schools. Parents play a unique role in helping the school develop an ideal behavior plan because they have particular insight and information regarding their child. This workshop will help parents understand functional behavioral assessments and positive interventions in school and will include some practical behavior intervention strategies for the home.

Ginny Iverson, Special Educator & Educational Consultant for the Vermont State I-Team
Ginny provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to teams of educators, parents, and related service providers, on behalf of students with intensive special-education needs. She also teaches courses in the Intensive Special Education Endorsement Program at the University of Vermont. Ginny has worked in the field of Education for over 35 years as a classroom teacher, Special Educator, administrator, and consultant.

10. Accessing Your Community
This panel workshop will address accessing community resources and services, particularly relating to housing, employment, and social opportunities, with the focus being on adults with developmental disabilities. Attention will also be given to the probable effects of FY 2011 budget cuts on all three of these areas, as well as how Vermont Family Network routinely provides information, services, and resources to individuals with developmental disabilities.
For Workshop #10:

Claudia Inés Pringles, J. D., Vermont Family Network, Family Support Consultant (DD)
A member of the Vermont Bar, Claudia is a special-needs trust attorney at her own law firm, in Montpelier, Vermont. Currently, she is President of AAWARE Autism Support Group and member of the Vermont Autism Task Force, Autism Plan for Act 35, and Stakeholders Monitoring Team, as well as a former member of Autism Regional Center Planning Committee. Since 2007, she has worked as a Family Support Consultant (Developmental Disabilities) for the Vermont Family Network.

Stan Baker, Clinical Director for HowardCenter and UVM Adjunct Professor
Holding a Master’s Degree in Expressive Therapy, Stan Baker is Clinical Director for HowardCenter Developmental Services and Adjunct Professor at the University of Vermont. He has worked in the field of Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Autism since 1988. Previous to that, he was an early-childhood educator. Having worked as a Child and Family Therapist, Adult Therapist, Expressive Therapist, and Play Therapist, Stan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, as well as a Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor. In addition to being a contributing member of the American Mental Health Counselor’s Association, the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD), and the Association for Play Therapy, he is Co-Chair of the Vermont Autism Task Force and is the proud recipient of the Autism Society of Vermont 2001 Excellence in Service Award.

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