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Conference website: www.assec.org

AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Sat./Sun., Feb. 1 & 2 - (2) Day Pre-Conference Credit Courses
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mon., Feb. 3 - Main Conference - Day 1
8:15 am - 4:50 pm

Tues., Feb. 4 - Main Conference - Day 2
8:15 am - 3:30 pm

Wed., Feb. 5 - Main Conference - Day 3
8:15 am - 12:00 pm

***Agenda subject to change

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Monday, February 3
 

8:15am AKST

Welcome & Keynote Presentation - "Reclaim your Joy & Enthusiasm" - Molly Kennedy
Monday February 3, 2025 8:15am - 10:00am AKST
Welcome - Heather Wheeler, Chair ASSEC 2025

"Reclaim your Joy & Enthusiasm" - Molly Kennedy
Our students have changed. Educators at every level are exhausted, spread too thin and in the burn out cycle of battling everyday for cooperation, engagement and calm.

This keynote will help educators feel reenergized and rediscover their JOY! They’ll smile, laugh (a lot) and walk out saying, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear today.”

As a veteran educator, with 26 years working with students, Molly speaks to teachers’ hearts, so they feel seen, valued and celebrated. The ripple effect means even greater student success.


Presenters
avatar for Molly Kennedy

Molly Kennedy

Keynote Speaker, Author, Educator, Molly Kennedy Productions, L.L.C.
Molly Kennedy has dedicated the past 26 years to empowering people to have more resilience, confidence and learning to leverage their adversity into results.Challenges and trauma followed Molly throughout her life. She grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, neglect... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 8:15am - 10:00am AKST
Alaska Ballroom (2nd Floor)

10:30am AKST

Alaska Center for Accessible Materials "How Can We Help?
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Participants will learn what print disability is and develop an understanding not all students with print disability receive support through special education services.  They will learn about the process of identifying print disability in students and the tools available for supporting students with print disability.  Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the accessible materials and assistive technology to support students with print disability.  
Presenters
avatar for Meriah Cory

Meriah Cory

AKCAM - Grant Coordinator, Alaska Center for Accessible Materials
The Alaska Center for Accessible Materials is a grant that provides alternative formats and assistive technology to students across the state who need support accessing print. These can be students with physical, vision, or processing disabilities. AKCAM also provides support to teams... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Weiland

Samantha Weiland

SESA Multiple Disabilities & Alaska Center for Accessible Materials Specialist, Special Education Services Agency
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

10:30am AKST

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Collaborative Framework for Supporting At-Risk Children and Fostering Equity
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Revolutionize support for at-risk students through a student-centered, collaborative approach that spans all school environments. This talk showcases success stories from rural Alaskan school districts, demonstrating how to transcend isolated interventions and create a holistic, empowering educational experience. Learn how seamless partnerships between general education, special education, and therapy teams can transform learning outcomes. Discover simple yet powerful techniques for building essential skills throughout the school day, fostering a supportive ecosystem within natural learning environments. This innovative approach has yielded impressive results, including accelerated progress in speech development, enhanced sensory regulation, improved fine motor skills, and enriched language acquisition among others. Join us to explore how these proven, adaptable strategies can be tailored to your unique school community, promoting equity and unlocking the full potential of every student for lasting academic achievement.
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

10:30am AKST

Engaging Neurodiverse Students through Multimedia and Project-Based Learning
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
A deep dive into using multimedia, hands-on projects, and student-led presentations to help neurodivergent students thrive. Emphasizing how creative outlets and tech tools like digital storytelling and game-based learning can engage SPED students.
Presenters
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

10:30am AKST

Executive Functioning Strategies Across the Neurodevelopmental Continuum
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
This session will focus on supports and strategies in the classroom and program settings for children in the PK-22 arena.  There will be interactive activities with work products to be shared among participants.
Presenters
avatar for Susan Wolf

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC
Having spent over three decades in public health and education with an emphasis on pediatric disabilities, I'm an open book. As a parent of a now-adult son with a traumatic brain injury in early childhood and as a severe TBI survivor myself, I have intense passion to share the brain... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

10:30am AKST

My Plate Too Full...Help!
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
You will have time in this interactive session to reflect and prepare to apply what you learned from Molly's keynote presentation. You will feel empowered to return to your school with easy to implement strategies and skills that result in fewer battles and more calm.
Presenters
avatar for Molly Kennedy

Molly Kennedy

Keynote Speaker, Author, Educator, Molly Kennedy Productions, L.L.C.
Molly Kennedy has dedicated the past 26 years to empowering people to have more resilience, confidence and learning to leverage their adversity into results.Challenges and trauma followed Molly throughout her life. She grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, neglect... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

10:30am AKST

Review of the Evaluation Summary and Eligibility Report with information about federal regulations for compliance.
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Participants will review the Evaluation Summary and Eligibility Report as a comprehensive document that assesses an individual's eligibility for special education services. They will learn about the federal regulations, ensuring that all criteria are met and documented accurately.


Presenters
CS

Colleen Shivers

AK Department of Education and Early Development
GG

Gail Greenhalgh

Special Education Consulting Services
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

10:30am AKST

Transition Activities That Prepare Students for Work After High School
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Students who are prepared for the workplace are more likely to have post-school success in employment.  DVR offers programs like JOBZ Club, S’Cool Store, and Pathways to enhance your transition services and engage students in preparing for work.  Or have you got an idea percolating on developing your own transition services but need funding and technical assistance to make it happen?  DVR can provide both through its Pre-Employment Transition Services.  
Exhibitors
JK

Jim Kreatschman

Youth Transition Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Bridging Western and Alaska Native Ways in Transition Plans and IEPs
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
The Western approach is evident in public education, and this can sometimes create misunderstandings or tensions with our Alaska Native students and families. When it comes to transition planning for after high school, there are many ways to support Indigenous values and skills development so the student can be a connected and contributing community member. You will learn about different strategies used by teachers in rural Alaska to integrate Alaska Native skills into the IEP and transition plans, and practice making IEP goals and transition plans culturally responsive for Alaska Native and rural students.




Presenters
avatar for Rain Van Den Berg

Rain Van Den Berg

Owner, Rain Van Den Berg Consulting
Rain Van Den Berg is an education and training consultant with a background in education, health education, project management, and facilitation. Current projects include creating culturally responsive transition materials for Alaskan Special Education students, supporting organizational... Read More →
FG

Frances Gage

Special Education Coordinator, NWABSD
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 1)
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
Based on research by G. Namie, R. Namie, P. Lutgen-Sandvik, G. Sari, and many more, empower yourself to teach students to identify and mitigate bullying. Sadly, research shows that bullying starts in the home and is learned at a young age. Behaviors that feel normal for a student can be difficult to mitigate in the school setting. Bullying doesn't just effect students, and it doesn’t end when students graduate. Teachers bully teachers, parents bully administration, employers bully employees, and governments bully other countries.  (CAUTION:  You might learn that you have been a bully...and that can be very uncomfortable for participants.)
Presenters
LS

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Early Identification of Children with Deafblindness
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
This presentation focuses on the critical importance of early identification of children with deafblindness, a condition that impacts both hearing and vision. Early detection allows for timely interventions, which are essential for supporting the child's communication, cognitive development, and social skills. By identifying these children at a young age, caregivers and educators can implement specialized strategies and resources, such as sensory stimulation, tailored educational programs, and assistive technologies, to enhance their quality of life and overall development. Early identification ultimately empowers children with deafblindness to reach their full potential and participate more fully in society.
Presenters
avatar for Angel Black

Angel Black

Project Director, The Alaska Deafblind Project
AS

Abby Steer

Special Education Service Agency
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

FASD/ND-PAE: Evaluation, Treatments, and Implications for Academics in the Classrooms, Learning, and Families
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
Ellen Kelsey, M.S., CCC-SLP and Mary Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP will discuss Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/Neurobehavioral Disorder-Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (FASD/ND-PAE) in children, including how it is diagnosed. They will describe common red flags, including how it may present as a student ages. They will explain the most commonly impacted areas of functioning, as well as potentially helpful services for these students. They will also provide strategies professionals can utilize in the school setting, and they will describe similarities between FASD/ND-PAE and other diagnoses. Join Ellen and Mary to bring more awareness to this frequently overlooked and underserved population.


Presenters
MD

Mary Dooher

Speech Language Pathologist, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Hello, I am a Speech-Language Pathologist that has worked in the education and medical setting.  I am presenting at ASSEC 2022 on Identification and Management of Feeding/Swallowing Disorders In Schools. I have worked for over 15 years with individuals with feeding/swallowing concerns... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Individual Education Program paperwork, review and discussion
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
Participants will learn the essential components of an IEP, including present levels of performance, measurable goals, and necessary accommodations. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative planning with educators, parents, and specialists to ensure that the IEP effectively addresses the unique needs of each student.
Presenters
CS

Colleen Shivers

AK Department of Education and Early Development
GG

Gail Greenhalgh

Special Education Consulting Services
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Strategies for Teaching Social Emotional Learning to Autistic Individuals
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
In this session, participants will learn about the five components of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and strategies for teaching SEL to autistic people. More specifically, the presenter will provide examples of SEL lessons that align with the three severity levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The goal is for participants to leave with a thorough understanding of what SEL is and how to create individualized lessons for the autistic people they work with. Finally, the presenters will share information about the Autism Resource Center and how the agency supports Alaskans.
Presenters
avatar for Kelly Maki

Kelly Maki

Autism Specialist, Special Education Service Agency
avatar for Autumn Holt

Autumn Holt

Autism Resource Specialist, Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC)
The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) supports individuals of all ages with autism spectrum, their families, caregivers, and service providers throughout the state of Alaska.
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Watch Me: Flipping Limiting Beliefs Into Empowering Beliefs
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
This is a high-engagement, deep dive workshop where you have time to do the work. You will learn to step up your level of acceptance for what is and reclaim accountability for your response to become unstoppable. You will be empowered to align your desired outcomes with their actions resulting in less excuses and more success. It gets real- no fluff. And that’s exactly why it gets RESULTS!
Presenters
avatar for Molly Kennedy

Molly Kennedy

Keynote Speaker, Author, Educator, Molly Kennedy Productions, L.L.C.
Molly Kennedy has dedicated the past 26 years to empowering people to have more resilience, confidence and learning to leverage their adversity into results.Challenges and trauma followed Molly throughout her life. She grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, neglect... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

3:20pm AKST

Alaska Native Values-Understanding Alaska's First People
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
This presentation offers educators the opportunity to delve into important values that Alaska Native peoples have held for centuries. Whether you are new, or a seasoned educator you will learn about topics including Historical trauma, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and how tribal support can help your students transitioning out of school, SPED Resources, traditional values, and communication methods. You will learn how the Alaska Native world view will influence your students' progress in the Western world. This presenter will also have an opportunity to interact with Alaska Native arts and artifacts and ask questions about how and why they are an important part of Alaska Native Values.

Presenters
avatar for Dawn Young Valley

Dawn Young Valley

Sisu Services for Alaskans
Dawn is Gwich'in Athabaskan and Aleut from the Native Village of Fort Yukon. She cares passionately about the Alaska Native population and want everyone she meets to understand the unique challenges they face in Western style education. Dawn is relativly new to the teaching profession... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 2)
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
Based on research by G. Namie, R. Namie, P. Lutgen-Sandvik, G. Sari, and many more, empower yourself to teach students to identify and mitigate bullying. Sadly, research shows that bullying starts in the home and is learned at a young age. Behaviors that feel normal for a student can be difficult to mitigate in the school setting. Bullying doesn't just effect students, and it doesn’t end when students graduate. Teachers bully teachers, parents bully administration, employers bully employees, and governments bully other countries.  (CAUTION:  You might learn that you have been a bully...and that can be very uncomfortable for participants.)
Presenters
LS

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

DIF Grant and Employment Training Opportunities for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
Presentation about the recently awarded Disability Innovation Fund grant to Department of Education and Early Development and it’s funding for programs to increase the number of Alaska youth and other individuals with disabilities into competitively integrated employment. Discussion of key activities, partner organizations, goals, and available programs and resources being funded by this grant and where individuals can seek resources to assist youth with disabilities leaving school prepare for the workforce.
Presenters
SV

Samantha Vetter

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

Executive Function Skills: What are they and how to improve them!
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
Have you wondered how to help struggling students in your classroom?  Have you wondered what is causing the struggle?  In this session, we will explore Executive Function Skills and how they may be dysfunctional for some students whether or not they have an IEP.  We will discuss strategies on how to develop these skills for positive outcomes.
Presenters
avatar for Susan Wolf

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC
Having spent over three decades in public health and education with an emphasis on pediatric disabilities, I'm an open book. As a parent of a now-adult son with a traumatic brain injury in early childhood and as a severe TBI survivor myself, I have intense passion to share the brain... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

Supporting Student Engagement & Behavior in the Classroom: UA Panel Discussion
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
Join professors from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Education for an engaging Q&A panel on behavior management in the classroom. The panelists will discuss effective engagement strategies, cultural influences, ways to foster inclusion, and trauma-responsive behavior techniques. No matter your role in a school, this event offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to behavior management and support diverse learners. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge and strategies for creating a positive learning environment!
Presenters
RC

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)
avatar for Tara Maltby

Tara Maltby

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BF

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

Using Descriptive Teaching to Support the Learning of AAC users
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
“Using a descriptive style, the teacher mentions and references the context-specific words, then teaches concepts behind the words using high frequency, re-usable, common words” (Van Tatenhove 2009). The teachers explain a term using common words that they know are already in the communicator’s AAC system. Rather than memorizing vocabulary to answer closed ended questions students use core vocabulary to demonstrate understanding of a concept.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Schroder

Jennifer Schroder

Multiple Disability Specialist, SESA
My name is Jennifer and I was born and raised in MN.  My first teaching job was in Bethel, AK.  After that I worked at a residential school for children with autism and then as a teacher for students with multiple disabilities at a school for the Deaf.  I returned to AK to work... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

Who's in my Classroom? A Review of Related Service Providers and How to Maximize Collaboration
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
The world of Special Education has many players! An effective IEP Team must understand the unique skills, training, and responsibilities of each related service provider within the school setting. Have you ever wondered why some students are "pulled" from class while others aren't? Or why a child might receive occupational therapy at a clinic but not a school? If you’re looking to enhance your collaboration skills with therapists and itinerant teachers, this session is designed for you!
Presenters
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
 
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