Speaker Bios & Handouts

The following sessions are listed by date & time and then alphabetically by workshop title.
Handouts (when available) are listed below each speaker's bio.
See also: Additional Handouts for workshops not otherwise listed.

8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Hedda SharapanBuilding on Fred Rogers’ Approach to STEM/STEAM: I have been with Fred Rogers and his small non-profit company for 46 years and have an M.S. in Child Development. I worked closely with Fred Rogers on his books and articles for parents, professionals and children. Currently my title is Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, and my e-newsletter reaches about 600 subscribers each month. I have presented at NAEYC conferences since 1983 and currently present keynotes and workshops across the country.
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Leslie GrothCommotion or Emotions?: Leslie Groth began her journey with Conscious Discipline seven years ago after attending Dr. Becky Bailey's intense 2 day Illinois Head Start Association workshop. Since that time, Leslie has attended three week long Summer Institutes and one week long Advanced Institute. Leslie has also learned more about the relationship based approach that Conscious Discipline offers at many various 2 days workshops presented by Dr. Bailey and also the Loving Guidance Associates. Most recently she attended a 2 day workshop entitled Managing Emotional Mayhem. Leslie is a Certified Instructor who passionately and enthusiastically shares the transforming power of Conscious Discipline with teachers, staff, administrators, social workers, parents and grandparent. Leslie has over 34 years experience in early childhood. October 1, 2013Commotion or Emotions?October 1, 2013Common or Conscious?
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Lisa FisherEarly Intervention to Early Childhood: Strategies that Work: Lisa Fisher has taught in a variety of settings and programs serving children birth through age seven. She has consulted with families and school districts throughout the state on topics of inclusion and recommended practices, and has presented on Transition regionally, statewide and at national conferences. Most recently she was Project Director for STAR NET Region II. Lisa holds a Master of Arts in Special Education. Transition from EI to ECE- Strategies That Work!
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Maria RuetzEssential Components of Early Childhood Bilingual Evaluations Maria Ruetz, M. Ed., NCSP, Qualified Bilingual Specialist: Maria has worked as a Bilingual School Psychologist in the public schools since 1986. She has worked in both regular education and special education settings. For the past ten years she has been a member of a bilingual assessment team for the Special Education District of Lake County.Essential Components of Early Childhood Bilingual Evaluations Vocab list page 1 Vocab list page 2 English Vocabulary Survey
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Lynn SagendorphEssential Components of Early Childhood Bilingual Evaluations: Lynn Sagendorph, M.S., CCC-Sp. Lynn has worked as a speech pathologist in a variety of settings within the public schools. She has been a member of a bilingual assessment team at the Special Education District of Lake County since 2003.
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Barbara WaltiEssential Components of Early Childhood Bilingual Evaluations: M.S. Ed - Coordinator of the Early Childhood Assessment Teams, Special Education District of Lake County.
Nancy Kuglin 8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Mary Kay Rafferty'Hey, It's My Turn!' Modifying and adapting learning materials and activities for young students with disabilities: Nancy Kuglin is a Self Employed Educational Consultant.She has taught young students with multiple, significant disabilities, is a Developmental Therapist with Early Intervention and was a finalist for the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award in 2006.

Mary Kay Rafferty is an Early Childhood Diagnostician for ECHO (Exceptional Children have Opportunities). She has worked with a multitude of students with disabilities, aged 3 to 21, and has vast experience with those students with behavioral challenges. It's My Turn!
Mary-alayne Hughes Kimberly Hile 8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Bernadette Laumann Keep It Simple: Using 'Bagless Therapy' to Address Early Intervention Outcomes: Dr. Mary-alayne Hughes, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, has worked in various capacities in the ECSE field for 30 years. Currently, she coordinates the ECSE program, teaches ECSE coursework, and directs a federally-funded personnel preparation

Ms. Kimberly Hile has worked as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator and Developmental Therapist for over 7 years, and currently is a doctoral student at the University of Illinois. Dr. Bernadette Laumann, Assistant Professor at Eastern Illinois University, teaches coursework in ECSE and special education administration. She has been in the ECSE field for over 30 years, and has held a variety of roles including ECSE preschool teacher, principal, grant coordinator and researcher.

Dr. Bernadette Laumann, Assistant Professor at Eastern Illinois University, teaches coursework in ECSE and special education administration. She has been in the ECSE field for over 30 years, and has held a variety of roles including ECSE preschool teacher, principal, grant coordinator and researcher.Using Bagless therapy to Address Early Intervention Outcomes PowerPoint Handout September 13, 2013Common Household Items
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Dot KaneMove It or Lose It; Storytelling, Movement and Comedy for the Classroom: With a background in dance, theater and early childhood education, Dot Kane has been telling stories in the Chicago area since 1992. She's a favorite presenter at teacher workshops across the midwest, and at hundreds of schools, libraries and special events each year. Stand up comedy for kids!
8:00 am - 10:00 am
10/3/2013Sherri Luttrell 'Reining in Challenging Behaviors:' Supporting Positive Behavior Using Visual Supports: Sherri Luttrell is a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist with 30 years of experience. She is a presenter at local and state conferences and workshops regarding autism spectrum disorders and behavior modification. She has developed and implemented community outreach programming to include the Social and Life Skills Course, Face to Face: A Social Club for Young Adults with Aspergers Syndrome and WeConnect: A Social Club for High School Students with Aspergers Syndrome. She is deeply committed to delivering quality care and achieving superior client outcomes. Reining in Challenging Behaviors
8:00 am - 10:00 am
10/3/2013Tweety Yates Strategies and Ideas for Supporting the Social Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers: Tweety Yates is at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. She works on the National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning and was most recently Co-Project Coordinator of the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning. Her primary interests are supporting development through parent-child interaction, early literacy and professional development.
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Elizabeth Knollhoff Kimberly NelsonStrategies for Including and Supporting the Child with Autism in Any Setting: Elizabeth Knollhoff is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist currently serving the preschool population for Four Rivers Special Education District in Jacksonville, Illinois. She holds a Master's Degree in Community/School Psychology and a Specialist's Degree in School Psychology. She was one of six statewide nominees in 2006 for the School Psychologist Practitioner of the Year for Illinois. She started her career as a Mental Health Consultant for Head Start over 10 years ago, and has continued to work in the schools with students with special needs, focusing on early childhood.

Kim Nelson is the Administrator for the Early Childhood and Multiple Disabilities Programs for the Four Rivers Special Education District in Jacksonville, Illinois. Kim has been working with children with special needs as a teacher, special education program supervisor, and now as an administrator, for over 22 years. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration and Teaching and Leadership. Kim received the Golden Apple Award in 2001 while teaching in a self-contained special education classroom. She facilitated in the development of an early elementary class specifically for students with autism, which she then taught. Kim received the Jacksonville School District 117 Bill Russell Award in 2005 for the use of technology in working with students on the autism spectrum in this program. Her teaching experiences and interests are primarily with students on the autism spectrum along with students with significant cognitive disabilities. Along with colleagues, Kim provides technical support, program recommendations, presentations, and resources for districts educating students with ASD who attend the early childhood and school age classrooms. October 1, 2013Autism Slides
8:00 am - 10:00 am 10/3/2013Dina EmserThe New Leadership Paradigm: How To Lead Respectfully At Home And At School: With 30 years of experience in education, Dina has taught every grade level from kindergarten through eighth grade as well as college level students, teachers, and parents. She also served as an elementary/middle school principal for 9 years. Dina has worked with schools across the US, and in Canada, Chile and Cyprus. She has presented at educational conferences in the U.S. and Canada including the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology and the National Association of Educators of Young Children.

Currently Dina works as a Keynote speaker, trainer, and Leadership Coach with parents, small business owners, schools, and organizations who want to step up their leadership presence. She is the author of Trusting the Fortune Within and co-author of Roadmap to Success with Steven Covey and Ken Blanchard. Her new book, A Working Parents Guide to RAising Great TEams is expected in 2013.SAV Emser Participant Handout
8:00 am - 10:00 am
10/3/2013Anne Hollis What Do These Numbers Really Mean?: Anne joined the Project CHOICES staff in early 2010. Before Project CHOICES she worked at Bradley University and then served as the 6 Sigma Black Belt at Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington. This position gave her a great deal of experience in the areas of data analysis, process improvement, change management and creating sustainable systems change. Anne lives in Elmwood, Illinois with her husband Todd and their 4 children.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 10/3/2013 Michaelene Ostrosky Amy Santos Hyejin Park"She took my shovel!" "I can't do it!" "There's no place for me to sit.": Helping children become problem solvers.: Professors Ostrosky and Santos are faculty members at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. They teach classes and mentor students in early childhood special education. Professors Ostrosky and Santos conduct research and publish extensively on the topic of young children's social emotional competence.October 2, 2013Helping Children Become Problem Solvers
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013Alexandra 'Sandy' Valentine A Journey With Jack: Sandy Valentine lives in East Peorias with her husband Stan and youngest son Jack. She has been supporting families of children with special needs since 1993, working with Starnet and the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project.

Her practical sense of raising children with special needs is sometimes off the beaten path, but has helped Jack become the young man he is today.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013Hedda Sharapan Communicating – It’s more than what you say: I have been with Fred Rogers and his small non-profit company for 46 years and have an M.S. in Child Development. I worked closely with Fred Rogers on his books and articles for parents, professionals and children. Currently my title is Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, and my e-newsletter reaches about 600 subscribers each month. I have presented at NAEYC conferences since 1983 and currently present keynotes and workshops across the country.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013
Michelle Clyne Deaf-Blind Intervention: Providing Access to Education in Any Setting: Michelle Clyne has worked for Project Reach/Philip Rock Center for over 20 years, first as a music therapist, then deaf-blind specialist, and now the coordinator of the statewide program. She received a degree in music therapy from Illinois State University and a Master's in Special Education: Blind/Partially Sighted from Northern Illinois University. She has also taken coursework in deaf-blindness from Michigan State University. She has done volunteer and contractual work for Hilton-Perkins International Program, and Helen Keller National Center, respectively. She is also a credentialed Illinois Early Intervention provider in the area of Developmental Therapy Vision evaluations.October 8, 2013 Deaf-Blind Intervention October 8, 2013 Cortical Visual Impairment: Do You See What I See?
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013 Patty Mack Family-centered Collaborative Care Between Pediatric Health and Community Providers: Patricia Mack RN,MS, LMFT is a nurse and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Experience includes working with children and their families in child and adolescent psychiatry and at the Chrysallis Center for Individual and Family Development. She completed the Infant Mental Health certification program at Erikson Institute. She is a codirector for the EDOPC (Enhancing Developmentally Oriented Primary Care) Project, a collaboration between Advocate Healthy Steps and the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. EDOPC offers primary care providers training and technical assistance on preventive health and developmental services for children birth to three and their families.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013 Katelyn Kanwischer Family-centered Collaborative Care Between Pediatric Health and Community Providers: Katelyn has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a masters degree in developmental psychology. She has worked with children and families in a variety of programs such as Healthy Families Illinois and Healthy Steps for Young Children program. She now works as a Healthy Steps Consultant for the EDOPC (Enhancing Developmentally Oriented Primary Care) Project, which is working to change the way primary preventive care is provided to children and families.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013Jim Gill Inspiring Music Play for the Classroom: Jim Gill is a musician and author with unique credentials among children's artists. As a child development specialist, with a special emphasis on the study of play, each of Jim’s recordings and books are created as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult. Jim has released six award-winning CDs of music play for young children, and is the author of two children's books. His latest, A Soup Opera, which received a 2010 American Library Association award, is a sing-along opera performed with symphony orchestras. Jim worked with organizations such as Head Start, The National Association for the Education of Young Children, The National Association for Family Child Care and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013 Anni Krummel Making Every Minute Count: Interactive Differentiation: Anni Krummel, MS. Ed, has been an early childhood teacher for the past six years. She has worked in Mombasa, Kenya, Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Central Illinois. She is currently working on her doctorate at Illinois State University in the Curriculum and Instruction Department. She is focusing her studies on the perceptions of biracial students in early childhood and early elementary classrooms. Ms. Krummel also has a four year old son and twin two year old girls.Powerpoint with All Handouts
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013Jennifer Barrett-Zitkus Measuring the Success of Early Intervention: Jennifer Barrett-Zitkus is a graduate of Illinois State University (1987). She received her Master's Degree in Early Intervention Special Education at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee (1990). Illinois EI Training.

Jennifer is a Regional Training Consultant for the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. In addition to her role with the EI Training Program she is the Illinois Medical Diagnostic Network Coordinator for Lutheran General Children's Hospital which provides technical assistance to Child and Family Connections # 2 in Lake County, IL.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013Donald Kachur Teachers Taking the Lead in Classroom Walkthroughs: Donald Kachur is Professor Emeritus of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education at Illinois State University (ISU), Normal, IL. He also served as the full-time Executive Director of the Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (Illinois ASCD) from 2001-2008. He brings to the consulting field a strong background in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, team building, group facilitation, grant writing, and professional development. He was the lead author of Classroom Walkthroughs to Improve Teaching and Learning (2010) published by Eye on Education and a forthcoming ASCD book titled Teachers Taking the Lead in Classroom Walkthroughs.Teachers Taking the Lead in Classroom Walkthroughs
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/3/2013 Julia Stoner
Hedda Meadan The PiCS Project: Training and Coaching Parents of Young Children with Developmental Disabilities to Increase Their Childrens Social Pragmatic Communication Skills: Julia B. Stoner is a certified speech and language pathologist, holds a doctorate in special education, and is a professor at Illinois State University. Dr. Stoner teaches undergraduate, masters and doctoral level classes. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences, and is a co-investigator on the Institute of Education Sciences funded PiCS project along with Drs. Hedda Meadan and Maureen Angell. Dr. Stoners research interests include AAC, early childhood intervention, and parent-professional interaction.

Hedda Meadan is an assistant professor and teaches at the University of Illinois in the Department of Special Education. Dr. Meadan's research interests are focused on early childhood intervention and she was the primary investigator on the IES funded PiCS project. Dr. Meadan has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has presented on topics of early childhood intervention at national and internal conferences. Dr. Meadan is also a board certified behavior analyst.September 30, 2013PiCS Project Powerpoint slides
Kathy Slattery 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 10/3/2013 Toni DamschUnderstanding Selective Mutism: What You Need to Know: Kathy Slattery is the Project Director for STAR NET Region II, located in Arlington Heights. Kathy is a volunteer State Coordinator for the Selective Mutism Group, and is available to provide information and resources to parents and professionals looking to learn more about helping children with Selective Mutism.

Toni Damsch has a degree from Illinois State University and has taught in classrooms at the Early Childhood through Junior High level. She is the parent of a son who has Selective Mutism, and is the coordinator for a local Selective Mutism parent support group which meets periodically in the Chicago area. Understanding Selective Mutism Powerpoint
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 10/3/2013 Amy PinkstonUtulizing visuals to support children's interactive play skills: Amy Pinkston is currently a special services coordinator for Joliet Public Schools within the Early Childhood program. She has previously been a special education Early Childhood Teacher for 14 years. While teaching, she was a demonstration classroom for the Illinois Autism Project.October 9, 2013Visual strategies to promote children's interactive play skills
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 10/3/2013 Linda DauksasWe ARE family!: I am currently the Director of the Early Childhood Program at Elmhurst College where I am teaching in both the Early Childhood and Elementary teacher preparation programs. Before moving to higher education I spent over 30 years teaching and leading early childhood programs for children, with special needs, and their families. Today, much of my work and research centers on finding ways to empower all families so they can positively impact their child's growth and development.October 3, 2013We ARE Family!
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 10/3/2013Ann CurtisWild, Wacky, Wonderful World of Art Experiences: Ann is recently retired from being the director of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center for 34 years. She has had extensive experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Ann has had her curriculum ideas shared in various teaching magazines. She has given numerous workshops on early childhood topics across the state and at AEYC conferences across the United States.Wild, Wacky, Wonderful World of Art Experiences
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Marcia Breese Basic Everyday Sign Language for Young Children: Marcia Breese, Outreach Coordinator for the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD), has worked in the field of deafness/disabilities for more than twenty five years. As the parent of two adult children who are deaf and visually impaired, Marcia has been using American Sign Language as a means of communication for more than 30 years.Basic Everyday Sign Language for Young Children Resources for ASL Information and Practice
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Vicki Niswander Building Community from the Start: Vicki Niswander is the parent of three children, who are all now adults. Her daughter, Annie, age 30, was born with Down Syndrome. Although Vicki began her professional life as a teacher, she quickly became an advocate for her daughter and others, serving in several roles locally and statewide. Vicki is the Executive Director for the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives (IAMC). October 1, 2013Building Community From the Start October 1, 2013Letter to a Young Parent
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Michele Westmaas Building Community from the Start: Michele Westmaas is the parent of a teen daughter, Aubrie, who has Kabuki syndrome and who is thriving at home, at school, and in the community. A teacher when Aubrie was born, Michele turned her efforts away from the classroom toward Aubrie's needs. Michele has worked with the Arc of Illinois, Family Support Network, Illinois School for the Deaf Outreach, and Hearing & Vision Early Intervention Outreach. Michele currently serves as Central Illinois Organizer for the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives.
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Carole Peterson Stephens (Miss Carole) Dancing Feet!: 'Miss Carole' Stephens (Peterson) has been a leader in Early Childhood Music and Movement for over 20 years. Through her company, Macaroni Soup!, she provides seminars and concerts in the US and abroad. In Illinois, Carole teaches parent/child and preschool classes during the school year. Her 7 award-winning cds are valued by teachers and librarians everywhere. Carole's mantra is 'if you teach with enthusiasm, children learn with enthusiasm!'Dancing Feet!
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Ron Mohl Exploring Math and Science within your Learning Environment: Ron Mohl brings over 14 years of experience in the education industry to his position of Lead Educational Presenter for Lakeshore Learning Materials. In this role, Ron has presented to school districts, public and private institutions, Head Start programs, and military bases across the country. By focusing on the importance of play in the learning process, Ron’s trainings help educators enrich curricula related to language development, math, science, music and diversity. Ron presents at numerous state, regional and national conferences, including NAEYC, NHSA and NAFCC among others. In addition to conference trainings, Ron has delivered keynote addresses that focus on team building, classroom management, physical fitness and health. Ron also partners with educators to develop customized program-based trainings, where he aligns targeted learning materials to the criteria of Environment Rating Scales, Head Start Domains and individual state standards.
Jenna Weglarz-Ward
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013 Christine Davis Get with the Routine! Embedding Developmental Goals into Daily Routines: Jenna Weglarz-Ward is currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in Special Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Special Education with a specialization in early childhood, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked in the field of special education for the past 15 years in a variety of roles including preschool teacher, early interventionist, literacy tutor, and therapeutic recreation. She works on a Head Start-funded training and technical assistance project and conducts workshops on play-based curriculum and gross motor development.

Christine Davis is a credentialed Developmental Therapist for the Illinois Early Intervention system, a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, and a Board Certified Music Therapist. She has taught several courses at Triton College, including Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood, Creative Activities in Early Childhood, and Human Growth & Development. She is also a training consultant with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. Christine is currently pursuing a PhD in Special Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Katie Shea Invisible Stories: Katie Shea taught early childhood and special education for primary students before she became the mother of a young child with developmental delays. After enjoying a warm and supportive experience receiving early intervention services with her youngest son, she decided became a developmental therapist. Inspired by a storytelling great-grandmother, Katie has adapted stories to connect with her own children at home as well as in the classroom and the homes of the families she visits each week. September 29, 2013Invisible Stories
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Sarah Valaika Itchy Food: a food allergy education program for adults and children: Sarah Valaika is a mother of 4 children and hails from a large extended family. She weds her academic training and professional experience with her family life on a daily basis. She has been an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Triton College in the Early Childhood/Education Department since 2009. She teaches a range of courses at Triton: Child Development; Intro to ECE; Science & Math for the Young Child; Health, Safety & Nutrition; and Creative Activities for the Young Child. Sarah is also an active participant in the Erikson Institutes Early Mathematics Education Community College Partnership Project.
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Julie Whiteside Preschool Science: I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College. I have been teaching for 16 years. I have worked in the public school system, child care centers, and have owned my own in-home daycare. I am a mother of two boys. I have personally overcome my fear of teaching science as well. I have developed several units that I use in my classroom to have fun with teaching science.Preschool Science
Martha Owens
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013 Lisa Ellis Sowing and Nurturing the Seeds of Community Collaboration: Martha Owens has over 30 years of preschool and college-level teaching and administrative experience in a variety of programs, including university lab schools, Head Start, DoD Child Development Services, and the YWCA. Ms. Owens has served as a Family Child Care Provider, Training Coordinator, Consultant, Professional Development Advisor, and Lincoln Foundation for Performance Excellence Examiner. Her community volunteer roles include service as President of the Early Childhood Coalition of the Illinois Quad City Area and President and Treasurer of Quad Cities AEYC. Ms. Owens received an Illinois AEYC Children's Champion Award in 2010.

Lisa A. Ellis has over 15 years of research, preschool teaching, and administrative experience in a variety of programs, including early intervention, literacy, and NAEYC-accredited programs. Her background includes co-authoring several professional articles, workshop presentations, and grant writing. Ms. Ellis community volunteer experience includes serving as: Champaign County Birth to Six Council Co-Chair; Champaign County Family Resource Fair Planning Committee Member; Champaign-Urbana Autism Network Awareness Movie Production Project Leader; Easter Seals Partners for Quality Inclusive Child Care Grant Project Coordinator; and Illinois AEYC Conference Professional Development Committee Chair. Ms. Ellis received a Bright Horizons Community Champions Award in 2004.October 3, 2013 Sowing Seeds HO Collab Building Resources October 3, 2013Sowing Seeds HO World Cafe Overview
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Ralph Weisheit The Effects of Methamphetamine on Children and Families: Dr. Weisheit is a Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Illinois State University where he has been teaching and conducting research for more than 29 years. Much of his research has focused on the consequences of illicit drug use. For the past nine years he has been studying the impact of methamphetamine use and production. He is the author of eight books, including his most recent book titled 'Methamphetamine: Its History, Use, and Production' which is co-authored with William White, an international authority on drug treatment.
Cheryl Light Shriner
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013 Charis Price This Child is Out of Control!': Functional Assessment of Problem Behavior: Cheryl Light Shriner, Ph.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who teaches courses and supervises Early Childhood Special Education Master's Students in the Department of Special Education. She also consults with school districts on children who demonstrate communication and behavioral challenges.

Charis Price is a doctoral student in the Department of Special Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is interested in functional assessment and interventions that teach effective communication strategies to young children with special needs. October 3, 2013Presentation Powerpoint October 3, 2013Case Form (Blank)October 3, 2013Tim Case Description October 3, 2013Case Study Form - Tim October 3, 2013Functional Assessment Interview October 3, 2013ABC Chart-Tim October 3, 2013Scatterplot-Tim October 3, 2013Hypothesis Form - Tim
3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
10/3/2013Kathy Barclay Using Informational Books to Build Background Knowledge & Vocabulary: Dr. Kathy Barclay is a Professor of Early Childhood and Reading at Western Illinois University where she has taught early childhood and reading courses for the past 28 years. She is Editor of the Illinois Reading Council Journal, a former project director for the Illinois Reading First Professional Development academies, and author of ISBE's Meeting the Challenge PreK-2: Professional Development in Reading series. Dr. Barclay has authored/co-authored four books and over 100 articles in professional journals, including a regular column, 'Write On,' in Children and Families, the former journal of the National Head Start Association.Using Informational Books to Build Background Knowledge & Vocabulary PPT Handout for Using Informational Books to Build Background Knowledge & Vocabulary
8:30 am – 10:00 am
10/4/2013Kathy Buckley No Labels, No Limits!: Kathy Buckley is a five-time American Comedy Award Nominee as Best Stand-Up Female Comedienne and the winner of countless other awards for her work. She is also an actress, writer and producer, author, humanitarian, and one of the country’s leading motivational speakers. Her television appearances include The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, Inside Edition, CNN, HBO, VH1’s Stand-Up Spotlight, Comic Strip Live, Evening at the Improv, and Caroline's Comedy Hour. E! Entertainment named her one of the “World’s Most Intriguing Women” in their original special. In addition to comedy, Kathy is an actress who is also known for her co-starring roles in TV series such as “Touched by an Angel,” and starred in her own original award winning PBS special, “No Labels, No Limits.” Her extraordinary story is truly amazing to all who experience it.

An active volunteer for causes close to her heart, Kathy spends time helping numerous children’s charities such as No Limits, a non-profit organization for children who are hard of hearing or deaf. A sought after speaker, she has inspired people around the nation, speaking at corporate events, conferences, and universities. She is the author of the heartfelt and hilarious book “If You Could Hear What I See.” She has also been recognized by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army for outstanding efforts toward disability employment awareness, and is a key speaker for Anthony Robbins' Life Mastery Classes.

Whether performing in a comedy club, appearing on television, speaking publicly, teaching at camps for children, or appearing in any number of other settings, Kathy Buckley bears her message that anything can be achieved when the heart and the mind work together.
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Amanda Hopkins Care of the Child with Special Needs Outside the Hosptial Setting: Dr. Amanda Hopkins is a Clinical Instructor for the University of Illinois at Chicago, Urbana Regional Program's College of Nursing. She has worked in various capacities in the field of nursing for the past 15 years, including her work as a hospital nurse in pediatrics and in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dr. Hopkins research interests include: Family-centered management of chronic conditions in school-aged children as well as cultural implications in providing healthcare to various populations.
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Lynn Barts Count Me IN! Early Intervention and Child Care-A Partnership that Works: Lynn Barts passion is early intervention! Her educational background includes a BA in Child Development & Family Relations and an MA in Counseling. Lynn has worked with infants and toddlers, their families and caregivers in a variety of capacities as an early interventionist, an Inclusion Coordinator with Child Care Resource & Referral, a consultant with Head Start programs, the director for a school district Parents as Teachers Program, and as adjunct faculty within early care & education programs. She has provided training and technical assistance for both Missouri and Illinois Early Intervention Programs.EI & CC Supp Packet
Sarah Valaika
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013 Christine Davis Create to Educate: Using Creative Activities to support development and learning: Sarah Valaika is a mother of 4 children and hails from a large extended family. She weds her academic training and professional experience with her family life on a daily basis. She has been an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Triton College in the Early Childhood/Education Department since 2009. She teaches a range of courses at Triton: Child Development; Intro to ECE; Science & Math for the Young Child; Health, Safety & Nutrition; and Creative Activities for the Young Child. Sarah is also an active participant in the Erikson Institutes Early Mathematics Education Community College Partnership Project.

Christine Davis is a credentialed Developmental Therapist for the Illinois Early Intervention system, a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, and a Board Certified Music Therapist. Christine has taught several courses at Triton College, including Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood, Creative Activities for the Young Child, and Human Growth & Development. Additionally, she is a training consultant with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. Christine is currently pursuing a PhD in Special Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Johnna Darragh-Ernst Creating Engaging Environments that Support Families Who Are Culturally, Linguistically, and Ability Diverse: Dr. Johnna Darragh-Ernst is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at Heartland Community College. She currently serves on several state and national steering committees supporting young children who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and is the Principle Investigator for Heartland's Equity and Inclusion Grant, which is designed to blend evidence-based practices into curriculum supporting culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse populations. She is currently working on a book highlighting early childhood practices that engage families of young children who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse.
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Michelle Clyne Do You See What I See? Helping Young Children with Cortical Visual Impairment in Natural Environments: Michelle Clyne has worked for Project Reach/Philip Rock Center for over 20 years, first as a music therapist, then deaf-blind specialist, and now the coordinator of the statewide program. She received a degree in music therapy from Illinois State University and a Master's in Special Education: Blind/Partially Sighted from Northern Illinois University. She has also taken coursework in deaf-blindness from Michigan State University. She has done volunteer and contractual work for Hilton-Perkins International Program, and Helen Keller National Center, respectively. She is also a credentialed Illinois Early Intervention provider in the area of Developmental Therapy Vision evaluations.October 3, 2013Deaf-Blind Intervention - Definition
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Amanda Quesenberry Help! Addressing Challenging Behaviors During Classroom Routines: Amanda Quesenberry, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at Illinois State University. Dr. Quesenberry has worked in a local Head Start program, has served as a training and technical assistance provider for early childhood programs across the country, and also completed a National Fellowship at the Office of Head Start in Washington, DC. Dr. Quesenberry received her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007. Her research interests include young children's social emotional development, educators professional development, and early childhood policy.Help! Addressing Challenging Behaviors Communication is Key Daily Routine Guide My Teacher Wants to Know Routine-Based Support Guide Teacher Support Planning Sheet
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Susan Connor Language in the Brain: Susan Connor has 15 years experience working on behalf of young children and their families in the Part C Early Intervention system. Susan’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on early childhood and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois. Susan has worked in a variety of capacities at all levels of the EI system. Currently, Susan is a Regional Training Coordinator with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. Her responsibilities include planning, developing, and disseminating learning opportunities for early interventionists statewide. Her professional interests currently include developing professional development opportunities that support interventionists in translating theory to practice, which interventionists will say is one of the hardest things to do. To this end, Susan has worked hard to maintain involvement at all levels of service delivery – from training and consultation to working in the natural environment with caregivers and young children to partnering with community stakeholders. Language and the Brain Handout Package
Daniella Barroqueiro
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013 Michael Vetere III Making and Using Puppets for Social and Emotional Development: Dr. Daniella Ramos Barroqueiro is an Associate Professor of Art Education at Illinois State University. She teaches art methods courses for elementary and early childhood majors. Her research deals with children's artistic development. Dr. Barroqueiro received her Masters and Doctorate from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied with Lillian Katz, Liora Bresler, and Christine Thompson. While in Champaign, Dr. Barroqueiro taught kindergarteners in the Saturday Art School Program, and served as the art specialist at University Primary School. She regularly presents at state, regional and national education conferences and has received several honors in teaching between 1994-2007.

Michael J. Vetere III teaches the Creative Dramatics and Puppetry courses at Illinois State University. He received his M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University in Theatre Pedagogy and his B.F.A. from West Virginia University. He taught and directed creative dramatics and puppetry programs in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the DC area. Michael's credits include The Puppet Co., Spectrum Puppets, Milwaukee Rep, and Bread and Puppet. Michael is a published author and presents at state, regional, and national conferences on various topics in creative dramatics, puppetry, and ECE. He also directs the Saturday Creative Drama program at ISU for youth.
Carolyn Webb
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013 Sandra Johnson Playground to Outdoor Classroom - a Paradigm Shift: Carolyn Webb has a BS in Early Childhood from Iowa State University and a MS in Early Childhood Special Education from University of Illinois. She has been teacher/director at Messiah Lutheran Preschool in Port Byron, IL since 1999. Over the last 6 years, she has worked with staff and families to create an outdoor classroom using it almost every day with her class of 18, three and four year olds. Carolyn is a PITC trainer, ITERS assessor, ITN appraiser, and has many years of experience training and mentoring early childhood educators.

Sandra Johnson has been a teacher at Messiah Lutheran Preschool in Port Byron since 1999. She and other staff as well as preschool families have spent the last 6 years creating and using the outdoor classroom at Messiah Lutheran. With a commitment to learning outdoors, nature and environmental education Sandra and her 18, four and five year old students spend most of each class session in the outdoor classroom. In August 2012, Sandra began the Trail Tuesday program for her class - small group trail hikes in a local woodland with an emphasis on exploration, observation, and documentation. October 2, 2013Nature Quotes October 2, 2013Resource Page
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Patricia Chamberlain Scaffolding Play for English Language Learners (ELL's): Pat Chamberlain is currently working as a consultant with school districts and agencies on issues related to optimizing the educational opportunities for culturally diverse young children and their families. She teaches graduate courses in Bilingual Special Education at the University of Illinois-Chicago and in Bilingual/ESL Early Childhood at the Erikson Institute in Chicago. She has worked in a variety of capacities since 1975. She has been a bilingual teacher, a teacher trainer at the Illinois Resource Center, a bilingual special education supervisor, and a director of Early Learners programs in School District U-46.Scaffolding Play for English Language Learners Instructional planning template
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Carole Peterson Stephens (Miss Carole) SING THROUGH THE SEASONS!: 'Miss Carole' Stephens (Peterson) has been a leader in Early Childhood Music and Movement for over 20 years. Through her company, Macaroni Soup!, she provides seminars and concerts all over the US and abroad. In Illinois, Carole teaches parent/child and Toddler-K classes, as well as school classroom visits for Pre-K - 2nd grade. Her 7 award-winning cd's are valued by teachers and librarians everywhere. On the Pre-K and K Sharing blog and the Macaroni Soup website's Song of the Month page Carole shares teacher-friendly curricula. Carole's enthusiasm for her work is contagious - join her for an energizing workshop!September 29, 2013 Sing Through The Seasons
Therese Wehman
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013 Donna Nylander Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Toys you Loved as a Child: Therese Wehman, Ph.D. is a Professor of Education at Elmhurst College. She directs a graduate program in Early Childhood Special Education at the College and specializes in young children with disabilities, early childhood program administration, and international course development and service-learning in South Africa and Greece.

Donna Nylander, M.A. is currently the Principal at Valley View Early Childhood Center in District 365U. Donna has spent her career administering early childhood programs for young children and their families. She has also been an active participant and leader in both state and national professional organizations like DEC and ISBE workgroups.
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Sallee Beneke What Can We Learn from Reggio Emilia: Sallee is an assistant professor early childhood education at St. Ambrose University where she teaches courses in child development, curriculum, assessment, math methods, and science methods. She provides statewide trainings in the Project Approach, the Reggio Emilia Approach, documentation, authentic assessment, math, science, and inclusion. Sallee is a co-coordinator of the Illinois Projects in Practice website (http://illinoispip.org/), and she writes a regular blog for the site. She is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences, and she has authored or co-authored four books and written articles on the Project Approach, science learning, and documentation
10:15 am - 11:45 am
10/4/2013Ann Curtis Wild, Wacky, Wonderful World of Art Experiences: Ann is recently retired from being the director of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center for 34 years. She has had extensive experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Ann has had her curriculum ideas shared in various teaching magazines. She has given numerous workshops on early childhood topics across the state and at AEYC conferences across the United States.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Penny Salvato Autism: Supports, Resources, & Organizational Tips: Penny Salvato holds a M.S. in Early Childhood Education, a B.S. in Special Education for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, and 20 years of teaching experience in regular (Pre-K-3) and special education. Her passion in life became learning all she could about Autism in order to help her own son who was diagnosed at 25 months with Autism. She has started her own support group and website to provide support. Penny is a Family Resource Specialist with the IL Autism Training & Technical Assistance Project and a member of the Board of Directors for Family Matters Parent Training & Information Centers.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 10/4/2013Lynn Barts Susan ConnorEveryday Stuff in Early Intervention...Family Routines, Rituals, and Resources: Lynn Barts passion is early intervention! Her educational background includes a BA in Child Development & Family Relations and an MA in Counseling. Lynn has worked with infants and toddlers, their families and caregivers in a variety of capacities as an early interventionist, an Inclusion Coordinator with Child Care Resource & Referral, a consultant with Head Start programs, the director for a school district Parents as Teachers Program, and as adjunct faculty within early care & education programs. She has provided training and technical assistance for both Missouri and Illinois Early Intervention Programs.

Susan Connor has 15 years experience working on behalf of young children and their families in the Part C Early Intervention system. Susan’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on early childhood and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois. Susan has worked in a variety of capacities at all levels of the EI system. Currently, Susan is a Regional Training Coordinator with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. Her responsibilities include planning, developing, and disseminating learning opportunities for early interventionists statewide. Her professional interests currently include developing professional development opportunities that support interventionists in translating theory to practice, which interventionists will say is one of the hardest things to do. To this end, Susan has worked hard to maintain involvement at all levels of service delivery – from training and consultation to working in the natural environment with caregivers and young children to partnering with community stakeholders.September 29, 2013Everyday Stuff in Early Intervention Resources Routines and Rituals September 29, 2013 Everyday Stuff in Early Intervention Key Principles
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Erin Wiese-Reichert Hands-on-Science: Erin Wiese-Reichert graduated from Illinois State University in 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education. Erin has worked in the Education Department at the Children's Discovery Museum since May of 2006 and currently hold the position of Early Childhood Educator. She is in charge of all Early Childhood education programs in the museum as well as Early Childhood outreach programs within the central Illinois community.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Sherial McKinney How to Move with Math!: Sherial McKinney is an Early Childhood Resource Specialist with STARNET Regions I & III and has taught and worked in the field of early childhood education over 35 years. She has taught Early Childhood Special Education in a self-contained setting and in a blended program with Pre-K at Risk students. She also taught Kindergarten and Title I Reading and Math for grades K-8. Also served as teacher and director for a federally-funded day care center.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Sallee Beneke Including Children with Mild to Moderate Cognitive Delays in Project Work: Sallee is an assistant professor early childhood education at St. Ambrose University where she teaches courses in child development, curriculum, assessment, math methods, and science methods. She provides statewide trainings in the Project Approach, the Reggio Emilia Approach, documentation, authentic assessment, math, science, and inclusion. Sallee is a co-coordinator of the Illinois Projects in Practice website (http://illinoispip.org/), and she writes a regular blog for the site. She is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences, and she has authored or co-authored four books and written articles on the Project Approach, science learning, and documentation
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Mindy Ely Moving from Classmate to Friend: 5 Key Strategies for Children with Visual Impairments: Mindy Ely is an Early Childhood Resource Specialist with STARnet. To that role she brings expertise in the area of visual impairment. Mindy received her formal training through Illinois State University obtaining her bachelors in Special Education specializing in the area of visual impairments in 1993. Mrs. Ely worked as a Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI) and then as a Developmental Therapist for Vision (DTV) in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Considered one of Illinois leading experts in the area of early childhood development as it relates to vision loss, she has become a sought after speaker and consultant.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Elizabeth Frisbie Stressed Out Stephan and Anxious Annie: Elizabeth Frisbie, MA, MSEd. has worked with young children and their parents and teachers for over 20 years as a mental health consultant, behavior specialist, parent educator, teacher and Master Naturalist. She holds masters degrees in clinical psychology (with a speciality in child and family therapy) and education (with an emphasis in school-based services for at-risk students). She has completed additional post-graduate training in play therapy, special education, early childhood assessment and environmental education. Elizabeth uses humor, real-life examples, current research and practical strategies to bring her workshops to life.
Cheryl Light Shriner
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013 Lily Jimenez Teaching Concepts to Young Children with Disabilities who Are English Language Learners: Cheryl Light Shriner, Ph.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who teaches courses and supervises Early Childhood Special Education Master's Students in the Department of Special Education. She also consults with school districts on children who demonstrate communication and behavioral challenges.

Lily Jimenez teaches children who are English Language Learners at Washington Early Childhood Center in Urbana, IL. She provides direct bilingual and ELL service to children and consultation and support to teachers at Washington Early Childhood and Leal Schools. October 3, 2013DLL Powerpoint October 3, 2013Demonstration Activity October 3, 2013Reflection Matrix October 3, 2013 Guidelines for Selecting Books
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Tionia Williams The Perfect Storm: Successfully Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Challenging Behaviors: Tionia Williams is an early childhood teacher for the last 6 years at the Valley View School District, Romeoville, IL. She is teaching blended classes with at-risk and special needs students. She started her teaching career in inner Chicago where she taught for 10 years. Tionia has experience working with students with challenging behaviors who have been preschool drop outs.She has implemented many successful Tier 2 and 3 strategies. Tionia has presented at the International Division of Early Childhood conference in New Mexico,Illinois Statewide PBIS Conference, 2010,Springfield; Challenging Behavior Institute, Florida, 2010;Region XIII Keynote Speaker in Texas 2010;
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Sue Keasler What Else? .......I'm In Sensory Overload!: Sue has taught for 24 years & works with 3,4, & 5 year olds in a community where jobs are scarce, parental participation is low. Sue received her BS in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University & her Masters in Early Childhood from SIU-Edwardsville. She has had experience with SPD, ADD/ADHD, music & art classroom success, many special needs students. Other workshops on ADD/ADHD, music & literacy, co-teaching, IPA, & being part of the first Early Childhood task force for IEA & promoting best practices. Sue was the 2006 SIUE Early Childhood Educator of the Year.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
10/4/2013Tamara Notter Yoga and Children: Tamara Notter has worked in the field of Early Childhood & School Age Care and Education for approximately 32 years. She has worked as a Lead Teacher, Trainer, Education Coordinator and an Assistant Director. Along with working in the Early Childhood field, Tamara has a second part/time career as a Group Fitness Instructor and has been teaching for 29 years. She has been teaching a yoga hybrid class for approximately 7 years.

Additional Handouts

Klein, Rebecca

Taylor, Pandora

Weldin-Frisch, Janelle

October 1, 2013 ILS Orientation

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