Are you tired of being on IEP teams that get and stay stuck?
Are you tired of Being on IEP teams that get and stay stuck?
Are you ready to feel confident, equipped, and empowered in your advocacy journey? Whether you're a parent, teacher, advocate, therapist, or administrator, this conference is designed just for you!
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This conference is designed to help parents, advocates, and professionals navigate the legal framework, best practices, and negotiation strategies needed to create highly effective IEP teams. When IEP teams work together, everyone benefits.
Here’s What’s in Store Over the the Three Days:
- Deep dives into special education law
- Expert-led sessions on sensory processing, behavior, reading, and more
- Strategies for advocacy and negotiation
How It Works:
Each day—February 26, 27, and 28—a new set of sessions will go live for 24 hours. You can watch them completely free during that time. If you need extra time or want to revisit sessions, check out our extended access ticket options for on-demand viewing and bonus content.
Have Questions?
We’re here to help. Join the conversation in our Circle platform, send a DM on social media, or reach out via email.
What is the SAEC Conference?
Each day's sessions for The Special Education & Advocacy Conference will be available for 24 hours only, beginning at 8:00 AM EST. Once the 24-hour period expires, access to these sessions will no longer be available. To extend your access, you can purchase the All-Access Pass (AAP), which grants you one year of access to all session recordings and exclusive digital goodies.
the agenda
8AM
The IEP Process for Parents
with Ashley Barlow
Wednesday, February 26th, 8am, EST
8AM
Specialized Intervention and Advocacy for Students with Dyslexia
with Megan E Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT
8AM
How to Start Inclusion at a School That Doesn't Practice Inclusion
with Kayla Coburn
8AM
There's No Special Education in Adulthood: What you Need to Know About Transition
with Angela Tyszka
8AM
3 Simple Strategies To Foster Engagement, Play & Communication In Autistic Preschoolers
with Tara Phillips
8AM
Behavior and Belonging: Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion
with ashley barlow
8AM
Getting Started with Naturalistic Interventions for Autistic Learners
with Rose Griffin
Thursday, February 27th, 8am, EST
8AM
From Tension to Teamwork: Harnessing Conflict for IEP Success
with ashley barlow
8AM
Common Mistakes Made When Potty Training An Autistic Child
with Molly Johnson
8AM
Building Neuroaffirming IEPs: Empowering Neurodivergent Learners
with Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC
8AM
Barriers to Support: PDA Learners and the IEP Process
with Lisa Baskin Wright and Jessica Hanzo, MA LMFT
8AM
Beyond Academics: Navigating IEPs and 504s for Families
with Brandi Tanner, Ph.D., NCSP
Friday, February 28th, 8am, EST
8AM
When the School Team Says, " We Don't Have the Data To Support That,"..
with ashley barlow
8AM
IEP Assessments: WHAT'S the Deal?
with April Rehrig
8AM
Visual Supports Made Simple
with Abigail Moehringer
8AM
Not All Advocates are Created Equal: Tips for Choosing a Special Education Advocate
with Angela Tyszka
Meet the Experts
your special education bff's
I’ve hand-selected a field of over 15 experts that are teachers, doctoral-level behaviorists, school psychologists, literacy coaches and specialists, attorneys, advocates, and parents that have tried and true strategies to share with you. This line up of experts is a dream come true for me, because I’ve followed many of them on social media for years, and I’ve heard several of them speak at other conferences.
ashley barlow
April Rehrig
Special Education Advocate and School Psychologist
special education attorney and owner of Ashley Barlow Co.
Kayla Coburn
Inclusion Specialist
Megan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT
Certified Academic Language Therapist
Molly Johnson
Joy Eberhardt De Master
The.PDA.Doc
Autism Consultant
Lisa Baskin Wright
IEP Coach
Dr. Taylor Day
Licensed Psychologist
Tara Phillips
Angela Tyszka
Special Education Advocate
Speech/Language Pathologist
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC
Mental Health Therapist & Neuroaffirming IEP Coach
Brandi Tanner, Ph.D.
Psychologist | Special Education Advocate
Abigail Moehringer
Brandi Lemay
Special Education Advocate
Behavior Specialist
Rose Griffin
SLP/BCBA
Jessica Hanzo, LMFT
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant and Therapist
IEP Assessments: WHAT'S the Deal?
Special education assessments are hard to read and rarely make sense. It's time we change that! In this video, I'll take you behind the scenes of IEP assessments so you know WHEN then happen, WHAT they look like, and HOW to get started so you can master your child's special education assessment like a pro!
Meet April
with April Rehrig
award-winning special education teacher
April Rehrig is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. She spent over 20 years as a teacher and school psychologist before starting Rise. April is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) and Board Certified Special Education Advocate (BCEA Fellow). She’s a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Master IEP Coach©. Services include Parent IEP Coaching, Fillable Templates & Guides, Group IEP Training, and Do It Yourself IEP Workshops. Follow April on Instagram @riseedadvocacy and YouTube at Rise Educational Advocacy. A native Angelino, April, and her husband share a blended family with seven children. When not passionately advocating, you’ll find April walking her hilarious pug, Luna.
How to Start Inclusion at a School That Doesn't Practice Inclusion
Meet Kayla
with Kayla Coburn
award-winning special education teacher
Hi! I'm Kayla Coburn, former para, special education teacher, education specialist, turned inclusion specialist and mom of 2. California native, relocated to the PNW. Since 2010, when I started in the field, inclusion has been the goal. Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help.
Specialized Intervention and Advocacy for Students with Dyslexia
Specialized Intervention and Advocacy for Students with Dyslexia covers the 5 W's of Dyslexia: (1) Why we have a literacy crisis in the US (2) What is Dyslexia (3) When we test, including early intervention (4) Who is qualified to intervene for individuals with dyslexia appropriately and (5) Where will we be as a nation if we do not make the needed changes.
Meet Megan
with Megan E Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT
award-winning special education teacher
Megan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist through the state of Texas. She completed her Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) training from the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Center of Austin in 2011. After a 10 year career as a special education teacher in the Texas public school system, in 2012 she transitioned into private practice as a dyslexia therapist and CALT servicing children out of her office in Dripping Springs, Texas. After 7 years of experience in private practice, she acted on her knowledge of the severe shortage of Certified Academic Language Therapists globally required to service the estimated 20% of the needed population and began Dyslexia On Demand, an exclusively web based, one on one platform connecting students with CALTs nationwide. Her understanding of the shortage of quality dyslexia servicing for children on a national level propels her daily to stretch her knowledge, voice, and reach.
Megan is a Vice President of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), co-host of the Don’t Call On Me Podcast, and a national speaker on dyslexia. Additionally, she holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Business Administration through Louisiana State University. She is passionate about dyslexia advocacy, legislation at the state and national level, and supporting students and parents through the social-emotional impact of dyslexia and the struggle to receive appropriate servicing.
Additionally, and most importantly, she is a wife and the mother to five wonderful children ranging in ages from 7 to 26 years old. She and her family enjoy spending as much time as they can together and outside in the beautiful Texas hill country an hour outside of Austin, Texas.
Common Mistakes Made When Potty Training An Autistic Child
It takes a very specific plan that addresses processing needs, sensory differences, communication differences, and more when potty training an autistic child. After helping hundreds of families potty train their autistic child, Molly has a very specific list of strategies to avoid during the process. Watch and learn about the most common mistakes made and what to do instead to go from diapers to independently using the toilet.
Meet Molly
with Molly Johnson
award-winning special education teacher
Molly Johnson is an autism consultant with 10+ years experience working with children on the spectrum and their families. She transitioned from being a self-contained special education teacher in the public school system to consulting with parents, therapists, and teachers from all over the world after seeing a need for more support.
Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in special education, a master’s degree in educational administration, and a master's degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders. As an autism consultant, she has combined her passion for collaborating with parents and classroom experience to support parents with skill development, like potty training, and improving challenging behavior.
Learn more about Molly Johnson at: https://www.theautismconsultant.us
Coming Soon
Meet Joy
with Joy Eberhardt De Master
award-winning special education teacher
Hi! I’m Dr. Joy Eberhardt De Master, but I go by Dr. Joy, The.PDA.Doc. I’m a board-certified pediatrician (FAAP) with a passion for caring for kids and families since 2009.
After a few years in primary care, I found my calling in integrative pediatrics to support kiddos with developmental and behavioral concerns. I take a whole child, parent-led approach. I'm a parent myself of neurodiverse kids so I "get it." I'm also neurodiverse and value new approaches to create inclusivity for all.
I’m fluent in Spanish and proud to be bicultural, having grown up between the US and Mexico. At Orchid Pediatrics, which I opened in 2021, we’re all about creating a warm, welcoming space where families feel supported and empowered. We believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone and that true partnership with families is the key to great care.
One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Camus: “Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me.” This reflects my approach—walking alongside you and your family on your journey.
Barriers to Support: PDA Learners and the IEP Process
This session will explore common barriers to support for PDA learners and why and how to advocate for brain state aligned IEPs. We'll address common challenges such as compliance-based goals and school avoidance. Attendees will leave with a roadmap to help reframe challenges, prioritize safety and advocate for supportive goals.
Meet Lisa
with Lisa Baskin Wright
award-winning special education teacher
Lisa Wright is a former teacher and parent to an autistic teen who supports families through the IEP process helping parents and caregivers feel more confident at the IEP table. Lisa takes a collaborative approach that focuses on getting curious about the learner and what kind of an environment they need to thrive. She is neurodiversity affirming and centers the lived experience of the child.
In short, her approach is:
• Collaborative
• Neurodiversity-affirming
• Quality of life centered
• Learner-centered
• Accommodation (not compliance) focused
Lisa's primary focus is the learner and making sure their program honors their humanity while being implemented in a way that builds connection between them and the teams who are supporting them.
Coming Soon
Meet Taylor
with Dr. Taylor Day
award-winning special education teacher
Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuroaffirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age.
3 Simple Strategies To Foster Engagement, Play & Communication In Autistic Preschoolers
Discover three simple strategies to foster engagement, play, and communication in autistic preschoolers by embracing their natural ways of learning. Learn how to transform exploratory behaviors like dumping and throwing into structured put-in activities, harness deep interests to create meaningful learning experiences, and integrate AAC into play in a natural, low-pressure way. These approaches empower educators and caregivers to build connection, boost engagement, and support communication in ways that are both fun and developmentally appropriate.
Meet Tara
with Tara Phillips
award-winning special education teacher
Tara is a dedicated speech/language pathologist with over two decades of experience working with young autistic children. Recognizing a need for engaging resources, she founded Autism Little Learners in 2019. Tara's passion for learning and her innovative approach have consistently driven her to find new ways to support her students and their families.
Now running Autism Little Learners full-time, Tara offers a wealth of resources, including courses and an online membership for educators and parents of young autistic children. Her commitment to fostering inclusive education is also reflected in her recently published children's book, "The Different Ways We Communicate," which aims to celebrate and support diverse communication styles.
Tara's dedication to inclusivity and professional growth has made her a leading voice in the special education community, inspiring educators and parents alike to create environments where every child can thrive.
There's No Special Education in Adulthood: What you Need to Know About Transition
Meet Angela
with Angela Tyszka
award-winning special education teacher
Angela Tyszka has more than 20 years of experience advocating for students with disabilities in both a personal and a professional capacity. She received a B.S. in Community Development and an M.S.A. in Leadership from Central Michigan University. After college she spent 14 years working in student services at Cooley Law School, with seven of those as a disability services coordinator. As the parent of two children, one with an IEP and one with a 504 plan, she has devoted much of her time volunteering for various special education parent organizations. She is a member of her local Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), and was the committee chair for two years. She also helped create and facilitate a parent resource and support group for her local school district. In 2021 she founded MI Student Advocacy Services LLC, a special education advocacy and consulting business focused on educating and representing families in the special education process. She is also a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and the Michigan Parent Advocate and Attorney Coalition (MiPACC).
Angela lives in Rochester Hills Michigan with her husband and two sons. Angela coaches youth baseball and basketball and teaches catechism at her church. She also enjoys reading, going to concerts and going to amusement parks all over the country with her family.
Not All Advocates are Created Equal: Tips for Choosing a Special Education Advocate
Building Neuroaffirming IEPs: Empowering Neurodivergent Learners
Meet Destiny
with Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC
award-winning special education teacher
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC is a late diagnosed Autistic and ADHD military spouse and mother of two neurodivergent children. Dr. Huff has provided mental health services in the early childhood, elementary, middle and high school settings. Dr. Huff currently runs a private practice where she provides mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Huff is also a non-attorney special education advocate where she helps parents advocate at the IEP table for their neurodivergent children and trains parents, schools, and organizations on how to support neurodivergent youth's mental health in the school setting. Dr. Huff is also a trauma certified therapist for children and has presented at the Autism in Black Conference, the Black Collective Advocacy Network Conference, the COPAA Annual Conference (Council of Parents, Advocates, and Attorneys), LPCGA (Licensed Professional Counselor of Georgia Association), and the LCA Conference (Louisiana Counseling Association).
Beyond Academics: Navigating IEPs and 504s for Families
Meet Brandi
with Brandi Tanner, Ph.D.
award-winning special education teacher
Brandi Tanner, Ph.D., NCSP, is a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, GA. She has experienced the IEP process in many roles, including special education teacher, general education teacher, school psychologist, private psychologist, advocate, and family member. Dr. Tanner is the founder of Your IEP Source. She uses her experience and expertise to help IEP teams use clinical information to develop appropriate accommodations and intervention programs for students with disabilities. She provides resources and educational programs for parents to learn about the IEP and 504 process. She consults with schools, agencies, and professionals and provides training on effective collaboration at the IEP or 504 table.
Visual Supports Made Simple
Meet Abby
with Abigail Moehringer
award-winning special education teacher
Abby is a sped teacher turned behavior specialist. With her background in the classroom, being a BCBA, and being passionate about trauma informed practices, she has a unique view point of behavior and implementation techniques.
Coming Soon
Meet Brandi
with Brandi Lemay
award-winning special education teacher
Brandi Lemay is a dedicated and passionate advocate for parents of children with disabilities. As the founder of Lemayzing Sped Advocacy, LLC, Brandi leverages her extensive background and personal experience to support and empower families navigating the complexities of special education. With over a decade of experience in education and educator leadership, she has worked tirelessly with students of all abilities and their families, fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her professional background includes developing and implementing educational programs, training educators, and collaborating with families to create tailored educational plans.
Brandi's journey into advocacy was inspired by her own experiences as a parent of a child with disabilities. This personal connection drives her commitment to ensuring that every child receives the individualized support they need to thrive. Her work spans across various aspects of special education, including direct support for transition-aged clients, helping them to successfully navigate the shift from school to adulthood. Brandi’s dedication to her mission is evident in every aspect of her work, making her a valuable resource and ally for parents and educators alike.
Getting Started with Naturalistic Interventions for Autistic Learners
In this course, participants will learn about providing naturalistic interventions for autistic learners. The importance of this instruction and specific teaching strategies will be discussed.
Meet Rose
with Rose Griffin
award-winning special education teacher
Rosemarie Griffin, MA, CCC/SLP BCBA, is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is the founder of ABA SPEECH. ABA SPEECH offers trainings, the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership, consultations and products geared towards helping autistic students find their voice. Rose is also the host of The ABA Speech Podcast, a weekly show all about autism and communication. She is a sought after speaker who enjoys connecting with audiences at the local, state and national level. Rose is passionate about the mission of ABA SPEECH, which is to help all students become more independent communicators.
Barriers to Support: PDA Learners and the IEP Process
This session will explore common barriers to support for PDA learners and why and how to advocate for brain state aligned IEPs. We'll address common challenges such as compliance-based goals and school avoidance. Attendees will leave with a roadmap to help reframe challenges, prioritize safety and advocate for supportive goals.
Meet Jessica
with Jessica Hanzo, LMFT
award-winning special education teacher
Jessica is an early childhood mental health consultant and therapist based in Oakland, CA. She is committed to disrupting systems and challenging norms that frequently prevent us from meeting the needs of all children. Jessica believes in supporting families, communities, and schools to think outside the box when traditional approaches aren't working. With a clinical focus on early childhood attachment, trauma, sensory integration, and consulting within the education system, she views all challenges within context. She partners with children, families, and providers using a collaborative approach to cultivate environments of safety and support, because she understands that change and growth happen at a systems level.
You're in the right place!
So let's get started!
If you are a special education teacher looking for ways to improve your practice
If you have a student with an IEP in your home
SAEC is right for you if:
If you are a general education teacher looking for ways to create a more inclusive learning environment
If you provide care for a student with an IEP
get my free ticket
If you are a related service provider looking for ways to play a more active role at the IEP table
If you want to have a deeper understanding of the IEP process
If you are an educator feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending “to do” list
If you want feel confident advocating for your student at the IEP table