9:00-10:00
Temple Grandin Keynote Presentation
Presenter: Temple Grandin
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
20th Annual Autism Society of Greater Phoenix Regional Autism Conference
Support Across All Ages and Stages
Featuring Keynote Speakers
Friday, September 6
Dr. Temple Grandin
"Autism & My Path Through Life" SOLD OUT in the auditorium, but seats still available via live stream in other rooms!
Saturday, September 7
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP
"A New View of Executive Functioning Skills"
September 6-7, 2019
Ray & Joan KROC Community Center
1375 E Broadway Road
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Directions
Summary
FRIDAY – AUDITORIUM IS SOLD OUT, Just Opened: Live Stream In a Classroom!
- Temple Grandin – Come and learn all about the journey Temple Grandin took to be the successful adult she is today. Hear her impactful story that has changed the course of autism throughout the world
- Afternoon Session – Speech and Feeding Therapy with Dawn Winkelmann
- Track A – Neuroscience with Dr. Amy Serin, Dyslexia with Kathy Denious, & BE SAFE with Cynthia Macluskie
- Track B – Skills to Enter the Social Circle with Paul Carollo, Genetics and Autism with Dr. Boles
- Track C – Coordinated Care with Jeff Skibitsky and Dr. Natalie Roth, Quality ABA with Diana Davis-Wilson
SATURDAY – STILL SEATS LEFT!
- Speech Track – Sarah Ward – National and International speaker on executive function and how to improve the language, cognitive, executive function, and social skills for individuals
- Medical Track – Treatments with Dr. James Adams, GI with Dr. Daniel Rossignol, Diagnosis & Treatments with Dr. Richard Frye, & Microbiome & Mitochondria with Dr. Sri Ganeshan
- Individuals with Autism Track – Relationships and Sexuality, Online Safety, Self-Advocacy with Lynn Black & Teresa Moore, & Adults with Autism Panel
- Legal Track – ALTCS/DDD/SSI/SSDI with Anne Ronan, Robert Beckett & Jennifer Murphey, Special Education Boot Camp with Lori Kirsch-Goodwin & Hope Kirsch, Turning 18 with Emily Kile, Supported Decision Making & Silver Alert with Jon Meyer
Sponsors
We currently have sponsor and exhibitor space available for this upcoming conference. We do expect to sell out, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
The deadline to be in conference materials has passed for exhibitors and sponsors, however, if you would still like a table, you can still sign up!
Silver
Bronze
Bronze
Cuisine
Breakfast
Coffee
Scholarship
Conference speakers are for professionals, parents, and individuals with autism
- Professional Certificates Available – 5.5 Contact Hours Per Day
- Speech CEU’s – .3 Friday and .55 Saturday – Must Sign In/Sign Out in Speech Track Only
Questions?
Phone: 480-940-1093
Email: Stacy Strombeck-Goodrich
Friday is SOLD OUT in the auditorium, but a few more seats have opened up to view Temple Grandin in a nearby classroom via a Live Stream! Saturday is expected to sell out as well, so be sure to get your tickets today!
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Looking for an opportunity to give back or attend the conference for free? Come and volunteer for a shift and be able to attend the conference for free. We are needing help in a variety of tasks to be able to put on this large conference. Please see below for more information and to sign up to volunteer.
Agenda - Friday, September 6
Keynote Speaker - Temple Grandin - Auditorium
10:00-10:30
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair
10:30-12:00
Temple Grandin Keynote Presentation
Presenter: Temple Grandin
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: Unicorn Haven: Black & White in a Grey World: Social Skills
1:00-2:30
Feeding Therapy Tips and Tricks Part 1
Presenter: Dawn Winkelmann
Audience: Parents, Professionals
2:30-3:00
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 3
3:00-4:30
Feeding Therapy Tips and Tricks Part 2
Presenter: Dawn Winkelmann
Audience: Parents, Professionals
Track B
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: David Jefferson: Unlocking Secrets of Behavioral Health
1:00-2:30
Value and Implementation of Coordinated Care in Autism Treatment
Presenters: Jeff Skibitsky and Dr Natalie Roth
Audience: Parents, Professionals
2:30-3:00
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 3
3:00-4:30
Advocating for Quality ABA: An Overview of Industry Norms Across Service Delivery, Parent Satisfaction & Employee Engagment
Presenter: Diana Davis-Wilson
Audience: Parents, Professionals
Track C
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: Anthony Everett-Osvog: Circle of Security
1:00-2:30
Walking the Perimeter: the Journey of Moving Outside the Social Circle to Inside the Circle
Presenter: Paul Carollo
Audience: Parents, Professionals
2:30-3:00
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 3
3:00-4:30
Genetics and Autism
Presenter: Dr. Richard Boles
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
Track D
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: Cynthia Macluskie: Insurance and Third Party Billing
1:00-2:30
The Latest and Greatest Advances in Neuroscience for Autism
Presenter: Dr Amy Serin
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
2:30-3:00
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 3
3:00-3:45
Understanding Dyslexia in Children with ASD: Diagnosis, Effective Treatment and Self-Worth Preservation
Presenter: Kathy Denious
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
3:45-4:30
BE SAFE: How to Keep Our Loved Ones Safe with Law Enforcement
Presenter: Cynthia Macluskie
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
Agenda - Saturday, SEPTEMBER 7
Track A - Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP - Auditorium
9:00-10:00
Executive Function (EF) Skills Defined, Executive Dysfunction and the Development of Executive Function Skills Treatment interventions to improve Forethought and Self Talk
Presenter: Sarah Ward
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
10:00-10:30
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair
10:30-12:15
Task Initiation, Self-regulation, Making timely Transitions, Following routines, & Improving Situational Intelligence
Presenter: Sarah Ward
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhbitor Fair - closes at 1 PM LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: Brett Bernstein: Prioritizing Family Time with ABA
1:00-2:45
Treatment Strategies to Increase Time Management of Daily and Hourly Time and Long Term Projects
Presenter: Sarah Ward
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
2:30-3:00
Break
3:00-4:30
Teaching and Planning Skills; the Get Ready * DO * Done Model for Classroom, Complex Assignments, Homework and Therapeutic Interventions
Presenter: Sarah Ward
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
Track B - Medical
9:00-10:00
G.I. Treatments and Research
Presenter: Dr. Jim Adams
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
10:00-10:30
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair
10:30-12:00
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Autism?
Presenter: Dr. Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 1 LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: Dr Boles: Mitochondria Medicine
1:00-2:30
Science Behind Autism: Future of Diagnosis and Treatment
Presenter: Dr. Richard Frye, MD, Ph.D
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
2:30-3:00
Break
3:00-4:30
Discovering the Mircobiome and Mitochondria
Presenter: Dr. Sri Ganeshan, MD
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
Track C - Individuals with Autism Adult Track
9:00-10:00
Adults with Autism Panel
Presenter: Panel of Adults on the Spectrum
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
10:00-10:30
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair
10:30-11:45
Talking about Sexuality
Presenter: Janna Murrell with Raising Special Kids
Audience: Parents and Professionals ONLY for this talk
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 1 LUNCH BREAKOUT SESSION: Karent Starbowski: Finances with a SpecialCare Planner
1:00-2:30
How to Stay Safe Online, In the Community, & with Law Enforcement
Presenter: Jason Alnas
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
2:30-3:00
Break
3:00-4:30
Self-Advocacy is Key for Everyone's Success
Presenters: Lynn Black and Teresa Moore
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
Track D - Legal
9:00-10:00
Panel Discussion on ALTCS/DDD/SSI/SSDI
Presenter: Anne Ronan, Robert Beckett, and Jennifer Murphey
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
10:00-10:30
Break - Visit Exhibitor Fair
10:30-12:00
SPED Law Bootcamp for Parents
Presenters: Lori Kirsch-Goodwin and Hope Kirsch
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
12:00-1:00
Lunch - Catered - Visit Exhibitor Fair - Closes at 1 LUNCH BREKAOUT SESSION: Kathy Visser: Answers to Questions on ESA
1:00-2:30
My Child is Turning 18: What Should I Be Thinking About?
Presenters: Emily Kile
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
3:00-4:30
Supported Decision-Making and the Silver Alert System
Presenter: Jon Meyers
Audience: Parents, Professionals, & Individuals with Autism
Featured Speakers
Temple Grandin
PhD, CCC-SLP, Chief Strategy Officer
Dr. Grandin did not talk until she was three and a half years old. She was fortunate to get early speech therapy. Her teachers also taught her how to wait and take turns when playing board games. She was mainstreamed into a normal kindergarten at age five. Dr. Grandin became a prominent author and speaker on both autism and animal behavior. Today she is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also has a successful career consulting on both livestock handling equipment design and animal welfare. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio) and a BBC Special – “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow”. She has also appeared on National TV shows such as Larry King
Live, 20/20, Sixty Minutes, Fox and Friends, and she has a 2010 TED talk. She has authored over twenty books on autism and animal behavior.
Sarah Ward
MS, CCC-SLP
Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, has over 24 years of experience in diagnostic evaluations and treatment of executive dysfunction. She holds a faculty appointment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, where she provides instruction to graduate-level students in the assessment and treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injury and other cognitive communication disorders. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars and workshops on the programs and strategies she has developed with Cognitive Connections co-director Kristen Jacobsen.
Speakers
James B. Adams, Ph.D.
Director of the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University
James’ research focuses on the medical causes of autism and how to treat and prevent it including the areas of nutrition (vitamins/minerals, essential fatty acids, carnitine, digestive enzymes, special diets), oxidative stress, gut problems, gut bacteria, toxic metals, and seizures. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including 35 related to autism. He is also the President of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, the President of the Autism Nutrition Research Center, the co-leader of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Autism Research Institute, and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Neurological Health Foundation. He has an adult daughter with autism. www.adamsautismresearch.com
Robert Beckett
Lawyer
Robert has been practicing law in Arizona for 44 years with a focus on planning for families with members who are significantly impaired. Robert grew up in San Diego. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University of Los Angeles (Summa Cum Laude).
After college, Robert entered Vista Volunteers of America where he served as a legal assistant in a legal aid office in Waterloo, Iowa. Robert then attended Georgetown University Law Center, receiving his juris doctor in 1974.
Robert and his wife moved to Phoenix in 1974 and Robert received his license to practice law in Arizona in 1975. His first employment was with the Arc-Arizona (organization for persons with developmental disabilities) where he was the legal services director of a project for persons with developmental disabilities. Then, from 1978 to the present, Robert has been in private practice focused on assisting families with members who are substantially impaired – issues covering estate planning, special needs trusts, guardianship, conservatorship, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Arizona Long Term Care System, Arizona Department of Economic Security – Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Robert currently serves as treasurer and director of 3LPlace, Inc., a non-profit corporation serving adults with developmental disabilities. He is a past director of the Arc-US and past president of the Arc-Az. He has consulted at no charge with many non-profit organizations serving persons with significant impairments. Robert was the attorney in a landmark Arizona case which established the rights of residents of the Arizona Training Program at Coolidge to live, be cared for, and receive habilitation services in an appropriate, safe and least restrictive environment.
Robert is a former pro-tempore judge for the Superior Court of Arizona, County of Maricopa serving as a judge in mental health hearings.
Lynn Black, MSW-LCSW
Ability 260 TIML Program Manager
Lynn Black, MSW-LCSW has over 20 years as a program manager at Ability360 working with Individuals with disabilities, specifically Intellectual disabilities. She assisted in developing a self advocacy, self determination and system change program called This is MY Life through a national Robert Wood Johnson grant that continues to be extended through AZ DES/DDD. In 1997, Lynn partnered with self advocates in a civil rights, self advocate organization called- People First of Arizona, as their state-wide advisor. (This self advocacy group is in association with a national self advocacy group called Self Advocates Becoming Empowered). Lynn supports people contributing in the community, and assists in system changes by participating on several national and state level committees and councils.
Richard Boles,
Dr. Richard G. Boles is a medical geneticist and a pediatrician who specializes in mitochondrial medicine, functional disease (including cyclic vomiting syndrome, other atypical forms of migraine, and chronic fatigue syndrome) and autism spectrum disorders. His expertise stems from decades of both clinical work and research at a major academic center as well as from his most recent experience in cutting edge biotechnology and genomics. He uses an innovative and integrative approach in both diagnosis and treatment to best serve his patients. He treats children and young adults (up to age 25) with a variety of conditions, but his main focuses are on:
Mitochondrial disease and dysfunction
Autistic spectrum disorders
Complicated migraine including cyclic vomiting syndrome
Other chronic pain disorders
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Paul Carollo
Program Manager of the Relationship Based Autism Center at Child Family Support Services
Prior to CFSS, Paul worked for Touchstone Behavioral Health for seventeen years where he was the creator and program manager of the Family Centered Autism Program. Paul holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master’s of Community Counseling. He has completed his coursework at Northern Arizona University to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He currently holds a certification as a National Certified Counselor and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Paul has experience working with individual and families with the following challenges: ADHD, OCD, ODD, Autism, and Asperger’s syndrome. Paul is an experienced Functional Family Therapist receiving eight years of training in this area. Additionally, he has experience leading social skills and parent education groups specific to the Autism spectrum. Paul has presented at various conferences on Autism as well as provided consultation to various schools in the valley. Paul has received training to administer the ADIR test. He has completed training to administer the ADOS-2. Furthermore, Paul is trained as a Level I and II trauma therapist. He receives continuing education in the field of Autism.
Kathy Denious, M.Ed.
Education Specialist, Teacher, Advocate, Founder of Silver Lining Education
Kathy Denious is an education specialist, a teacher, and an advocate for children with learning challenges. Founder of Silver Lining Education, she provides research-based, explicit, systematic, one-on-one instruction to students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD.
Kathy earned her B.A. from Purdue University, her M.Ed. from Arizona State University, and is a certified teacher with the Arizona Department of Education. During the past four years, Kathy has also completed training with Landmark School Summer Institute, in Boston, M.A., learning practical, evidence-based strategies for teaching students with dyslexia, and she is a member of the International Dyslexia Association.
Outside of hands-on teaching, Kathy studies how learning occurs, particularly how the brain processes language, and uses the results to craft her own highly effective teaching methods. She has also advocated for the rights of students for many families throughout the valley. At the core of both her personal and professional mission lies the unwavering belief that every child can learn.
Dr. Richard Frye, MD, Ph.D
Child Neurologist with expertise in neurodevelopmental and neurometabolic disorders
Richard received an MD and PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at the University of Miami, Residency in Child Neurology and Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Learning Disabilities at Harvard University/Children’s Hospital Boston and Fellowship in Psychology at Boston University. He also received a Masters in Biomedical Science and Biostatistics from Drexel University. He holds board certifications in Pediatrics, and in Neurology with Special Competence in Child Neurology. Dr. Frye is a national leader in autism research. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and serves on several editorial boards.
He has lead several clinical studies on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including studies focusing on defining the clinical, behavioral, cognitive, genetic and metabolic characteristics of children with ASD and mitochondrial disease. He has conducted several clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of safe and novel treatments that target underlying physiological abnormalities in children with ASD. He is the new Chief of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital with the goal of developing a center to evaluation and treat children with neurodevelopmental disorders in order to attain optimal outcomes by integrating cutting-edge precision medicine and research.
Sri Ganeshan, MD
Chief Medical Officer Iliad Neurosciences
Dr. Sri Venkatesh Ganeshan MD serves as Chief Medical Officer to Iliad. A graduate of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, Dr. Ganeshan’s expertise resides in the therapeutic areas of Oncology, Urology, Transplant, Immunology, Dermatology, Hepatology, Virology and Neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Geneshan has vast experience in delivering organizational goals through project leadership, extensive clinical and administrative experience, and thorough knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas. As a former executive at Astellas Pharma US, Dr. Ganeshan launched two first in class compounds with great success. Successful in recognition of opportunities and facilitation of efforts to improve process, product knowledge and clinical outcome, Sri has proven ability in building productive associations with clinicians, researchers and administrators in pursuit of expanded understanding of disease and treatment options. Dr. Ganeshan brings extensive Clinical trial study management and regulatory affairs experience to Iliad, including clinical trial design, study medical monitoring, pharmacovigilance, and vendor management.
Emily B. Kile
Attorney at Kile & Kupiszewski Law Firm
Emily is a graduate of the Northeastern School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Colorado, Boulder and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from Boston College. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NEALA), past President of the Arizona Chapter (2008), and a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners and the Special Needs Alliance. Emily is Chair of the Foothills Caring Corps. She is licensed to practice law in Arizona. She has been licensed to practice law since 1993. The Supreme Court of Arizona has re-appointed Emily to serve on the Fiduciary Board through December 31, 2016. The Fiduciary Board oversees the approval and discipline of fiduciaries licensed in the State of Arizona by the Supreme Court.Her practice is focused on estate planning and related matters, including Medicaid (ALTCS), VA and long term care planning, special needs planning, guardianship and conservatorship issues and estate settlement/probate.Emily’s niece, Marisa, has Down Syndrome; allowing Emily some insight into issues faced by people with special needs and their families.
Hope Kirsch
Attorney at Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch
Hope is an attorney at the Arizona special education law firm of Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch where she partners with her sister Lori Kirsch-Goodwin. Hope is a licensed special education teacher and 25-year litigation attorney. For over 15 years, she has represented students and their families throughout Arizona in all school related matters, from IEP advocacy to Due Process, appeals, 504s and OCR complaints, bullying, restraint and seclusion and personal injury. The firm handles disciplinary matters (suspensions, long-terms suspension, expulsions) of both special education and general education students, and in higher education as well. Hope was a special education teacher and special education coordinator for 18 years before embarking on a career in law. She worked in the New York City public schools in settings ranging from self-contained classes to special education day schools, day treatment programs and hospital programs. Throughout her career as an educator, Hope worked with students with autism, emotional disabilities and multiple disabilities. She has written hundreds of IEPs, served as a witness for the NYC Department of Education at due process hearings, and supervised and trained teachers in curriculum, methodology, writing IEPs and behavior management techniques. She earned a B.S. from Boston University in Special Education in 1975, an M.A. in Special Education from NYU in 1977, and post-graduate work in educational supervision and administration at NYU and Baruch College of the City of New York. She obtained her law degree from Brooklyn Law School’s evening division while continuing her work in education. Hope began her law career as a judicial clerk and then as a civil and commercial litigator as she began building a special education practice. Hope is admitted to the state and federal district courts in NY, NJ and AZ, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and AV® Preeminent™ rated (5.0 out of 5.0) by her peers and judges for the highest level of ethics and professional excellence.
Lori Kirsch-Goodwin
Attorney at Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch
Lori has been a litigation/trial attorney for almost 30 years and has first chaired over 35 jury trials. She obtained her B.A. at Syracuse University and her law degree at the University of Bridgeport (now Quinnipiac University). She is admitted to the state and federal district courts in New York, New Jersey, Arizona and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Lori entered the special education arena over 16 years ago when one of her twin boys was evaluated for special education and related services, and has been advocating for and representing other families since. She is an AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney by peers and judges, representing the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards. Her legal advocacy ranges from obtaining eligibility for IEPs and 504s, assisting at IEPs, METs and 504 meetings, disciplinary matters, early dispute resolution of matters, due process hearings, and appeals. Lori brings her litigation skills to the table as well as her sensitivity for the families she represents.
Cynthia Macluskie
BE SAFE Program Director
Cynthia Macluskie is a licensed Health and life insurance agent in the state of Arizona. She speaks nationally and locally on healthcare, Medicaid and Medicare, the dually eligible and navigating all systems of care successfully. She is passionate about helping seniors and the dually eligible navigate Medicare. She helps hery clients accurately assess their risk and offset that risk. She currently serves on the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has served on several work groups and committees for a variety of organizations including Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Economic Security, AHCCCS and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She is currently the Vice President of Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and a board member of Moriah Cooperative. She has successfully passed Autism Insurance Legislation with other devoted autism Mom’s that changed the way healthcare covered Autism services. She also assisted with the successful passage of several Restraint and Seclusion bills that protect children with autism.
Jon Meyers
Executive Director of The Arc of Arizona
Jon Meyers is Executive Director of The Arc of Arizona, a position he has held since 2013. Overseeing statewide outreach, public policy, and program efforts of the organization, Mr. Meyers’s role is focused on safeguarding the civil rights of all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and promoting the fullest possible community inclusion of Arizonans with I/DD. In addition, he is the primary point of contact between The Arc in Arizona and Arizona’s state and federal legislators.
During his tenure with The Arc of Arizona, the chapter has played a key role in the passage of legislation improving oversight and monitoring of developmental homes, adding individuals with I/DD to the state’s Silver Alert System, preventing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and restoring dental care for ALTCS members. The Arc of Arizona also has developed the nation’s largest annual Wings for Autism® event – an “airport rehearsal” program for children with autism and other I/DD supported by The Arc of the U.S. – as well as an annual Developmental Disabilities Family Resources Conference and, in conjunction with Chandler Gilbert Arc, the Sprout Film Festival, a celebration of films about and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, now entering its sixth year. Jon’s background in the non-profit sector spans nearly 30 years, having held positions with, among others, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Arizona State University/ASU Foundation; Thunderbird School of Global Management; and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He is a member of the Governor’s ASD Advisory Committee; Governor’s Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force; Sonoran UCEDD Community Advisory Committee; and American Indian Disability Summit planning committee, which he has co-chaired since 2015. He also serves on the Steering Committee of the National Conference of Executives of The Arc and in 2016 was recognized with the NCE Executive Excellence Award.
Mr. Meyers is a graduate of Santa Clara University with degrees in Theatre Arts and History. He lives with his wife and youngest of three sons in Anthem, Arizona.
Teresa Moore
Founder of People First Self-Advocacy Group
Teresa Moore is the Director of the SABE GoVoter Project and the Director of the SARTAC Project. She has over 23 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Teresa received a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Arizona State University, LodeStar Program. Over 18 year ago, Ms. Moore began Moore Advocacy Consulting was created. The focus of her consulting is self-advocacy, leadership, and grant development. She has been awarded state and federal grants and contracts. Teresa is also the founder of People First of Arizona self-advocacy group.
Jennifer Murphey
Attorney at Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg, & Arnold, LLP
Jennifer Murphey focuses her practice in the areas of elder law; special needs, benefits and long-term care planning; guardianships and conservatorships; and estate planning. She launched her legal career at Frazer Ryan after serving the firm as an intern. Prior to entering law school at Arizona State University, Jennifer worked in management in the long-term care industry and brings to the firm working knowledge of health care and benefits administration and administrative proceedings. With this experience, Jennifer developed a passion for advocating for the elderly, disabled, mentally ill, and the families and workers who take care of those individuals. She also successfully fought for increased wages for the workers, investigated alleged resident abuse, and was consistently victorious in administrative proceedings and appeals. Jennifer also researched and wrote extensively on topics related to ALTCS, the housing needs and individual rights of persons with mental illness, and special issues related to the disabled community.
Anne Ronan
Lawyer
Anne has been practicing in the area of health law for the poor and uninsured since graduating from Arizona State University College of Law in 1979. She worked with Community Legal Services for 11 years with an emphasis in representing low-income individuals in obtaining health care through various State and Federally funded health care programs for the poor. She worked for the Arizona Center for Disability Law (formerly the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest) for 13 years during which time Anne represented children and adults with disabilities in obtaining necessary and appropriate medical and mental health services. Anne is now employed with the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest. She currently works with families to ensure their children receive necessary treatment from both public and private insurance programs.
Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP, FMAPS
Dr. Rossignol, MD FAAFP is a board-certified family physician. He received his Doctorate of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia. Coming from an academic background, Dr. Rossignol searched the medical literature looking for a solution after both of his children were diagnosed with autism. He has made it his mission to research and publish in autism. Since 2006, he has 55 papers, abstracts, editorials, and book chapters (including those in press) concerning autism and related conditions. Dr. Rossignol has a special interest in autism spectrum disorders, PANS/PANDAS, cerebral palsy, and related neurological and developmental disorders as well as medically complex children and adults. Dr. Rossignol is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) and a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (FMAPS). Dr. Rossignol sees patients in all three offices in California and Florida.
Dr Natalie Roth, PhD
ABS Vice President of Clinical Services
Dr. Natalie Roth, PhD (2001; Fuller) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in particularly in childhood neurodevelopment delays. Dr. Roth grew up in Utah and attended the University of Utah. She graduated from the APA approved psychology program at Fuller Theological Seminary following practicum experience at the University of Southern California and an internship at St. John’s Child Development Center in Santa Monica, California. She and her husband returned to the mountains and lifestyle of Salt Lake City in 2002.
Dr Amy Serin, PhD
Neuropsychologist and Founder of Serin Center
Internationally renowned clinical neuropsychologist, inventor, and author, Dr. Amy Serin applies her expertise to heal a multitude of mental health problems both in and out of her integrative care clinics. Serin Center is a comprehensive assessment and integrative treatment center for ADHD, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, gifted intellect, autism spectrum disorders, life stressors, and developmental delays. Dr. Serin’s professional team integrates neuropsychology, psychology, and developmental pediatrics for successful outcomes. Services for children, adolescents, and adults include neuropsychological assessment, neuromodulation, EMDR and CBT therapy, medication consults, intensive learning disability remediation, and more. In the last decade, Dr. Serin’s clinics have healed thousands of people and after consulting with militaries and international global crises responders, she set out to treat and eradicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This led to the breakthrough realization that a component of successful treatments for PTSD could actually be used outside of doctor’s offices and embedded in non-invasive wearable technology to relieve stress anytime. She then co-founded The TouchPoint Solution in late 2015. Dr. Serin’s first book highlights the truth about stress and her journey in offering relief to anyone at anytime. The Stress Switch will launch in March 2019. Dr. Serin lives in Arizona with her two sons and goldendoodle.
Jeff Skibitsky, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Founder and President of Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS)
Jeffrey William Skibitsky (Jeff), MA, BCBA, LBA, is founder and president of Alternative Behavior Strategies (ABS). Headquartered in Salt Lake City, ABS, an accredited member of Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE), was founded in 2011 and has grown to become a leading provider of services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Today, the company has locations in California, Utah and North Carolina. It works with a team of more than 300 clinicians across multiple sites and clinics. As president, Mr. Skibitsky oversees all clinical initiatives for the company, including service delivery, recruitment and training for members of the behavior intervention team. A BHCOE Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Mr. Skibitsky has been very active in the autism community for almost two decades, holding numerous positions on various committees and boards. He is a strong advocate for people with ASD and is a nationally recognized expert on treatments for children with ASD, regularly conducting workshops and presentations. Mr. Skibitsky received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2001 and his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles in 2008. In 2009, Mr. Skibitsky earned Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification from the BCBA Credentialing Program.
Dr Diana Davis Wilson, DBH, LBA, BCBA
Chief Executive Adviser of Aspen Behavioral Consulting
Dr. Diana Davis-Wilson, DBH, LBA, BCBA is a licensed Behavior Analyst, with several years of experience providing consultation and training to families, school districts, and organizational personnel nationwide. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science, a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and a Doctorate of Behavior Health with an emphasis on integrated health care management. For over 10 years Dr. Davis-Wilson served as the clinical director of an Arizona-based autism provider organization, overseeing applied behavior analysis programs for hundreds of children statewide. Through this work, Dr. Davis-Wilson created an extensive curriculum-based supervision program which included sustainable employment opportunities, staff training and professional development for hundreds of aspiring professionals and students. In addition to the experiences she gained as a clinical director, Dr. Davis-Wilson currently serves on several boards in Arizona, including the Association for Behavior Analysis (AzABA), the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Autism Advisory Council, the Glendale Community College Behavior Health Sciences Occupational Advisory Board (BHS-OAB) and as a governor appointed board member with the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. In addition to her local experiences, Dr. Diana Davis-Wilson serves as an adjunct faculty member for universities nationwide and serves as an advisory board member of the Behavioral Health Centers of Excellence (BHCOE). Dr. Davis-Wilson has a passion for working closely with other professional organizations, providing education, advocacy and public policy guidance on early access to care, best practice, and evidence-based treatment. Additionally, Dr. Davis-Wilson has a passion for providing law enforcement training in the areas of autism, developmental disabilities, crisis response and behavior analysis.
Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP
SLP and Owner of Spectrum Speech & Feeding
Dawn has over 23 years of experience evaluating and treating children with Swallowing and Feeding Disorders as well as Speech and Language Disorders at Spectrum Speech & Feeding, LLC., located in beautiful Littleton, Colorado. At Spectrum Speech & Feeding, LLC., they evaluate and treat children with speech, language, swallowing and feeding difficulties. They specialize in the medically fragile child, children with Down Syndrome as well as children on the autistic spectrum. They are passionate about training parents and helping children with complicated medical or sensory issues. Her philosophy involves finding your child’s strengths and weaknesses then motivating family members to actively participate in guiding your child toward success. This team approach helps achieve their greatest potential in the shortest amount of time. Therapy involves learning through play and being very, very goofy! Kids and parents alike love the fun, the energy and ultimately the developmental progress that occurs from this type of therapeutic atmosphere.