Breakout Session Workshops

with Michael McSheehan

Description: We have a double-engine locomotive available to power our schools. Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are both packed with capacity. Each of them alone can help move us forward. But are they on separate tracks with different destinations? If we leverage them together to design for inclusion and equity, they may lead us to new and exciting places. Join leaders from around the country who are making the move from passive passengers to conscious conductors and explore what’s possible when we board the MTSS and UDL Inclusion Express.

About the Presenter: Michael McSheehan’s life work has been at the intersection of disability and K-12 education. He is a systems-thinker, an implementation specialist, and a leader in the field of multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and inclusive education. Whether it’s assisting with student-specific supports, collaborating with schools and districts, or working with national organizations, Michael brings passion, humor, and insight to the work of promoting equity and inclusion. Michael co-led the Center on Inclusive Education at UNH and helped establish the SWIFT Education Center. Michael founded a consulting company, Evolve & Effect, to help those who are seeking significant change in education.

with Michelle Lockwood

Description: Research indicates that in recent years problem behaviors at school have increased significantly since pre-pandemic levels. Many students still appear to be developmentally behind in socialization, self-regulation and other executive functioning skills, often resulting in misbehavior. Now more than ever teachers need effective tools to address these changing needs of their students, rather than relying on "traditional" classroom management and discipline practices. This session is designed to help participants apply a layered or tiered approach to selecting evidence-based behavioral interventions to integrate into classroom management plans so that all learners can be successful. Participants will also be given tools they can use to evaluate their existing class behavioral supports, structures, and systems.

About the Presenter: Michelle serves as a Vice President for NJCIE. She has over 20+ years' of professional experience working with students and individuals in need of behavioral support. Michelle shares her expertise by providing professional education and support to school staff for the advancement of school-wide, classroom, and individual student positive behavior support systems. Michelle facilitates the development of behavior intervention plans for individual students and presents informative workshops to parent groups. Prior to joining NJCIE in 2007, Michelle was a Behavior Specialist and Inclusion Facilitator for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland.

with Timothy Rohrer

Description: I am a young adult with autism that struggled to fit in socially at school. I am now a speaker, author, self-advocate and educator on disability inclusion. For years social skills were only taught to students that receive special education services. My theory is you can’t create inclusive learning environments if the general education population isn’t taught about how to communicate and include students with disabilities. Everyone has something to learn from each other. I will present my tips on how to communicate, interact, accommodate and include students with disabilities to make classrooms a positive learning environment for everyone.

About the Presenter: Tim Rohrer is a young adult with autism who is an author, speaker, self-advocate and educator on disability inclusion. His work has been featured in media around the world. He has written two children’s books, “Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship” and Timmy's story: A Sensory Friendly Birthday. He created his own website with his own original resources and YouTube Channel with animated videos about disabilities, friendship and inclusion. He has spoken at schools, conferences, businesses and even made it to the top speaking at the Department of Education. In addition, Tim has received a commendation from the NJ State Senate and Assemblymen and is the managing partner of a teen founded, non-profit organization, 5Help Foundation.

with Brittany Seeley

Description: This workshop explores how restorative practices and community circles can build a sense of belonging in inclusive settings. Participants will learn how restorative circles can support open dialogue, promote empathy, and address conflicts constructively, creating stronger community bonds and a positive, inclusive environment.

About the Presenter: Brittany Seeley is a program director for NJCIE. She earned her M.Ed. in Special Education from East Stroudsburg University with a Supervisory and Administrative Certification. She has over 13 years of experience in working with students K-12 with significant emotional, behavioral, and social disabilities. Her areas of expertise are in behavioral interventions, classroom management strategies, academic and behavioral progress monitoring, restorative practices, mindfulness training, trauma-informed care, and social-emotional learning.

with Sara Jutcovich

Description: At the heart of special education lies specially designed instruction (SDI). According to the IDEA 34 CFR 300.39, special education is described as "specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to address the unique needs of a child with a disability." In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the key components of SDI, including its definition, purpose, and implementation. We will clarify what SDI entails and discuss how to strategically and deliberately plan instruction. Participants will discover practical and effective methods for designing and assessing instruction, leaving them empowered to refine their practices and equipped with new tools to tailor instruction for their students with disabilities.

About the Presenter: Sara is an Inclusion Facilitator at NJCIE. She has ten years of classroom experience teaching in New York City. She has spent her career fostering inclusion through co-teaching. She earned her B.S. in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University and then an M.A. in Literacy Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her areas of expertise are in co-teaching, differentiation, and literacy curriculum and instruction. Sara is deeply committed to social justice and helping all children receive an equitable and inclusive education. Sara is currently a doctoral student studying Educational Leadership with a specialization in Special Education.

with Michele Gardner M.Ed. & Annie Corley-Hand

Description: This interactive workshop aims to equip educators and administrators with the skills and knowledge needed to create dynamic and inclusive learning environments through the synergy of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and arts integration. Participants will explore utilizing UDL principles alongside various art forms to engage all students, regardless of their unique learning needs and styles. This workshop will provide a comprehensive and thorough framework for integrating UDL with visual arts, music, drama, and other creative forms, ensuring that every student is included and inspired.

About the Presenters: Michele Gardner serves as NJCIE's Executive Director, joining the team with 26 years of experience in the New Jersey public schools, filling a variety of roles including paraprofessional, special education teacher, LDTC, Supervisor, Assistant Principal and Director of Special Services. She has also been an adjunct instructor with The College of New Jersey for almost 17 years for the Department of Special Education, Language & Literacy. Michele has dedicated her administrative career to making public schools inclusive spaces for students with a wide range of learning abilities. She is also the recipient of the 2020 NJCIE Inclusion Honors award and the 2020 NJASA Special Education Administrator of the Year.

Annie Corley-Hand is an accomplished educational leader with extensive expertise in early childhood education and educational leadership. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Annie was awarded the Visionary Principal of the Year at the elementary level by the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association and as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in 2021, underscoring her commitment to advancing best practices in early childhood education and her unwavering dedication to fostering positive change for students. A respected voice in the field, Annie is often invited to speak at state and national conferences, sharing her expertise and inspiring educators and administrators alike.

with Jordan Fagan

Description: This workshop we will explore effective strategies for creating inclusive, collaborative IEP meetings. This session will provide practical tips and tools for engaging all stakeholders and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Learn how to facilitate discussions that promote equity, address diverse needs, and foster productive teamwork. Gain insights into overcoming common challenges and enhancing communication to achieve meaningful and actionable IEPs. Perfect for educators, administrators, and special education professionals committed to improving the IEP process and supporting student success.

About the Presenter: Jordan Fagan is an Inclusion Facilitator for NJCIE. She earned her M.A. in Writing, Gender, and Culture from King's College London. She later earned her M.S.Ed in Educating Students with Disabilities from Brooklyn College. Jordan is a "people person" with a focus on building authentic relationships and creating opportunities for equitable access.

with Kory W. Kutzler

Description: In this workshop you will learn strategies that can be used in the classroom, or personally to promote gratitude and happiness. This workshop will take you through many exercises and activities that can be used daily.

About the Presenter: Kory Kutzler has 2 masters degrees, one in Special Education, and one in Counseling and Human Services. Kory has 20 years of dedicated experience in the fields of education and mental health, reflecting a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities. His personal experiences, including overcoming significant challenges and embracing the power of resilience, have profoundly shaped his approach to mental health and education. Kory’s unique blend of empathy, practical strategies, and evidence-based practices has empowered countless individuals to navigate their personal journeys successfully. Kory’s career is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education and mental health support in fostering a better, more compassionate world.

with Kory W. Kutzler

Description: During this workshop we will examine the common powerstruggle educators face daily. We will discuss the most common power struggles that educators find themselves in, as well as ways to de-escalate and avoid the power struggles. During this interactive workshop we will watch and debrief actual power struggles that have taken place in public schools.

About the Presenter: Kory Kutzler has 2 masters degrees, one in Special Education, and one in Counseling and Human Services. Kory has 20 years of dedicated experience in the fields of education and mental health, reflecting a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities. His personal experiences, including overcoming significant challenges and embracing the power of resilience, have profoundly shaped his approach to mental health and education. Kory’s unique blend of empathy, practical strategies, and evidence-based practices has empowered countless individuals to navigate their personal journeys successfully. Kory’s career is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education and mental health support in fostering a better, more compassionate world.

with Phil Tenaglia, M.A. and Barry Barbarasch

Description: This presentation will present the current research and efforts to support mental health for all school students. You will also experience how the ACT Matrix can promote mental health, psychological flexibility, and psychological safety for learners and educators. You will leave with a unifying tool and intervention that can be implemented in your setting. Using the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Training) Matrix in schools and classrooms builds shared purposes and values-based behaviors for all students.

About the Presenters: Phil Tenaglia, M.A., is a recognized consultant and licensed psychologist who fosters psychological flexibility, creativity, and mental well-being within educational and organizational environments. With over 38 years of experience collaborating with K-12 schools, Phil has worked in crisis intervention, social-emotional learning projects, workplace wellness, and interventions with at-risk youth in rural and urban settings. Phil teaches and trains Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), an evidence-based process that nurtures psychological flexibility—a cornerstone of mental health, creativity, and purposeful living. His mission is to empower clients to clarify what matters, loosen rigid mindsets, and take committed steps toward life purposes.

Barry Barbarasch, Ed.D., has been a school psychologist for over 35 years, in New York and New Jersey, in both public and private schools. Barry is Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department and School Psychology Masters/Certification program at Rowan University and is an Adjunct Professor in the School Psychology doctoral program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Past President of New Jersey Association of School Psychologists, where he now serves as Chairperson of the Government and Professional Relations Committee. He also serves as Co-Chairperson on the National Association of School Psychologists’ Credentialing Committee.

with Lauren Baldino, Ed.D.

Description: Join us for an engaging session on inclusive education as we explore effective strategies for incorporating students with disabilities into special areas such as art, music, and physical education. This presentation will delve into the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and demonstrate how these frameworks can be applied to create accessible and enriching experiences for all students. Attendees will gain practical tools and innovative approaches to foster an inclusive environment, ensuring that every student can thrive in their creative and physical pursuits. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or support staff, this session will empower you to champion diversity and inclusivity in your specialized programs.

About the Presenter: Lauren Baldino, Ed.D., is an Inclusion Facilitator at NJCIE. She earned her MA in Motor Learning and Control, with a focus on improving abilities of children with cerebral palsy, and her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching in Physical Education, with a focus on inclusive practices in the education environment, receiving both degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. Lauren has been employed in numerous aspects of education for over 12 years, in both the public school and private school sectors, working to create more inclusive spaces for students of all abilities. Additional experience has been in working in various roles with both Special Olympics New Jersey and Special Olympics Washington.

with Michael McSheehan

Description: This session brings abstract policy into tangible practice using film, photos, and real-life examples. Participants will enhance their capacity to leverage placement + supplementary aids and services to achieve the promise of IDEA: a sense of belonging and participation by students with disabilities, in the classes and school they would attend if they did not have a disability. Practical and usable resources, tools, and guides included!

About the Presenter: Michael McSheehan’s life work has been at the intersection of disability and K-12 education. He is a systems-thinker, an implementation specialist, and a leader in the field of multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and inclusive education. Whether it’s assisting with student-specific supports, collaborating with schools and districts, or working with national organizations, Michael brings passion, humor, and insight to the work of promoting equity and inclusion. Michael co-led the Center on Inclusive Education at UNH and helped establish the SWIFT Education Center. Michael founded a consulting company, Evolve & Effect, to help those who are seeking significant change in education.