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 Julie Lang

Description: Deficit thinking emphasizes what a student cannot do. This thinking is often implicit, and it is harmful to our students with disabilities. In this session, educators will define and identify deficit thinking, then practice shifting deficit thinking using a strengths-based approach.

About the Presenter: Julie is an Inclusion Facilitator for NJCIE. She has over 29 years of experience teaching and coaching in the NJ public school system. Her areas of expertise are teaching and co-teaching in an inclusive classroom, instructional coaching, curriculum, literacy development, and literacy instruction. Julie is currently a doctoral candidate studying Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring.

with Joshua Bornstein, Ph.D. and Nicole M. Adams, M.S.Ed, M.A.Ed

Description: This workshop will guide inclusive school leaders in using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to foster restorative practices and reduce punitive disciplinary actions. Drawing on a case study from a culturally diverse high school, participants will learn how to shift their systems from surveillance-based discipline to practices that emphasize student strengths and culturally responsive, restorative methods. Leaders will explore strategies for recalibrating faculty practices, promoting racial equity, and improving student outcomes through anti-ableist and anti-racist frameworks. This session is designed to equip school leaders with practical tools to transform their schools into inclusive, restorative environments.

About the Presenters: Josh Bornstein is Associate Professor and Director of Educational Leadership at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has served as a teacher, union leader, principal, staff developer, and school board member in urban, rural, and suburban communities in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. His research centers on inclusive educational leadership that eliminates race, class, gender, disability, and first language as predictors of student success. More specifically, his research employs a Dis Crit analysis of how leaders can disrupt racially disproportionate and excessive suspension and disability classification.

Nicole M. Adams is presently serving in the role as Assistant Principal at Hackensack High School. Her resume as a public-school educator extends over 20 years as a High School English Teacher, Professional Development Coach, Alternative School Administrator, Special Education Liaison, Secondary Supervisor, Adjunct College Instructor and Interim Principal. In roles as a teacher leader and administrator, Ms. Adams has always had a student-centered vision of teaching and learning. As her career evolves in the area of administration, she is consistently guided by her core values in terms of career aspirations that allow her to make an impact on learning communities by pushing them beyond what is comfortable in a quest for endless possibilities. Ms. Adams works with both building and district level administration to make strides in the areas of restorative practices, culturally responsive pedagogy and equity initiatives. Her leadership purpose is to create welcoming learning environments for students and a supportive structure for teachers, promoting reflection through courageous conversations that are necessary for positive academic outcomes.

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 Alaina Chip and Annamaria Contella

Description: This presentation addresses ways to specifically use aspects of Liljedahl’s research. We have been challenging the status quo by using aspects of his research to build a thinking classroom community and foster perseverance in our students. We will directly share our tried and true ways of helping build a community of mathematicians at the primary elementary level. This presentation will include direct takeaways such as an accountable talk anchoring activity, a lesson to work through what frustration looks like, and ideas that teachers can use the next day in their lessons to create community. We will demonstrate a rich math task and share resources. Participants will be up and moving about experiencing these best practices first hand. We will share what we have found works in our classrooms K-2. As experienced educators, we are well versed in teaching our students how to speak mathematics and how to engage to problem solve.

About the Presenters: An experienced educator and instructional coach, Alaina Chip holds a Master’s in Learning Disabilities from Columbia University. With over 20 years in education, she has served as a district instructional coach, teacher, and leader, specializing in special education, social studies, and elementary education. Passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning, Alaina is skilled in designing curriculum, implementing innovative strategies, and supporting district-wide professional development. A recipient of multiple awards, including the NJ Governor’s Teacher Award, she also contributes as a presenter at educational conferences and mentors educators. Additionally, Alaina is a certified yoga teacher.

Mathematics Educator and Instructional Coach with over 25 years of experience in diverse school settings K-12. Enjoy working collaboratively with educators to enhance their teaching practices and foster student success. I am passionate about empowering teachers to become the best version of themselves while creating equitable learning environments for all students.

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 Laura Martinez, M.S.Ed.

Description: Effective progress monitoring is a critical component of special education, providing educators with valuable insights into student performance and informing instructional decisions. This workshop aims to equip special education professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to implement effective progress monitoring practices. Participants will learn how to collect, analyze, and utilize data to tailor instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

About the Presenter: Laura Martinez is an Inclusion Facilitator for NJCIE. She is an experienced Special Education professional with a proven track record of supporting diverse learners and fostering inclusive educational environments. She earned her M.S.Ed. in Special Education from The City College of New York, and has 10 years of experience in working with students with emotional, behavioral, and social disabilities. Her areas of expertise are in differentiation, classroom management strategies and academic and behavioral progress monitoring.

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 Dr. Heather W. Austin

Description: Participants will engage in a discussion about the history of the Disabilities Rights Movement, the progress that still needs to be made, and how content presented informs our own teaching practices and engagement in social spheres. The session will culminate with a discussion of the use "person first" language, how language continues to evolve, and the need to inform ourselves of those changes. Participants will be given opportunities to dialogue, share, and ask questions related to the presentation.

About the Presenter: Heather Austin, Ed.D has been an administrator in the field of special education since 2017 and serves as the Director of Special Services for Clark Public Schools. As a seasoned professional, Heather not only leads initiatives for inclusive learning, but also contributes to professional development and program development for her district. In her experience she has invested in endeavors that developed NJTSS, demonstrating a commitment to systemic improvement and effective strategies. This multifaceted-approach, combining academic insight, practical experience, professional development leadership, and committee involvement, reflects Heather’s dedication to shaping inclusive educational landscapes for diverse learners. Heather is honored to be a presenter at NJCIE conferences.

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 Corinne G. Catalano, PhD, IMH-E, Roseanne Yezzo M.Ed., Eva Kovacs, M.A. Christina Cox, Erik M. Paulson, Cynthia C. Wilson

Description: Preschoolers with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are successfully participating in routines and activities that are part of state approved preschool curricula in general education classrooms. We will share case examples from school districts in NJ that are engaged in systemic change as part of the NJ Preschool Inclusive Education Project.

About the Presenters: Corinne is the Associate Director for Education, Inclusion, and Development at Montclair State University’s Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health. She is the project manager for the NJ Preschool Inclusive Education Project (NJPIEP) funded by the NJDOE Office of Special Education. Corinne teaches graduate courses in Montclair’s Teaching and Learning Department and is a faculty member for the Infant and Early Childhood Development Ph.D. program at Fielding Graduate University. She is a member of the NJ State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) for Early Intervention. She served on the NJ Autism Advisory Panel for the NJDOE Early Childhood Autism Quality Indicators.

Roseanne Yezzo's 36-year career in public school education includes positions as a special education teacher, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, and an administrator, most recently as a Director of Early Childhood in a preschool expansion district. Currently she supports various public-school districts with increasing and improving inclusion practices in preschool, as a consultant with Montclair State University.

Eva Kovacs has been working with children, families and early childhood professionals for 30 years. She taught in a state funded preschool program and private settings, provided coaching and professional development for ECE staff and administrators in childcare centers, Head Start programs and DOE funded preschools in NJ and NYC. Currently Eva works as an Inclusion Facilitator with the NJ Preschool Inclusion Education Project (NJPIEP) at the Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health, Montclair State University. She guides preschool programs implementing developmentally appropriate, culturally and emotionally responsive responsive practices to create inclusive settings for young children and their families. Eva has a BA in ECE/Elementary Ed. and MA in Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision.

Christina Cox is a principal in the Washington Township school district. She is the principal of the preschool programs in the district overseeing 3 different locations. She began her career as a special education teacher and then moved into the role of special education supervisor working in 7 different schools from preschool to 5th grade. From there she became a principal and has served in that role for the last 7 years. She is passionate about inclusion and has been working with the NJPIEP Project and Montclair State University for the last two yearsMr. Paulson received a BA degree in Elementary Education from Elon University in Elon, NC. While teaching third grade in North Brunswick, NJ he attended Georgian Court University and earned a MA degree in Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum Development. His entire teaching and administrative careers are rooted in elementary education. Mr. Paulson joined Harmony School in January of 2011 as the principal. Mr. Paulson believes that educating young learners is the responsibility of an entire community. He is student centered and focused on each student as an individual. His career brought him full circle back to Middletown to the place he calls home.Cynthia C. Wilson, MS Ed, has devoted her career in education as an Early Childhood/Special Educator for over 30 years. After spending time in a classroom, she left the public sector and owned and operated two NAEYC accredited preschools for 17 years. These schools became known for offering inclusive education for our youngest learners and served as a provider for neighboring public schools. She returned to the public school as an Elementary school principal and served in this role for fourteen years. She currently is the Pre-K-5 Curriculum Supervisor in Middletown Township where she oversees fourteen integrated preschool classrooms.

with Mike Marotta

Description: With so many technology tools in our classrooms, we have the opportunity to provide flexible options and supports to facilitate learning for every student. Dive into our Technology Exploration Stations for some hands-on learning! Learn how to leverage technology tools to meet the unique learning needs of EVERY student. From mobile apps to browser extensions to web tools - there are so many tools available today to support the diverse learners in our classrooms. Come learn about technology tools in the areas of reading, writing, organization and more. We will look at tools across platforms: Chrome, iOS, Android and Web Tools.

About the Presenter: Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at Disability Rights New Jersey. Mike is the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter who was previously a trainer for California State University at Northridge (CSUN), providing practical and in-depth training to professionals interested in specializing in assistive technology. In addition, Mike is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey where he teaches courses for Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike serves on both the CAST Accessible Educational Materials and Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) Advisory Boards. Mike is a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator and has presented at several national Maker events.

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 Dr. Eileen Osieja and Alexandra Pensiero

Description: This session will introduce the Educational Environment Data Dashboard, highlighting its evolution from past data to current trends and offering a roadmap for future planning. Presenters will guide attendees through a tutorial on how to use the dashboard effectively to identify gaps in Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) performance rates, explore deeper insights, and strategize for improved outcomes for Indicators 5 and 6.

About the Presenters: With over 25 years of experience as a Special Education specialist, I bring expertise in evidence-based instruction, assessment, and program design across grades PK-12. My foundation in curriculum development from Teachers College, Columbia University, has shaped my approach to designing professional development for educators. I focus on strategies such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and specifically designed instruction (SDI) for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. In addition to my work in the field, I teach in the graduate program at Montclair State University, which prepares candidates for New Jersey’s Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) certification. I also work in the Office of Special Education for New Jersey, facilitating technical assistance for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to help them meet their educational goals and comply with federal special education laws. 

Alexandra Pensiero (Ed.S.) is the Federal Reporting and Engagement Specialist for the Office of Special Education. Among many responsibilities, she prioritizes enhancing data efficiencies, including data literacy and accessibility, to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. With a background as a general education and special education teacher, school psychologist, and grant director for a school-based mental health initiative, Alexandra is passionate about empowering others with the knowledge and resources needed to make data-driven decisions. As she completes a Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.), she focuses on the complexities of organizations and how valuing continuous learning and meaningful engagement can transform data insights into action.

with Mary Rose Pullo Rachael Graves and Terry Calvi

Description: Eliminating resource rooms at the high school level is not as hard as you may think. Allowing yourself to use differentiated expectations to drive what individual success looks like in is the first step. Follow that up by allowing yourself to be the expert in determining that a student has achieved that success. It's a mindset! During this session, you will gain an understanding of how to initiate and execute this inclusive educational path from a regular education and special education co-teaching team who accomplished it in high school mathematics.

About the Presenters: Mary Rose and Rachael are Regular Education/ Special Education mathematics teachers at Mainland Regional High School. They have spent the last ten years as co-teachers in Algebra 1 and Geometry. Their areas of expertise are curriculum development, mastery evaluation, and the application of such across a spectrum of learners. Their most recent initiative is the elimination of resource rooms for Algebra 1 providing instruction for all students in an inclusion setting. The 23-24 school was the pilot year yielding many successes in student performance including significant increases in standardized testing scores. The program has expanded to the Geometry classes this year. Terry is a long-time paraprofessional working with special education students. She joined the classroom team this school year providing a well-rounded learning environment for all students.

with Mike Marotta

Description: AI is THE hot topic in education. Tools are coming out every day that promise to radically change the way we complete tasks. Beyond the tools....let’s talk about how this impacts education and promotes a culture of inclusivity. How can these AI tools provide options and flexibility for all learners in your classroom? How is your school approaching AI in education? What do your AI policies and procedures look like? Do you even have policies and procedures about AI? Are you providing PD training to staff on effective use of AI tools in the classroom? This session will focus on strategies to ensure accessibility so that all learners have an opportunity to benefit from this revolutionary technology innovation. Come prepared to explore AI tools and participate in conversations about these important issues.

About the Presenter: Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at Disability Rights New Jersey. Mike is the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter who was previously a trainer for California State University at Northridge (CSUN), providing practical and in-depth training to professionals interested in specializing in assistive technology. In addition, Mike is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey where he teaches courses for Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike serves on both the CAST Accessible Educational Materials and Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) Advisory Boards. Mike is a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator and has presented at several national Maker events.

with Mike Marotta

Description: The SAFE model, a conceptual model, will be introduced to attendees offering a pragmatic approach on how to effectively work with queer-identifying students questioning and exploring their identities. Some counselors perceive their ability to effectively counsel and support queer youth as inadequate. A model is needed to offer guidance to helping professionals. The SAFE model is anchored in Goodrich et al.’s (2019) LGB identity model, Matthews and Salazar’s (2012) empowerment model, and McDaniel and Meng’s (2022), gender freedom models. Practical counseling strategies and approaches will be offered to practitioners servicing LGBTQ/Queer students to offer support and resources necessary for school adjustment, social and identity development, mental health awareness, and academic motivation and performance. Outcomes from the use of the SAFE model could lead to increased sense of belonging and inclusion, retention, and persistence rates in schools among queer-identifying students.

About the Presenters: Dr. Challenger is a Assistant Professor of Counseling at Montclair State University for the counseling program. Dr. Challenger is a former school counselor in Hartford, CT and New York City (The Bronx and Harlem) who specializes in urban school counseling and working in inner city schools with students of color. Dr. Challenger's research focuses on student adjustment to school, sense of belonging and inclusion, academic motivation, institutional fit, and student mental health. Dr. Challenger has over 17+ years working with children and adolescents in various settings (i.e., camp, sports, fitness, educational). In addition, Dr. Challenger focuses his instruction, training, and the development of future school counselors to help them counsel from a culturally competent lens so they can be effective helpers to people with diverse backgrounds and intersecting identities. Dr. Challenger is also a former college student-athlete in the sport of football (UConn) and has over 20 years as a coach at various levels as well (youth, high school, college). Last, Dr. Challenger has partnered with other colleagues on several studies-- one study looks at hazing behaviors in clubs, organizations, and rec sports in higher education and the other study examines high school student-athletes and their perceptions of their mental health and how it relates to their sport.Madelyn is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling at Montclair State University, where she anticipates graduating in December 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University. Now in her second year as a graduate assistant in Montclair’s Counseling Department, Madelyn works with Dr. Challenger, supporting his research across a range of projects. Her experiences have refined her skills in academic research and her commitment to impactful, evidence-based practices in school counseling.

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.