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Parents United is a non-profit consortium of 21 southeastern Wisconsin special education departments that have united to provide an educational community service. The mission of the group is to present timely and informative information, in a neutral forum, for parents and professionals who work with children. The lectures and presentations offered each school year provide essential links, knowledge and networking to the entire community for the ultimate benefit of our students.
All events at Country Springs Conference Center unless otherwise specified
2021-2022 Calendar
2021-22 Parents United Presentation Descriptions
Day Programs
Making It Happen! Self-Advocacy, Transition, Wellness & Equity
Presenters: Matthew and Mitchell LaBerge
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 9:00 - 11:30 am
Matthew and Mitchell LaBerge are identical twins who were diagnosed with Autistic Disorder at age 3. After years of intensive intervention and specialized instruction, they are now 24 years-old and are enjoying independent living. Their presentation will focus upon interventions and strategies that helped them throughout their PK-12 experience as well as during their time at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College where they both earned Associate Degrees along with Technical Diplomas and Certificates. Wellness and inclusion in employment will also be highlighted. Come to enjoy their engaging and often humorous story!
The Roles of OT and PT as Related Services Providers
Presenters: Lori Dominiczak, PT, MS and Carlynn Higbie, OTR
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 9:00 - 11:30 am
This panel discussion will address the roles of the occupational and physical therapist on the IEP team. Topics of discussion will include school-based versus clinic-based therapy, how the IEP drives the need for OT or PT, how decisions for dismissal from therapy services are made and other best practices for related services provider utilization in schools.
Stress and Anxiety in Youth
Presenter: David M. Jacobi, Ph.D., Lead Psychologist: Child and Adolescent CBT Services, Rogers Behavioral Health
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 9:00 - 11:30 am
This presentation will offer a comparison between the stress experienced by children and teens and clinically significant anxiety disorders. Further, interventions to manage each of these types of issues will be offered including a discussion of cognitive behavior therapy-based interventions such as thought challenging and exposure. We will discuss the role of family accommodation, how it impacts treatment interventions, and how families and others can pull back these accommodations to improve treatment outcomes.
Regulation for Students through Stress and Trauma
Presenter: Sara Daniel, SaintA
Wednesday, January 12, 2022 9:00 - 11:30 am
All people experience stress from time to time. However, when that stress is significant and persistent, it can overwhelm our capacity to respond. This is sometimes called toxic stress or trauma. In this session we will learn how overwhelming stress can impact the developing brain and stress response system in a child and how the body adapts to this exposure. We will review the stages of escalation and dysregulation that a child may experience in an upsetting event. Strategies that promote regulation and resilience will be shared.
The Three Deadly Accommodations
Presenter: Cindi Pichler, Senior Assistive Technology Specialist, Independence First
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 9:00 - 11:30 am
Did you know that there are accommodations that are routinely offered in elementary, middle and high school that are not offered on the job? These same accommodations may not be available, or may be offered in a different format, in college and technical schools. Will your student be ready for the differences? What options are available if a student is using one of these “deadly” accommodations? This workshop will discuss accommodations and expectations of the world beyond high school, and offer ideas for preparing students for higher education and employment.
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)
Presenter: Kimberly R. Hopkins, LICSW, Director of Outreach and Communications at
Lives in the Balance
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Session for Educators
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm - Session for Parents
For Educators:
CPS is the empirically supported model Dr. Ross Greene describes in his influential books, The Explosive Child, Lost at School, and the recently released books, Lost and Found and Raising Human Beings. The CPS model provides a compassionate understanding of kids’ behavioral challenges and a non-adversarial, effective approach for reducing challenging behavior, improving communication, and repairing relationships. This model has been implemented in schools, inpatient units, residential facilities, treatment programs, and juvenile detention facilities. You will leave with an understanding of the underpinnings of Dr. Greene’s Approach, along with practical assessment and intervention tools that can be brought back to and used in diverse settings.
For Parents:
The CPS model provides a compassionate understanding of kids’ behavioral challenges and a non-adversarial, effective approach for reducing challenging behavior, improving communication, and repairing relationships. This model has been implemented in homes, outpatient clinics, schools, inpatient units, residential facilities, treatment programs, and juvenile detention facilities. You will leave with an understanding of the underpinnings of Dr. Greene’s Approach, along with resources to use as you begin to implement the CPS Model at home.
Ferrari Brain with Bicycle Brakes: Supporting Students with ADHD
Presenter: Patric Mattek, Ph.D.
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 9:00 - 11:30 am
Dr. Patric Mattek, a clinical psychologist, will discuss the nature and neurobiology of the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and our brain’s executive functions. The impact of potential deficits in executive functioning will be discussed, as will the construct of ADHD. Youth with deficits in executive functioning can face significant challenges in school, socially, and at home. Dr. Mattek will discuss potential interventions and strategies for promoting success across those domains.
Journey21 Presentation
Presenter: Journey21, Inc.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 9:00 - 11:30 am
Description: TBA
Evening Programs
What’s After High School: A Transition Training for Families, Youth and Providers
Presenter: Barbara Katz of Family Voices
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 6:00 - 7:30 pm
What’s After High School? is an overview of the transition to adult life for young adults with disabilities and special health care needs. This training is perfect for families with children ages 14 - 21 and the providers and school staff who work with them. Of course, youth are welcome! We’ll cover: Planning for the Future, Your School’s Role, Long-Term Supports, Vocational Resources, Moving to Adult Health Care, Supported Decision Making & Guardianship and Self-Determination Basics.
The Dance of Partnership: Why Do My Feet Hurt?
Strengthening Parent-Professional Partnerships
Presenter: Janice Fialka, MSW, ACSW
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 6:00 - 8:30 pm
The Dance of Partnership is a training for parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them. It is designed to assist participants to better understand the challenges of forming creative partnerships. As a result of this training, both parents and professionals gain insights about this working alliance and are better able to collaborate effectively for children with special needs. Mini-lectures, video clips, and interactive activities are used to ensure a lively and thoughtful experience and exchange of ideas.
A Walk Through Guide to Guardianship and Decision-Making Options AND Special Needs Financial Planning
Presenters: Victoria L. Davis Davila, J.D. and Kathleen Oberneder ChSNC® , Financial Advisor Tuesday, February 22, 2022 6:00 - 8:30pm
In this session, participants will learn about a spectrum of decision-making options available for people with disabilities. We will discuss informal supports, supported decision-making agreements, powers of attorney, and guardianship, and cover both personal/health care and financial/estate decisions. We will discuss 529 ABLE Savings Accounts and Special Needs Trusts (SNTs), and learn how these planning tools interact with one another.
Building an IEP for Your Child
Presenters: Cheri Sylla, Family Engagement Coordinator, CESA #1 & Jaimee Cannon, Family Engagement Liaison, CESA #1 & Parents United Community Liaison
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 6:00 - 8:30pm
How do you build an IEP that meets the unique needs of the child? This session provides information about the IEP process, as well as strategies and tools to help parents provide input into developing their child’s IEP as a member of the IEP team. Working together as a team is hard and presenters will share key strategies with regard to communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. There's something for everyone no matter where you are at!
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