2025 KEYNOTE ANNOUNCED!

Derek Brian began his career with SEAS Education 18 years ago in the Customer Support department. Over the years, Derek has super served SEAS customers in a variety of roles, including Technical Writer, Account Manager, and Product Specialist. Derek has worked extensively with the CLASS program as the principal trainer and Product Specialist for the last ten years.

SEAS Attain:  Intermediate Training

Have you been using SEAS Attain for a while and are ready to explore its advanced features? If so, this session is for you! Join Derek Brian for an engaging training where you’ll learn how to manage your goal bank, share documents seamlessly through SEAS, and implement best practices for obtaining electronic signatures. Plus, discover helpful tips and tricks for creating effective narratives within your forms. Come ready to learn something new and take your SEAS Attain skills to the next level! We’re excited to help you become an even more confident and efficient user.

This Session will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Maximizing the impact of IEPs with CLASS 

Are you using CLASS to establish goals and objectives but feel you need additional guidance? The first step in creating an effective IEP is developing the right assessment template to meet each student’s unique needs. Join Derek Brian for this informative session, where he will demonstrate how CLASS can provide a detailed skill-gap analysis to ensure comprehensive IEPs that drive student growth and improve outcomes. Gain practical insights to streamline your process and maximize the impact of your IEPs!  This session is ideal for current SEAS CLASS users and those interested in implementing it in their district.

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Erbey Gomez is a long-time team member with SEAS Education and has many years’ experience in Education Technology. Having served many positions within the company, Erbey utilizes his DDI (Development Dimensions International) Certified skills in leadership and communication to advocate on behalf of Arkansas school districts and SEAS Education. Erbey excels at listening and earning the trust of his colleagues and customers. His years in restaurant management, hospital education, marketing, and customer service have allowed Erbey to hyper-focus on the current needs of customers and anticipate future needs before they arise. Erbey is equipped to train the entire product suite SEAS Education has to offer, including CLASS Assessment and Medicaid Services/DSCtop.

SEAS Attain: Administrative Training

As an administrator of the SEAS Attain app, you carry a lot of responsibility in managing the system effectively for your district. This session is designed to help you optimize SEAS Attain to support the creation of strong IEPs and 504 Plans tailored to your district’s needs. Together, we will explore how to create pre-loaded and user-selected narratives, troubleshoot common issues—like why your LRE isn’t calculating correctly—and address those “past-due” dates that aren’t really overdue.  Join Erbey Gomez for an informative and practical session on making SEAS Attain work for you and your district. We look forward to helping you enhance your administrative skills and system management!

This Session will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Meet The SEAS Team

Have you personally met your SEAS Account Manager? Do you have a burning question you would like to ask one-on-one with a SEAS expert? Join the SEAS Arkansas Account Management team for an informal meet & greet! Get your questions answered by our experts in the field and interact with your SEAS Account Manager!

Presenters: Erbey Gomez, Tara Bush, Mercedes Monarch, Lisa Pelotte, & Jennifer Robinson

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

SEAS Interactive 504 Session

Do you need extra support with writing 504 Plans in SEAS Attain? Join Erbey Gomez and Tara Bush for this interactive session, where they will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a 504 Plan. You’ll also learn how to organize all your supporting documentation in one central location, making plan management more efficient. In the ever-evolving world of education, mastering SEAS Attain can help streamline your workflow—so writing 504 Plans becomes one less thing to worry about! This session is ideal for current SEAS Attain 504 users and those interested in implementing it in their district.

Presenters: Erbey Gomez & Tara Bush

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Tara Bush has an extensive background working with special needs children with behavior issues and maintaining documents for due process procedures, initial evaluations, and re-evaluations. Tara has been instrumental in organizing information and increasing accountability while she collaborates with teachers, administrators, parents, and students to create an effective work environment. She is the newest member of the SEAS Education family and dedicated to improving our systems and processes in innovative ways. Tara is a true advocate for school districts, employees and students and has most recently focused on training and support of our SEAS Education Plan Management platforms (SEAS Classic, Achieve 2.0 and Attain 3.0). 

SEAS Attain: Beginner Training

Are you new to SEAS Attain or looking for a refresher on the basics? If so, this training session is just what you need! In this session, you’ll gain a solid foundation in SEAS Attain, including how to start packets, write custom goals and objectives, select appropriate accommodations, and choose the correct services for an IEP. Join Tara Bush for an engaging and informative session designed to help you navigate SEAS Attain with confidence. We’re excited to have you join us—let’s get started.

This Session will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Meet The SEAS Team

Have you personally met your SEAS Account Manager? Do you have a burning question you would like to ask one-on-one with a SEAS expert? Join the SEAS Arkansas Account Management team for an informal meet & greet! Get your questions answered by our experts in the field and interact with your SEAS Account Manager!

Presenters: Erbey Gomez, Tara Bush, Mercedes Monarch, Lisa Pelotte, & Jennifer Robinson

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

SEAS Interactive 504 Session

Do you need extra support with writing 504 Plans in SEAS Attain? Join Erbey Gomez and Tara Bush for this interactive session, where they will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a 504 Plan. You’ll also learn how to organize all your supporting documentation in one central location, making plan management more efficient. In the ever-evolving world of education, mastering SEAS Attain can help streamline your workflow—so writing 504 Plans becomes one less thing to worry about! This session is ideal for current SEAS Attain 504 users and those interested in implementing it in their district.

Presenters: Erbey Gomez & Tara Bush

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Jennifer Robinson has 30 years of experience providing consulting services to school districts in numerous states regarding school finance, Special Education and Medicaid.  She has designed, managed and implemented numerous software systems in hundreds of school districts. Jennifer also has experience working in the financial services department for the largest school district in Arizona; Mesa Unified School District. She has successfully advocated at state and federal levels for changes to state reporting and Medicaid rules for various states, including Arizona. She is currently the VP of Client Success for SEAS Education and her primary focus is the successful implementation of new customers, continuing support of existing customers and retention of customers. 

Meet The SEAS Team

Have you personally met your SEAS Account Manager? Do you have a burning question you would like to ask one-on-one with a SEAS expert? Join the SEAS Arkansas Account Management team for an informal meet & greet! Get your questions answered by our experts in the field and interact with your SEAS Account Manager!

Presenters: Erbey Gomez, Tara Bush, Mercedes Monarch, Lisa Pelotte, & Jennifer Robinson

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Using SEAS Educations’ DSCtop Services Manager to Maximize Arkansas Medicaid Reimbursements

This session is designed to help streamline your district’s Medicaid documentation process by taking a proactive approach to completing the DMS-640 forms. Learn why completing the DMS-640s during the summer months can ensure most are completed and returned before the first day of school, setting your team up for success. We’ll also demonstrate how to use the scheduling feature to save valuable time, especially for those managing large caseloads. Additionally, we’ll review key annual tasks such as ensuring therapists verify their NPI and Medicaid numbers. Finally, we’ll provide hands-on guidance on how to run and filter detailed reports; including claims disposition and more, so you can make the most of the system’s data insights. Perfect for staff who want to feel more confident and efficient with documentation and compliance processes.

Presenters: Jennifer Robinson& Lisa Pelotte

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Lisa Pelotte is the VP of Medicaid Services for SEAS Education. Lisa has been located in the SEAS Medicaid National Claims Administration Center in Franconia, NH since 2002. As the Director of Medicaid, Lisa is responsible for the school-based Medicaid billing operations for all states. Her main goal is to assist school districts in understanding their state Medicaid program and to provide the tools, best practices and methods to ensure district compliance while maximizing reimbursements. Lisa works closely with districts to improve all operations that relate to the school-based Medicaid program. In her position, she supervises and coordinates these tasks on a national level: database administration, Medicaid eligibility determination, claims entry, internal audits, denial/rejection research, remittance reconciliation, state processing relationships, district audit preparations and all employee training programs.

Meet The SEAS Team

Have you personally met your SEAS Account Manager? Do you have a burning question you would like to ask one-on-one with a SEAS expert? Join the SEAS Arkansas Account Management team for an informal meet & greet! Get your questions answered by our experts in the field and interact with your SEAS Account Manager!

Presenters: Erbey Gomez, Tara Bush, Mercedes Monarch, Lisa Pelotte, & Jennifer Robinson

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Using SEAS Educations’ DSCtop Services Manager to Maximize Arkansas Medicaid Reimbursements

This session is designed to help streamline your district’s Medicaid documentation process by taking a proactive approach to completing the DMS-640 forms. Learn why completing the DMS-640s during the summer months can ensure most are completed and returned before the first day of school, setting your team up for success. We’ll also demonstrate how to use the scheduling feature to save valuable time, especially for those managing large caseloads. Additionally, we’ll review key annual tasks such as ensuring therapists verify their NPI and Medicaid numbers. Finally, we’ll provide hands-on guidance on how to run and filter detailed reports; including claims disposition and more, so you can make the most of the system’s data insights. Perfect for staff who want to feel more confident and efficient with documentation and compliance processes.

Presenters: Jennifer Robinson& Lisa Pelotte

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Mercedes Monarch is a newer member of the SEAS family, celebrating her two-year anniversary this year! She has a very strong background in customer service and her positive attitude is contagious! Mercedes recently moved into the implementation services role where she has already collaborated with her peers to improve internal processes. Mercedes previously provided specialized one-on-one assistance to Special Education students as a paraprofessional for the largest school district in Arizona, Mesa Public Schools. Mercedes’ experience as a paraprofessional has been instrumental in her ability to provide superior customer service to our SEAS Education customers.

Meet The SEAS Team

Have you personally met your SEAS Account Manager? Do you have a burning question you would like to ask one-on-one with a SEAS expert? Join the SEAS Arkansas Account Management team for an informal meet & greet! Get your questions answered by our experts in the field and interact with your SEAS Account Manager!

Presenters: Erbey Gomez, Tara Bush, Mercedes Monarch, Lisa Pelotte, & Jennifer Robinson

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Dana Bennett, RN is the Assistant Director for Medicaid in the Schools (MITS) for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. In her 19th year with MITS, Dana provides guidance, leadership, and technical assistance to support schools in operating effective Medicaid programs. In her role, she developed the Personal Care program and continues to oversee it. She acts as a liaison for districts to resolve issues which create barriers to student health services. Offering knowledge and support to maximize district Medicaid reimbursement so they can provide needed services and supports for students to be successful. Dana also serves on the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) State team and is passionate about making student health accessible. Before joining MITS, Dana served as a school nurse at Magazine school district and has a background in managing Medicaid billing in hospital settings.

Current State and Future Vision

“Current State and Future Vision” offers a comprehensive look at where we stand today—highlighting key milestones, current performance, and challenges—while outlining a clear path forward. This presentation will explore our strategic priorities, upcoming initiatives, and the vision that will shape our next chapter. It’s both a reflection and a roadmap, designed to inform and inspire.

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Jessica Saum is the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, a 2023 Presidential Leadership Scholar. She was appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve on the Arkansas Council for Military Children, and is passionate about supporting military connected students during educational transitions and difficult family separations, recently publishing a children’s book celebrating The Month of the Military Child. Prior to being named Teacher of the Year, Jessica worked as a self-contained special education teacher and is known not only for her excellence in the classroom but for her advocacy work. During her year of service, she traveled the state and country speaking to teachers, students, community leaders and policymakers about the importance of meaningful access for all students and the need for improved policy for military connected students. Jessica currently serves as the Cabot Public School District’s Collaboration and Inclusion Coordinator.

Adapting and Modifying Curriculum and Activities to

Ensure Meaningful Access and Participation

Creating truly inclusive classrooms where students with IEPs thrive requires more than physical presence. It demands thoughtful (and sometimes challenging) adaptation and modification of curriculum and activities to ensure meaningful access and participation. This session explores how adapting teaching methods, assessments, and classroom norms can revolutionize meaningful access, empowering educators to provide personalized support efficiently and effectively.

This Session will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025

SEAS Adapting and Modifying Curriculum and Activities to Ensure Meaningful Access and Participation

Rebecca Walker is a dedicated Special Education Administrator at Siloam Springs School District in Northwest Arkansas. Her career began in the field of deaf education, and she has since served as both a co-teacher, a teacher for students with extensive support needs, and an education consultant. In these roles, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of assistive technology, recognizing its ability to enhance student achievement and ensure equitable access to education for all learners. Rebecca is passionate about supporting teachers and administrators in developing a deeper understanding of how to effectively meet the needs of students with disabilities. She is dedicated to helping educators gain the knowledge and tools necessary to provide meaningful access to education for every student.

Tech, Tools, and Teamwork: Leading Districts to Inclusive Practices

This session explores inclusive learning environments where students with disabilities access and engage with the general education curriculum, their peers, and their classroom. Strategies to identify individualized accommodations and the integration of assistive technology to meet individual needs are included. Insights from both administrator and teacher perspectives offer a comprehensive look at what works, what doesn’t, and how collaboration empowers them to create effective changes to meet student needs.

Tech, Tools, and Teamwork Leading Districts to Inclusive Practices

Dalene Magsam is a Special Education Instructional Facilitator in the Pea Ridge School District, where she supports educators in implementing effective teaching strategies and curriculum across diverse classroom settings. With a career rooted in service and advocacy, Dalene brings a wealth of experience to her role, including her work as a Special Education Consultant for the Easterseals Outreach Program, as a self-contained classroom teacher for grades K–4, and as a resource and inclusion teacher for grades 7–12. She is deeply passionate about ensuring that all students have access to meaningful, engaging educational experiences that empower them to thrive.

Tech, Tools, and Teamwork: Leading Districts to Inclusive Practices

This session explores inclusive learning environments where students with disabilities access and engage with the general education curriculum, their peers, and their classroom. Strategies to identify individualized accommodations and the integration of assistive technology to meet individual needs are included. Insights from both administrator and teacher perspectives offer a comprehensive look at what works, what doesn’t, and how collaboration empowers them to create effective changes to meet student needs.

Tech, Tools, and Teamwork Leading Districts to Inclusive Practices

Hadley Williams currently serves as the Special Education Designee at Ramay Junior High in Fayetteville, Arkansas. With over 20 years of experience in education, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and providing meaningful support for students with disabilities. Her career spans all grade levels, K–12, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the developmental and academic needs of diverse learners. Throughout her tenure, she has seen firsthand how the quality of IEP goals can significantly impact student outcomes. Her expertise in crafting effective, individualized goals reflects her deep understanding of both academic and functional skill development. She has worked in a variety of educational settings—from the most to the least restrictive—and brings a flexible, student-centered approach to instruction. In addition to her direct work with students, she is passionate about educating peers and colleagues about the wide spectrum of disabilities. Her dedication to building awareness, empathy, and effective teaching strategies makes her a valuable resource within the educational community.

From Draft to Data: Crafting SMART IEP Goals That Drive Progress

Crafting effective IEP goals is essential to ensuring meaningful progress for students with disabilities. In this session, participants will learn how to write goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). We’ll explore examples across academic and functional domains and provide practical strategies for aligning goals with student needs, grade-level standards, and progress monitoring tools. Whether you’re new to the IEP process or looking to refine your practice, this presentation will empower you to write clear, actionable goals that truly support student growth.

From Draft to Data Crafting SMART IEP Goals That Drive Progress

Jennifer Nicholas currently serves as the Special Services Designee and Behavior Specialist for Fayetteville Public Schools. Her experience teaching special education across a variety of settings—from Resource to Structured Learning—has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to develop meaningful IEP goals that reflect a wide range of student needs. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she specializes in defining behavior in clear, observable, and measurable terms, and in building data systems that effectively track student progress. In her current role, Jennifer coaches teachers and families on understanding and addressing behavior, collaborates on the development of individualized behavior plans and goals, and supports educators with practical strategies to create positive, supportive learning environments that meet the unique needs of their students.

From Draft to Data: Crafting SMART IEP Goals That Drive Progress

Crafting effective IEP goals is essential to ensuring meaningful progress for students with disabilities. In this session, participants will learn how to write goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). We’ll explore examples across academic and functional domains and provide practical strategies for aligning goals with student needs, grade-level standards, and progress monitoring tools. Whether you’re new to the IEP process or looking to refine your practice, this presentation will empower you to write clear, actionable goals that truly support student growth.

From Draft to Data Crafting SMART IEP Goals That Drive Progress

Jayton Howell, widely known as JT, serves as a Behavioral Intervention Specialist with the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. With over nine years of experience in developmental, community-based, and educational services, JT brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to supporting student success.
JT earned his academic foundation in counseling psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and has since focused his career on fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. In his current role, he works closely with educators to design and implement classroom behavioral strategies tailored to diverse student needs. His work centers on equipping students with positive behavior tools and coping mechanisms that promote long-term growth, both academically and socially.

Whether coaching staff on best practices or mentoring students through challenging situations, JT remains committed to building strong, responsive systems that help every learner thrive.

Classroom Culture and Control: Foundations of Behavioral Management

We will explore the essential principles and practices behind creating a well-managed, respectful, and engaging learning environment. This presentation will examine how a strong classroom culture—built on consistency, relationships, and clear expectations—can prevent behavioral issues before they arise. Attendees will learn foundational behavioral management strategies that promote student responsibility, minimize disruptions, and support positive academic and social outcomes. Grounded in educational theory and practical application, this session is designed to equip both new and experienced educators with the tools they need to foster a productive classroom climate where all students can thrive.

Classroom Culture and Control

Yvonne Greene has over 25 years of experience in education. She has served students as general educator, special educator, campus IEP meeting facilitator, district lead IEP facilitator/trainer, and an early childhood administrator. Yvonne currently works for the Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Special Education where she has served as a Program Advisor on the Monitoring and Program Effectiveness team; the Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator; and has spent the last 8 years as the Administrator for Monitoring and Program Effectiveness. She is passionate about equipping others to meet the needs of students who receive special education support. Yvonne holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, an M.Ed. in Leadership of Learning, and an M.A. in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership.

Addressing Student Needs through the IEP PLAAFP and Goals

Join members of the DESE Monitoring and Program Effectiveness team as they walk through key components needed to develop a reasonably calculated IEP. The focus of the session will be the connection between the PLAAFP and goals to ensure student needs are addressed.

Addressing Student Needs through the IEP PLAAFP and Goals

Jessica Polk is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Married to her high school sweetheart for 23 years, she is the proud mother of two adult children—one pursuing a degree in Biology, and the other, an inspiring young man on the autism spectrum, whose journey has deeply shaped her life and calling.

Practical behavior interventions for special education teachers

Practical Behavioral Interventions for the Special Education Classroom equips educators with effective tools to understand and address challenging behaviors. Participants will explore the foundational principles of behavior, including the ABC model and behavior functions, while learning tiered intervention strategies that can be applied immediately in the classroom. The session emphasizes proactive, data-driven approaches and fosters collaboration among staff and families to support student success. Designed for special education teachers, the training is both informative and practical, offering real-world strategies to promote positive behavior and learning outcomes.

Practical Behavior Interventions for the Special Education Classroom

Renee Speight, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Speight’s research and teaching interests focus on supporting in-service and pre-service teachers in implementation of evidence-based practices to foster improved academic, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for adolescent learners with behavioral support needs. Her research occurs in typical school-based settings where Speight investigates the impact of practices on student outcomes using single-case research methodology. Prior to joining higher education, Speight was a middle school literacy and social studies teacher.

Enhancing Classroom Engagement with Group-Based Strategies

This presentation introduces a group contingency, a flexible, resource-efficient classroom management method that boosts student engagement and reduces disruptive behavior. Attendees will explore key components of group contingencies, including setting expectations and providing positive reinforcement. Attendees will also learn practical strategies for K–12 implementation and develop personalized plans to integrate a group contingency effectively into diverse classroom settings.

Dr. Leeann Howard is an Associate Professor at Harding University whose focus is on the science of reading. As the founder of BRAINSread. and as a Certified Dyslexia Specialist, she actively works with both struggling readers as well as teacher candidates, teachers, and schools to improve reading instruction and reading outcomes.

Neurodiversity & Science of Reading: Specific Considerations for Special Educators

This session will explore how the science of reading applies to special educators whose students face additional learning challenges beyond the Simple View of Reading. We will investigate the dynamic roles that executive functioning, attention, motivation, language abilities, and processing play in learning to be a proficient reader. An emphasis will be placed on practical, multi-sensory instructional strategies and inclusion practices.

Learn more about Leeann: www.BRAINSread.com

Neurodiversity and the Science of Reading

Beth Harness has worked in the field of Early Childhood Special Education for 25 years. She has experience as a teacher of preschoolers with special needs as well as with program administration. She has been involved in every step of the referral-to-placement process with ECSped and is excited to share her knowledge of tried-and-true systems to efficiently place and serve students.

Early Childhood Special Education: The Process from Concerns to Services

In this session, we will discuss the special education process of taking preschoolers all the way from concerns to services. We will discuss strategies to organize and prioritize procedures to stay in timelines and ensure that students are served effectively.

Early Childhood Special Education The Process from Concerns to Services

Laura McCammon has over 30 years of experience in education, serving in a variety of roles across public, Catholic, and charter schools in the Central Arkansas area. Her background includes classroom teaching as well as providing specialized support as a Special Education Consultant for Easterseals Outreach. In her current role as a Program Advisor on the Monitoring and Program Effectiveness team at the Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Laura provides technical assistance and training to more than 40 school districts across the state. She is passionate about supporting special education teachers, districts, and families in developing effective plans that help students reach their full potential.

Addressing Student Needs through the IEP PLAAFP and Goals

Join members of the DESE Monitoring and Program Effectiveness team as they walk through key components needed to develop a reasonably calculated IEP. The focus of the session will be the connection between the PLAAFP and goals to ensure student needs are addressed.

Addressing Student Needs through the IEP PLAAFP and Goals

Carrie Cousins is a dedicated and experienced Special Education Coordinator with over 18 years of service in the Bentonville School District. With a strong background as a Speech Language Pathologist, Special Education Lead Facilitator, and Dean of Students, Carrie brings extensive expertise in compliance, staff development, and collaborative problem-solving. She currently supports multiple elementary campuses, oversees all related services, advises administrators, mentors staff, and ensures appropriate service provision for students with disabilities. Her leadership has resulted in measurable improvements in service efficiency and student outcomes. Carrie is recognized by her peers and those she supervises for her strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and commitment to inclusive education.

Strengthening Inclusive Practices Through Collaborative Planning

This session is designed to strengthen the partnership between general education and special education teachers by emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in supporting all learners. Grounded in High-Leverage Practices of Collaboration, participants will explore strategies that promote effective collaboration, shared responsibility, and purposeful planning.
A key focus will be the Co-Planning Matrix, a practical tool that promotes shared ownership of instruction by helping teams clarify roles, align supports, and plan intentionally to meet the needs of all students. Participants will explore a structured approach to writing meaningful, student-centered goals as a team.
Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies and shared language to enhance co-planning routines, clarify expectations, and improve instructional coherence in inclusive classrooms. This session is ideal for general and special educators committed to building more effective, equitable, and collaborative learning environments.

Strengthening Inclusive Practices Through Collaborative Planning

Tiffany Kell is a licensed attorney and certified mediator in Arkansas. She graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, and also holds a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
As the Mediation Program Manager with the William H. Bowen School of Law Legal Clinic, she is responsible for implementation, contract negotiation, and promotion of the grant-funded mediation programs serving Arkansas, including the Arkansas Special Education Mediation Project and the Arkansas Early Intervention Mediation Project. Tiffany developed and implemented the facilitated Individualized Education Program (IEP) in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Education, meeting the option for Part B and the IFSP meeting option for Part C in Arkansas. She works collaboratively with service providers, teachers, parents, students, and school administrators on how to communicate through conflict. She has served in this role since 2012.

Communication throughout the Educational Journey

Communication between schools and families is crucial throughout a child’s educational journey. Mediation and facilitation play a vital role in fostering positive and productive relationships. Facilitation can be used to ensure strong communication during the development of IFSPs for infants and toddlers and IEPs for school-aged children with learning differences. Mediation can be instrumental in resolving disagreements related to IEPs and educational services for students of all ages. We will discuss the different roles involved, benefits, and processes of each.

Early Intervention & Special Education Mediation Projects

Heather Tyler is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an accomplished education leader with extensive experience in special education. She’s currently a Special Education Supervisor at Springdale School District, a role she’s held since July 2024. Before this, she served as a Special Education Coordinator for the Bentonville School District for four years and a Self-contained Special Education Teacher at Springdale School District’s Young Elementary.
Heather’s background also includes significant leadership roles at the Elizabeth Richardson Center, where she was an Autism Program Coordinator, Case Manager, and Interim Facility Administrator. She holds an Ed.S. in Principalship from Arkansas State University, along with a Special Education Director Certificate and a B.S.E. in Early Childhood Special Education from the same institution. Additionally, she earned an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Autism Emphasis from Ball State University. Heather is also certified trainer in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) and Every Day Behavior Tools (EDBT).

Strengthening Inclusive Practices Through Collaborative Planning

This session is designed to strengthen the partnership between general education and special education teachers by emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in supporting all learners. Grounded in High-Leverage Practices of Collaboration, participants will explore strategies that promote effective collaboration, shared responsibility, and purposeful planning.
A key focus will be the Co-Planning Matrix, a practical tool that promotes shared ownership of instruction by helping teams clarify roles, align supports, and plan intentionally to meet the needs of all students. Participants will explore a structured approach to writing meaningful, student-centered goals as a team.
Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies and shared language to enhance co-planning routines, clarify expectations, and improve instructional coherence in inclusive classrooms. This session is ideal for general and special educators committed to building more effective, equitable, and collaborative learning environments.

Strengthening Inclusive Practices Through Collaborative Planning

Sandra Doggett serves as the Special Education Director for APSRC with over 28 years of experience in special education. She recently retired from teaching but continues to love working with educators and learning new things. She is widowed and blessed with six amazing stepchildren and sixteen grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys road trips, shopping, reading, spending time with friends and family, and she is always finding a new project to dive into.

Foundations and Futures: Essentials of special education policy, law, and empowering every child

This presentation provides an overview of key special education topics, including Child Find, Due Process, Procedural Safeguards, Discipline, Inclusive Practices, and strategies to avoid litigation. It is designed to support educators in understanding legal requirements and best practices for serving students with disabilities.

Foundations and Futures Essentials of Special Education Policy, Law

Tripp Walter currently serves as a Staff Attorney for the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, where he has worked since May 2010. Prior to holding this position, Mr. Walter worked for the Arkansas Department of Education for over six years as a Staff Attorney and Interim General Counsel. Before moving to Arkansas, he worked as a university attorney, municipal attorney, and municipal judge in Texas for 18 years. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Houston and a J.D. from Texas Tech University. He is licensed to practice law in Arkansas and Texas.

Foundations and Futures: Essentials of special education policy, law, and empowering every child

This presentation provides an overview of key special education topics, including Child Find, Due Process, Procedural Safeguards, Discipline, Inclusive Practices, and strategies to avoid litigation. It is designed to support educators in understanding legal requirements and best practices for serving students with disabilities.

Foundations and Futures Essentials of Special Education Policy, Law

With nearly two decades of experience in education, Ms. Mandy Cook has established a deep commitment to student success. Her background includes extensive work supporting students with diverse learning needs, and she possesses a comprehensive understanding of Section 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

For the past four years, she has served as the District 504 Coordinator for Pea Ridge Schools, where she leads efforts to ensure equitable access and support for all students under Section 504. As both an educator and a parent of a child with dyslexia who benefited from a 504 plan, she approaches her work with empathy, insight, and unwavering advocacy.

Her mission is to empower students, families, and educators by building and maintaining systems that support every learner’s potential.

Upstream 504 Practices: Empowering Educators to Build Equity from the Start

Grounded in the principles of Upstream by Dan Heath, this session explores best practices in Section 504 coordination and implementation through a proactive lens.

Upstream 504 Practices