This is the second part of our 3-part series on Transition Planning. In Session 2 parents/caregivers and teachers will learn about transition planning for students moving from elementary to middle school.
Session 2
March 23rd - Transition Planning for Elementary to Middle School
Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. CST
Si necesita los servicios de un intérprete, comuníquese con outreach@autismtn.org
Session 2 - Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will identify tools that can be used to strengthen family engagement skills.
2. Participants will identify strategies that can be used to support the transition process specific to their child.
3. Participants will locate resources that may support caregivers as they make decisions regarding their child’s transition from elementary to middle school.
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Presenters
Becky Haynes, Associate Director of Training at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD Becky is a behavior analyst and educator by training with 15 years of experience in education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a teacher, home-based therapist, clinical director, and consultant. Becky is currently a Senior Behavior Analyst and Associate Director of Training at TRIAD, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s autism institute. In this role, Becky provides coordination and leadership to develop and deliver high quality professional development and technical assistance. Becky provides consultation, coaching, and training on TRIAD’s autism and intensive behavior contracts for the Tennessee Department of Education, working with educators and caregivers from early childhood through high school. Becky holds a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University in Early Childhood Special Education and a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Elementary Education. Prior to her current position at Vanderbilt, Becky taught in an early childhood inclusive classroom, worked as a clinical director at a private autism school, and served as a behavior analyst for a Nashville-area school district.
Michelle Hopton, Assistant in Pediatrics at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD Michelle is a behavior analyst and special educator by training with 15 years of experience in education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a special educator, district board certified behavior analyst, home ABA provider, consultant and trainer. Michelle is currently an Assistant in Pediatrics at TRIAD, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s autism institute. In this role, Michelle leads training for intensive behavior related work, coordinates training related to academic instruction, provides training to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, working with educators and medical providers. Michelle holds a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University in Early Childhood Special Education and a Bachelors degree in Special Education, with an Elementary Education endorsement. Prior to her current position at Vanderbilt, Michelle taught in a pre-k-5 grade special education class, worked with military families designing and supervising the delivery of at-home ABA programming, and served as a behavior analyst for schools in Nashville.
Susan Carr, Family Engagement Specialist for The Arc of TN Susan is a Family Engagement Specialist for the South Central region with The Arc of TN. As a Family Engagement Specialist, Susan works with families who have students receiving Special Education services, school districts, Special Education teachers, and other community stakeholders to bridge the communication gap in Special Education. The Family Engagement team provides parent training on Special Education topics, breaks down information into family friendly resources, provides training to districts as requested, and provides information at transition and resource fairs. Prior to working with The Arc TN, Susan worked as a Special Education teacher for several years in a variety of settings. She has a particular interest in helping students improve their self-advocacy skills. She believes students can and should communicate their wants and needs in their own communication style to develop a life they desire. Susan also believes it is never too early to begin preparing for life after high school. She believes decisions that are made when students are young directly affect their long term outcomes. Susan began working in the field of disability when her oldest daughter was born with a genetic deletion. After being told what her daughter would not be able to do, Susan set out to make sure her daughter had the opportunity to do whatever she desired in her life regardless of her disability. Her daughter is currently 23, has received her occupational diploma, and runs her own business. Susan wants to ensure every student has an opportunity to pursue their dreams. She has received her B.A. in K - 12 Comprehensive Special Education, is certified in Work Based Learning, and is currently working on her ESL certification. Susan is a 2007 graduate of Partners in Policymaking/GA, a graduate of the Vanderbilt Advocacy Project, and certified in the Lifecourse Planning tools.
