Brynn Biggs

Brynn is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a former member of the Aggie Corps of Cadets and Fightn' Texas Aggie Band. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Special Education and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. After completing her master's degree she received her educational diagnostician certification from Stephen F. Austin University. Brynn has over ten years of Texas public school experience, which includes the roles of secondary special education teacher, transition specialist, and 18+ Programs Instructional Coach. During her time in Bryan ISD, she brought Project SEARCH to the district and oversaw its operations until her transition to the SCTN. Brynn also assists in leading district-level, state-level, and national-level professional development on various topics in the area of transition. Brynn is a wife and mother of 3 children and resides in Bryan/College Station with her family. She currently serves as project manager at The Garrett Center on Transition and Disability Services.

Kayla Daniel

Kayla met her husband while attending Baylor University. She earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English and Special Education. Using her study of English, her first career was in investment marketing. After ten years, she felt drawn to make a difference. She embraced a career in education and taught middle and high school for 12 years before earning her master's degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A & M University-Commerce. She then continued to serve as a district Transition and Employment Designee, Vocational Adjustment Coordinator, high school Assistant Principal, district Special Education Coordinator, and taught the special education content seminar for an alternative certification program.

Most recently Kayla was an Education Specialist for the Region 12 Education Service Center in Waco, focusing on transition, accessibility, and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. She has been a guest lecturer in transition for several university teacher preparation programs and has trained many educators across the state through professional development and conference presentations. Kayla has a heart for homeless youth and young adults with disabilities and serves on multiple local, state, and national committees. She is part of Leadership Waco through the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. Kayla and her husband, Joe, live in the Waco area near their two adult daughters. She currently serves as content specialist/project coordinator at The Garrett Center on Transition and Disability Services.

Kelcie Dao, SLPD, CCC-SLP

Kelcie Dao serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Baylor University in Waco, TX. Dr. Dao received her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX in 2017, and a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, UT in 2021. She is licensed through the State of Texas and holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). She is a member of the Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  

Dr. Dao practiced as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the public school systems for 5 years prior to joining as a full-time faculty member at Baylor in the Fall of 2022. Dr. Dao has been an adjunct professor in the Language and Literacy Clinic for the Spring 2022 semester as well as supervising graduate clinicians during Camp Success in 2021 and 2022.  

Jeff Key, M.Ed, is a Nationally Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE), he has been a physical educator for over 37 years.  Key has taught future teachers at Texas Tech University, Wayland Baptist University, and Lubbock Christian University.  He has also coached adapted physical education to elementary, junior High, high School, and college age students.  He has taught general and special education PE classes.  He has also taught at the National Adapted Physical Education Conference in California, Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD) Conference, he is the Past Chair of the Adapted PE section of TAHPERD.  He has taught numerous workshops on adapted and general physical education throughout Texas at various Regional Education Service Centers and conferences.  He serves on the Advisory Board for the Texas Tech University’s Burkhart Center for Autism Research and Education.  Key is also a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) working with students teaching them travel skills with the white cane and using their guide dogs.  He is currently the Teacher of Students that are Visually Impaired Teacher and Orientation and Mobility Specialist for Lubbock Cooper ISD. 

Taylor Lewis, M.A., CCC-SLP

Taylor Lewis is a dynamic speech pathologist with a wealth of experience in diverse clinical settings.  Specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Taylor is adept at guiding clients through the entire AAC process, from initial evaluation to implementation and ongoing support. Her passion for helping others communicate effectively is evident in her patient-centered approach and dedication to empowering individuals and their families. Taylor holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and a state license in Speech-Language Pathology from the State of Texas.

Anissa Moore, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Anissa Moore is an independent educational consultant and licensed, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA / LBA) specializing in the field of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, emotional disturbance, and oppositional defiance disorder. A certified teacher and administrator with over 28 years’ experience, Anissa brings “been there” experience yet fresh perspective to best practices for educators and families. She currently consults as a national speaker, program consultant, independent IEP facilitator, and BCBA for school districts and legal firms across the nation. Anissa balances research-based principles with humor and personal experience in all her public speaking topics, encouraging participants to celebrate the gifts of special needs while addressing and supporting student challenges. Anissa lives in the San Antonio, Texas area with her husband and their teenage daughter. 

Dr. Edward Schultz

Dr. Edward Schultz is a full professor at Midwestern State University. Since 2005, he has trained future special educators and educational diagnosticians. In addition to this, he provides professional development and consultations to numerous school districts across the state and consults with state departments. He is a co-architect of the Core-Selective Evaluation Process (CSEP) and interests include SLD/Dyslexia identification, multi-tiered systems of support, and school improvement. 

The Region 12 Education Service Center

Several education specialists from the service center will present throughout the day. We will have representatives from the following departments: special education, general education, federal programs, and counseling services. Each of our specialists have a solid background in education and are looking forward to sharing valuable information with you.

Formative Assessment: Assessing Learning and Informing Teaching (Mockingbird)

Dr. Edward Schultz

Formative assessment is a crucial aspect of effective teaching and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development. In this session, participants will learn several formative assessment strategies that can provide teachers and students with real-time feedback. The session will give a specific emphasis on metacognitive strategies that are supported by brain research.

Educator Wellness: Reducing Stress, Improving Behavior (Pecan)

Anissa Moore

If you work with students with challenging behaviors, does every day sometimes feel like a power struggle? Learn why noncompliant students may engage in argumentative behaviors, including the motivation to “fight, flight, or freeze”. Participants will be able to 1) identify antecedents that contribute to noncompliance, 2) apply antecedent manipulations (such as “neutral zones”) that can decrease the probability of power-struggles, and 3) reinforce replacement behaviors based on individual student interest and motivation. This session will empower educators to sharpen their existing tools and allow students to excel in any classroom! This session ends at 11:35.

This session will discuss the impact of differentiation in teaching ESL on mathematics in SpEd. Strategies to cater to diverse learning needs and enhance comprehension of mathematics will be provided, with a focus on adapting to unique challenges faced by students with disabilities for an inclusive learning environment.

Improving Literacy Experiences for Learners with Complex Access and Sensory Needs (Alamo)

Michele Craig

Teachers and Specialists will learn strategies and accommodations that can be used to meet the needs of students who have complex access and sensory needs. Participants will learn how to create and or adapt literacy experiences and materials to meet their student’s unique needs and preferences; including auditory, tactile, visual, kinesthetic, olfactory, and taste. Strategies and resources will be shared and discussed and physical examples will be available to interact with during the session.

Inclusive PE: The Power of Play (Waco CD)

Jeff Key

This active workshop will discuss and demonstrate how to involve all students in Physical Education class. Participants will learn and play many fun, easy, and quick physical games and activities to play with their students. This workshop will examine how to modify and adapt activities and equipment to involve all students regardless of the student’s disabilities, especially on the spectrum of autism. This session ends at 11:35.

Research-Based Instructional Strategies - Reading Language Arts (Lone Star)

Courtney Ingram

Join us in learning about Research Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) for RLA! During this session you will learn about practices that highlight common misconceptions in Reading Language Arts. We will also explore practices that are supported by research and should be present in classrooms, regardless of instructional materials.

Your Core Mission: Vocabulary, LAMP WFL, and WordPower (Bluebonnet)

Taylor Lewis

Discover the Power of Core Vocabulary: In this first phase of Your Core Mission you will learn about core vocabulary. We will explore this concept by reviewing typical language development. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to experience using core vocabulary in choosing early language targets. This will demonstrate how core vocabulary can enhance AAC users’ ability to express themselves in a wide variety of settings and situations. Register HERE to receive ASHA credit.

Exploring Implementation Strategies for LAMP WFL and WordPower: Our next step to complete our mission is to dive deeper into how to implement these language systems to foster communication and language development. This session will highlight strategies for getting started with core vocabulary for those who use AAC. Participants will apply these strategies and learn how to support children who use LAMP WFL and WordPower through hands-on practice working through case studies and in engaging with videos and active discussion. Register HERE to receive ASHA credit. This session ends at 11:35.

Dr. Edward Schultz

According to the Dyslexia Handbook, effective teachers use integrated reading instruments to diagnose reading development and comprehension. This session will demonstrate how using reading inventories can help us identify a student’s instructional levels, develop IEP goals, and inform instruction. In addition, running records and the quick phonics screener (QPS) will be highlighted in order to obtain a complete profile of student reading.

Ashlie Bramlett

This session offers educators practical strategies to recognize early signs of escalating behavior, respond calmly, and redirect negative energy constructively. Through interactive activities, participants will learn active listening techniques and how to utilize non-confrontational language. By the session's end, educators will be equipped with practical tools to confidently navigate challenging interactions, fostering a supportive learning environment conducive to both academic and social-emotional growth.

Courtney Ingram

Join us in learning about Research Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) for math! During this session you will learn about practices that highlight common misconceptions in math. We will also explore practices that are supported by research and should be present in classrooms, regardless of instructional materials.

Michele Craig

This session provides you with the opportunity to experience a variety of common sensory items used in the educational setting. Each item is accompanied by a page that explains its purpose, rationale, and how it can be effectively utilized to engage the senses and promote learning. Whether you're seeking ideas for tactile exploration, visual stimulation, self-regulation, or student engagement, the sensory lab provides something for everyone to enjoy at their own pace.

Curriculum-Based Measurement: An Essential Teaching Component - Part 1 (Mockingbird)

Dr. Edward Schultz

Learning can only be measured by teachers who understand the reciprocal nature of teaching and assessment. This session will introduce and demonstrate how curriculum-based measurement (CBM) can be used to quickly establish baseline and instructional levels. Demonstrations for CBMs for Math, Reading, and Writing will be included. 

There's More to Life Than Cheese Puffs! Expanding Reinforcers for Hard-to-Reinforce Students (Waco AB)

Anissa Moore

There IS more to life than cheese puffs! The goal for our students is to value intrinsic reinforcement, but many times students with special needs or developmental disorders need additional motivating reinforcers to support their skill acquisition. In this session, participants will learn how to conduct easy yet effective preference assessments, use findings to expand a student's bank of reinforcers (vary their "paychecks"), and acquire ways to take data and use reinforcement schedules to fade the frequency and duration of higher "paychecks". This session ends at 3:35.

Taylor Lewis

What is AAC? Could AAC benefit children under 3 years of age? If so, when and how do I get started? These questions and more will be discussed in this 90 minute introductory session about AAC and early intervention. Participants will learn about the different types of AAC available, and how those can support language and communication. The course will discuss common myths and parental concerns surrounding AAC in the birth to three population. Strategies and resources are provided to help early interventionists support parents in considering and using AAC options. Register HERE to receive ASHA credit.

Inclusive PE: The Power of Play (Waco CD)

Jeff Key

This active workshop will discuss and demonstrate how to involve all students in Physical Education class. Participants will learn and play many fun, easy, and quick physical games and activities to play with their students. This workshop will examine how to modify and adapt activities and equipment to involve all students regardless of the student’s disabilities, especially on the spectrum of autism. This session ends at 3:35.

Sensory Lab (Alamo)

Michele Craig

This session provides you with the opportunity to experience a variety of common sensory items used in the educational setting. Each item is accompanied by a page that explains its purpose, rationale, and how it can be effectively utilized to engage the senses and promote learning. Whether you're seeking ideas for tactile exploration, visual stimulation, self-regulation, or student engagement, the sensory lab provides something for everyone to enjoy at their own pace.

Kelcie Dao

In this session, participants will learn how speech language pathologists provide a variety of services to students in the general education and special education classrooms. You will also gain insight on what you can do as a teacher to help carryover and support their skills! This session will cover everything from students with articulation and language needs to students with complex needs and the use of assistive technology devices.

Exploring Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Resources (Lone Star)

Teresa Chavez

Join us for a comprehensive session exploring federal and state resources tailored for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) educators. Participants will learn how to access guidance documents and information concerning state-specific initiatives. Attendees will learn how to leverage these resources to enhance instructional practices and support diverse learners effectively. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, join us to discover the wealth of support available for optimizing ECSE outcomes. An electronic device is recommended for this session.

Curriculum-Based Measurement: An Essential Teaching Component - Part 2 (Mockingbird)

Dr. Edward Schultz

In order to assess learning, goals must be set and performance data must be collected during instruction. Participants in the session will learn (and practice) how to set goals, determine rates of improvement (ROI), and when to make instructional adjustments. In addition, how to use CBMs to develop impact statements and IEP development will be presented.