8:30-10:00 A.M. - HEATHER VOLCHKO

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THE FIRST 20 DAYS: FUNCTION BASED CLASSROOMS THAT TEACH

PERIODICAL BEHAVIOR FROM DAY ONE

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Discover how the first 20 days of school can prevent months of behavior challenges. This session equips educators with practical, function-based strategies to understand student behavior, proactively teach replacement skills, and build classroom systems that reinforce success from day one.

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About the Presenter: Heather Volchko is a school-based consultant and program evaluator specializing in emotional and behavioral disorders, contextual behavior analysis, organizational behavior management, and leadership psychology. She has been a coordinator, teacher, and paraprofessional in therapeutic, alternative, self-contained, resource, and correctional settings. Outside of her professional work, she has worked abroad with various international education organizations as well as stateside with organizations facilitating upward mobility. Heather is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has a Bachelors in Special Education and Masters in Educational Psychology. She is currently pursuing her doctorate. Her topic is:

 

10:15 A.M. -11:45—ELIZABETH ORME

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10 PRACTICAL BEHAVIOR PREVENTION STRATEGIES TO START YOUR SCHOOL OFF STRONG

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Start the school year with practical, ready-to-use strategies to support students with emotional and behavioral needs. This session focuses on prevention through relationships, routines, visuals, and skill-building. Participants will leave with simple tools they can implement immediately to create more predictable, supportive classroom environments.

 

About the Presenter: Elizabeth Orme, Ed.S., Founder and CEO of Creatively Focused, is revolutionizing special education by integrating technology and artificial intelligence to support educators. A former special education director and school board member, she brings firsthand experience to her work, ensuring that solutions are practical, sustainable, and impactful. Under her leadership, Creatively Focused has expanded its reach, equipping districts with sustainable tools and AI-driven insights that help special educators thrive. Elizabeth’s people-first approach ensures technology enhances, rather than replaces, the educator experience. As a leader in education, technology, and responsible AI, she is driving lasting change and elevating the role of special educators nationwide.

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11:50 A.M.12:O5 P.M. NOON—BEV JOHNS

A BEHAVIOR BRIEF ON BEHAVIOR MOMENTUM

 

Learn about the power of a simple behavioral strategy know as behavior momentum. It allows us to build a successful environment for our students by building momentum for success.

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About the Presenter: Bev Johns is President-Elect of ILDEBH and has well over 40 years experience with working with students with significant emotional and behavioral needs and is the author of over 35 books--non-fiction and fiction. 

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12:30 P.M. -12:45 P.M.—BEV JOHNS

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A BEHAVIOR BRIEF TO ENCOURAGE STUDENT VOICE AND CHOICE
 

How can we ensure that our students needs are met and how can we give them a sense of empowerment by building in power and control for them. 

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About the Presenter: Bev Johns is President-Elect of ILDEBH and has well over 40 years experience with working with students with significant emotional and behavioral needs and is the author of over 35 books--non-fiction and fiction. 

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1:00 P.M. -2:00 P.M. --ALEXANDRA WOLF

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DESIGNING AUTHENTIC WRITING FOR STUDENTS WITH EMOTIONAL AND

BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

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Authentic writing seeks to increase student engagement in writing by teaching written expression across the disciplines and designing writing tasks with real audiences, purposes, and meaningful writing topics. This session provides a step-by-step guide for teachers to plan and integrate authentic writing into coursework for students with EBD.

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About the Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Wolf is an assistant professor of special education at Eastern Connecticut State University. In addition to her experience as a special educator and English language arts teacher in public schools, she has also taught writing programs in youth carceral settings. Alexandra is an active researcher exploring education in carceral settings, the school-to-prison pipeline, writing instruction, and supporting students  with disabilities across settings. She advocates for writing instruction that sets students up for success across their professional and personal lives.

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2:15-3:15 P.M.--CAROLINE MILLEN​

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STARTING STRONG: BUILDING TRAUMA-INFORMED CLASSROOMS THAT

SUPPORT STUDENT REGULATION AND SUCCESS

 

Participants will explore practical strategies for creating emotionally safe, structured, and supportive classrooms that reduce challenging behaviors and promote engagement. The session focuses on routines, co-regulation, classroom environments,
relationship-building, and preventative supports that help students with emotional and behavioral needs successfully transition into the school year.

 

About the Presenter: Dr. Caroline Millen is an Assistant Professor of Education at Keystone College, where she serves as the program director and academic advisor for the Special Education (PK–12) certification program, the dual-certification program in Early Childhood Education (PK–4) and Special Education (PK–12), and the master's program (MSEd) in Early Childhood Education Leadership. Dr. Millen’s career bridges classroom practice, educational research, and leadership development. After designing and teaching a leadership course for aspiring educators, she focused her doctoral research on The Impact of Teaching Resilience, Goal Attainment, and Other Essential Leadership Skills to Young Adults via Virtual Instruction through a trauma-responsive lens. Her work was recognized with the McGowan Medal for Excellence in Doctoral Studies.

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3:15 P.M.-3:30 P.M.—WRAP UP

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REMEMBER WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

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ILDEBH HOSTS SOLUTIONS SUNDAY ON THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTERNOON DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

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WE WILL ALSO HOLD OUR WINTER VIRTUAL CONFERENCE IN EARLY FEBRUARY

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