SPEAKER SERIES
2019-2020
All events are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
How to Raise a Reader:
10 Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers
Presenter: Margie Gillis, Ed.D.
Children are wired to speak, see, and think, but reading must be explicitly taught. Good instruction, rich language experiences, and reading practice help build the wiring in the brain to support fluent reading and comprehension. Find out more about the reading brain, how we learn to read, and what makes reading challenging. Certified Academic Language Therapist Margie Gillis, Ed.D. will discuss reading evaluations, the importance of early screening and individualized intervention, and heredity as a red flag for dyslexia. She will explain what you can do at home to encourage and motivate your child to engage in reading and will provide a list of resources you can explore to support your child’s reading success.
In 2009, Margie founded Literacy How, Inc., a non-profit organization, to improve research-based practices in the classroom and, in 2010, founded the Anne E. Fowler Foundation, which supports scholarships for teachers for graduate work in reading and language development. As president of Literacy How and as a Research Affiliate at Haskins Laboratories, Margie creates new opportunities to empower teaching excellence. She is the co-founder and former president of Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities, former president of the CT Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, a board member of the Dyslexia Society of CT, and a professional advisor for Understood and ReadWorks.
VIDEO on the impact that parents can have on reading instruction
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-sponsored by the Wilton Library
MATERIALS: Raise a Reader (PDF Format)
Thursday, September 26, 2019
College Frenzy 2.0:
How to Manage and Minimize the Stress
Presenters: Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, and Victoria Hirsch
Presentation and discussion for parents led by Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Parent Coach, and Victoria Hirsch, Independent College Consultant.
The College Process has come to be viewed as THE BIG EVENT in the lives of students and their families. The pressure associated with THE BIG EVENT often creates a lot of negative fallout such as ruptured relationships and high levels of stress and anxiety. In this updated presentation, Parent Coach and Clinical Psychologist Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, and College Consultant Victoria Hirsch will offer tips, strategies and suggestions for viewing the college process as a natural next step rather than THE BIG EVENT and for managing the process in ways that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair.
This presentation is aimed at parents of 8th-12th graders. All parents and interested parties are welcome to attend.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wilton Library
Brubeck Room
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions: please contact Genevieve Eason at geason@wiltonyouth.com
Co-sponsored by the Wilton Library, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Youth Services, and Wilton Presbyterian Church
MATERIALS: College Frenzy (PDF Format)
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Transitioning to College:
Understanding Post-Secondary Challenges and Legal Issues for Students With ADHD and LD
Presenter: Robert M. Tudisco, Esq.
Despite their intelligence and enormous potential, students diagnosed with ADHD and LD face continual difficulty addressing transitions. None prove more difficult than the transition from high school to college. What makes this transition difficult is a variety of social and legal changes that many students and parents are not equipped to address. This puts them at high risk to fail, despite their high potential. If addressed proactively, however, the challenges of this transition can be reduced dramatically so these students can have the opportunity to maximize their potential, and not just survive in the post-secondary environment but to thrive there.
Robert M. Tudisco, Esq., a nationally recognized author, motivational speaker, practicing attorney, and adult diagnosed with ADHD, will address many of the social and legal changes that occur with the transition to college and discuss practical strategies for students to reach their full potential. His presentation will include such topics as: IEPs and making the most of transition planning; converting 504 plans to reasonable accommodation requests in college; high stakes testing accommodations; understanding FERPA and proactively addressing the flow of information; developing strategies to provide structure, support and accountability while away at school; and diversion of medication and what parents and students need to know.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-sponsored by the Wilton Library
WATCH VIDEO of his presentation.
MATERIALS: Transitioning to College (PDF Format)
Monday, October 7, 2019
College Frenzy 2.0:
Follow-up Discussion
Presenters: Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, and Victoria Hirsch
Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Parent Coach, and Victoria Hirsch, Independent College Consultant, will lead an informal conversation based on the September 26th College Frenzy 2.0 presentation.
Participants are encouraged to bring questions.
NOTE: a minimum of 25 registrants is required in order for this program to take place.
The College Process has come to be viewed as THE BIG EVENT in the lives of students and their families. The pressure associated with THE BIG EVENT often creates a lot of negative fallout such as ruptured relationships and high levels of stress and anxiety. In this updated presentation, Parent Coach and Clinical Psychologist Susan Bauerfeld, PhD, and College Consultant Victoria Hirsch will offer tips, strategies and suggestions for viewing the college process as a natural next step rather than THE BIG EVENT and for managing the process in ways that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair.
10:30 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
Rimer Room
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions: please contact Genevieve Eason at geason@wiltonyouth.com
Co-sponsored by the Wilton Library, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Youth Services, and Wilton Presbyterian Church
Monday, November 4, 2019
Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions (S.P.A.C.E.)
Presenter: Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Dr. Eli Lebowitz, Associate Professor in the Yale Child Study Center, presents S.P.A.C.E., a program to assist parents in parenting children with anxiety (from low level to severe). The program has been found to be effective in lessening the negative impact of anxiety on children and families. Come learn more about how changing parent behavior can positively impact your child and reduce the impact of anxiety on your entire family.
For Further information about S.P.A.C.E. and its impacts
7:00 p.m.
Middlebrook Middle School
Auditorium
131 School Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Youth Services, Wilton Public Schools, and Wilton SEPTA
Presentaciones gratuitas de educación especial en español
Martes, 5 de Noviembre
¿Qué es la tecnología de asistencia y cómo puede ayudar a su hijo?
Special Education Presentations in Spanish
Next Presentation: Tuesday, November 5, 2019
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Descargue la INFORMACIÓN DE LA SERIE en formato PDF
Download the SERIES INFORMATION in PDF format
Gratis (Free of Charge)
6:00 p.m. Cena española (Spanish Supper)
6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Presentación (Workshop)
SoNo Branch Library
Community Room
10 Washington Street, Norwalk
En caso de que nuestro estacionamiento esté lleno, hay estacionamiento municipal disponible al otro lado de la calle en el estacionamiento Webster.
Por favor, háganos saber si viene (Please Register): info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Patrocinado por (Co-Sponsored by) SoNo Branch Library: SPED MATTERS and
SERC (State Education Resource Center)
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
The Scoop on Psych Testing 2:
What Do All Those Numbers Really Mean?
Presenter: Caley Schwartz, PhD
Licensed clinical psychologist Caley Schwartz, PhD will follow up last year’s presentation with an explanation of common areas examined in psychological and psycho-educational testing, including IQ, achievement, memory, executive functioning, social communication, and development. She will discuss the significance of psych testing, what information can be gained from it, how to interpret the numbers you see in the reports, how to use the bell curve, and the importance of comprehensive recommendations based on the conclusions of the testing for appropriate interventions and support services.
Dr. Schwartz earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Miami and completed a two-year Fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center, where she received generalist and autism-specific training. Upon completion of her postdoctoral training, Dr. Schwartz became a faculty member within the Autism Program at the Yale Child Study Center. In addition, she completed a certification in Clinical Issues in Adoption, developed jointly by the CT Department of Children and Families, the UCONN School of Social Work, and Southern CT State University. Currently, Dr. Schwartz is a Clinical Instructor at the Yale Child Study Center.
In her private practice, in Ridgefield, CT, Dr. Schwartz provides comprehensive psycho-educational and psychological evaluations, as well as diagnostic evaluations requested by both parents and school systems.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by the Wilton Library
WATCH VIDEO of her presentation.
MATERIALS: Psych Testing (PDF Format)
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
The Resilience Formula:
Giving Kids Roots and Wings
Presenter: Donna Volpitta, EdD
In this interactive session, Donna Volpitta, EdD makes the science of the brain accessible and easy to understand. Her Resilient Mindset Model offers a framework for appreciating how the brain responds to challenges and provides tools to help parents raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids, guiding them to make better, more mindful and informed choices. Donna, who holds a doctoral degree in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University, is an author, founder of The Center for Resilient Leadership, and a former teacher and administrator with experience in both general and special education.
Two presentations:
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Kiwanis, Wilton Youth Services, and the Wilton Library
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Your Kids’ Secrets About Drugs and Alcohol
Presenters: Dennis Bludnicki, Holly Robinson and Maggie Young
Vaping? Pharming? Bowling?
It can be difficult to speak with your kids about drugs and alcohol, especially when you don’t even know the language. Addiction, however, is a wide-ranging topic with dangerous, long-lasting consequences of illicit drug use, especially for teens and pre-teens with anxiety and depression, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, OCD, executive function disorder, and other regulatory issues. The recent trend of e-cigarettes and vaping has taken hold of kids as young as 12, who are under the mistaken impression that they pose few health risks.
Dennis Bludnicki, Holly Robinson and Maggie Young, staff from Liberation Programs, Inc., will discuss addiction in teens, including: how to talk to your kids about addiction; how stress and anxiety can impact your teen’s substance use/abuse and what you can do about it; and warning signs of substance abuse and how to catch them early.
Dennis Bludnicki, MDiv has been with Liberation Programs, Inc. for over 15 years. Currently, Mr. Bludnicki is working with youth and their families in the Greenwich community and surrounding area, providing prevention education and drug and alcohol counseling.
Holly Robinson, MA, NCC started with Liberation Programs, Inc. in 2017 working with youth and their families in the Greenwich community and surrounding area, providing prevention education and drug and alcohol counseling.
Maggie Young, MSW, LADC has been with Liberation Programs, Inc. for 25 years and serves as Chief Recovery Officer. Her responsibilities include building and enhancing community relations, fostering relationships in the community, and overseeing Greenwich Youth and Family Resources (GYFR), which provides prevention and education throughout Fairfield County. GYFR has offices located in Greenwich High School and the Greenwich YMCA.
Liberation Programs provides a variety of services to help youth, adults and families stay free of the disease of addiction in order to restore their lives. The agency has sites in Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Stamford and Bridgeport, which serve 1,200 people daily. Services include inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, as well as preventative education and community outreach.
6:00 p.m. Sandwiches & Refreshments
6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Presentation
SoNo Branch Library
Community Room
10 Washington Street, Norwalk
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by SoNo Branch Library: SPED MATTERS
Monday, January 27, 2020
Snow Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities:
What They Are, What They Aren’t, and What We Can Do About Them
Presenter: Dave Sylvestro
Starting with its very name, understanding Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities can be a confusing task. Although the features of NVLD— and many of the treatment suggestions— overlap with other social and learning difficulties, the similarities and differences between NVLD and Asperger’s and LD matter. It is important to be able to accurately describe our kids with NVLD to school administrators, teachers, coaches and activity directors. In addition, helping kids with NVLD understand their own constellation of strengths and challenges is a crucial step in developing self-advocacy, independence and resilience. In this interactive presentation, school psychologist Dave Sylvestro will compare and contrast NVLD, Asperger’s and LD and will discuss how to help kids with NVLD develop and practice key social skills and anticipate emotional pitfalls often associated with NVLD.
In his work at the Eagle Hill Schools for over 40 years, Dave has provided individual and group counseling for students, parent support groups, Dads-Only support groups, and in-service staff training and professional development, and has presented at numerous LD conferences both nationally and internationally. He currently is the school psychologist at The Southport School, in Southport, CT.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by the Wilton Library
WATCH VIDEO of his presentation.
MATERIALS: NVLD (PDF Format)
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Sensory Integration and Floortime Therapy:
A Panel Discussion and Interactive Workshop for Parents
Presenters: Melissa Chaikin Kahn, MS, OTR/L; Kate Baylis, MS,OTR/L; and Tuvia Cooper
Occupational therapists Melissa Chaikin Kahn, MS, OTR/L and Kate Baylis, MS, OTR/L will lead an interactive workshop on the importance of a well-functioning sensory system in helping children function in their daily activities and in their “work” of being a child. Each of the sensory systems plays a vital role in a child’s ability to express him/herself with confidence and ease. Melissa and Kate will discuss the importance of recognizing behaviors that may be influenced by sensory processing disorders and explain how to provide a sensory supportive environment. Learn specific strategies that can be implemented immediately and incorporated directly into the home environment.
Floortime therapist Tuvia Cooper will introduce you to Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder’s DIR®/Floortime™ model and discuss ways to help your child develop social, emotional, and intellectual capacities. Healthy social-emotional development comes from spontaneous communication between child and caregiver and from nurturing relationships that promote joyful and pleasant engagement. Tuvia will show you how to facilitate and enhance physical and emotional regulation, engagement and relationship formation, two-way communication, shared problem solving, idea creation, and abstract thinking — all while understanding that each child perceives the world in a unique way.
Melissa Chaikin Kahn, owner and executive director of Sensory Kids, in Wilton, has extensive training in sensory processing and integrated listening programs. She has also been trained in reflex integration, Brain Gym, Oral Motor therapy, Handwriting Without Tears, Cranial Sacral therapy, and neurodevelopmental techniques to name a few. She develops stimulating treatment programs that empower and teach children and their families to use therapeutic strategies in their daily lives and is dedicated to helping children improve self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem through the medium of play.
Kate Baylis, a member of the Sensory Kids team, uses a holistic approach to helping children achieve their goals. She has certifications in the Sequential Oral Motor and Sensory Approach (SOS) for Picky Eating and Feeding Problems, Rhythmic Movement Integration (RMiT) for reflex integration, the Therapressure Protocol, and iLS programs, including Focus and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and is experienced in the use of Zones of Regulation and The Social Thinking Curriculum, which helps children develop emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, coping skills, and social skills.
Tuvia Cooper is a DIR®/Floortime™ (Advanced Certified) and play therapist who has been working with children with developmental delays for over 10 years. His practice, Play and Grow, LLC, works with children ages 3-17 and their families in the home, school and community, and he has worked with preschools and early childhood centers to incorporate the DIR®/Floortime™ model into the curriculum. Tuvia is in the process of completing his PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development with an emphasis on Mental Health and Developmental Disorders.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by the Library
WATCH VIDEO of their presentation.
MATERIALS: Sensory Integration and Floortime (PDF Format)
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
10 Practical Strategies to Help Your Children Improve Their Executive Function Skills: Planning; Organizing; Initiating & Completing Tasks; Managing Time; Self-Regulating; Being Flexible; and More
Presenter: Mary Murphy, PhD, LADC
Children and teens with Executive Function deficits have difficulties managing time constructively; setting goals appropriately; controlling emotional and behavioral impulses; prioritizing; sustaining attention; planning and organizing; starting tasks and following through; self-regulating; and making mature judgments regarding right & wrong and cause & effect.
In readily understandable terms, Mary Murphy, PhD will explain the complex topics of executive function and working memory – crucial aspects of a child’s ability to be successful in school and with everyday tasks – with an emphasis on how parents can assist them in developing and implementing helpful strategies.
A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Murphy specializes in counseling, executive function and academic coaching, psychological testing, psychotherapy, and biofeedback. Her counseling practice focuses on helping children and adolescents affected by mood disorders, neurological conditions, and substance use. Dr. Murphy’s unique training and clinical experience allows her to look at patients through multiple relevant lenses to evaluate the impact that emotional symptoms, learning/cognitive issues, medical conditions and/or substance use may have on their ability to reach their true potential in school. Dr. Murphy completed advanced fellowship training at the Yale School of Medicine. She currently is a professor at Westconn and in private practice in Newtown, CT.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council and the Wilton Library
WATCH VIDEO of her presentation.
MATERIALS: Executive Functioning (PDF Format) and Practical Strategies (Summary) (PDF Format)
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE: Tests for Executive Functioning Issues (On-line Article)
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED
Please Note: Unfortunately, due to the speaker’s illness, this presentation has been CANCELED.
Monday, March 2, 2020
The Exercise Rx: How Movement Transforms Your Child’s Brain
Presenter: Dr. Douglas DeMassa
Think of exercise as a prescription for optimizing intellectual reasoning, increasing attention, and improving mood. Regular exercise activates the brain systems that support focus, memory, and self-regulation, decrease impulsivity, and prime kids for learning. All kids, young and old. An exciting and growing body of literature shows that physical activity is a promising alternative or additional treatment option for kids with ADHD, executive function challenges, and learning issues.
Dr. Douglas DeMassa will discuss the effects of exercise on the brain and how physical activity can help students improve attention, endurance, short-term memory skills, impulse control, time-on-task, visual tracking, balance, coordination, and self-confidence.
Dr. DeMassa is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Bachelor’s in Science in Sports Biology, a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition, over 300 hours of post-graduate education in Chiropractic Neurology, and a post-doctoral qualification in the treatment of ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. He has trained in the martial arts for 35+ years and has been teaching for 25 years. In 2005, he combined his knowledge and experience to create NEURON-DO®, a brain-based martial art that integrates physical movements with cognitive learning strategies. He is currently in private practice, teaches NEURON-DO®, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic teaching Maternal and Child Health.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Please register: on-line.
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by the Wilton Library
MATERIALS: The Exercise Rx (PDF Format)
Please Note: Due to the Corona Virus oubreak, this presentation has been CANCELED.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Encouraging Your Teenagers to Find Their Own Paths:
A Roadmap for Choosing a College, a Career, or Something Different
Presenter: Rick Fiery, MS, MBA
The leap from high school to college is overwhelming. Newfound independence — combined with little or no parental control — leaves many students feeling anxious and ultimately underperforming at college, especially those with learning, attention and emotional challenges. As parents, you can help relieve everyone’s anxiety by recognizing that college isn’t the only option after high school. Career success may very well follow a different path. Rick Fiery, MS, MBA, will discuss various post-graduate options that can leverage your student’s strengths; how important it is for your teens to truly understand “why” they are attending college; the critical role you play by encouraging, supporting, and guiding — but not enabling — your teens; how to effectively explore your teen’s passions — which are the foundation for any career; potential options after high school; which careers might be best; how to build maturity before college; and much more.
Rick Fiery is the co-founder of InventiveLabs, in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He and his partner created InventiveLabs because of their passion for helping young adults with learning differences find alternative paths to success. They believe that, with the right environment and supports, those teens and young adults can achieve substantial success. Rick, who has a Bachelor’s and Master’s in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and an MFA from the Wharton School of Business, was the CEO of several startup companies and ran the finance department for a multinational software company.
10:00 a.m. – noon
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
Questions/Comments: info@spednetwilton.org
Co-Sponsored by Wilton Youth Council and the Wilton Library
Visit THE ARCHIVES for descriptions of previous Speaker Series presentations, as well as downloadable materials.