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| November 5th | November 5th | November 6th | November 7th |
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Jeff Butler, Author, Workplace Strategist, explores human behavior in the working world |
Tasha Schuh, Award-Winning Speaker, Author, and Resilience Expert | Sandra Y.G. Jones, Dynamic Higher Education Leader and Advocate for Student Success, Belonging, and Engagement | Julie Weatherly, Esq., Founder of Resolutions in Special Education, Inc., and Phyllis Wolfram, CASE Executive Director |
Jeff Butler, Wednesday, November 5th, 9:30 AM, Opening General SessionLeading in Times of uncertaintyJeff Butler (pictured left) is an author and workplace strategist who explores human behavior within the working world. His experience spans over 40 industries in 4 continents on how different cultures and employees interact with each other. He studies common threads of behavior in industries such as IT professionals, underground utility workers, police officers to clothing retail chains. In addition, Jeff has also worked with companies like Google, Amazon, John Deere and Coldwell Banker. As a researcher and practitioner, he also runs a consulting company and a tech company. TrinityFix where he is able to test his ideas in different workplace environments. His ideas have made it to TEDx twice, appeared in dozens of media outlets including two books on human behavior: "The Authentic Workplace" and "The Key To the New You". Currently, he lives in Dallas, Texas as and out of place Californian. 
Tasha Schuh, Wednesday, November 5th, 2:15 PM50 Years of IDEA: A Celebration of Resilience and ProgressSurvivor, believer, fighter – Tasha Schuh is an inspiration and hope for all who face life’s challenges. Tasha’s life changed dramatically when she was 16 years old; she was in a theater accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down. Today she has accomplished more than she could have ever dreamed. She has received numerous awards including The National Rehabilitation Champion Award and The Hometown Hero Award. In addition to authoring the books My Last Step Backward and My Next Move Forward, she also founded The Power of PATH Program which serves to expand Tasha’s message, as well as educates middle and high school students about mental health and resilience. Tasha travels and shares her story of resilience and triumph over tragedy at schools, conferences, and organizations. Tasha resides with her husband Doug in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. 
Sandra Y.G. Jones, Thursday, November 6th, 9:00 AM Respectful Leadership: Elevating Outcomes Through CivilitySandra Y.G. Jones (pictured) is a dynamic higher education leader and advocate for student success, belonging, and engagement. Since joining the Valdosta State University (VSU) staff in 2016, she has served as the Deputy Chief Officer of Student Engagement, where she leads a broad portfolio within the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs. Her oversight includes Student Diversity and Inclusion, Student Life, Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services, Campus Recreation, the Student Union, and more. A passionate champion for cultivating an inclusive and empowering campus culture, Sandra serves on multiple diversity committees dedicated to ensuring that VSU remains a place where open communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging are at the forefront. Her work helps create a learning and working environment that is not only supportive and healthy but also deeply engaging, inspiring, and challenging. In addition to her administrative leadership, Sandra spearheads two signature student development initiatives: SPARK, an extended orientation-style program designed to help students transition into college life with confidence, and Blazer Ready, a leadership and skill-building program that prepares students for success beyond graduation. Sandra Y.G. Jones brings a wealth of experience, insight, and passion to every platform she graces. Her work reflects her commitment to empowering students, building strong communities, and leading with purpose and integrity. 
Julie Weatherly, Esq., Friday, November 7th, 11:30 AM, Closing General SessionFederal UpdateJulie J. Weatherly, Esq. (pictured left), is the Founder of Resolutions In Special Education (RISE), Inc., located in Mobile, Alabama, and has been working with school agencies in the area of special education law since 1986. RISE is a full-service legal and consulting business designed to assist educational agencies in avoiding and resolving special education legal disputes arising under the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the ADA, and other applicable laws. Julie graduated from Presbyterian College and the University Georgia School of Law. She is a member of the State Bars of Alabama and Georgia and provides consultative and/or legal services to school agencies, primarily in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, as well as nationally. In June of 1996, Julie appeared with Leslie Stahl on CBS' news program "60 Minutes" to discuss the cost of meeting the legal requirements of the IDEA. She has been a faculty member for many national and state legal Institutes and is a frequent speaker at state and national special education law Conferences. Julie has developed a number of in-person and online professional development training series, which have been published nationally as a part of her training, workshops, and seminars. In 1998, Julie was honored by Georgia's Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) as Georgia's Individual who had Contributed most to Students with Disabilities. In April 2012, Julie received the National Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) award for Outstanding Service. 
Phyllis Wolfram, Executive Director, Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), Friday, November 7th, 11:30 AM, Closing General SessionFederal UpdatePhyllis Wolfram (pictured left) is the Executive Director for the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), an international non-profit professional association serving school administrators and leaders in the field of special education through professional learning, policy, and advocacy. She has worked in public education for 40 years beginning her career as a special education teacher. Her administrative experience spans 29 years in the field of special education administration. At the local level, Wolfram served as director in three different districts ranging in size from a small rural district to the largest urban district in the state of Missouri. She is a former CASE President and Chair of the CASE Policy and Legislative Committee. She works closely with the Department of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education and many of their federal technical assistance centers. Phyllis is a sought-after thought leader in the field of special education leadership and a national keynote speaker at various state andnational events. In 2017, Missouri CASE honored Phyllis with the Distinguished Service Award and in 2018 was honored at the international level receiving the Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award from CASE. She has served on several boards, task forces and workgroups at the national level for the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National Center for Intensive Intervention. Locally, Wolfram also serves on the board for BurrellBehavioral Health Center and their parent company Brightli.