Presenters
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
http://www.researchautism.org/
Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., is a Consultant whose private practice is based in Baltimore, MD. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics.
He currently serves on numerous professional advisory boards, including the Autism Society of America, MAAP Services, NJ COSAC and ASPEN. In 2002 Dr Gerhardt became the Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research. Previous professional positions include serving as the Executive Director Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism and an appointment as Research Asst. Professor at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology where he served as the Director of the Division of Transition and Adult Services at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center. It was in this capacity the he co-founded the Douglass Group, a social skills and support service for adults with Aspergers Disorder or High Functioning Autism. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.
Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
Consultant, Teacher, Author, Advocate, and Independent Scholar
http://www.paulakluth.com/
Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction, and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
Paula is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, consulting teacher, and inclusion facilitator. She works with teachers in K-12 schools, pre-schools, and early intervention programs. She also regularly works with family organizations and disability-rights and advocacy groups.
She is the author of "You're Going to Love This Kid": Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom ; the lead editor of Access to Academics: Critical Approaches to Inclusive Curriculum, Instruction, and Policy, and the co-author of four upcoming texts: A Land We Can Share: The Literate Lives of Students with Autism; Joyful Learning: Active and Collaborative Structures for the Inclusive Classroom; You're Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for Inclusive Schools, and Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Support & Honor the Interests of Students with Autism.
OTHER DISTINGUISHED PRESENTERS
Nancy Champlin, BCBA
Owner and President, Autism Concepts, Inc.
Nancy Champlin graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, from the University of Kansas with her Masters in Learning Disabilities, and earned her Certificate of Completion for Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education from Pennsylvania State University. She is the owner and president of Autism Concepts.
Kim Cornman, MA, BCBA
Special Project Coordinator, Early Foundations
Kim Cornman, MA is a Special Project Coordinator for Project PEAK and Early Foundations: Autism Model and Outreach Project. She provides training and technical assistance to two Early Foundation sites in Oklahoma City and Norman. In addition she consults with school districts and other professionals on evidence-based interventions for children with autism. She has a Master's degree in Psychology and holds a teaching certificate in Special Education. Kim was a Special Education teacher for six years and specialized in teaching students with autism, grades K-6. She is a certified Behavioral Analyst and has expertise in behavioral teaching strategies and positive behavior support strategies for children with disabilities.
Kyle Cunningham
Special Education Teacher, Lawton Public Schools
Cunningham retired from the United States Army after 20 years of service and attended Cameron University pursuing a degree in elementary education. While attending Camerson, he discovered the world of special education. During his pursuit of additional classes in speical education he became involved in provideding in-home Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) tutoring for children with autism spectrum disorder. In the process of being trained in ABA and gaining experience working with children, he began discussing his interested with Cameron faculty. As a result, they developed and conducted active research with the goal of discovering the effectiveness of the use of ABA therapy in the public school classroom. He is currently teaching in a self-contained autism class in Lawton Public Schools.
J. Thomas Curtis, PhD
Department of Pharmacology & Physiocology, Oklahoma State University, Center for Health Sciences
Dr. Curtis earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Slippery Rock University, his Master of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Doctorate in Biology from the University of Missouri. He has held academic faculty positions at Florida State University and is currently an Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.
Rene' Daman, PT, MS
Oklahoma Autism Network
Rene' is the director of the Oklahoma Autism Network at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She has been with the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences since 1999 where she has taught in the professional and post-professional occupational therapy and physical therapy programs. Rene' has worked with families and their children with disabilities, including autism since 1993 through early intervention, school-based services, andin clinical settings. She has provided training and technical assistance for provider who support children with autism and their families in early intervention, educational, and community settings.
Terry Dennison
Director of Educational Services, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma; Adjunct Professor, University of Oklahoma Department of Health and Exercise Science
Terry is the Director of Educational Services for Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma and has worked with young people, parents, and families for more than 25 years. He is affiliated with numerous professional organizations on the local, state, and national levels and is an active volunteer in the Oklahoma City area. Terry has extensive experience training professionals in human sexuality and working with young people to provide them with the information, skills, and motivation they need to make healthy choices in their lives. He is known statewide for his efforts in the areas of sexuality education for people with developmental disabilities, HIV prevention outreach and education, and increasing family communication about sexuality. Terry is also an adjunct professor in the University of Oklahoma Department of Health and Exercise Science. Terry and his work have been recognized with awards from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Red Lands Council of Girls Scouts, America Society for Training and Development, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Primary Care Association, and Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund.
Lisa Fitzgibbons, PhD
Fitzgibbons works in private practice in Northwest Arkansas. She graduated with her doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PhD) from the University of Tulsa in 1999. Since then she has worked as a practicing psychologist, statistician, teacher, and researcher in a range of settings with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Fitzgibbons is licensed in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
George Fuchs, MD
Professory of Pediatrics, UAMS College of Medicine, Director, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Arkansas Children's Hospital
Fuchs is currently a professor in the Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He performed his undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Missouri, pediatric residency and postgraduate fellowships in Geographic Medicine and Pediatric Gastroenterology Nutrition at Tuft's New England Medical Center and Pediatric Infectious Disease and Pediatric Gastrolenterolgy Nutrition at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. Dr. Fuchs was on faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at LSU-New Orleans from 1986-2001, and in his current positon from 2001 to present. He is currently Chief, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, UAMS and Medical Director, Autism Specialty Clinic. He is published in more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, working reports, and book chapters.
Sue Hoppe, PhD
Hoppe received a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and began teaching at the university level (undergraduate and graduate classes in special education). She completed her dissertation in the area of autism and continued to conduct research in that area. She is currently working on research in the area of autism which was funded by Cameron University's Intramural Grant Funding. The first research project was called The Autism Toolbox and the current project is the Effects of Discrete Trial Interventions on Communication Skills for Children with Autism. She has twenty-two years of teaching experience (2 in regular education & 20 in special education) in the publlic school system where she taught both elementary and secondary students in areas of Specific Learning Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Mental REtardation, Other Health Impaired, and Autism.
Cheryl LaFortune, MA, CCC-SLP
Cheryl LaFortune is a speech-laungage pathologist in private practice. Mrs. LaFortune has always had a deep respect for the social and emotional needs of children through communication and relationships. Having earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Tulsa in 1979, her first job post-graduation was in a community-based multidisciplinary mental health center with satellite offices in Northeast OK. Her experience with children on the autism spectrum began 15 years ago under the direction of a certified applied behavioral analyst, Jerry Eyer, PhD, psychologist. However, the persistent call to find a way to treat the core deficits of autism, i.e., shared attention, intention, and affect through relationships was realized through her work with the DIR Model and its centerpiece, Floortime, as developed by the late Stanley Greenspan, MD, child psychiatrist and Serena Wieder, PhD, psychologist. Mrs. LaFortune is a DIR certification candidate who loves the training and knowledge as much as her experience sharing the good news of the DIR model and Floortime to other professionals and parents.
Mary Katherine Long
Special Programs Coordinator of the Essential Lifestyle Training, Center for Learning and Leadership, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Mary Katherine Long is a Special Programs Coordinator at the Center for Learning and Leadership, a federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She has an extensive background in disability advocacy and disability services. She currently delivers training in Person-Centered Thinking and Essential Lifestyle Planning. Previously she was a Program Development Specialist at the University of Oklahoma Benefits Planning and Assistance Project, a statewide project which provided benefits counseling for social security beneficiaries who were contemplating employment. She also developed an delivered training to rehabilitation and mental health agencies in a variety of areas including disability and employment law, best practices in employment services and vocational issues for people wiht disabilities. She has also worked as an investigator for the Protection and Advocacy Agency in Arkansas. In that capacity she investigated abuse, neglect and exploitation in residential care facilities, nursing homes, treatment facilities and the Arkansas State Hospital. She began working in the disability arena when she went to work as an independent living specialist at Progressive Independence, a Center for Independent Living in Norman, OK.
Kelli Marshall, MS, CCC-SLP
Today's Therapy Solutions
Kelli Marshall is a speech-language pathologist and has over 8 years experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Kelli obtained her bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2001 and she completed her master's degree in speech-language pathology in 2003. After obtaining her degree, Kelli worked in several different settings including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and university settings. She currently co-owns Today's Therapy Solutions, a private therapy practice where she spends her days providing in-home therapy to children with autism spectrum disorders and conducting trainings and consultations for schools, parents and health care professionals with autism. Kelli's areas of expertise relating to autism include developing functional communication systems, augmentative-alternative communication devices, social skill development and home programming.
Camber Moulton, MS, CCC-SLP
Assistive Technology Curriculum Specialist, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Camber Moulton grew up in Oklahoma City and attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her degree in speech-language pathology. She worked for Oklahoma City Public Schools for 10 years as a speech-language pathologist and assistive technology consultant. She is passionate about ensuring success for all students.
Jennifer Moyano, OTR/L
Oklahoma Autism Network
Jennifer Moyano is an occupational therapist for the Oklahoma Autism Network at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Jennifer has worked with children with disabilities, including autism since 1998 through early intervention, school-based services, and clinical settings. She has provided training and technical assistance for providers who support children with autism and their families in early intervention, educational, and community settings.
Rachel Ottley, OTR/L
TherapyWorks
Rachel Ottley is an occupational therapist for TherapyWorks, an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic in Tulsa. Rachel has 15 years experience in pediatrics, early intervention, outpatient therapy, and schools. She focuses on treating autism spectrum disorders and is one of only two Level II DIR/Floortime Certificate Candidates in Oklahoma. Rachel received her B.A.S in Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney and has completed post-graduate courses on sensory integration. Utilizing sensory integration and processing techniques to decrease the body's "flight, fight or fright" response, Rachel encourages increased play, interaction and exploration of the environment to help children stay calm, organized and engaged. In addition, she is currently working with a team of therapists to develop a specialized feeding program to address the complex issues related to eating in many children with ASD.
Rebecca Palmer
Guardianship Programs Manager, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services Division
Rebecca Palmer has been the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services Division statewide guardianship programs manager for the past 5 years. In her role, Palmer provides direction and guidance for the guardianship program for adults with developmental disabilities receiving services from DDSD. She coordinates field staff and private contractors and provides training and technical assistance as needed. Palmer is a member of the National Guardianship Association and serves on the board of directors for the Court-Appointed Advocates for Vulnerable Adults of Oklahoma. Palmer holds bachelor's degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Alabama. She has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for the past 26 years.
Shanna Philipson, BFA
Shanna Philipson is a teacher, author, and illustrator who is also the mother of an an eight-year-old daughter with Asperger's Syndrome.Her dual background in progressional theater design and English education eventually came together when she began writing and illustrating social stories for her daughter. She is also an advocate of full classroom inclusion for students on the autism spectrum. Her work has appeared in the magazines Teacher of Vision and Leadership in the Classroom.
Mary Pickett, PT, MS, PCS
Assistive Technology Curriculum Specialist, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
Mary Pickett is a pediatric certified specialist in Physical Therapy and has 32 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities, in a variety of settings, including public school programs, DDSD services, early intervention, and for 2 years on a contract with OSDE providing consultation services to PT's and OT's in schools across Oklahoma. She has also co-taught a graduate course on IEP teamwork and providing integrated services to children in public schools. Mary received her bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy at OU in 1978 and her master's degree in Rehabilitation Sciences at OU in 2000. She is currently an assistive technology curriculum specialist with the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center. Through OATC she provides a variety of services for for children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities who may benefit from assistive technology as part of their educational program through a contract with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services.
Dena Pinson, PhD
Executive Director, The Huckleberry Project Foundation, Inc, and licensed psychologist
Dena Pinson graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma. She earned her Master of Education-Gifted and Talented from Oklahoma City University, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Applied Behavioral Studies from Oklahoma State University. She has held academic and adjunct faculty positions at UCO, OSU, OCU and through the OU Health Consortium. Dr. Pinson is executive director of the Huckleberry Project Foundation and is in private practice of psychology. She is trained and experienced in offering a range of services in home, school, and community settings.
Amy Puls, RD, LD, CPT
TherapyWorks
Amy Puls received her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Colorado State University. Her professional adult training was completed at Washington University School of Medicine and her pediatric training was completed at St. Louis Children's Hospital. She has worked in the field of clinical nutrition for over 10 years with clinical nutrition practice experience at The Children's Hospital in Denver, CO as well as St. Louis Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She enjoys lecturing community-wide including the University of Oklahoma of Community Medicine, University of Tulsa, and Tulsa Community College. She is currently in private practice at TherapyWorks in Tulsa, OK where she specializes in treating children with feeding problems, food allergies and intolerances, and problems with growth and weight gain.
James Rand, PhD
Member and Program Chair, Genetic Models of Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Dr. Rand earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Mathematics from Hofstra University and his Doctorate in Biochemical Genetics from Rockefeller University. His post-doctorate work includes Developmental Genetics and Neurogenetics from CalTech and The University of Pittsburgh. His is a H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Chair in Medical Research and a Member and Program Chair in the Genetic Models and Disease Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
Mike Shuttic
Student Disability Services/ADA Compliance, Oklahoma State University
Mike has worked in the field of disabilities for 20 years. With a B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University and a graduate of Michigan State University's Rehab Counseling Master's program. Early professional focus and experiences were in work adjustment training, supported employment, and independent living. While at the University of Kansas as Associate Director in DSS, other professional involvement included chair of campus Architectural Barriers committee, chair of National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, National and regional disAbility Concerns, member/past president of local Kansas Transition Council, Kansas/Missouri regional AHEAD member and treasurer. and member of Assistive Tech for Kansas Project. Currently , as Coordinator of the Student Disability Service/ADA Compliance at Oklahoma State University, professional interests and roles include committee on Campus Access chair, OK STate Transition Council post-secondary representative, OK-AHEAD Board 2000-2007 (twice president). Professional association with AHEAD began in 1990 as a member and has evolved to being a board member, 2003-2008, and president, 2008-2010. Although practices may change, the issues remain constant- documentation, transition, otherwise qualified, and equal access/opportunity. A continued focus on these issues through awareness, collaboration, and discussion has been the core of Mike's professional experiences. Numerous presentations for a wide variety of audiences include topics of transition to post-secondary education, skills, and decision-making for disability service professionals, collaboration across departments/fields of expertise, issues of civil rights/access/law, and addressing needs of ALL individuals within accomodations for people with disabilities.
Suzanne Taylor, MS, BCBA
Lead Behavior Analyst, Oklahoma Autism Network, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
Suzanne Taylor is a lead behavior analyst for the Oklahoma Autism Network at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She has worked as a director of a center-based Applied Behavior Analysis/Verbal Behavior program providing training, program development and implementation, and supervision. She has conducted research on verbal behavior analysis and has presented on a variety of behaviorally-based topics, including functional analysis and interventions, assessment and ABA program development, and verbal behavior. She has worked as a Special Education Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Department of Education and has authored a technical assistance guide for educators working with children with autism spectrum disorders. Suzanne lends experience as an early intervention service provider through Oklahoma's early intervention program, SoonerStart and began her post-graduate work from Long Island University setting up in-home and center-based ABA programs for children with autism in New York City.
Tara Warwick, OTRL/L
Today's Therapy Solutions
Tara Warwick is an occupational therapist who graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a Master of Science in 2006 and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2000. Since then, Tara has practiced in a variety of settings which include: university, homes, schools, clinics, and communities; all settings focusing on individuals with autism. Tara has had over fifteen years of experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. She has performed a variety of state-wide and local trainings teaching teachers, parents, and therapists about autism and effective strategies. Tara is co-owner of Today's Therapy Solutions, a therapy company that focuses on home-based therapy for individuals with autism. She currently provides school-based therapy and home-based therapy to individuals with autism ranging in ages from 2 1/2 - 13 years old. Tara's clinical expertise related to autism include: feeding programs, challenging behaviors, creating visual supports, and teaching self-help skills. Tara currently resides in Edmond, OK with her husband, son, and daughter.