Hybrid Conference – Supporting Neurodiverse Students – Jan. 27, 2026

January 27, 2026 @ 8:45 am – 2:30 pm

In-person registration closes on January 19, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Virtual registration closes January 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Registration: 8:15 – 8:45 am
Conference: 8:45 am – 2:30 pm

Attend In Person or Via Zoom

Minuteman High School
758 Marrett Rd.
Lexington, MA 02421

SpeakerS
  • Celine Saulnier, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services
  • Sharon Saline, Psy.D.
  • Nelson Corona Bareiro, M.S., Special Education teacher and Program Lead, Franklin Public Schools
  • Lori Bruce, M.Ed., Director of Special Education, Framingham Public Schools
  • Julie Matos, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA, District Behavior Analyst, Concord Public Schools
  • Emily Patt, M.A.T Special Education, SEEM Collaborative
  • Asa Sevelius, Ed.D., Principal, Brookline Public Schools
  • Elise W. Wulff, M.Ed., Senior Manager, MGH Aspire
Description

Join us for an engaging and informative conference focused on supporting neurodivergent students and fostering inclusive school communities. With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) now affecting approximately 1 in 31 school-age children in the United States, it’s more important than ever to understand the diverse experiences and needs of all learners.

This conference will provide educators with practical, evidence-based strategies to build confidence and success among neurodivergent students. Participants will explore ways to create learning environments that celebrate neurodiversity, remove barriers to learning, and promote belonging for every student.

About the Speakers

Celine Saulnier, Ph.D., (she/her) obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published numerous articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.

Sharon Saline, Psy.D., (she/her) clinical psychologist and author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD solution card deck specializes in working with children, teens, young adults and families living with ADHD, learning disabilities, twice exceptionality and mental health issues. With decades of experience as a clinical psychologist and educator/clinician consultant, she guides families and adults towards effective communication, closer connections and greater understanding. She lectures and facilitates workshops internationally on topics such as ADHD and neurodivergence, executive functioning, the anxiety spectrum, motivation, perfectionism and working with different kinds of learners. Dr. Saline is a regular contributor to ADDitudemag.com and hosts their weekly Facebook Live sessions, blogs for PsychologyToday.com, a featured expert on MASS Appeal on WWLP-TV and a part-time lecturer at the Smith School for Social Work. Her writing has been featured in numerous online and print publications including MSN, The Psychotherapy Networker, Smith College Studies in Social Work, Attention Magazine, Additude Magazine, Psych Central and Inquirer.com. Learn more at www.drsharonsaline.com.

Nelson Corona Barreiro, M.S., (he/him) Special Education Teacher – SAIL (Social, Academics, Inclusion, Language) Program, is a Special Education Teacher at Franklin High School, where he founded and leads the SAIL (Social, Academics, Inclusion, Language) Program—now in its fifth year. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science in Education from Simmons University. Before joining the public school system, Nelson spent four years at the New England Center for Children on the Intensive Treatment Team, working with students with complex behavioral and learning needs. His work focuses on developing inclusive, individualized programming that supports students on the autism spectrum in building social, academic, and functional independence.

Lori Bruce, M.Ed., (she/her) is an accomplished educational leader with over 25 years of experience in special education, curriculum development, and diversity advocacy. As Director of Special Education at Framingham Public Schools, she oversees special education services, preschool programs, and curriculum differentiation for students ages 3 to 22. Her career includes leadership roles in both public and private education, including Director of Student Support Services at Carlisle Public Schools, Elementary Principal at Milestones Day School, and Deputy Head at The Southover Partnership in London. Lori is dedicated to collaborative leadership, inclusive education, and improving student outcomes. She also serves as Vice President of the Trustees of Jaffna College Fund, supporting  educational  initiatives in Sri Lanka. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Boston University, an M.Ed. from Lesley University, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University. 

Julie Matos, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA, (she/her) is a highly qualified BCBA whose background and training align strongly with what we expect from a trauma-trained evaluator. She earned her master’s in 2013 from Endicott College and received her BCBA certification shortly after. She began her career in home-based ABA agencies, later moving into leadership roles as a Regional Clinical Manager and Associate Vice President, where she supervised teams of BCBAs and conducted clinical reviews for students with complex, high-needs profiles. She has completed extensive CEUs in trauma-informed practice, compassionate care, and SEL, and she is Level 4 PFA/SBT certified through FTF Consulting—a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, compassionate ABA model. Julie is currently completing a certificate in Social-Emotional Learning through Bridgewater State University, expected at the end of this school year. She has also supported educators locally and internationally, including presenting in Tanzania to special education teachers and administrators as an ASD expert, and delivering trauma-lens behavioral strategy training to staff during the 2023–24 school year as the emergency shelter population grew.

Emily Patt, M.A.T., (she/her) is an inclusion coach with SEEM Collaborative. She supports students, teachers, and administrators in all grade levels across multiple districts to create inclusive learning experiences while implementing Universal Design for Learning. Prior to becoming an inclusion coach, Emily was a special education teacher in middle and elementary schools. She has also worked with families and students in home and community settings. She is passionate about making learning accessible for all!

Asa Sevelius, Ed.D., (he/him) is the principal of the Roland Hayes School in Brookline, Massachusetts. He is deeply committed to social justice in education, including addressing the educational debt owed to high-needs students, expanding high-quality early childhood education, and promoting fair assessment practices. He is especially passionate about building strong school culture and meaningful professional development.

 Elise Wulff, M.Ed., (she/her) has more than 20 years’ experience working with the neurodiverse population in both public and private sectors. With Aspire since 2007, Elise currently manages consultation and professional development services. As a neurodivergent individual herself, Elise applies her extensive experience and unique perspective in collaboration with neurodiverse individuals, caregivers, and providers to customize tools and strategies that enhance success across various life domains including home, school, and work. Elise has written curriculum to promote healthy self-awareness, disclosure, transition planning, and executive functioning. As an international speaker, Elise supports organizations and corporations to implement practical and sustainable inclusion. She has specific expertise in the neurodiversity framework, special education, universal design, social-emotional learning, tools to build independence, and strategies for executive functioning. 

Elise received her undergraduate degree in psychology and theater arts from Emory University and her master’s degree in special education from Lesley University. Her clinical interests are in the areas of neurodiversity, executive functioning, parent/caregiver support, and effective and sustainable inclusion practices for individuals, educators, parents/caregivers, and providers.

Membership Information

Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.

PDPs and CEUs

MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz. The PDP quiz will be made available only to participants who have registered for and attended both conferences.

Event Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.

For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.

Register In-Person

FREE
MEMBER PRICING

Register Virtually

FREE
MEMBER PRICING

Registration: 8:15 – 8:45 am
Conference: 8:45 am – 2:30 pm