In-Service Workshops

Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder can benefit from therapeutic support and interventions but struggle to access them due to difficulties with processing the information. Students who are considered "high functioning" can have specific challenges accessing these supports due to varying levels in their skills, or "splinter skills". This workshop aims to provide information and strategies that can be used with students who are experiencing high levels of dysregulation, behavioral challenges, or require increased adult support.

Transitioning from high school to college brings exciting opportunities—and important changes—for students with disabilities. This one-hour presentation will explore how disability services, supports, and student responsibilities shift in the college environment. Participants will learn the key differences between high school and college support as well as what those differences mean in practice for access, accommodations, and self-advocacy. Practical strategies to help students prepare for a successful transition as well as information on a range of college programs and supports will be discussed.

This professional development session is designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, and trust among staff members. “Team Building 101” provides a foundational look at what makes teams thrive in a school or organizational setting. Through interactive exercises, reflective discussions, and practical strategies, participants will explore team dynamics, clarify roles, and learn effective methods for conflict resolution and decision-making. Whether you're part of an administrative team, instructional staff, or support services, this session offers tools to enhance teamwork, boost morale, and create a more cohesive, supportive work environment. This workshop is for teachers, school administrators, or other school staff.

This interactive training will enhance staff's understanding of the reasons behind students' behavior and how they can help their students achieve their goals. The training will cover practical student support strategies that are proactive, compassionate, and student-centered and the importance of responding to behavior with consistency and predictability in the classroom. Participants will explore how to approach their work with a neurodiversity affirming approach and how to effectively flow through challenging situations. This workshop is offered as a single session, multiple sessions, half-day training, or full-day training.

This workshop helps each participant understand what barrier behaviors they have in their personal “Awkward Zone™” — that place of knowing a co-worker or employee is struggling but not knowing what to say or do.

Dive into the world of neuroscience and psychology as this workshop offers a deep dive into how the brain reacts to social media. Explore the relationship between the brain on social media and peer feedback, peer influence, human connection, sleep, and evolutionary psychology. Learn to identify certain signs of addiction in children and adolescents and analyze fMRI scans to see how the neurochemistry of the young and developing mind is changing because of digital overload. How can we replace the dopamine we receive from social media with other forms of dopamine? Is social media a drug? How does social media addiction compare to other forms of addiction such as alcohol and substance abuse? These are just some of the topics to be explored by this presentation by Keegan Lee, a psychology and neuroscience researcher at The University of North Carolina.

Do your kids spend a lot of time on Tiktok, YouTube, or playing Fortnite? Do you as parents struggle to understand everything that is going on in their online lives? You may also be wondering how your own relationship with technology might be healthier. You’re in the right place! Coming out of the pandemic, many of us have spent more time on screens than ever before, and the lines between home, work, and school are blurry, making it challenging to unplug from our devices. Join us as we discuss navigating this balance with tips and tools to: • Achieve sustainable, positive digital practices with family and at work. • Optimize your digital habits for better mental health and family connection. • Prevent and recover from sensory overload and digital overwhelm. • Positively shift your relationship with your devices so they fuel vs. fatigue your relationships.

"Play is nature's training for life." — Friedrich Froebel

Play is how young children explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them. For children in the early years, play is not a break from learning — it is the learning. It is how they connect with others, develop emotionally, feel safe, and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

In his landmark book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt makes a compelling case that the erosion of play-based childhood — driven by screens, mobile devices, and shifting societal norms — has had a profound impact on the well-being of today's youth. Current research affirms that free play, social play, imaginative play, and nature-based play are not enrichment extras — they are developmental necessities. Add the lasting emotional impact of the pandemic, and the urgency becomes clear: play is needed now more than ever.

Ideal for educators in Pre-K through Grade 3.

Research shows that there is real power in play. Through play, children develop the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills they need to thrive both now and into their futures. Play is both fun and a vital way that children learn about themselves and the world around them. This workshop is recommended for Preschool through Grade 2 staff.

Designed for school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, nurses, and special education staff, this workshop will discuss identifying a student's strengths and challenges using neuropsychological testing. Participants will learn how to examine neuropsychological tests, how they are used, and how to develop instructional and behavioral strategies for students based on these assessments.