Teresa, known as DJ B Diamond, is a professional DJ who brings energy, inclusion, and joy to events across Southern California. A young woman with Down syndrome, she has built a growing business performing at schools, nonprofit galas, and community celebrations. Through her music and presence, Teresa helps create spaces where everyone belongs on the dance floor.

Dr. Heenan began her career in Massachusetts, working in the field of Deafness as an instructional aide, a speech and language specialist, and a school counselor. After relocating to California, Dr. Heenan served as a social worker for a foster family agency serving Deaf/Hard of Hearing children and families. Along with her extensive local experience, Dr. Heenan has also served in various educational leadership roles as assistant principal, early intervention service coordinator, and special education administrator.

Prior to joining CDE, Dr. Heenan was the director of special education and the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) director for the Long Beach Unified School District, the fourth largest district in the state. As the CDE special education director, her work will continue to focus on serving the underserved, addressing disparities in our educational system, breaking down barriers, and creating a more equitable learning environment that benefits all students.

Dr. Heenan holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California in educational leadership, a master’s degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Otto Lana is a San Diego native, working on his bachelor's degree at the University of San Diego. He is an award-winning poet, writer, consultant, filmmaker, actor, and lyricist. A self-advocate championing the rights of those with communication disabilities, booking speaking engagements all across the country. In 2021 was awarded the inaugural Judy Heumann-Elijah Armstrong Award for Excellence, overcoming ableism in academia. April 12, 2023 was proclaimed Otto Lana Day in San Diego by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for his leadership, and championing the right to communicate. He is a California State Youth Ambassador for the Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice, informing disabled youth on alternatives to conservatorship. He is an Ambassador for CalABLE, the state-sponsored savings plan for disabled individuals. Disability should not equate to a life in poverty. He is a member of the Disability Voices United Self Advocacy Speakers Bureau. He is currently the face of EasterSeals national campaign, “Disability is Not a Dirty Word”. He is an entrepreneur, designing and selling waterproof letterboards and apparel on his website www.ottosmottos.com He has been a program manager at Autism Tree Project Foundation since 2020 and co-hosts an online book club, and a collaborator for the Annual Neurodiversity Conference at UCSD. He loves the outdoors, especially the ocean. You can find him traveling the world with his friends and family. His goal is to change the face of Autism and Apraxia. He wishes to lead by example giving parents and disabled individuals hope to fuel their own moonshots. He is the first student at University of San Diego using augmentative and alternative communication tools, he is certain he will not be the last.

Walt Novosardian is the Co-Chair of the Marin County Youth Commission and a senior at San Marin high school. Four years ago, he founded the Disability Justice Subcommittee of the Marin County Youth Commission, and he created a presentation about ableism, which he has presented to over 3,000 people in the county. He is deeply passionate about disability and LGBTQIA+ rights and plans on studying Political Science and History in college.

Helena Donato-Sapp is a 16-year-old scholar, activist, keynote speaker, and poet who believes in the power of youth voice and uses her own in the work of equity and justice. She is an accomplished activist and educator internationally recognized for her work in Disability Justice. She has been the Poet Laureate of the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students since 2019 and was the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate in 2024-2025. She is a Commissioner for Long Beach, CA Commission for Women and Girls, making her the youngest politician in the history of her city. She is newly appointed to the California Department of Education's Advisory Commission for Special Education. Helena is in her fourth year of partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) - the nation's largest labor union - where she cofounded their "Become a Champion for Disability Rights and Inclusion" Campaign.

Amani is a 23 year old Bay Area native currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree with a combined focus in Psychology and Social Justice Studies. In 2016 at age 13, just two days before her first year of high school began, Amani underwent 3 emergency surgeries in less than two weeks to remove an actively-rupturing tumor from her spinal cord. Due to multiple instances of medical malpractice, the procedures left her paralyzed from the chest down and propelled her to navigate through some of her most formative years through a new lens. Since then she has become an advocate for comprehensive accommodations and inclusion for disabled students, a participant in Special Olympics and other adaptive sports, and a newcomer to public speaking. 

Diego is a 13-year-old seventh grade student at Rincon Valley Middle School in Santa Rosa, California. He has been part of the Sonoma County Regional Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program since he was three years old. At six months old, Diego was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer. Chemotherapy successfully treated the cancer but caused permanent hearing loss in both ears. Because of his hearing loss, Diego initially faced significant challenges with spoken language development and accessing school, particularly during the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Diego did not begin reading until fourth grade, but since that time he has made tremendous academic progress. Today, he is thriving in middle school and is currently earning all As in his classes. Diego hopes to join the leadership team during his eighth grade year so he can become more involved in school activities and help represent and support his fellow students. He also enjoys mentoring younger students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and sharing encouragement from his own experiences. In his free time, Diego enjoys learning about video production techniques, building Lego creations, and spending time with friends and family. Diego is proud to share his experiences as part of today’s student panel and hopes his story reminds others that perseverance and support can make a powerful difference.

Helena Donato-Sapp is a 16-year-old scholar, activist, keynote speaker, and poet who believes in the power of youth voice and uses her own in the work of equity and justice. She is an accomplished activist and educator internationally recognized for her work in Disability Justice. She has been the Poet Laureate of the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students since 2019 and was the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate in 2024-2025. She is a Commissioner for Long Beach, CA Commission for Women and Girls, making her the youngest politician in the history of her city. She is newly appointed to the California Department of Education's Advisory Commission for Special Education. Helena is in her fourth year of partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) - the nation's largest labor union - where she cofounded their "Become a Champion for Disability Rights and Inclusion" Campaign.

Dr. Laurie Balsano Wright is the Coordinator of Facilitated Improvement and Support at PCOE, where she leads the development and implementation of a coherent system of resources, interventions, and supports focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and continuous improvement. Prior to this role, Laurie served as a site principal at a program improvement school within a district identified for Differentiated Assistance, as well as an International Baccalaureate Coordinator, intervention teacher, professional learning facilitator, and classroom teacher. Her work at school sites informs her strong expertise in instructional leadership, student access and engagement, and collaborative practices. Laurie holds a Doctorate in Organizational Innovation from National University. As a change agent, she has supported sustained performance improvement by strengthening organizational culture and applying whole-systems thinking to continuous improvement efforts. Laurie is deeply committed to educating the whole child, understanding individual learner needs, and fostering staff growth through professional development, capacity building, and intentional, positive change.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Principal for Star Academy at Natomas Charter School. All of my experience as an educator has been with charter schools, as I am an avid supporter of parental choice in education. I also believe in providing an education environment where teachers are the architects of student learning where they provide innovative and creative learning opportunities for all students. I have 18 years of experience in K-12 education, working with highly successful charter schools and school districts similar to Natomas Charter School. I have 7 years of experience in school administration. 4 of those years were as a vice principal and 3 of those years were as a school site principal. Prior to entering school administration I was a classroom teacher for over 11 years. I have taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and 6th grade. My favorite part of my job is supporting students and teachers in the classroom. 

Emily DesJardins is a Program Specialist and UDL/AT Content Lead for the Placer County SELPA. Her background is in special education teaching and working as a Program Specialist for school districts. She has seen firsthand the amazing learning opportunities that Universal Design for Learning can create for children on school campuses. Emily believes in the importance of supporting learning variability in our children to help them understand their learning diversity and build their confidence and knowledge that all humans learn differently. When not working, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and young children, usually outside doing chores on their small budding homestead.

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education from California State University, San Marcos, and holds credentials in K–12 Special Education (Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe), K–8 Multiple Subjects, Single Subject English, and Educational Administration. Her work is grounded in eight years of classroom experience as a Special Education teacher in the Escondido Union High School District, where she developed a strong foundation in inclusive instruction and collaboration.

For the past eight years in Poway Unified School District, Michelle has served as a Program Specialist and Special Education Coordinator, partnering with school teams to advance inclusive practices across the district. Her focus includes strengthening inclusive service delivery models, building staff capacity through meaningful professional learning, and improving outcomes for students with disabilities in general education settings. She has supported districtwide assessment systems, overseen the Extended School Year program to ensure equitable access, and is currently leading multiple inclusive initiatives, including implementation of the IEEEP grant.

In addition to her district leadership, Michelle teaches special education courses through SDCOE and SCCOE.

Megan Brady is a veteran special educator with 26 years of experience in Poway Unified School District. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University San Marcos, her Master’s degree in Special Education from National University, and holds a K–12 Mild/Moderate Special Education credential. Megan spent 13 years as an instructional assistant supporting a fully included student with Down syndrome, an experience that shaped her deep commitment to inclusive practices. She supported authentic participation in band, choir, and school productions while fostering meaningful peer relationships that continue today. As a classroom teacher, Megan participated in Poway Unified’s inclusive practices pilot, developing a co-teaching model later showcased for district leadership. She has also supported secondary-level research-based reading programs and currently consults on their implementation. For the past three years, Megan has helped develop and implement Poway’s Alternative Pathway to a Diploma, advocating consistently for student access and opportunity.

Barbara earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Special Education at California State University, San Marcos.  She holds credentials in K-12 Special Education: Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe, and K-8 Multiple Subjects. Barbara has worked in many settings including 2 years at non-public teaching a functional skills high school class, 5 years at a middle school as a co-teacher and special education department chair, and currently serves as a Full Inclusion Specialist for Poway Unified School District. Within her current role, she serves as a mentor to the high school inclusion specialists and facilitates numerous trainings for all staff, including general education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, as well as administrators. Outside of the classroom, she is also a wife and busy mom to three children.

Dr. Courteny Gumora is a Literacy Specialist, trauma-informed educator, and adjunct faculty member whose work integrates behavioral science, neuroaesthetics, and art-integrated pedagogy to create equitable learning environments. With an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Specialized Education MA, Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate and Trauma-Informed Specialists Certification, she is adjunct faculty in the SPED Teaching Credential Programs at CSU East Bay and Alder University while serving Oakland Unified School District’s online school, Sojourner Truth. Dr. Gumora brings over 18 years of experience coordinating inclusive programs for neurodivergent learners and designing systems that strengthen engagement, regulation, and identity development. Her scholarship and practice focus on bridging neuroscience, RFT, and creative pedagogies to cultivate resilient, collaborative, and curiosity-driven classrooms.

Andrew Wall is the president at and founder of Fenix Research and Evaluation, where he works on evaluation, research, leadership, and curriculum development domestically and internationally. He has previously served as a tenured professor, department chair, faculty senate chair, and research center director at the University of Rochester, followed by positions as dean and professor at the University of Redlands. Wall received his PhD in education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Nadif is a distinguished educator with over 22 years of experience. Holding two master's degrees in Special Education and Administrative Leadership, as well as a doctoral degree in Transformational and Organizational Leadership, Dr. Nadif has cultivated a comprehensive career.

Beginning as a general education teacher in the Netherlands, Dr. Nadif quickly found a calling in special education. This passion led to roles as a Special Education Teacher, Assistive Technology Specialist, School Administrator, and District Administrator. Currently, Dr. Nadif contributes expertise to the East County SELPA, championing the needs of students with special needs.

Dr. Nadif's educational background, spanning North Africa and the Netherlands, along with the experience of being a child of immigrant parents, provides a unique perspective that informs a dedicated advocacy for accessible special education for diverse families. Committed to promoting inclusion, Dr. Nadif works to ensure that students with special needs have ample opportunities to thrive.

Jennifer Yales, Ed.D., is a passionate advocate for equitable, high-quality learning experiences for all students. With more than twenty five years in special education, she has served as a school psychologist, administrator, and SELPA Director in a large urban California district, strengthening systems that support students with disabilities. Dr. Yales has been a director working within the California Statewide System of Support for the past seven years and currently serves as the Executive Consultant for the High Quality IEPs project, partnering with educators and families to improve IEP design and outcomes for students.

Dr. Yales is a certified Master Practitioner in Compassionate Systems, completed a yearlong Conscious Leadership certification, and recently earned her Waters Center Systems Thinking Advanced Facilitator credential. Her doctoral research focused on parent perceptions of collaboration in the IEP process, reflecting her commitment to elevating family voice.

As the parent of a son with autism, Dr. Yales brings both personal and professional insight to creating inclusive, student-centered educational systems.

Noreen is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience supporting students, families, and educators. Born in Mexico and raised in the U.S. from a young age, she began learning English in school—an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to equity, access, and inclusive education.

She has served as a general and special education teacher, Program Administrator, and Improvement Facilitator with the System Improvement Leads (SIL) Project. She now works as a Program Administrator for the High Quality IEPs Project, focused on improving systems that serve students with disabilities.

A certified Compassionate Systems Master Practitioner and Improvement Science coach, she blends research-based strategies with lived experience—as a sibling to a brother with a disability and adoptive parent of two daughters, one with an IEP. Noreen believes every child can thrive—and deserves a champion who works to remove barriers.

Heather DiFede, Executive Director for East County SELPA, serves as  co-director for the High Quality IEPs project, a resource lead within the Statewide System of Support. Ms. DiFede is the Past Chair for the SELPA Administrators Association for California, and she continues to serve as a co-chair for the CALPADS & Compliance Committee. Through her work, including serving on the IEP Expert Panel, she strives to ensure active engagement of all team members in the IEP process.

Alex is the founder of LADBible and UNILAD. At 34 years old, Alex was diagnosed with ADHD and has quickly become a leading voice on social media around neurodiversity. His impassioned views on entrepreneurship and neurodiversity has quickly amassed him a following of over four million people.

Alex now hosts the award winning podcast, ADHD Chatter. He shares everything he’s learnt about ADHD in his Sunday Times Bestselling Book entitled ‘Now It All Makes Sense: How An ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity To My Life’

Alex has spoken over 300 times for various brands, conferences and events including for Formula 1, BBC, Sky, Virgin, Google, Drapers, TED, Experian, Barclays, and British Airways.

Sara Bleeg has diverse teaching and leadership experience working in urban and rural public charter, LEA/district, county, and court schools. Early in her career, Sara gained her teacher training and leadership experience working in an urban high school in the UK. After coming to America, Sara became a teacher leader who demonstrated innovation and best practices, working alongside her team to launch an inclusive high school. She served as a general and special education teacher. Her areas of passion include academic mindsets for success, leveraging technology for access and universal design for learning (UDL).

Kate Hogan is an Improvement Facilitator with the System Improvement Leads (SIL) Project. The SIL Project partners with local educational agencies, SELPAs, and county offices across California to build capacity in data use, continuous improvement, and high-leverage change ideas. With a background in classroom instruction and special education leadership, Kate supports teams in strengthening systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Her work is grounded in collaboration, equity-centered data practices, and a commitment to sustainable change.

Crystal Curry is an Improvement Facilitator with System Improvement Leads, a statewide capacity-building initiative focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Crystal draws on her background as a special education teacher and school leader to help teams turn data into action. She holds master's degrees in educational administration and theatre directing, and brings a practical, systems-focused lens to all aspects of her work.

Kristen Hatton is an Assistant Director of Special Education supporting inclusive practices, high-quality IEP development, and collaborative problem-solving. She has led multidisciplinary teams in strengthening legally sound practices, advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and building professional capacity across educators and specialists. Kristen is passionate about supporting teams through meaningful professional learning and strengthening systems that improve outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. 

Lauren Link is an educational leader dedicated to building inclusive systems that ensure every student feels seen, supported, and connected. She currently serves as Executive Director of Student Services, where she oversees special education, mental health, MTSS, alternative education, and community-based supports. With a background in school counseling and administration, Lauren brings a student-centered, equity-driven lens to systems design, focusing on practical solutions that strengthen belonging and access for all learners. She is passionate about peer mentorship, inclusive practices, and developing sustainable programs that require minimal resources while delivering meaningful impact. Lauren has led the development of peer mentorship initiatives that have evolved into Career Technical Education pathways, creating pipelines for students to pursue careers in education and human services. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she partners closely with educators, families, and community agencies to create schools where inclusion is not an initiative, but a way of life.

Randi Morales is an instructional coach committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments that empower both educators and students. With a strong background in classroom instruction and coaching, Randi partners closely with teachers to strengthen effective instructional practices, support differentiated learning, and promote meaningful engagement for all learners. She brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach to her work, helping educators translate inclusive philosophy into practical classroom strategies. Randi has been instrumental in supporting peer mentorship initiatives that elevate student voice, build leadership skills, and contribute to a positive school culture. Passionate about professional growth and continuous improvement, she believes that sustainable change happens through relationships, reflection, and shared ownership of student success.

Jennifer is an independent filmmaker, writer and special education rights advocate. She has a  feature film background in visual effects for major films such as Back to the Future 2, The Ring, Hook, The Mask, Forrest Gump, Ghost, and more. 

Her independent film, Feminist: Stories from Women’s Liberation is distributed by Women Make Movies. This documentary connected her with women at the International Islamic University in Islamabad with whom she has continued to work on global women’s rights. One of her project ideas was awarded a Fulbright. The work in Pakistan includes a photography and film exhibit in collaboration with Pakistani women called Women Without Borders: A Visual Exhibit of Women’s Lives in Pakistan. 

Jennifer serves as a board member of the Women’s Ordination Conference, the Pasadena chapter of the United Nations Association, and the Pasadena Unified School District. www.JenniferHallLee.com

Ilene Fernandez Ivins is a faculty member of Special Education with Alder Graduate School of Education. She taught in Los Angeles Unified School District, San Lorenzo Unified School District, Envision Schools, and was an administrator with Aspire Public Schools. A strong believer in inclusion and family partnerships, her current research studies investigate dual credentialing, neurodivergent educators and IEP meetings that were held virtually during Covid. She holds a BA from Vassar College, an MA from San Francisco State, and an EdD from USC. She enjoys reading, pop culture, following pop culture, and spending time with her family.

Viviana is a Special Education teacher at Da Vinci Communication. Viviana began her journey as an educator as an after-school program provider at Lennox Middle School. She then worked as a one-to-one instructional aide at Juan Cabrillo Elementary and finally became a substitute teacher for the Lennox and Wiseburn Unified School Districts. Viviana is passionate about helping others and is driven by compassion and her values of justice and equity. She takes pride in fostering a safe space for students to learn and grow as individuals. Viviana enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, visiting new places, and trying new foods. Viviana holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a teaching certification and Master’s degree from Alder Graduate School of Education, where she was a resident in 2021-2022; she is currently currently mentoring a future Ed Specialist. 

Alex is the founder of LADBible and UNILAD. At 34 years old, Alex was diagnosed with ADHD and has quickly become a leading voice on social media around neurodiversity. His impassioned views on entrepreneurship and neurodiversity has quickly amassed him a following of over four million people.

Alex now hosts the award winning podcast, ADHD Chatter. He shares everything he’s learnt about ADHD in his Sunday Times Bestselling Book entitled ‘Now It All Makes Sense: How An ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity To My Life’

Alex has spoken over 300 times for various brands, conferences and events including for Formula 1, BBC, Sky, Virgin, Google, Drapers, TED, Experian, Barclays, and British Airways.

Teresa, known as DJ B Diamond, is a professional DJ who brings energy, inclusion, and joy to events across Southern California. A young woman with Down syndrome, she has built a growing business performing at schools, nonprofit galas, and community celebrations. Through her music and presence, Teresa helps create spaces where everyone belongs on the dance floor.

Vilissa Thompson is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) from Winnsboro, SC.  Vilissa is the Founder & CEO of Ramp Your Voice!, an organization focused on promoting self-advocacy and strengthening empowerment among disabled people. Being a Disability Rights Consultant, Writer, & Activist affords Vilissa the opportunity to be a prominent leader and expert in addressing and educating the public and political figures about the plight of disabled people, especially Black women and femmes with disabilities.

She has been featured in The Today Show for speaking on pop culture topics, such as the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner and how his character Theodore Huxtable was an important disabled character representation.  She was spotlighted on the Wake Up with Dee Morning Show in Atlanta, GA for Disability Pride Month.  She has also written for or appeared in YES! Magazine, Prism Reports, The Nation, Pop Sugar, NPR, Rewire, Teen Vogue, The Hill, NY Times (2020)/(2017), Huffington Post, and Buzzfeed.

She also acted as a consultant for the Sen. Elizabeth Warren 2020 Presidential campaign, where she assisted in the development of the Disability Rights & Equality policy plan.  

Vilissa is a dynamic creative and visionary - she established one of the first conferences that centers Black disabled people - a for us, by us initiative.  The Ramp Your Voice! Conference allows disabled Black women, femmes, non-cishet men to showcase their talents, and speak on the topics that matters to them.  With the diversity of the speakers offered, this biennial conference demonstrates that the Black disabled community deserves to be seen, heard, and uplifted that marks who they uniquely are.  Vilissa didn’t ask for a seat at the table - she made her own for those like her.  The playlist of the inaugural conference can be found here.

Everything she does revolves around being unapologetically herself - Black, disabled, and making good trouble to shake up the status quo."

Dr. Edwin Gomez serves as the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, leading the Riverside County Office of Education with a focus on innovation, opportunity, and student achievement.

A lifelong educator and advocate for public education, Dr. Gomez works alongside district and community leaders to ensure that every student in Riverside County is supported with the resources, guidance, and inspiration needed to succeed in school and in life.

Teresa, known as DJ B Diamond, is a professional DJ who brings energy, inclusion, and joy to events across Southern California. A young woman with Down syndrome, she has built a growing business performing at schools, nonprofit galas, and community celebrations. Through her music and presence, Teresa helps create spaces where everyone belongs on the dance floor.

Meet the Team

Mirko Chardin, a former teacher and founding head of school, is a nationally recognized consultant specializing in inclusive teaching and learning and school culture. His work focuses on creating learning environments where all students feel a sense of belonging and purpose, and where educators are equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), positive relationship-building, and inclusive and culturally responsive instructional practices. He also serves as a leadership coach and facilitator with the Aspire Institute at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Human Development and Education.

Mirko is the co-author of the bestselling Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL. He is available to lead dynamic workshops and keynotes on UDL, inclusive practices, restorative practices, and school leadership.

Helena Donato-Sapp is a 16-year-old scholar, activist, keynote speaker, and poet who believes in the power of youth voice and uses her own in the work of equity and justice. She is an accomplished activist and educator internationally recognized for her work in Disability Justice. She has been the Poet Laureate of the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students since 2019 and was the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate in 2024-2025. She is a Commissioner for Long Beach, CA Commission for Women and Girls, making her the youngest politician in the history of her city. She is newly appointed to the California Department of Education's Advisory Commission for Special Education. Helena is in her fourth year of partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) - the nation's largest labor union - where she cofounded their "Become a Champion for Disability Rights and Inclusion" Campaign.

Anjanette Pelletier brings 25 years of special education experience to School Services of California Inc., including program development, professional learning networks, and expertise in special education legislation and fiscal policy. Anjanette is a respected expert on special education finance and a broad range of special education topics. Anjanette leads professional learning and improvement teams and enjoys supporting equity-focused outcome work related to special education and inclusive practices.

Anjanette is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and has supported local educational agencies in roles from school psychologist to Associate Superintendent for the San Mateo County SELPA. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Child and School Psychology from Cal State Hayward.

Tim Villegas is an internationally recognized advocate for inclusive education and has served as MCIE’s Director of Communications since 2020. Before joining MCIE, he spent more than 16 years as a special education teacher and program specialist, championing the full inclusion of learners with extensive support needs in general education settings. A self‑described inclusionist, Tim launched the Think Inclusive blog and podcast in 2012, producing over 200 episodes featuring educators, families, and disability advocates. He has appeared on more than 20 podcasts, presented at conferences including keynotes nationwide, and is known for translating complex ideas about inclusion into accessible, compelling stories. In 2020, he founded the newsletter The Weeklyish, and in 2023, he produced the audio documentary series Inclusion Stories. At MCIE, Tim leads communications and marketing, using his background in education and storytelling to elevate inclusive practices and amplify the voices of those most impacted.

Carolyn joined MCIE in 2022 as Director of Professional Learning and became CEO in 2023. A longtime educator and former Associate Superintendent for Education Services in Cecil County Public Schools, she led a districtwide shift from a highly segregated model for students with disabilities to one where all learners are educated in their neighborhood schools and general education settings. Her leadership in advancing inclusive education has been recognized nationally. She has provided Congressional testimony and received multiple honors, including Principal of a Distinguished Title I School (2000), TASH’s Breakthroughs in Inclusive Education Award for Most Promising Inclusive School District (2008), TASH Administrator of the Year (2014), and the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Administrative Leadership Award from the University of Kansas (2016). Throughout her career, Carolyn has championed diversity, equity, inclusion, and systemic change to ensure all students experience belonging and meaningful learning opportunities.

Jillyan McKinney is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience advancing equity and inclusion across K-12 public education systems. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Inclusive Practices and Integrated Systems at the Sacramento County Office of Education, where she leads initiatives that foster inclusive learning environments and promote academic and social-emotional success for all students, particularly those with disabilities and students from underserved and under-resourced communities. Her career spans public, nonprofit, and international sectors, and brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and practical expertise to the transformative work of systems change. Jillyan holds a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in culturally responsive pedagogy.

Beth Foraker is a parent to four adult children and a grandparent to an adorable one-year-old named Sophia. Her third child, Patrick, is 26 years old and has Down Syndrome. He was fully included preschool through college. And now works two jobs. Beth has been an educator for over thirty years and worked for fifteen years for UC Davis in the School of Education with beginning teachers in their Multiple Subject Credential/Masters Program. In 2020, Beth became the Co-Director of the UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars Program - the first four-year, residential, inclusive college program in California. She works to build what she calls Continuums of Inclusion: communities that offer preschool through college inclusion so that independent adulthood - inclusive living and inclusive employment - and full belonging are possible. With the launch of the UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars Program, the City of Davis, California is now one!

Jihyun Lee is an Associate Professor in Kinesiology at San José State University (SJSU), where she teaches adapted physical activity and adapted physical education courses. She is a nationally certified adapted physical educator (CAPE) and has developed and led multiple adapted physical activity programs serving children through young adults with disabilities in the community. She is an active scholar with over 40 refereed publications and eight book chapters. She currently directs SPARTANS Occupational Career Life Studies at SJSU, an inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities (TPSID program).

Dr. Rebecca Brooks serves as an Associate Professor for the School of Education at California State University, San Marcos. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Brooks has worked with individuals with disabilities in recreational, vocational, residential, and educational settings for over 35 years.  Her published works have been in the areas of inclusive education, curriculum adaptations, and peer tutoring. She is a nationwide presenter and consultant in the area of effective inclusive schooling practices.

Dana is a junior in the UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars Program. She currently lives in an apartment off campus, takes classes in her area of interest, works and travels with the UC Davis Gymnastics Team and Sweet Peas - a local gymnastics club for young children - and at the Tercero Dining Commons. She enjoys spending time with her friends and visiting with her young nephew when she can. 

Prabhav Sriram is completing his final semester of the SPARTANS OCLS program at San Jose State University, where he has enjoyed taking classes and experiencing college life. Additionally, Prabhav works part-time at the front office of Hope Services in San Jose.  He enjoys hiking, swimming, and baseball in his spare time. 

Prabhav has been an enthusiastic volunteer for many years at several Bay Area organizations, such as Meals on Wheels and Inclusive World. He is becoming an active voice in the special needs community over the past couple of years and plans to continue his advocacy work.

Alex Vaghefi is a third-year student at California State University San Marcos in the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive postsecondary education program. He is an artist who is passionate about learning all he can about different art mediums. He enjoys nature and working at the CSUSM Recreation Center. His career aspirations include finding a job that connects with his strengths as an artist. 

Helen Maggard is a second-year student at California State University San Marcos in the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive postsecondary education program. She is a passionate student who enjoys taking college classes and learning about new subject areas. She enjoys Korean Pop music, reading, and singing. In order to explore future career options, she is currently working at the CSUSM library. 

Ishaan is a sophomore in the UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars Program. He currently lives in the dorms, participates in Cooking with Sophomores, takes UC Davis classes in his area of interest, works with the UC Davis Women's Volleyball Team and loves attending the many UC Davis sporting events on campus. 

Tessa Green has served in education since 2003 and is currently the Site Principal of Lindo Park Elementary School in the Lakeside Union School District, with prior experiences as a Teacher and Vice Principal at the middle school level. As an instructional leader, her work focuses on building coherent systems that support high-quality teaching, collaboration, and equitable outcomes for all students.

Ms. Green’s leadership is grounded in the belief that belonging does not happen by chance—it is built through intentional systems. At Lindo Park Elementary, she has led efforts to redesign master schedules, collaboration structures, learning environments, and resource use, while intentionally leveraging Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to support mainstreaming and inclusive practices. These structures deepen staff collaboration, extend inclusion beyond the classroom, and ensure students with diverse learning needs are meaningfully supported in general education settings. Through close partnership with teachers, Ms. Green shares real-world strategies that result in meaningful and sustainable student growth.

Geneva Pepe is a Special Education Teacher in her second year of teaching. She is passionate about fostering inclusive practices that ensure all students and teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered within the learning environment. Ms. Pepe is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for diverse learners and building a classroom community where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Jessica Besaw is a 5th grade teacher at Lindo Park Elementary, located in eastern San Diego County, who is passionate about creating classrooms where all students feel a true sense of belonging. She has been teaching for 3 years and has worked in education in a variety of roles for the past 7 years, including as a 1:1 aide and in a specialized school supporting students with diverse behavioral needs. In addition to teaching, Jessica directs the after-school Drama Club program, co-runs Student Council, and is an active volunteer in her community.

Patty Schetter, MA, BCBA, PPS-C is a Coordinator for Social-Emotional-Behavioral Supports at the Placer County Office of Education (PCOE), in Prevention Supports and Services.  She has worked in education for over 25 years supporting students, staff and families to create systems that help to align evidence-based practices within school settings so that all students can benefit.  Prior to joining PCOE, Patty was a special education teacher, behavior analyst, program specialist and the coordinator of a the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN), a statewide interagency network supporting the use of evidence-based practices for students with autism.  She currently supports districts within Placer County with implementation of Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) and PBIS.

Julie Murdaugh, M.Ed. is the PBIS Program Coordinator at the Placer County Office of Education. Julie’s background includes teaching, instructional coaching and administrative leadership.  She began her career serving as a general education and special education teacher for a combined 14 years. After that she spent four years as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for special education, specifically, before serving in the TOSA role at a middle school and K-8 school. During this time her work focused on training teachers to provide quality classroom instruction, including Universal Design for Learning principles, quality Co-Teaching models, Guided Language Acquisition and Design strategies and Instructional Rounds.  Her most recent work includes serving as an elementary school Principal and MTSS Coordinator in the Roseville City School District.  Julie is a certified Restorative Practices trainer, SWIS and CICO-SWIS facilitator as well as an ACER 2.0 for California PBIS.

Teresa, known as DJ B Diamond, is a professional DJ who brings energy, inclusion, and joy to events across Southern California. A young woman with Down syndrome, she has built a growing business performing at schools, nonprofit galas, and community celebrations. Through her music and presence, Teresa helps create spaces where everyone belongs on the dance floor.

Carrie Rodrigues is a veteran school psychologist with extensive experience supporting students from preschool through 12th grade. She has a strong background in developing inclusive early childhood programs and is deeply passionate about early identification and intervention. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) (CA License #3780), and is highly skilled at conducting comprehensive assessments in all areas of suspected disability to determine special education eligibility.  In 2022, Ms. Rodrigues was recognized as CalECSE's Exemplar Lead for Assessment Practices. She holds particular expertise in autism assessment, identification, and support, and formerly served as a cadre member of the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN), where she trained countless educators in evidence-based practices for autism. Currently, Ms. Rodrigues serves on the administrative team of the California Early Childhood Special Education Network (CalECSE). A frequent speaker at conferences and on podcasts, Ms. Rodrigues shares insights on topics such as assessment, inclusive practices, neurodiversity, and autism—particularly autism in girls. She is also a proud mother of two wonderful neurodivergent children and a passionate advocate for the neurodiversity movement.

With over 18 years of experience in the field, Sara is a dedicated Special Education Administrator who brings a diverse background across a variety of roles, including paraprofessional, inclusion specialist, general education teacher, teacher on special assignment, SELPA program specialist, and Preschool/Early Intervention coordinator. Throughout her career, Sara has developed a strong passion for fostering inclusive learning environments that provide every student with equitable opportunities for success. Holding a Master’s in Educational Leadership, an Administrative Services Credential, and certifications in Special Education and Assistive Technology, Sara is deeply committed to continuous improvement. She believes that every child deserves access to high-quality education and works tirelessly to support both students and educators in achieving this goal. Her approach is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a drive to improve educational outcomes for all learners.

Stephanie Coleman is the Coordinator of Inclusive Practices at Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and a part-time instructor at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). With 17+ years supporting students with disabilities, she leads statewide work on inclusive education, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and equitable diploma access while preparing future educators to create supportive, belonging-centered learning environments.

Kristin Wright is the Executive Director of Inclusive Practices at the Sacramento County Office of Education. Wright previously served as the California State Director of Special Education at the California Department of Education (CDE). Before CDE, she served as the Education Policy Advisor for Special Education, Homeless, and Foster Youth at the California State Board of Education and Education Programs Consultant to the Advisory Commission on Special Education at the California Department of Education. In addition to her experience in education, she also served as the Assistant Director at Volunteers of America, working with homeless programs in Sacramento County. Kristin is also mother of a 26 year-old daughter with intellectual disabilities, which has guided her passion for this work. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a special education teaching credential, and a master’s degree in special education.

Passion and purpose define how Mia approaches inclusive education for students with disabilities. With over 25 years of experience, she is committed to ensuring all students—especially those with complex learning, communication, and behavior needs—have access to inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education. Mia brings deep expertise in educational and assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive instructional design. Her work centers on removing barriers for students, educators, and families, and designing systems that embed accessibility into everyday practice. She has delivered keynotes and presented nationally and internationally on inclusive technology systems, assistive technology, and UDL. Prior to joining CAST, Mia served as a Technology & Learning Resource Specialist in Florida, providing technical assistance across seven diverse districts—including virtual, charter, rural, and one of the largest in the nation. She has collaborated on major grant initiatives to drive systems change and build inclusive ecosystems where technology, instruction, and assessment are aligned. As an educator from Pre-K through college in both inclusive and self-contained classrooms, Mia brings practical insights and empathy to her work. Her work has been recognized with honors such as Orange County Public Schools Top 5 Teacher of the Year. Whether coaching teams or cracking a “punny” joke, Mia connects with people through laughter, learning, and love. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, yoga, exploring new places with family and friends, and building community through food and storytelling.

Amanda Morin is a renowned neurodiversity advocate, PBS Difference Maker Honoree, early childhood and behavioral specialist, and nationally known speaker whose work has profoundly impacted inclusive education. She has been working in education for over 25 years and is a certified teacher and award-winning author of six books on special education, empathy, and life skills. She brings extensive practical experience to her mission of creating accessible learning environments for all learners.

I develop assessments and data systems that support young children with disabilities in California. My work focuses on creating tools that are practical, equitable, and useful for improving outcomes for children with and without disabilities. I prioritize collecting only data that educators, programs, and policymakers can use to make better decisions.

At the Desired Results Access Project, I lead California’s statewide early childhood assessment system, overseeing data systems, quality checks, and improvement analyses. I work closely with state, district, and program leaders to ensure assessments reflect the diverse needs of children, families, and educators and support inclusive practice across early childhood settings.

Elizabeth Schroeder leads statewide early childhood assessment efforts focused on young children with disabilities in California. As Project Director for the Desired Results Access Project, she oversees data collection and reporting systems that track developmental outcomes for preschool-aged children receiving special education services using the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP). 

Her work supports educators, leaders, and programs in using assessment data to improve practices and services that promote equitable outcomes for diverse learners. Schroeder’s research includes investigating how inclusive settings influence developmental growth for children with disabilities in California, emphasizing evidence-based assessment and inclusive practice. 

Across roles, she champions quality assessment practices, data-driven decision making, and resources that help classrooms and systems better support young children’s development and learning.

Teresa, known as DJ B Diamond, is a professional DJ who brings energy, inclusion, and joy to events across Southern California. A young woman with Down syndrome, she has built a growing business performing at schools, nonprofit galas, and community celebrations. Through her music and presence, Teresa helps create spaces where everyone belongs on the dance floor.

Para athlete, Hollywood actress, runway model Kanya Sesser is an unstoppable force! 

Found on the side of a road and now shredding mountain slopes, skateboarding and appearing in Hollywood films: Athlete, actress and model Kanya Sesser shows how to have it all! 

From being abandoned in Thailand on the side of the road as a baby to competing as an international multi-sport athlete and starring in Hollywood blockbusters, Sesser says unconditional self-confidence is the key to her success. Kanya has won second place in women’s street adaptive, went to the X games for adaptive skate, has her own skateboard deck model and has competed in the Paralympics in 2011 as the 3rd fastest women in the world and in the World Cup in Switzerland 2010, she shows that anything is possible! 

A skateboarder, snowboarder, actress and runway model, Kanya Sesser has proven that even the humblest beginnings cannot hold one back from enjoying a full life.

Dr. Ed Manansala serves as the El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools. His tenure has been marked by an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and experience a high-performing educational system.

He began his career addressing systemic barriers to learning with the Sacramento City Unified School District, one of the oldest K-12 urban districts in the western United States, serving over 40,000 students. He then transitioned to the role of Principal and Superintendent of St. HOPE Public Schools. While Principal of Sacramento High, the school demonstrated significant growth in academic achievement, graduation rates, and a four-year college acceptance rate, increasing from 25% to 75% over five years.

A recognized leader in education, Dr. Manansala has held various state and local leadership roles. He has served as President of the California County Superintendents, Vice Chair of the California State Board of Education’s California Practitioners Advisory Group, and as a member of the Marshall Medical Center Board of Directors. He is the current Board President of the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County, El Dorado County and El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce board member. He was recently appointed by the Senate to the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence Governing Board. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his Masters of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, Sacramento, and his Doctorate of Education (EdD) at the University of California, Davis.

In El Dorado County, educators aspire to create one of the finest education systems in the nation. Under Dr. Manansala’s leadership, current key priorities for systemic improvement in El Dorado County include focusing on coherence in math from preschool through third grade, opening Mountainside Middle College High School, and launching the El Dorado County Office of Education’s Teacher Residency Program.