• Virtual Special Education Parent Conference 2024


    To view the entire conference on Zoom, use this link and passcode: 
    Virtual Special Education Parent Conference   passcode 5vq^8kVj
    Spanish language interpretation is available on the recording

    Click the links below to view individual sessions and learn about each speaker.

    Parents Rights and Procedural Safeguards, Tonya Saheli 
    Tonya Saheli is a Professional Mediator/Arbitrator/ Neutral and received her law degree and Attorney training in 2010. She is the owner and Principal Neutral at Saheli Legal Mediation, LLC and ADR Solutions, LLC. Tonya began her career as a court neutral immediately after graduating from law school. She was pivotal in settling multiple legal disputes in court through court-appointed ADR. She transitioned into private practice as an Arbitrator and Mediator in 2014 and added Special Education ADR to her practice at that time. Tonya supports multiple school districts' ADR efforts throughout the state of CA by providing ADR training and facilitating IEPs, Collaborative Conferences and Mediations. Tonya also leads an ADR Community of Practice for Northern CA, where she brings together professionals and families in the Special Education Community to discuss various ADR topics. Lastly, Tonya brings a justice-oriented and restorative lens to every district that she supports. 

    Anxiety and School Avoidance, Edmund Arnold
    Edmund Arnold is a dedicated Wellness in Schools Program Liaison and Wellness Coach with the Contra Costa Office of Education. With over 10 years of experience, he has worked extensively with students and families across the county, primarily those who attend Mt. McKinley and Golden Gate Community Charter Schools. He has spent the last four years in the Wellness in Schools Program, which has allowed him to work with schools to foster an appreciation for the importance of mental wellness and build communities that encourage students to seek out mental health help when needed.  

    Student Panel 
    This student panel included four high school students who attend general education classes in high schools at opposite ends of the district. The students generously shared their perspectives on friendships, goals, challenges they face, experiences navigating general education, and their advice for parents. They were genuine about their experiences and inspirational to everyone in attendance, including each other. As their session wrapped up, they took to the chat to support and congratulate each other. We are incredibly proud of them all.  

    Glass Children - Support for Siblings,  Alicia Maples 
    Alicia Meneses Maples gave a gripping TEDx talk where she shared her inspirational story of trauma and survival, having lost her parents' time and attention to the care of one brother with profound, non-verbal Autism and another brother to a terminal illness. Alicia turned her pain into purpose. She advocates for glass children around the world, has been featured on CNN.com, Care.com and has been quoted in over 40 other online articles. Alicia delivers keynotes and facilitates conferences for families and organizations who assist high-needs families.