Amy Gravino

Portrait of Amy Gravino

Sexuality and the Spectrum - presentation files
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 9:00 a.m. | Ballroom

Amy Gravino is an autism sexuality advocate and relationship coach for the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the president of A.S.C.O.T. Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Ms. Gravino obtained her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the boards of directors for Specialisterne USA and Yes She Can, Inc., as well as on the scientific advisory board for Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research. Ms. Gravino has spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day and has given TED talks and other presentations to audiences worldwide on a variety of topics related to autism, with a special focus on autism and sexuality. She is an award-winning writer whose work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, Reader’s Digest, special education textbooks, and other outlets. Visit www.amygravino.com to learn more.

 

Ángel Villicaña

 

Ángel Villicaña (They/Them/Theirs) is a recent graduate from UCLA where they earned their B.A. in Psychology and Gender studies with a focus on interpersonal relationships. Currently, they are a first-year graduate student at the University of Utah in the Developmental Psychology doctoral program. Their experience as a queer person of color has led them to focus their research on sexual and gender-diverse populations with an interest in adversity, cultural variation, and atypical developmental trajectories. They aim to integrate intersectional perspectives into their work and highlight the importance of personal narratives.

 

Anne Kirby

Portrait of Anne Kirby

Suicide Risk and Prevention: Listening to the Autistic Community
Charlie Garlick Memorial Session
February 24 | 10:30 a.m. | Ragan Theatre

Dr. Anne V. Kirby is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies at the University of Utah, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Psychiatry. She is an occupational therapist that specializes in autism research, specifically in suicide risk and prevention for the autistic community. In partnership with the Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE), she currently leads a National Institutes of Health grant to promote suicide prevention for the autism community. She also does research for Utah’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) site and serves as a senior deputy editor for the peer-reviewed journal Autism in Adulthood.

 

Cagney Smullin

 

Cagney is an autist and an advocate for inclusive employment of people with disabilities. Her personal mission is to encourage, engage and teach others to see the full potential of every individual, and to help people with disabilities become fully integrated into the social, political, and economic spheres of the community through better employment practices. In 2019 she completed her Master of Public Administration at the University of Utah along with her master research project on the effect of online training tools on autism inclusion, employment practices and organizational culture. She is a mom to two kids, both with disabilities, along with several fur babies. Her special interests are crafting, writing, and Halloween.

 

Calleen Kennedy

 

Calleen Kenney is a Certified Health Worker for the Disability Community, a Parent Consultant for the Utah Family Voices project at the Utah Parent Center and is also on the current Leadership Board of the Autism Council of Utah. She has been in autism advocacy in the state of Utah for over 20 years. She is the mother of 3 and lives with her family in Sandy.

 

Caleb Stanley

Jane Carlson

Promoting Generative Language

February 24 | 3:15 p.m. | SC 206 A, B, C

Dr. Caleb Stanley is currently an assistant professor in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at Utah Valley University. Dr. Stanley graduated with a master’s and PhD degree in Behavior Analysis & Therapy from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Stanley is a doctorate level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has nearly a decade of experience working as a behavior analyst in both research and clinical capacities. Dr. Stanley’s primary area of expertise is concerned with understanding variables related to the development of complex language and cognition using contemporary behavior analytic approaches. Dr. Stanley has published over 40 publications inclusive of articles in peer-reviewed behavior analytic journals, textbooks, and several book chapters related to his area of expertise. Much of his clinical experience has been devoted to the application of contemporary behavior analytic procedures and principles, such as those rooted in relational frame theory, to individuals with autism to teach complex language. Recently, he has sought to understand how such procedures can be applied to neurotypical individuals as well. Dr. Stanley intends to continue this line of research and clinical work, but also expand it to determine how relation frame theory influences other complex behaviors.

 

Crystal Busenbark

 

Crystal Busenbark (She/They) is an educator, activist, artist, and mentor. She has taught everything from junior high to special education. She has mothered countless queer/neurodivergent youth and is currently an intern at Encircle. When she is able to get away from humans you can find her in nature, hiding with a book, or snuggling with cats.

 

Crystal Emery

Portrait of Crystal Emery

Positive Predictions of Postschool Success - presentation files
February 24 | 10:30 a.m. | Centre Stage

Dr. Crystal Emery has worked as a transition professional for young children and adolescents for over 25 years. She has a master’s in special education with an emphasis in secondary transition and a doctorate in disability studies through Utah State University. She is certified as an early intervention specialist, a coach for early childhood professionals, an employment specialist, and a customized employment professional. She currently works for the Utah State Board of Education’s postsecondary transition team as the state systemic improvement plan specialist and facilitates the Statewide Collaborative on Postsecondary Transition, which aims to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. She enjoys presenting to professionals and families alike.

 

Doc Clegg

 

I got my diagnosis when I was pretty young. I was just six years old when I was diagnosed with ADHD. It wasn’t until I was 12 years old that I got diagnosed with Autism. I’ve always had a different operating system from everyone else, but I didn’t realize it until I was older. I like to try and educate and help people through my life experiences, TikToks, and Art. People tend to confuse different with lesser. My Autism doesn’t make me less of a person than anyone else. It gives me a unique perspective, and I use that perspective in my Art and life to help others. I’ve been attending UVU since 2019 and started taking the Personal Empowerment Program at UVU’s Autism Center, and now I’m working here at the Autism Center. In recent years I’ve discovered that I’m Transgender/Non-Binary and Pansexual. It’s just one part of me, just like my Autism. You can’t remove the parts some people deem lesser and still get me.

 

Donna Angel

 

Donna is the mother of two LGBTQ+ children, one of whom is neurodivergent. As she learned more about the intersectionality between neurodivergent individuals and being LGBTQ+, she learned about Encircle and began volunteering. She read every book she could get her hands on, attended meetings of PFLAG and other community organizations that support LGBTQ+ people and their families, and listened intently to the lived experience of LGBTQ+ folks. After joining the Encircle team full-time, Donna helped create programs especially for parents, aimed at creating community, connection, education, and support for families during the coming out process and beyond.

 

Esteban Benites-Moreno

Portrait of Esteban Benites-Moreno

Esteban Benites-Moreno (he/him/El) is a community health educator at Planned Parenthood. He provides sexuality education in Salt Lake County and focuses primarily on providing LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed. He also facilitates the peer group Teen Council. His experience as an undocuqueer immigrant with DACA living in the United States introduced him to social justice movements and his passion for promoting and advocating for equity for oppressed and marginalized persons. He is a graduate of the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in health education and promotion.

Jane Carlson

JaNae Hakes

Recognizing Quality ABA Programs
February 24 | 2:00 p.m. | Ballroom

Dr. Carlson is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Doctoral) with more than 35 years of experience working with children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Carlson began her career as a special education teacher and received her PhD in clinical psychology from SUNY Stony Brook, under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Carr. Dr. Carlson has held leadership roles at a number of programs serving individuals with ASD, including the Groden Center in RI, and the May Institute in MA. She served as an expert panelist on the National Standards Project, a review of evidence-based practices in the treatment of autism. She has also served as education director of the Autism Center at Virginia Commonwealth University and as assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She has directed the Autism Inclusion Project at the Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown, NY, providing technical assistance and training to public schools to build capacity to serve students with ASD. Dr. Carlson has mentored graduate students and served as adjunct faculty at Fitchburg State College, Northeastern University, Salve Regina University, and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Dr. Carlson is currently assistant professor in the School of Education at UVU, where she directs the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism, coordinates the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis, and teaches in the Autism Studies program. Dr. Carlson has presented her work at national and international conferences and her publications have been translated for international audiences.

 

Jared Stewart

 

Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and a 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources of Utah County organization. He currently works as ScenicView's Program Director—where develops curriculum, oversees instruction, and teaches his students to recognize and embrace the strengths of their diagnoses. On the side, he is an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, where he helps run their annual Conference on Autism and assists with the Melisa Nellesen Center’s Passages Program as a life-skills instructor and curriculum developer. In 2016 he was appointed by the governor to the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and currently serves as the Council Chair. Jared has spent almost two decades working with autistic adolescents and adults, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes for these individuals with many local and national audiences. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has numerous family members on the Spectrum, and he was diagnosed with autism himself as an adult. In all he does, Jared adheres to the belief that there is untapped greatness in everyone, regardless of their so-called “disabilities”.

ASD and College

 

Jennifer Call

Portrait of Jared Morris

Building a Community of Belonging
February 24 | 2:00 p.m. | SC 206 A, B, C

Jennifer Call is an experienced educator and practitioner in the field of autism and developmental disabilities. She has a bachelor's in special education from Texas A&M University and a master's in special education, low incidence disabilities, and autism from Sam Houston State University. Jennifer is currently a lecturer of autism studies at UVU, where she teaches undergraduate students about applied behavior analysis and autism. Before coming to UVU, she worked as a special education teacher, a parent training conductor, a clinical director for in-home ABA services, and a BCBA for a residential treatment center. She was awarded the UVU Faculty Excellence Award in 2022.

 

Jenny Wunder

 

My name is Jenny Wunder and I am a parent of 4 children. My middle two children are twin boys who were diagnosed with autism at age 2. They are now 15. They are considered "high functioning" but have been in occupational and speech therapy for much of their younger years. When they were young, we worked really hard to get them socialized with their peers by doing playdates as we felt social interaction was very important. My oldest child was always involved in camps and classes during the summer, but we found these were very difficult for the boys. They struggled socially and had a lot of meltdowns. I began to do "at-home" camps with select friends and neighbors for the boys. We did a cooking camp, a science camp, and tennis camp. As a family, we also founded the Moving Mountains soccer camp along with UVU, where a community volunteer receives a short training in autism and then is paired up with an autistic child to work with individually at the 2-day camp. We are approaching our 6th year of running the camp and have increased our participation from 60 campers and 100 volunteers the first year to 150 campers and 250 volunteers.

 

Jessica Cauchi

Portrait of Jessica Cauchi

Teaching Skills Related to Sexuality to Learners of All Ages
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 1:45 p.m. | Ballroom

Dr. Jessica Cauchi, BCBA-D, CPBA-AP, is a behavior analyst who has worked with people on the autism spectrum for over 20 years. She resides in Ontario, Canada, and is the clinical director of Atlas Behaviour Consultation. Dr. Cauchi received her PhD in applied behavior analysis from Endicott College. She is interested in meaningful programming, rapport and assent, progressive ABA, and research and clinical practice in curriculum development and effective teaching practices in sexuality skills for persons on the autism spectrum.

 

Julie Swanson

Portrait of Julie Swanson

Yes to Sexuality in the IEP
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 10:30 a.m. | Centre Stage

Julie Swanson is a special education advocate and the parent of an autistic adult. She is passionate about improving outcomes in adulthood for autistic students. This passion grew into her social media platform, The Life Skills Lady (@lifeskillslady), where she promotes the ten domains of life skills and how they can improve quality of life for an autistic individual. Julie is also the author of Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn’t Telling You and the companion website yourspecialeducationrights.com, a video-based website that helps parents understand their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

 

Laurie Bowen

Portrait of Jared Morris

Building a Community of Belonging
February 24 | 2:00 p.m. | SC 206 A, B, C

Laurie Bowen has worked with and learned from individuals and families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for more than 20 years. She serves as associate director for the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at UVU, where she focuses on community outreach. She has served as chair of the Autism Conference Planning Committee for the past several years. She has worked to support programs designed for transition-aged individuals with ASD, such as Passages and Educational Coaching. She also teaches in the Autism Studies program at UVU. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and is completing her PhD from the University of Northern Colorado in special education. She was awarded the Autism Hero Award from Autism Resources of Utah County Council in 2020.

 

Leslie Liliano

 

Since becoming certified in 2010, I have been fortunate to work with a diverse group of clients across three states including Utah, California, and Virginia; as well as different settings including home, school, clinic, community, day programs, and residential services. I have worked with young children implementing EIBI programs but also have a background in Floortime and RDI which has greatly helped with my play based programming. In addition to young children, I have worked with adults well into their 70's by training residential providers and helping my clients better access the community around them. As a PEERS certified provider, I specialize in social skills and adolescents.

 

Marette Monson

Portrait of Laura Smith

Keeping Your Head Above the water: Self-Care for Caregiver Fatigue
February 24 | 12:45 p.m. | Ballroom

Marette Monson, LCSW, is a nationally certified expert in treating compassion fatigue. She was mentored by Dr. Eric Gentry and trained as a compassion fatigue educator by the Figley Institute. Marette has twenty years of experience working as a mental health therapist for individuals on the spectrum and their families in Utah. She currently owns a practice in Salt Lake City called The Center for Counseling Excellence.

 

Molly Dellinger-Wray

Portrait of Molly Dellinger-Wray

Fostering Healthy Relationships and Abuse Prevention for People with Disabilities - presentation files
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 12:45 p.m. (2 hour session) | Centre stage

Molly Dellinger-Wray (she/her) is a member of the Partnership for People with Disabilities, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She earned her master’s degree in special education from the State University of New York at Buffalo and began her career as a special educator for children with significant support needs and autism. Molly was endorsed as a facilitator of the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Project in 2007 and co-leads Home and Community PBS, a network of the International Association of PBS. For the past 15 years, she has assisted children and adults with intellectual and development disabilities navigate issues surrounding violence, abuse, sexual assault, and neglect through efforts like Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP). Molly regularly contributes to published academic journals and Parenting Special Needs Magazine and is a certified trainer for Person-Centered Thinking and Stewards of Children. Her goal is to help everyone enjoy healthy relationships.

 

Morgan Jacobs

Portrait of Julia Connelly

Queer and Here: Neurodiversity LGBTQ+ Voices
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 12:45 p.m. | Ragan Theatre
Understanding and Affirming Queerness and Neurodiversity: A Panel Discussion
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 2:00 p.m. | Ragan Theatre

Morgan Jacobs (she/her) is a certified social worker and the program director of Wolverines Elevated at Utah Valley University, a college program for students with intellectual disability. She teaches courses on self-determination and the transition to adulthood, including comprehensive sex education. Both as an educator and a queer woman herself, Morgan wants to see all spaces become safer, more affirming, and places where queer and trans students can thrive. She is originally from Richmond, Virginia, and moved to Utah from Massachusetts after completing a dual master’s in social work and special education from Boston University.

 

Noelle Hendrickson

 

Noelle Hendrickson (she/her) was diagnosed with ASD at a young age. She attended special-ed classes and held an IEP until high school graduation. She is also a proud lesbian. Currently, Noelle attends Utah Valley University as an English/Creative Writing major with a focus on poetry. She’s published several poems about the queer experience and has served as a contributing writer for lesbianherstory.com. Her schooling is paid for by scholarships from both Equality Utah and The Organization for Autism Research. Noelle also works as a peer mentor at UVU’s Autism Center and as a behavioral mentor at Scenic View Academy, a transitional school for autistic adults in Provo, Utah. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing Nintendo games, and listening to Taylor Swift.

 

Peter Gerhardt

Portrait of Peter Gerhardt

Sexuality: A Lifespan Perspective
February 24 | 9:00 a.m. | Ballroom

Dr. Peter Gerhardt is the executive director of the EPIC School in Paramus, NJ, and currently serves as adjunct faculty in the Institute for Behavioral Studies at Endicott College. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers University and has over 40 years of experience utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in educational, employment, residential, and community-based settings. Dr. Gerhardt serves as co-chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research and is on numerous professional advisory boards, including the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. He has authored or co-authored many articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic.

 

Pete Vosnos

 

I am on the autism spectrum myself. My sexuality is (Bisexually Gay). I am a first-year student at Utah Valley University. I am with Wolverines Elevated Program, and I want to major in Autism Studies which is my true passion of helping neurodiverse individuals in my future career. A little bit about myself is that I have been from Orem, Utah all my life, and I just graduated from (ATEC East) last year that is a postsecondary high school that I went to for 4 years. What I learned there is how to get a job in the community and learn how to independently ride the public transportation. Learning how to do life skills and learning how to set independent goals. The reason that I am here today is to be a positive meaningful inspiration

 

Priscilla Villaseñor-Navarro

Portrait of Priscilla Navarro

Priscilla Villaseñor-Navarro is a first-generation Mexican-Dominican and first-generation student. She is majoring in integrated studies and will graduate in the spring of 2023. Priscilla started her time at UVU working in the Student Leadership and Involvement Office, where she learned about the different opportunities and resources she has as a student. While learning how to get involved and building connections throughout campus, Priscilla became a student fellow at the Center for Social Impact, a campus department that provides curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular student experiences in six diverse pathways of social impact. During her time at the Center, she lead initiatives related to community organization and activism and discovered a passion for equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work. As the presidential intern for the Office of Inclusion, Priscilla strives to create awareness of EID work that is currently being done on campus and support initiatives by students. She is a firm believer that social change only happens at the speed of relationships and that relationships happen at the speed of trust.

 

Rachel Leonard

 

Rachel has Level 1 Autism/Asperger’s and was diagnosed two weeks before her 21st birthday. She currently works as a Teller at Wells Fargo and has been with the company for a little over a year. She enjoys making one-of-kind greeting cards in her spare time. Rachel is currently attending UVU majoring in Applied Communication with a minor in Autism Studies. Even though she doesn’t know what she will do after she graduates, but she would like to continue being involved with the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism.

 

Scott Wood

 

Scott graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He has worked for ScenicView since it opened and has enjoyed seeing it grow, and seeing the students benefit from the services provided at ScenicView. He has many duties, including being the Work Supervisor helping students find gainful employment, and a Psychotherapist. Scott also works with the WHY TRY organization as a National Training Consultant helping youth and others develop the social and emotional skills necessary to reach their goals. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and participating in sports.

CC NW Academy
Transition to Independence

 

Sheilagh Fox

 

Dr. Sheilagh Fox (she/they) is a licensed psychologist and the LGBTQ+ Mental Health Specialist at UVU Student Health Services (SHS). Her primary responsibilities are to provide individual and group psychotherapy to students, especially those who are queer identified. She also serves on the SHS diversity committee and provides a limited amount of autism diagnostic assessments to students seeking academic accommodations. Dr. Fox is passionate about educating and empowering mental health practitioners to provide identity-affirming care to individuals who hold marginalized identities. This passion first took root when they were a graduate student being trained to provide autism assessments at Timpanogos Assessment and Psychological Services in Provo, Utah. Originally from Calgary, Canada, they graduated from Brigham Young University with a doctorate in clinical psychology and completed their predoctoral internship at the University of Utah Counseling Center in 2021.

 

Spicer Carr

Jane Carlson

The Rocking Boy: A Personal Perspective of Growing Up with Autism

February 24 | 3:15 p.m. | Ragan Theatre

Spicer W. Carr (he/him) is a New York City-based composer-lyricist specializing in musical theater, opera, and theatre for young audiences. As a queer, autistic writer, Spicer seeks out similarly underrepresented voices and uses his unique perspective to help explore their stories. Current projects include The Four Lost Santas, a comic Christmas opera about performers making it work during the holidays (commissioned by Opera Orlando); The Rocking Boy, a semi-autobiographical children’s musical about growing up with autism and learning to connect and accept others for “all of you”; and Here, a non-linear song cycle that explores grief and the relationships between religious parents and their queer children (commissioned by Cincinnati Song Initiative and The National Association of Teachers of Singing). Other additions in Spicer’s vocal catalogue include song cycles (Dreams, U Up?), musicals (Chance the Snapper, You Were There), and operas (Sabbath, Disillusioned, Touché ). His Instrumental work includes pieces for piano (Of no Concern, Nocturnes for an Insomniac), big band (Lunch Rush), and a violin concerto (Daydreams). Spicer has also written several children’s plays (Who Turned out the Lights?!, Pieces of Eight). Spicer’s work has been developed and performed by Opera Orlando, Quintessence Theatre Group, the TYE Center, Utah Valley University Chamber Symphony, Utah Valley University Jazz Orchestra, Secondary Players, MusiCoLab, Temple University Theater, the Purple Crayon Players, Really Spicy Opera, and Opera Praktikos. Spicer is a graduate of Temple University, where he participated in the inaugural MFA cohort for musical theatre collaboration. Spicer is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

https://www.spicercarrcomposer.com/

 

Tina Persels

Portrait of Beverly Nichols

New Diagnosis, Now What?
February 24 | 3:15 p.m. | Centre Stage

Tina Persels is, first and foremost, mom to Adam, who is 22 years old and lives with multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, autism, epilepsy, non-verbal speech impairment, and medical complexity. Tina has served as a family advocate and parent consultant for Utah Family Voices for 16 years, where she has worked directly with children and youth with special health care needs. She also works as a parent educator for the Utah Regional Lend Program and as a program coordinator and artist for Kindred Spirits Art. She is a member of several Utah advisory committees, including the Utah Office of Childcare Advisory Committee, the Community Health Improvement Planning Committee, the Utah Department of Health Medical Care Advisory Committee, and the Intermountain Financial Services Advisory Council. She is also an author, editor, and reviewer for the University of Utah’s Medical Home Portal website.

 

Tom Higbee

Portrait of Cade Charlton

Generative Learning Strategies Delivered via Telehealth - February 24 | 10:30 a.m. | SC 206 A, B, C - presentation files
Promoting Independence for Learners on the Autism Spectrum - February 24 | 12:45 p.m. | SC 206 A, B, C

Dr. Thomas S. Higbee is a professor of special education and rehabilitation at Utah State University and founder and director of the Autism Support Services: Education, Research, and Training (ASSERT) program, an early intensive behavioral intervention program for children with autism. He is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and a licensed behavior analyst in the state of Utah. His research focuses on the development of effective educational and behavioral interventions for children with ASD and related disabilities, which includes developing effective strategies to teach parents and professionals how to implement such interventions.

 

Tricia Nelson

 

Tricia Nelson is the parent of Riley (a 21-year-old profoundly autistic adult), President & Executive Director of Utah Autism Academy (a day-treatment clinic-based ABA program), and the President of the Utah Autism Coalition. Tricia has participated in advocacy, awareness, fundraising, and family services efforts in the autism community since her son’s diagnosis over 19 years ago. Tricia finds great joy in successful community integration, and the hope that comes from positive and inclusive support systems for those living with ASD and their families.

 

Wes Dotson

Portrait of Wes Dotson

Autism and Sexuality Resources - February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 12:45 p.m. | Ballroom
Building Social Relationships - February 24 | 2:00 p.m. | Ragan Theatre

Dr. Wes Dotson is an associate professor for the Special Education Department at the University of Missouri and the director of Applied Behavior Intervention Services at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. He earned his PhD in behavioral psychology from the University of Kansas in 2010 and spent ten years at Texas Tech University and the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research. He has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst since 2008 and primarily teaches adolescents and young autistic adults social, relationship development, and other skills needed for successful life outcomes. He also prepares teachers and other professionals to work successfully with individuals on the spectrum.

 

 

Worner Leland

Portrait of Terisa Gabrielsen

Teach and Facilitating Consent Skills
February 23 (Pre-Conference) | 10:30 a.m. | Ragan Theatre

Worner Leland (they/them), BCBA, LBA, currently serves as an educator for Sex Ed Continuing Ed and collaborative writer and presenter with the Assent Lab and the Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group. They have served as the president of the Sexual Behavior Research and Practice special interest group for the Association for Behavior Analysis International and as a researcher and educator with Upswing Advocates. Their work focuses on sex education, assent and consent education, and harm and coercion reduction education in behavior analysis. To learn more about their research, you can contact them at worner@sexedcontinuinged.com.