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Sponsors
Walk ups are Welcome!
Purchase Orders accepted through Friday, Nov. 14th!
SECCO is collaborating with Mitchell's Place for
Central Alabama's 10th
"Unlocking the Mystery of Developmental Disorders" Conference!
Date: Friday, November 14th, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Registration starts at 7:30)
Place: Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
2600 Vestavia Drive
Birmingham, AL 35216
Lunch and breakfast items provided!
**CEUs will be awarded**
Certificates for 6.5 hours provided at end of conference!
Individual Tickets:
Standard price= $125 each*.
Group Discount Orders:
For 6 or more individuals it is $100* per person. Contact Denise Gillespie for group discount orders.
Purchase Orders:
Please contact Denise Gillespie on all purchase orders or you can email your Purchase Order along with the list of name(s) of attendees and the contact person's email and phone number to seccodg@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email when accepted for processing.
Phone(text or call): 205-612-4458
Email: seccodg@gmail.com
*Credit card payments will incur small processing fee
Want to be an Exhibitor?
Contact Denise Gillespie: seccodg@gmail.com or call/text (205)612-4458
Prices start at $150/table. See details on the exhibitor form
ABOUT
Special Education Consultants & Conference Organizers' mission is working to "unlock the mystery" of developmental disabilities by providing current information and professional expertise that will empower parents and educators.
This conference is designed to educate parents, teachers, and other professionals on critical issues associated with disabilities! Speakers will cover topics including special education law, behavior concerns and plans, transition options, first response advocacy/safety and managing compassion/fatigue.
What others are saying....
"To say I enjoyed the conference today is an understatement! I was bombarded with knowledge and tidbits to assist my students to improve behavior and access the curriculum. I was very impressed with the fundamentals of Special Education Law. Leslie Allen was phenomenal! Sarah from UAB Sparks was amazing! As special education teachers we get so wrapped up in the behaviors we see on the surface forgetting the function or triggers that cause the behaviors. Laura Cole was inspiring! Her reminder of getting in the Awe-tism world and take the small steps to help bridge communication is core to improving language skills in all students.
I have saved the best for last, Dustin. I am amazed by his story and his dedication to changing the lives of others, heartwarming! I am not a sky diver yet but I am inspired to take risks.
I have called and emailed several other teachers and next year hope to represent (our) County Schools well at the conference!" Huntsville Conference
About
Speakers
SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE- DR. DALEE CHAMBERS​
Alabama State Dept. of Special Education- Director
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DaLee Chambers, Ph.D., J.D., is the Program Director for Special Education Services. Dr. Chambers has a passion for students with disabilities and helping local education agencies access what they need to improve outcomes and maximize results. Dr. Chambers has been with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) since 1998 and has served in various roles during her career including special education teacher, grant director, education specialist, and education administrator. She earned a Ph.D. in Special Education and Rehabilitation from Auburn University and a Juris Doctor from Jones School of Law at Faulkner University. She also has specialized training in dispute resolution and conflict management.
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Leslie Allen
“Special Ed Law 101: A Crash Course for Educators”
Special education law is complex and litigious with many moving parts to be considered when trying to understand the legal requirements of educating students with disabilities. This session will provide educators with an overview of significant areas of special education law, including child-find, evaluation, eligibility, IEP/placement, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)/the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues. The overview is designed to highlight basic rules and common (and typically unintentional) missteps that can result in legal difficulties for school systems.
Leslie A. Allen is a Partner in the Birmingham, Alabama office of Resolutions in Special Education, Inc., where she represents and advises public school districts and other education agencies on special education law matters. Leslie is a member of the State Bars of Alabama and Georgia and is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in both states, as well as before the UnitedStates Supreme Court. With nearly 15years of experience focused exclusively on special education matters, she also has more than 10 years of broad business litigation experience, including in the areas of employment, healthcare and general liability insurance. Leslie and Founding RISE Partner Julie J. Weatherly previously worked together in Atlanta, Georgia, where they were both members of another law firm also devoted exclusively to special education law. In 2021, Leslie was selected to the Mid-South Super Lawyers list for professional achievements in Schools & Education Law.
Leslie is a Birmingham native and completed her undergraduate work at the University of Alabama, where she graduated summa cum laude. She then graduated cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.
Lane Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP: Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
"Pragmatic Language Development and Social Success"
Attendees will learn to identify the signs of children with pragmatic language disorders and how
their pragmatic language deficits can impact peer relationship development.
Lane Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of
experience working with children across schools, early intervention, and outpatient clinics. She earned her B.A. in
Communication Disorders (with a minor in Psychology) from Auburn University, a Diploma in Psychology: Reading,
Language, and Childhood Development from Middlesex University in London, and her M.S. in Communication
Sciences and Disorders from Radford University. While at Radford, Lane contributed to autism research
presented at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's national convention. Lane has worked in
schools, Head Start programs, preschools, in-home early intervention, and outpatient clinics where she collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, psychologists, ENTs, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and school staff. She
opened a private practice in 2016 and it has since grown into Vulcan Speech Group. Additionally, Lane has been the recipient of ASHA’s Award for Continuing Education and she currently serves on the board of the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA) as the State Advocate for Reimbursement. She also serves as the chair of the
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama's Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee, the chair of SHAA's Committee on Private Practices, and serves on the Friends of Winnataska Board of Directors.
Emilie Stahlhut
"Preventing, Understanding, and Managing Problem Behaviors"
This presentation explores practical strategies for preventing, understanding, and managing
problem behaviors in various school settings.
Emilie Stahlhut has been a part of the Mitchell’s Place family since 2011. She began as an assistant teacher in the preschool program where she gained interest in the field of ABA. Emilie gained further experience in the field by working as an early intervention therapist providing focused and comprehensive ABA services to children with autism. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Alabama in Elementary Education in 2011 and received her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from UAB in 2018. In 2014, she received her certification as a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst and received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama in 2018. In addition, she is a certified instructor in Professional Crisis Management. Emilie is now the Director of ABA at Mitchell's Place. Her goal is to provide every child with the necessary skills to communicate their wants and needs and enhance their overall quality of life.
Brian F. Geiger, Ed.D., FAAHE
"Teaching About Personal Safety When Using Technology"
In his session, the participant will Understand 5 major risks and safeguards when using a smartphone and the internet, Review free tools from trusted sources to protect oneself and their families, and Learn how to report online hate and harassment when using software
applications.
Brian Geiger is chief executive officer of The Horizons School, (a nonprofit post-secondary school that offers a post-secondary certificate program for young adults with learning and other disabilities). HIs other activities and affiliates include Other activities: Lead trainer for industry certifications offered by AHLEI and NRF. Member of: Disabilities Leadership Coalition of Alabama; Consumer Advisory Committee of Alabama's University Center of Excellence on
Developmental Disabilities; RSA PTI Advisory Committee (AL Parent Education Center); and Advisory Committee of the Jefferson State Community College Hospitality Management/Culinary Apprenticeship Program. Appointed
by Governor Ivey to the Statewide Independent Living Council. Board member, Affordable Counseling Therapies. Additionally, he is involved with Preceptor for Level I and Level II university fieldwork students, Internship Preceptor, & Capstone Mentor for the UAB School of Health Professions (O.T. and P.T.), UAB School of Education, Howard University MSW Online, & University of Denver Online.
Stephanie Corcoran
Ashley Batt-Rawden, PhD with Stephanie Corcoran, PhD, NCSP
"Practical Keys to Unlocking Support: Resources and Programs for Children with Developmental Disabilities"
This presentation will offer parents and educators practical resources and programs to
support learning, behavioral, and mental health needs of children with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Ashley Batt-Rawden earned her Ph.D., Ed.S., and M.A. in School Psychology from the University of Alabama and completed doctoral clinical training at UAB’s Civitan Sparks Clinics. She spent nearly a decade serving as a nationally certified school psychologist in north Alabama schools, where she worked as lead school psychologist and provided supervision and mentorship to colleagues. Her passion for “giving psychology away” led to a natural transition into higher education. She is now an Assistant Professor in the School Psychology and Psychometry programs at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she trains future school psychometrists and psychologists. In addition, Dr. Batt-Rawden is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in the Huntsville area. She serves as the Government and Public Relations Liaison for the Alabama Association of School Psychologists and is a certified NASP PREPaRE trainer in school crisis prevention and preparedness. Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Batt-Rawden enjoys life with her husband and three children.
Stephanie Corcoran's bio is below. She will also have a separate session regarding ASD assessments.
Tish MacInnis
"Developmental Milestones-Resources and Monitoring"
Together we will learn developmental Milestones and how to monitor. We will use small group activities and share resources available in Alabama.
Tish MacInnis earned a BS Education degree from the University of South Alabama. Tish is the Alabama
Strengthening Families Coordinator, employed by the Alabama Partnership for Children.
Tish is also the Alabama Ambassador of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outreach
program for “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” that aims to improve early identification of children with
autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support
they need.
Abbie Dibble M.S. CCC-SLP with Morgan McGowan M.S. CCC-SLP
"Feeding and the School Aged Child"
Abbie and Morgan will discuss neuro-affirming ways to support school aged children who may
have difficulty with feeding.
Abbie Dibble is a Speech Language Pathologist at Mitchell’s Place, where she works with children with Autism to develop their language and communication and help their feeding skills expand. Abbie attended the University of Tennessee, where she completed her Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Abbie is from the Nashville, TN area, but has lived in Birmingham for the last six years.
Morgan McGowan is a Speech Language Pathologist at Mitchell’s Place. Morgan is a Birmingham native, who attended Montevallo for undergraduate and completed her master’s program at The University of Alabama. Morgan enjoys helping clients establish communication systems through a variety of AAC and expand their restricted diets in feeding therapy!
Glenda Grbac with Samantha Pate
"Becoming an Effective Advocate for Your Child "
This presentation will discuss practical strategies to help you confidently advocate for your child in various settings, such as in school, in the community, and in social settings. This training will provide valuable tools, resources, and real-world scenarios to help you become a stronger voice for your child.
Glenda Grbac graduated from UAB in 2015 with a bachelor's in Psychology and found her passion for working with children with ASD and other developmental disorders at Mitchell’s Place. She gained experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, teacher assistant, and lead teacher in the early learning preschool program. She obtained her master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from UAB in 2019 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2024. She currently works as a school consultant and parent advocate.
Samantha Pate joined Mitchell’s Place in 2006 and currently serves as the Education Director. Samantha received her bachelor’s from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies and holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Special Education. She also holds a certificate from Auburn University in Early Intervention. Sama received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analysist in 2021, and her license as a Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama in 2022. Since joining the team, Samantha has held many positions ranging from lead teacher in the Early Learning Program, Teach Me Therapist, assistant teacher, extended day staff and floater, and she moved into the Director of Education position in 2017.
Stephanie Corcoran, PhD, NCSP
"ASD Assessment Essentials: Recognizing Critical Red and Pink Flags"
Stephanie Corcoran is a nationally certified school psychologist and faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where she directs the School Psychology & Psychometry program, is an associate scientist with the Civitan International Research Center, and Director of the Interdisciplinary Preparation of Professionals in Special Education (IPPSE) grant. She maintains an active research program that focuses on psychoeducational assessment, school-based interventions, and professional training issues. Dr. Corcoran has published scholarly articles, book chapters, and a children’s book. She is the Past-President of the Alabama Association of School Psychologists (AASP) and the current NASP Delegate.
Bama Hager, PhD and Chrissy Schubert
"Adult Services and Programs including Ady’s BIG Army"
We will discuss their path guiding their teen and adult children living with on the autism spectrum. Bama will discuss helpful community activities and Chrissy will discuss her creation of Ady’s BIG Army, a God-centered vocational community for adults with disabilities
Bama Hagger - Bama Hager, Ph.D. is the parent of an adult son who lives on the autism spectrum. Bama advocates statewide for autism services and supports. Bama is a Clinical Child Psychologist and adjunct professor at 2 universities.
Christy Schubert
Rhonda Dial
"Special Needs and natural health: Knowledge is Powerful"
Rhonda Dial is a Master Herbalist, with over four decades of experience. Her expertise is showing how specific whole foods (herbs) nourish the body, and are easily assimilated by the body to produce good health.
Rhonda speaks regularly all over the country on the subject of gaining and maintaining optimal health. She specializes in identifying the herbs that bring balance to all the systems of the body such as circulatory, respiratory, digestion, elimination and structural. Her numerous speaking engagements over the past 30 plus years have included Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals, Chiropractors and Nurses. She also speaks at National Conventions, Churches, Garden Clubs, Civic Groups, and Seminars. The most dramatic success story regarding the use of herbs and the most touching to Rhonda’s heart was the recovery of her own infant son who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and given “no hope” for recovery. Rhonda is the wife of Phillip Dial and the mother of five children, Rebekah, Ariel, Preston, Dusty and Drew, with eleven grandchildren. Rhonda Dial's
Radio Show: 99.5 FM
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Glenda Gorbac
Samantha Pate
Bama Hager
Agenda
AGENDA
November 14, 2025
7:30-8:00 a.m.
REGISTRATION
11:25-12:25 p.m.
SESSION TWO
Fellowship Hall:
Room 1:
Room 2:
8:00-8:20 a.m.
WELCOME
Fellowship Hall:
Cindy Nelson
12:25-12:45 p.m.
Pick up Lunch/Break
8:30-9:50 a.m.
KEYNOTE
Fellowship Hall:
12:45-1:45 p.m.
SESSION THREE
Fellowship Hall:
Room 1:
Room 2:
9:50-10:10 a.m.
BREAK
1:45 - 1:55 p.m.
BREAK
10:10-11:10 a.m.
SESSION ONE
Fellowship Hall:
Room 1:
Room 2:
1:55 -2:55 p.m.
SESSION FOUR
Fellowship Hall:
Room 1:
Room 2:
11:10-11:25 a.m.
BREAK
2:55-3:00 p.m.
Dismissal/Pick up Certificates
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Sponores/ Exhibitors
SPONSORS,
Exhibitors + Silent Auction Donors
(Frequent additions!)
Exhibitors:
Mitchell's Place
Glenwood Inc.
Horizons School
Alabama Dept. of Rehab. Services
Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose
ALL Kids
UAB- Cognition, Brain + Autism Lab
Laurel Heights Hospital
The Autism Parent (TAP)
Silent Auction Contributors
Birmingham Zoo
Half Shell Oyster House
Shake Shack
Nothing Bundt Cake
Salon-Summit
Davenport Pizza
Creams and Cones
Taziki's - Vestavia
Vestavia Bowl
Firestone - 280
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