Kickoff 2025 Presenters

Dispute Prevention and Resolution

Presenters: Jamila Pollard, Georgia Dept. of Education, Senior Program Officer, Legal Officer and Scott Smith, Program Manager, Georgia Dept. of Education

In this session, participants will learn about the special education dispute prevention and dispute resolution processes available in Georgia. Participants will be able to assist parents in obtaining information regarding the dispute prevention and dispute resolution processes. Participants will also be able to guide parents toward the specific dispute prevention and dispute resolution processes that are
most appropriate for their circumstances.

Missy Sullivan, Carrolton City Schools Parent Mentor

Karen Tharpe, Appling County Parent Mentor

Supporting Parents During the Initial Evaluation Process

Presenters: Missy Sullivan, Carrolton City Schools Parent Mentor and Karen Tharpe, Appling County Parent Mentor

This session equips parent mentors with strategies and resources to support families during the first special education evaluation and, if necessary, the placement process. Together, we’ll explore ways to build trust, simplify complex steps, and empower parents to take confident first steps.

The Full Continuum to Georgia Diplomas: The High School Diploma and the State-Defined Alternate Diploma

Presenters Elise James, Program Specialist, Transition, Post School Outcomes and Anne Myers, Program Specialist, Student with Intellectual Disabilities/Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

This session is designed to support IEP Teams in understanding the purpose and implications of Georgia’s two diploma options: the High School Diploma and the State-Defined Alternate Diploma. With a focus on students with significant cognitive disabilities, the session will clarify:
Who each diploma pathway is designed to serve
How diploma decisions influence students’ educational experiences
The impact on postschool outcomes

Additionally, parent mentors will receive targeted information to help support families during diploma-related discussions, ensuring parents are well-informed and prepared to advocate for their children’s educational futures.

Home Harmony: Partnering with Parents to Manage Behaviors at home with Confidence and Calm

Presenters: Tiera Bowen, Special Programs Director Putnam County Schools and Crystal Williams, Putname County Parent Mentor

This session offers parent mentors and caregivers a toolkit for navigating challenging behaviors with empathy, clarity, and composure. This session explores practical strategies for managing behaviors at home while also addressing the emotional toll on parents—providing stress-reduction techniques and mindset shifts to foster resilience.
Through collaborative discussion, relatable examples, and actionable tools, this presentation empowers families to build calmer, more connected home environments—one confident step at a time.

Early Support, Lifelong Impact: What Parents Need to Know About Preschool Special Education

Presenter: Barbara Ross, Georgia Dept. of Education Program Specialist

Navigating the world of special education services can be particularly difficult for parents of preschool children for many reasons. During this session, participants will learn why this is true and how district leaders, teachers, and parent mentors can be more effective in supporting the parents of these children with disabilities.

Rooted for Resillence: Cultivating Decision Making SkillsThrough Supported-Decision Making

Presenters: Grace Sherman & Malachi Parker, Youth Ambassadors

Just like strong roots prepare a tree to grow tall and resilient, strong decision-making skills prepare students with disabilities to thrive beyond K–12. This session will explore how Supported Decision-Making (SDM) can help students practice making choices, take increasing ownership of their lives, and build the confidence needed for successful post-school outcomes. We’ll share practical tools, strategies, and resources that educators, transition specialists, and families can use to nurture decision-making skills over time. ogether, we’ll explore practical ways to embed SDM into everyday learning so students graduate prepared to navigate life after high school with purpose and confidence. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of SDM and ready-to-use supports to help students grow with purpose into their next stage of life.

IDEA-Parent Mentor Indicator 17.5

Presenter: Andrew Britt, IDEA Budget Program SpecialistIDEA Budget Program Specialist

During this presentation LEAs will gain knowledge on allowability of costs for the Parent Mentor grant, common findings during CFM for LEAs who use the Parent Mentor grant, and a plan of action for the use of the grant.

RWS 2.0: Reimagining the Student Experience and Pathways to Partnerships

Presenters: Shannah Mabry- Project Manager; Vince Bass- Project Coordinator; Leigh Thrailkill- Family Liaison; Dr. Brandi Pardo- Houston County Schools

This presentation highlights the changes of Roosevelt Warm Springs effectively known as RWS 2.0. It will focus on the launch of new programming pathways designed to expand opportunities for students, the transformative student experience while living and learning on campus, and the updated admissions process that ensures every student finds the right fit at RWS.
Attendees will also gain insight into Georgia Vocational Rehabilition Agency’s (GVRA) Pathways to Partnerships (P2P) grant, an initiative to substantially improve training and preparation of children and youth with disabilities in Georgia to eventually obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment through collaboration with state, local, and private entities. Participants will be provided an overview P2P Programming and expand their knowledge of services offered by Centers for Independent Living (CILs), as well as programs and supports available through GVRA. The session will also cover available P2P Family Resources, as well as key partnerships that strengthen support for students and youth with disabilities and their families.
Attendees will leave equipped with resources and information to share with their families and fellow educators who support students and youth with disabilities- helping them dream big, achieve their goals, and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Rooted in Reading: Growing Robust Literacy Through Georgia’s Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act

Presenter: Amy Denty, Georgia Dept. of Education Director of Literacy

Just as strong roots support a thriving tree, Georgia’s Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act (HB 307) is designed to ground schools and families in the essential elements of evidence-based literacy instruction. In this session, we’ll explore how the law strengthens literacy development from the ground up—through universal screening, tiered supports, early identification of characteristics of dyslexia, and aligned instructional practices. Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of the legislation and practical tools and resources for families that nurture every child’s reading journey with purpose and promise.

From Concern to Support: Helping Families Understand Dyslexia and HB 307

Presenters: Catherine Gossett, Georgia Dept. of Education Program Specialist

This session will equip Parent Mentors with essential knowledge to support families of students with disabilities, focusing on Dyslexia and Georgia’s House Bill 307. Participants will explore the updated requirements for universal screening, parent notification, and the state’s definition of Dyslexia. We’ll address common myths, review key resource documents, and discuss strategies for bridging families and schools. The goal is to enhance parental understanding and advocacy, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Supporting Families of English Learners with Disabilities

Presenters: Parent Mentor Panelists and Interpreter: Antoinette Ricardo (Forsyth), Yesenia Lopez (Paulding), Erin Arledge and Mariella Holmes (Whitfield)

Join us for a heartfelt and insightful panel discussion featuring three dedicated Parent Mentors and one interpreter who are making a profound impact in the lives of families of English learners with disabilities. This session will explore the intersection of language, family traditions, and special education through the lived experiences of our panelists. Through their personal stories and professional wisdom, the panelists will address common misconceptions, share strategies for building trust, and offer practical approaches to overcoming barriers that often hinder collaboration. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to foster meaningful partnerships with families, navigate complex systems, and remain grounded and hopeful in the face of challenges. Whether you’re a parent mentor, educator, or advocate, this session will leave you inspired and equipped to grow with purpose in your support of multilingual families navigating disability services.

Empowering Growth: A Toolkit for Purposeful Transition Planning

Presenter: Dayna Holbel, Emory Autism Center Educational Consultant and Transition Specialist

This session introduces the Transition Task Force Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to support educators, families, and community partners in guiding students with autism through the critical transition to adulthood. Participants will explore strategies for building collaborative teams, developing individualized transition plans, and implementing evidence-based supports across school and community settings. Learn how to create sustainable programming, foster inclusive partnerships, and empower students to thrive beyond the classroom.

The Parent Resource Room: a Bridge to Support

Presenters: Wanda Jenovese, Butts County Parent Mentor and Genevieve Harris, Douglas County Parent Mentor

Provide the answers to the following topics:
How the Resource Center is funded.
How the space is chosen.
How to choose the items to stock the resource center.
Marketing and promoting the resource center.

Wanda J. will begin the presentation with her “start up” stage; creating the resource center and set-up. Genevieve H. will present the latter half of the presentation to discuss maintaining the resource center that has been operating for several years.

Rooted in Relationships, Growing Through Collaboration

Presenter: Christina Holland, Parent Mentor Candler County School District and Jennifer Brown, Parent Mentor Monroe County School District

In this session, Jennifer Brown and Christina Holland will share practical ways Parent Mentors can connect with families, school staff, and the community. This session highlights how strong communication, intentional networking, and collaborative relationships build trust and visibility. Participants will leave with practical strategies for building networks of collaboration that support both families and schools.

Cultivating Collaboration: Partnering to Support Families and Students with Disabilities

Presenter: Melinda Evans McKendrick, Regional Coordinator/Parent Partner, Inspiritus Refugee and Immigran Services

In this presentation we will explore how Parent Mentors and Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P) can strengthen support for families of students with disabilities. By aligning P2P’s seven core services with Parent Mentors’ focus on navigation, family engagement, training, transition planning, and resources, participants will discover practical strategies to collaborate effectively, reduce duplication, and expand their impact, building deeper, trusted connections with Georgia families.

Language as a Missing Link

Presenter: Garry McGiboney, Executive Director of Sharecare

Language development dramatically and positively impacts life outcomes. Conversely, the failure to develop a capacity for effective communication jeopardizes emotional well-being and educational attainment. We must institute a new, proactive approach in which all who interact with caregivers and children employ the understanding that language is the primary vehicle for frequent and positive social connections. This approach will consider language as a well-being indicator that is foundational for literacy and academic success, emotional and mental health, and positive quality of life. This presentation illustrates why and how language is a missing link for many children.

Cultivating Transition with GVRA

Presenter: Rebecca Williamson GVRA Transition Manager

Harvest the benefits of a strong partnership with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency in your school district. You will leave with actionable strategies to support students and families in connecting with the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Learn more about services, funding options, and post-school opportunities for your students.

School Social Work & SB 123: Partnering for Student Attendance

Presenter: Lindsey Oliver, Georgia Dept. of Education School Social Work Specialist

Learn how Georgia’s new attendance legislation, SB 123, impacts schools and families, and explore the vital role of school social workers in addressing barriers, supporting families, and improving student success.