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"Building a Beautiful Life"
March 7, 2026, Saint John Paul the Great High School
Breakout Presentations
Track for Self-Advocates (Individuals with Disabilities)
Building a Beautiful Future: Self-Advocacy Orientation
Megan Battle, Inclusion Success Coach
​In this interactive session, inclusion success coach, Megan Battle, will guide self-advocates through a series of exercises. so that they can get to know themselves better, make new friends and practice self-advocacy skills.
Megan Battle is a life-long special educator who has taught at the elementary, middle, high school and university level. Her experiences at schools led to a career in supporting young adults with intellectual disabilities as they enter the work force. She is als the recipient of the 2024 Catalyst award from Porto Charities. Megan is known for her ability to challenge with love and bring out the best in everyone she works with.
Self Advocacy Through Theater
ArtStream Teaching Artist
Calling all self-advocates! Participants ages 14 and older are welcomed to join this dynamic, fun, and supportive workshop building confidence through movement and drama games. Join our ArtStream Teaching Artists!
ArtStream, Inc. is a non-profit theatre organization operating throughout the DC region that provides inclusive performing arts classes, workshops, theatre companies, and cabarets for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including autism). Celebrating its 20th anniversary season, ArtStream continues to build communication, social, and self-advocacy skills through collaborative performance and creative expression.
I Can Do It! (Book Club)
Stacy Engels, Founder Fun Programs with Stacy
Stacy is excited to lead a Book Club session for self-advocates, featuring a short story titled “I Can Do It.” The story follows Avie, a 22-year-old woman with autism, as she navigates her mornings independently. This session is designed for accessibility, with readers taking turns per page and the text formatted for ease of reading. After the story, the group will enjoy interactive activities including Kahoot, a crossword puzzle, and hangman.
Stacy Engels is the founder of Fun Programs by Stacy, an organization dedicated to creating engaging, inclusive activities for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2019, she has developed programs ranging from virtual Book Clubs to social cooking events like Smoothie & Sandwich Clinics. Stacy partners with schools and families to customize activities that build confidence and friendship.
Track for Spanish Speakers
Los conceptos básicos del sistema de exenciones de Medicaid en Virginia
Majo Flores, Frank Trippett Spanish Advocacy & Outreach Fellow
En esta presentación se explicarán los aspectos fundamentales de las exenciones de Medicaid en Virginia, incluyendo los tipos de exenciones disponibles, el proceso para solicitarlas, la información de contacto relevante, y los beneficios y apoyos que ofrecen a las personas con discapacidades y sus familias.
​En The Arc of Northern Virginia, me desempeño como becario Trippett 2024-2025, enfocándome en el alcance a la comunidad de personas con discapacidad de habla hispana. Mi función incluye responder a preguntas en español, traducir los materiales existentes al español y crear talleres y oportunidades de aprendizaje adaptados para personas y familias de habla hispana. Mi objetivo es cerrar las huecos en la accesibilidad y garantizar que la comunidad tenga los recursos y la información que necesita. Me gradué de la facultad de derecho en Guatemala, donde me licencie como abogada antes de mudarme a los EE. UU. en 2012. Después de obtener mi certificación como asistente legal, trabajé en la ley de inmigración hasta 2018, ayudando a la comunidad hispana interpretando en la corte y en las oficinas de inmigración, traduciendo documentos y gestionando casos de inmigración. En 2018, me convertí en madre y decidi centrarme en mi familia. Desde hace varios años, he sido voluntaria en el Ministerio Inclusivo de Christ Church, que apoya a adultos con discapacidades.
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At The Arc of Northern Virginia, I am serving as the 2024-2025 Trippett Fellow, focusing on outreach to the Spanish-speaking disability community. My role includes answering questions in Spanish, translating existing materials into Spanish, and creating workshops and learning opportunities tailored for Spanish-speaking individuals and families. My goal is to bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure the community has the resources and information they need. I graduated from law school in Guatemala, where I became an attorney before moving to the U.S. in 2012. After earning my certification as a paralegal, I worked in immigration law until 2018, assisting the Hispanic community by interpreting in court and at immigration offices, translating documents, and managing immigration cases. In 2018, I became a mother and transitioned to focusing on my family. For several years now, I’ve been volunteering with the Inclusive Ministry at Christ Church, which supports adults with disabilities through various programs and activities. I also handle the ministry’s marketing efforts, helping spread its mission to the community.
Alojamiento después de la escuela secundaria
Josue Amaya, Our Stomping Ground Lead Community Builder
Una interesante sesión de trabajo diseñada para ayudar a los adolescentes con discapacidades del desarrollo y sus familias a recorrer el camino hacia una vida independiente. Esta sesión analizará las complejidades de las opciones de vivienda, asistencia para el alquiler y redes de apoyo, ofreciendo orientación práctica sobre la planificación para el futuro. Desde comprender el "precipicio de los beneficios" hasta explorar comunidades inclusivas, brindaremos conocimientos, recursos y estrategias del mundo real para ayudar a las familias a tomar decisiones informadas. Ya sea que esté empezando a pensar en una vivienda o haciendo planes activamente, esta sesión le brindará conocimientos y conexiones para el viaje que le espera.
Josué Amaya es un dedicado Constructor de Comunidades en Our Stomping Ground, donde desempeña un papel vital en el fomento de comunidades inclusivas y de apoyo para adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo. Con un enfoque cálido y acogedor, Josué dirige una programación personalizada que reúne a los residentes, construye conexiones significativas y fomenta la participación de la comunidad en general. Se asegura de que cada espacio OSG sea vibrante, accesible y esté lleno de oportunidades de crecimiento y alegría.
Track for Parents
Future Planning: Navigating Resources and Supports for Your Child's Adult Life
Diane Monnig, Director of Programs, The Arc of Northern Virginia
Join us for an insightful presentation exploring the comprehensive resources offered by The Arc of Northern Virginia, a trusted resource for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Learn how our resources support individuals across the lifespan, from advocacy and education to employment and independent living.
Diane Monnig oversees the Transition POINTS and Tech for Independent Living Programs. She is passionate about creating inclusive, person-centered supports that help people build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections. Diane brings years of experience in program development and family support.
Financial Planning Considerations for Special Needs Families
Mark Downs, CFP®, RICP®, ChSNC®, Wealth Management Advisor
Mark hosts a discussion on financial and estate planning, covering the roles of professionals, retirement alignment, special needs trusts, and quality-of-life planning. He will share best practices for different life stages and how to avoid common pitfalls that can derail a family’s long-term plan.
Mark Downs is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a special needs parent himself. He advises families on adaptable financial plans in collaboration with estate and benefits specialists. A former naval officer and graduate of Bishop O’Connell High School, he resides in McLean, VA.
Transition to Sibling Care
Joseph Fitzgerald
The transition from parent to sibling care involves many considerations. This presentation highlights practical steps for siblings while focusing on opportunities to enrich the disabled adult’s life through family, faith, and community involvement.
Joe Fitzgerald has served as the legal guardian for his older sister, Kathleen, for 30 years. With a background in corporate banking and an MBA from Indiana University, Joe brings decades of personal experience in managing the long-term care and community integration of a sibling with developmental disabilities.
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Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts
Cortney Heykoop, Clover Leaf Wealth Strategies
This presentation outlines the "what, who, when, and how" of Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts. Learn how to pass down money to support a child without impacting their eligibility for government programs, including the different types of trusts and how to determine the funding your child will need.
Cortney Heykoop is a Financial Advisor and Chartered Special Needs Consultant who helps families raising children with disabilities bring clarity to their financial planning. She knows firsthand the importance of balancing caregiving with future financial security and focuses on providing both strategy and heart.
Discovery for Students: Let Your Strengths Be Your Guide!
Therese Fimian, President, Marc Gold & Associates
This session is an introduction to Discovery as a strategy that families can use to identify strengths, possibilities and build a bridge to employment for their loved ones, as well as reaching other goals. During this session, we will review the essential information about Discovery – the principles, strategies and tools needed to embark on this strengths-based journey. Discovery facilitates an understanding of the strengths, needs and interests of an individual that is not merely based on testing and evaluation but rather on spending time and seeking to understand who someone is and when/where they are at their best. This information is gathered and used to facilitate planning and outcomes that lead to greater inclusion in the community, education, transition to work services, and employment opportunities. The presentation is being offered as an orientation to MG&A's 3-hour workshop that is an interactive session focused on key and actionable information for self-advocates, parents and families. Attendees of this session will be invited to join MG&A and attend a 3-hour workshop at a later date (Details to be announced at the conference.). The workshop also includes examples from parents and families --how they are implementing the tools of Discovery and supporting their family members with richer school to work experiences, community activities and customizing employment outcomes.
Therese Fimian has worked in the disability employment field for 25 years, overseeing national workforce, research and demonstration projects and programs to increase access to independence, employment and economic empowerment for individuals with significant disabilities. For nearly 10 years Therese directed a national Customized Employment initiative through which jobs and internships were customized and strong partnerships with businesses were established across multiple states. She has worked with national and state agencies to develop and improve strategy, policy and practice to increase access to services that result in outcomes of significance for individuals with disabilities and their families. Therese joined Marc Gold & Associates in 2019 and has been a member of the Porto Charities board since 2024.
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Special Needs Parents and their soon to be 18 year old
Sherie Kristiansen, ESQ
Providing an overview of what a special needs parent must begin to think about for their special needs child who will soon turn 18. when it comes to turning 18 and what their role will look like and how it will change. I will give a brief overview of the difference between powers of attorney and guardianship and what parents need to consider to determine the correct course for their individual child. I will also discuss estate planning as it concerns the special needs child and options available so that governmental aid to the child will not be interrupted by an inheritance.
Sherie graduated from American University Washington College of Law and went on to pass the bar in the summer of 2005. She began her focus on Wills, Trusts, and Estates including guardianship and her focus on special needs individuals in 2020 after working to the legal world after staying home with her children for many years. Having several friends with special needs children inspired her to focus on the needs of parents with special needs children including educating parents on guardianship versus powers of attorney. She believes that everyone should have an estate plan. Sherie also acts as guardian and conservator for individuals, administers estates, and helps individuals with the administration of estates.
Track for Educators
Neuroplasticity Mediation and the Mind's Capacity for Growth
Roxanne Miller
This session explores a research-based method focusing on the cognitive and emotional processes of learning based on the principles of Reuven Feuerstein. Rather than treating intelligence as a static trait, this approach strengthens cognitive processes like attention and problem-solving through intentional human interaction, helping students develop confidence that carries over into school and life.
Roxanne Miller is an educational therapist certified by the Feuerstein Institute and the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD). As a mother of ten, including a daughter with Down syndrome, Roxanne combines professional expertise with lived experience to help every learner achieve their full potential.
Holy Innovation! AI Tools for Inclusive Catholic Classrooms
Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., University of Kansas
Explore how AI-powered tools can serve as quiet partners in the classroom, reducing teacher workload while reaching students with diverse learning needs. This session focuses on easy-to-use, ethical, and faith-aligned tools that generate instructional supports and adapt materials while honoring the teacher as the heart of the classroom.
Dr. Sean J. Smith is a professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas and President of the National Down Syndrome Congress. He works closely with Catholic schools and FIRE Foundation affiliates to strengthen inclusive education grounded in faith and the dignity of every learner.
Real-Time Strategies for Engagement, Equity, and Instructional Decision-Making
Michael Fagella-Luby, Ph.D.
To teach effectively, we must understand what students know while they are still learning it. This session introduces classroom-tested approaches to collecting real-time data to improve engagement and instructional decision-making, emphasizing strategies like "Learning Checks" that fit naturally into the flow of a lesson.
Dr. Michael Faggella-Luby is a professor of Special Education at Texas Christian University and co-founder of the Learning Research Network. A former Catholic school teacher and administrator, his work focuses on translating research into practical tools that support inclusive teaching and data-informed instruction.
Supporting Diverse Learners in Catholic and Classical School Settings
Brittany L. Higdon, M.Ed., Higdon Learning Solutions
This session equips educators with research-supported strategies for supporting students with learning differences in classical and humanities-based settings. Participants will explore actionable accommodations for dyslexia, ADHD, and processing challenges that integrate seamlessly with traditional, rigorous curricula.
Brittany Higdon is the founder of Higdon Learning Solutions, specializing in supporting students in classical and faith-based schools. A former reading specialist, she is passionate about helping parents and teachers implement research-based strategies so that every child can thrive within their school’s unique mission.
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Picture Study as an Invitation to Beauty
Danny Flynn, Director of Diocesan and School Relations
The experience of a Picture Study cultivates a child’s habits of attention and encourages a love for what is true, good, and beautiful. This talk considers guidelines for selecting images and themes, and includes a modeled session focusing on the questions that drive observation and meaningful discussion.
Danny Flynn has served in education for over twenty years, including as Principal at St. Jerome Academy. He is currently the Director of Diocesan and School Relations for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE). He holds a BA from Franciscan University and is a father of 14.
Track for Parishes (Clergy and Religious Educators)
The Sensory Mass: We are all Children of God and Belong at His Table
Tracey A. Hulen, Education Consultant and Author
Joyce Kelly, Transition Specialist
This session explores the impact of a Sensory Mass—a worship experience designed to be welcoming and accessible for individuals with sensory processing differences, autism, or dementia. Attendees will learn about the core components, such as dimmed lighting and pictorial guides, and strategies to foster belonging and dignity in the liturgical environment.
Tracey A. Hulen is an education consultant specializing in social-emotional learning. A parishioner of Nativity Catholic Parish, she led the development of their Sensory Mass and Gatherings for Caregivers. She has extensive experience guiding teacher teams and supporting diverse learner needs.
Removing Barriers to Belonging in Schools and Parishes
Elizabeth Potts, Ph.D.
While all Catholics have a place in the Church by baptism, many face cultural barriers in parishes and schools. This session introduces the National Catholic Partnership on Disability's universal design framework, using scenarios to show how a shift in thinking can create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Beth Potts earned her Ph.D. in special education from the University of Virginia and spent 17 years training teachers. She is an active volunteer in her home parish in Kansas City, where she leads a mental health ministry, focusing on her passion for supporting individuals with emotional and behavioral disabilities.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our Special Blessings
Jill Bender and Maria Villarubia
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-inspired method of formation that fosters a prayerful relationship with Jesus. This presentation highlights how the program’s tactile, hands-on materials and contemplative environment are inherently inclusive, making it an ideal path for children with special needs.
Jill Bender has been a CGS catechist since 2010 and is trained across three levels of formation. She has firsthand experience seeing how children with special needs thrive in the CGS environment, inspired by her own son’s journey with the program.
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