Adam Morgan Foundation National Conference: Be Someone's Missing Piece of the Puzzle!

This conference focuses on the strengths, abilities, dreams, and goals of individuals that learn and communicate differently.  Success stories from individuals and family members will be shared with a special focus on extended family partnerships to strengthen those relationships.  Top professionals in the field will share their research and strategies building off of strengths and abilities, turning the stigma of disabilities on its head!  This is a one of a kind conference, bringing a fresh perspective and hope for true inclusion in our society. PRESENTER INFORMATION: KEYNOTE & GENERAL SESSIONS   Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D., American Institute for Learning and Human Development, Cloverdale, CA. Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the American Institute for Learning and Human Development and an award-winning author and speaker who has been an educator for over forty years. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print in English on issues related to learning and human development. His books have been translated in ninety foreign editions into twenty-eight languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew, Danish, and Russian.  Dr. Armstrong has given over 1000 keynotes, workshop presentations, and lectures on six continents in 29 countries, and 44 states in the past thirty years. His clients have included Sesame Street, several state departments of education, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the European Council of International Schools, and the Republic of Singapore. Keynote: Neurodiversity in the Classroom:  Strength-Based Strategies to Help Students with Special Needs Achieve Success in School and Life - This keynote will argue for a major paradigm shift in special education by proposing that we look at students with special needs (including ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders) in terms of their “diversities” rather than “their disabilities.”  Dr. Armstrong will introduce the concept of neurodiversity (originally developed in the autism community) as a strength-based approach that can positively transform the lives of students with special needs. After presenting five basic principles of neurodiversity based on recent findings in neuroscience, evolutionary psychobiology, and social history, he will devote the greater part of the keynote to seven practical components of ”positive niche construction” that can be used to help students with special needs flourish in the classroom: strength awareness, positive role models, assistive technologies/Universal Design for Learning tools, strength-based learning strategies, enhanced social networks, positive environmental modifications, and affirmative career aspirations.  Dr. Armstrong will conclude with a description of what an IEP meeting might look like if the student happened to be a young Leonardo da Vinci.  Workshop: The Power of the Adolescent Brain:  Strategies for Teaching Middle and High School Students - This workshop will begin by presenting eight key neuroscience research findings concerning how the adolescent brain develops. It will then provide an experiential introduction to the teen years by having participants fill out an inventory and share in small group their own adolescent attitudes, behaviors, and experiences (the better to empathize with their students).  After this, the workshop will look at specific vulnerabilities associated with the teenage years (including suicide, traffic accidents, substance abuse, violence etc.) and examine how these factors influence brain development. The core of the workshop will include a detailed look at eight key interventions that secondary schools need to integrate into their classrooms based upon the last twenty years of neuroscience research on the adolescent brain, including: opportunities to choose, self-awareness activities, peer learning connections, effective learning, learning through the body, metacognitive learning, expressive arts activities, and real-world experiences.  For each intervention, several practical strategies will be presented (for example, for ‘’opportunities to choose’’ selected strategies will include homework options, student polling, passion projects, student voice initiatives, and independent study opportunities).  The total number of strategies presented will vary from thirty to fifty depending upon whether it is a half-day or full-day workshop.  Finally, sample lesson plans based on using the eight interventions (and accompanying strategies) will be presented, and time will be taken to engage in whole group and small group brainstorming where additional lesson plan ideas will be constructed based upon participants’ own classroom objectives and goals.   Kennedy Garcia & Lori Kay Fierro, Life Skills & Communication Consultant, New Mexico Kennedy is a model, actress, and dancer. Having Down Syndrome and being a survivor of childhood cancer, she has not let anything hold her back. She talks about what it means to Be Who You Are! Kennedy recently launched her clothing line and has been featured in numerous independent films. Kennedy leaves her audience feeling empowered and ready to take on the world! Lori Kay Fierro works one on one with individuals with a disability on life skills, helping them and their families reach the goals that will result in the independence they want. Lori has created numerous programs to help create a more inclusive world. General & Breakout Sessions: Creating a path of independence through the Eight Limbs of Inclusion that give parents and support systems the tools they can use in the real works! Sam Kuhnert, Founder/President, NubAbility Athletics Foundation, DuQuoin, IL.Sam Kuhnert was born with one hand, but that has never stopped him from embracing God’s purpose for him. When people used to ask Sam about his limb-difference, he’d smile and answer, “Because God said I didn’t need an ‘extra’ hand!” Owning his difference made all the difference in his ability to move forward with confidence in sports, even after many said he’d never play outside of rec level. Sam spends every single day working with kids and making real changes in their lives. General Session: Be a Game Changer in School and in Life - A motivational talk based on Sam’s experiences in school overcoming adversity in sport and life as a congenital amputee.  Adam Morgan, High School Student. St. Peters, MO. Adam Morgan is a junior at Fort Zumwalt East High School. He is the oldest of four kids and a very protective big brother. Adam has autism as his Super Power and has broken down many barriers throughout his educational career. As a young man that is non-speaking, Adam has always had access to age level curriculum and is a great self-advocate for inclusion for all. He currently holds a 3.25 GPA and will be the first non-speaking student to take the ACT in his school district. Adam has spoken to many college classes, a Boy Scout troop, and at conferences. He plans on attending college and pursuing a career as an Author and Motivational Speaker. Adam has started his own YouTube channel called “Tech Talk With Adam Morgan” to help educate others in the field of disabilities and challenges the status quo! Rachel C. Morgan, Ed.D., CAS, Author, National Speaker – Owner/President & CEO, Adam Morgan Foundation/Consultants for Community, St. Charles, MO. Dr. Morgan is a proud wife and mother of four amazing children! She received her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Andragogy from Lindenwood University in 2017. Dr. Morgan holds a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in early intervention in Autism & Sensory Impairments. She became Internationally Certified as an Autism Specialist in Jan. of 2014. Dr. Morgan founded a non-profit organization called the Adam Morgan Foundation (AMF) in 2008. AMF is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with autism and/or other co-occurring conditions within all aspects of their lives through education, awareness, access to communication preference, and technology. Dr. Morgan is the Owner/CEO of Consultants for Community (CFC), LLC. CFC is an educational consulting business in the field of disabilities which assists parents, providers, and educators to collaborate and effectively problem solve in the educational planning of students as well as planning for the future.  As a national speaker & published author of “Building Forever Friendships – Strategies to Help Your Friend with Autism or Other Special Needs at School,” Dr. Morgan’s expertise and research focuses on inclusion of all students at school, home, their neighborhood, and the greater community. General & Breakout Sessions: BELIEVING IN ADAM: A Mother & Son’s Journey out of a Prison of Doubt - Join this Mother and Son duo on their journey navigating therapies, the educational system, family, and most importantly their own beliefs, values, and attitudes.  The biggest barrier to inclusion and success has nothing to do with individual strategies or the newest evidence-based intervention; it embodies something so much greater.  The secret to success starts within in all of us, are you ready to take a leap of faith? Rosemary Bell, Reliv International Ambassador. Blue Eye, MO Rosemary Bell is a St. Louis Resident for 64 years Presently living in Blue Eye, MO I have been helping people with Reliv products for over 15 years. While we do not make health claims or claims of cures, we can share with others some of the results that people have received from taking the products. I have helped many children with autism as well as a multitude of other health issues. Nutrition and Autism Reliv provides essential nutrients for children ages 2–12. Supports energy, mental performance, and healthy kids.   Sue Fleming, Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis. St. Louis, MO   Susan Fleming serves as the Executive Director of the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis, a not-for-profit organization that works to promote and support recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities who reside in the Greater St. Louis area. Susan has worked in this capacity for over twenty-five years. Her work allows her to help create a world that is more accepting of people of all abilities, allowing for more recreation opportunities for them to grow and participate in their communities. She has worked in the disability field for over thirty-six years. Recreation is for EVERYONE! Self-Determining your leisure pursuits through information and funding.  Dawn Hesse, MU Pre-Employment Transition, Columbia, MO.    Dawn Hesse is a seasoned educator who has over 31 years of experience in special education. She currently works as a MU Pre-Employment Transition Specialist. Dawn has been a Special Education teacher, Director of Special Education, Department Chair of Special Education and Coordinator of Special Education with an emphasis in Post-Secondary Transition and more recently trauma-based initiatives in the public-school setting. Dawn believes that transition is the most vital piece in preparing students for life beyond their school years. Dawn earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and master’s from Lincoln University with an emphasis in Administration. Dawn has received awards throughout her career in relationship to post-secondary transition. Dawn demonstrates a passion in the field and continues to pursue positive post-secondary outcomes for students. Amy Siekerman, Assistant Director, Transition and 511 Services Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. St. Louis, MO. Amy is an Assistant Director of Transition and 511 Services with Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. She has over 12 years in the field of disability-related and transition services. Amy has earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Truman State University and her Master’s in Social Work at Saint Louis University. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri.  What’s Up with WIOA? MU Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) offers no-cost pre-employment transition services provided to Missouri public school students with disabilities. These services are designed to make an impactful difference for more students at an earlier age which will lead to better coordination, enhanced communication, stronger collaboration, and increased successful post-school outcomes. This presentation will familiarize participants with the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA), school-age services, sub-minimum wage settings, and increasing awareness around strengthened agency partnerships. Stephanie Hoffman, Lead Trainer, Ofallon, MO. I have a passion for fitness and helping people of all age’s reach their goals. I attended Lindenwood University where I competed on a National level for 2 years. In 2010, I graduated from Lindenwood with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, as well as received my master’s in education in 2014 with an Emphasis in Autism.  I spent 8 years teaching in a private school for children with Autism, this is where my second passion was born.  I fell in love with being a part of teaching these children with multiple diagnoses functional life skills that will set their future up to be as independent as possible.  Over time, I noticed there was a high need for these individuals to move their bodies and found a way to bring my two passions together!  I am currently a Level-1 Certified CrossFit trainer at CrossFit O’Fallon, where I train classes and one-on-one sessions of all ages and fitness levels.  My passion is to help people learn to love the process of bettering themselves through functional fitness.      Benefits of Functional Movement in CrossFit & Autism - My passion is to help people learn to love the process of bettering themselves through functional fitness.        Carolyn Mank, St. Louis University. St. Louis, MO.           Carolyn Mank is currently an Instructor and Certified Nurse Midwife for the Department of OB/GYN at Saint Louis University School of Medicine/SSM St. Mary’s Health Center. She has facilitated Centering Pregnancy groups at St. Mary’s Health Center and is passionate about Trauma-Informed Care. As a parent of a child with special needs, her passion for midwifery care coalesced with supporting other parents who have children with different abilities. She currently facilitates a Special Needs Parenting group in St. Louis. Circling Up: Parenting Support Groups - For parents and caregivers of children and adults with special needs, the social and physical stressors can feel isolating. Evidence has shown that among this population there is an increase in adverse health and social outcomes for caregivers and parents. Jennifer Medsker, Lindamood-Bell. St. Louis, MO. Jennifer Medsker received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana. She is the Center Director for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes’ St. Louis Learning Center. Ms. Medsker’s mission is to see students' lives changed and spread Lindamood-Bell's passionate belief that all children and adults can be taught to read and comprehend. For the last thirteen years, she has held various positions within Lindamood-Bell while being based in the Indianapolis, IN, Petoskey, MI, Stillwater, MN, and Sydney Australia Learning Centers, working directly with hundreds of individuals with learning difficulties, including those with dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder.  The Imagery-Language Connection: Improving Comprehension for Children with ASD - This presentation examines three sensory-cognitive functions—concept imagery, phonemic awareness, and symbol imagery—which affect language-processing skills, such as comprehension and reading. Many young children experience decoding spelling, or comprehension difficulties that may be the result of weaknesses in these underlying sensory-cognitive functions.  Omar Maldonado, Thrivent Financial, St. Louis, MO. Omar is a Fraternal Insurance Counselor, Certified Long-Term Care Professional and Financial Professional with Thrivent.  At the age of 10, Omar began his life long journey of volunteering and giving of his time and talents towards non-profits.  Currently Omar is on the board of 2 local non-profits and 1 national non-profit.  In addition, Omar is the founder of the Apple A Day program whose mission is to empower lives by awarding an Apple iPad to a child with developmental disabilities every week.  Since its inception in January 2017, over 125 local families have witnessed a transformation in their children’s lives.  Focused on empowering others Omar Maldonado uses his talents to connect faith and finances for good. Making a Difference: Sharing Time, Talent & Treasure - Chances are, you already share your time, talents and treasures. Now find out how to make intentional choices around your generosity that align with your values. Identify the values that are most important to you, explore ways to share your resources to make a difference and create your generosity plan. Scott Mosher, Founder and President, CMO. SmartCare, St. Peters, MO. Scott’s personal mission is to transform a person with disabilities’ lifestyle at home and in the community into one that is safe, connected and collaborative with families. His business acumen ties to his experience as a financial planner, a business owner and a family caregiver. Scott managed one of the Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Financial Services Companies. His oversight included multiple geographies and 100 consultants. Scott developed and coordinated a comprehensive training program, as he has for SmartCare the past several years.  Merrell Hansen, CMO. SmartCare, St. Peters, MO. Merrell’s career includes senior executive positions for two premiere communications firms, Gannett Co., Inc. and King Broadcasting. Merrell’s career also includes oversight of key public health communications initiatives, including the creation of high-profile prevention efforts for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) many of which earned national recognition. She believes in community service and is honored to serve as planning commissioner in her city of residence. SmartCare for Assistive Technology: Profound Insights to Reshape Daily Life SmartCare captures a person’s activities of daily living continually, creating weekly wellness reports and daily stories. This allows for an independent quality of life for individuals as well as offers peace of mind for families and provides solutions to the growing challenges facing supportive living. Our technology provides 24/7 insight into the activities in the home that matter and can transform relationships and care. Individual’s families, guardians, and other interested parties may be allowed 24/7 access to monitor real-time daily activities all while keeping the individuals privacy, integrity, and autonomy intact. Come hear stories of individuals who live better and more independently, thanks to SmartCare.  And, we’ll report how it changed the lives of their families and friends.  A. Melissia Riddle, Esq., founding member of Riddle Law Group, AMF Board Member & Secretary, Chesterfield, MO. A. Melissia Riddle, Esq. is the founding member of Riddle Law Group located in Chesterfield, Missouri.  She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law in 1993.  Melissia's practice focuses on special needs planning, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and trust and estate litigation.  Melissia has written and lectured extensively on the topics of guardianships, trust and estate litigation, trustee liability, and probate practice and procedure.  She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, and the Texas Bar Association.  She was named as a National Association of Professional Women’s Executive Woman of the Year for 2013.  Melissia previously served on the Board of Directors for CASA in El Paso, Texas, for St. Louis OASIS, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Adam Morgan Foundation.  This affiliation has led Melissia to a committed desire to assisting families with children with special needs in planning for their futures. Guardianship Alternatives:  Practical, Less Restrictive, Less Expensive Means to Assisting Adults with Special Needs - This session will examine the need for guardianships and conservatorships and the legal effects of same upon the rights of an individual.  For many, simple alternatives can be utilized to avoid the necessity of obtaining guardianship of an adult child which are much less expensive, restrictive and intrusive, while also allowing the child to maintain all of his or her legal rights.  Powers of attorney and other simple releases preserve all of the adult child’s rights, while allowing parents access and decision-making authority.  In addition, there are no court costs or litigation fees, so the cost is a fraction of that in establishing a guardianship through the courts. Todd Streff, BCI Skills Center. St. Charles, MO.  Todd Streff is the Executive Director of the Skills Center which is the first of its kind vocational training facility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  He is Board Certified and a Missouri Licensed Behavior Analyst who has a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Since 1994 he has been providing services to a variety of populations including children and adults with autism, dual diagnosis, traumatic brain injury, and typical development.  His specializations are in the areas of early intervention for autism, training of school staff and parents, addressing challenging behaviors and startup of new training programs for individuals with disabilities.  He has presented at state and national conventions, served as an adjunct faculty, and has conducted many workshops, staff trainings and invited lectures in the United States and internationally. He serves on the Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis board and chairs the Missouri Behavior Analyst Advisory Board.  Skills Center: First of its kind Vocational Training & Job Placement! -The Skills Center is a first of its kind training and direct job placement center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities which is designed to close the competitive employment gap! Gabriella Szarek, St. Louis Arc. St. Louis, MO.       Gabrielle Szarek oversees the St. Louis Arc’s Transition Services, supporting individuals to successfully transition from adolescence to young adulthood (16 to 26 years of age). In this role, Gabrielle effectively deploys supports in the areas of education, employment, independent living and social development. Gabrielle started as an intern with the Arc in 2012 and has worked in Leisure Services and Supported Employment before taking on her role as Director of Transition Services. Gabrielle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in child development and family studies from Missouri State University. Motivation Through Preparation - Transition-age young adults sometimes need extra guidance as they plan for their future. For someone with a disability, the steps and options may seem overwhelming. This presentation will give individuals, families, caregivers and professionals insight into ways to prepare for this transition and how to make it a positive experience. Ellie Uebel, Self-Advocate & AMF Board Member. St. Louis, MO. HI, my name is Ellie Uebel, I am recently married, work at an equine therapy riding center and a support staff for an adult with Down Syndrome. I am also a self-advocate for Asperger’s Syndrome and General Anxiety Disorder. Ellie’s love for animals, especially horses, has led her to volunteer and work at Exceptional Equestrian, a therapeutic horsemanship organization. Positive Boost of Animal Therapy – This session is about the numerous benefits of animal therapy. Primary focusing on equine therapy, the emotional, physical, and mental benefits. A better understanding of how a simple pet like a goldfish or exposure to animals can give something that humans cannot always: The chance to be heard without any judgment, the chance to be free to express oneself without any regret or remorse. Michele Westmaas, Co-Founder/Executive Director/Presenter, Expect ExtraOrdinary, Inc. Pittsfield, IL. Michele and Aubrie Westmaas are a mother-daughter team on a mission to change the world one ExtraOrdinary person at a time. Aubrie is a 21-year-old student dreaming of Broadway. Despite a long list of challenges related to Kabuki syndrome, Aubrie is determined to enjoy the same ordinary opportunities and experiences as other young adults. When Aubrie was born, Michele became a full-time learner navigating medical issues, early intervention, special education, and disability rights. Michele has worked in a variety of statewide disability advocacy roles and currently coordinates a community college program for students with developmental disabilities. Aubrie Westmaas, Co-Founder/Director of Outreach/Presenter, Expect ExtraOrdinary, Inc. Pittsfield, IL. As a student in the Transitional Living Program at Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, Aubrie has the opportunity to grow in her adult independence. Aubrie is determined to enjoy the same opportunities and experiences as her peers. She has been fully included in her neighborhood school for all of her educational career except 2 years when she chose to commute daily to the nearby Illinois School for the Deaf. She returned to several camps every summer, was a top cookie-selling Girl Scout, has received a variety of school awards, was active in her church youth group, and participated in her high school drama productions, Quiz Bowl team, chorus and marching band. Aubrie was recognized as the 2014 Illinois Statewide Transition Conference Student of the Year. All the World’s a Stage: Be Director of your Own Life! - Self-advocates, do you want to be the writer and director of your own life? Learn how to take charge of your future and build a team of supporters to help reach your goals. After this fun and interactive session, you will be ready to take charge! Allies join us to learn how to support those you love and care for to lead their own lives. Use our strategies to start making a difference tomorrow!  Emma Eppard, Founder of Autistic Able, Greenville, Il. I am Emma Eppard, founder of Autistic Able (2017), which provides Rapid Prompting Method Lesson Plans to Teach with Confidence. I am passionate about education holding a bachelor’s in early childhood education and Spanish. Since my son’s autism diagnosis in 2010, I have been reading and researching the best way to give him the most successful and independent life. In 2016, I attended training for Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) and became a RPM practitioner. I have worked one on one with many students of varying diagnosis in implementing this method of education. Our Journey of Rapid Prompting Method for Education and Motor Skills: Our Children ARE Learning – Rapid Prompting Method is an education method, invented by Soma Mukhopadhyay, that has led to age-appropriate education for my 10-year-old son with a diagnosis of severe autism. RPM is for any child with less than age appropriate verbal expression from nonverbal to hyperverbal. RPM goes beyond education to teaching motor skills for self-care, chores, and hobbies. Our children CAN and deserve a well-rounded life. At the end of this session, participants will be able to define RPM, understand the four learning channels, describe the disconnect between the cognitive brain and the body, and realize the importance of both education and motor skills of our children. Visit our website to stay up-to-date on additional Speakers & Breakout Presentations! www.amf-stl.com The Missing Piece Puzzle Awards In Memory & Honor of Dr. Henry Clever Come enjoy the 2nd Annual AMF Puzzle Awards ceremony celebrating our dedicated centers and practitioners in the St. Louis Metro Area! Nominate your favorite Inclusive Teacher, Therapist, Para-Professional, Autism Center, Innovative Agency, Professor, & Administrator!  Special Guest MC Steve Harris  Steve Harris wakes up early to report on News 4 This Morning from 4:00 - 7 a.m. with Cory Stark, Marissa Hollowed, Laura Hettiger and Kent Ehrhardt. He joined KMOV in November 2000 behind the camera as a photojournalist. In 2012, Steve found his place in front of the camera as a News 4 This Morning feature reporter, incorporating social media into almost every story. He's won 14 Emmy's and 5 Edward R. Murrow Awards. Every Friday, Steve tells moving, inspirational stories of people who do amazing things in his "Harris Hero" feature. Both, Adam & Paige Morgan have been featured as a “Harris Hero” and Steve has been a supporter of the Adam Morgan Foundation and the work AMF does in the community.  Steve is passionate about giving back to the community and holds a leadership role with the local Cub Scouts.