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8:30 am – Registration Opens
9:00 – 10:00 am – Developing and Practicing Self-Regulation: A Journey Well Worth It! Presented by Liz Delsandro, MS, CCC-SLP
10:00 – 10:15 am – Break and Resource Fair Opens
10:15 – 11:15 am – Keynote Part 2
11:15 – 11:30 am – Break
11:30 – 12:15 pm – Panel of Adults with Autism Facilitate by Sue Askeland
Panelists – Brian Johnston, Carly Ott, Rachel Bussan, Brad Biren, Abby Niederhauser, Mallory Parks, Caleb Primrose
12:15 pm – Tsai Award
12:20 pm – Lunch and Resource Fair
1:15 – 2:00 pm – Breakout Sessions
2:15 – 3:00 pm – Breakout Sessions
3:00 pm – Adjourn
Elizabeth (Liz) Delsandro, MS, CCC-SLP
Elizabeth (Liz) Delsandro is a speech-language pathologist and clinical associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has an interest in executive functioning skills (e.g., self-regulation, emotional regulation, social-communication and play), functional communication skills (e.g., augmentative and alternative communication), and parent/caregiver coaching. Liz has provided services and consultation across a variety of settings including inpatient units, outpatient clinics including university clinics, as well as private and public schools. She has presented at the state and national levels, as well as internationally. As a clinician, Liz has had the true privilege of learning from and collaborating with individuals who are neurodiverse and their families/caregivers for over 30 years.
Sue Askeland
Susan Askeland graduated from the University of Nebraska with a master’s degree in speech language pathology. She worked for Northwest AEA in Sioux City as a speech language pathologist and a member of the autism resource team for 37 years. In 2013 she moved to eastern Iowa where she worked as an autism consultant for Grant Wood AEA until her retirement in 2017.
Susan continues to be actively involved in the autism community . She is a board member of the Autism Society of Iowa and past board member of the Corridor Autism Resource Expo (CARE) and the Awesome Autism Awareness and Acceptance Art Project. Susan also facilitates several support groups that currently meet on Zoom.
Kristin Hansen, M.A, BCBA, LBA
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, reading, listening to podcasts, going to sporting events, attending concerts, and coaching her children’s sports teams.
Kelsie Leshen, MSOT, OTR/L
Kelsie is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist whose clinical experience has centered around the pediatric population with an emphasis on children with autism spectrum disorder. Kelsie attended Grand View University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She then attended Allen University where she obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Kelsie is a trained professional of the SOS Approach to Feeding and has also completed continuing education on MRNI Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration.
In her free time, Kelsie enjoys spending time with her husband and family, camping, fishing, watching movies, listening to podcasts and traveling.
Kerry Lust
Kerry Lust and her husband Adam are the proud parents of three children, Carter (18) , Brandon (16), and Jaina (13). Their journey with autism began when their son Brandon was diagnosed at age 4. Kerry is passionate about advocating for autism awareness, acceptance, and support. She currently serves as a board member for the Autism Society of Iowa and a board member for the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. Kerry is a high school social studies teacher and an adjunct psychology instructor at DMACC.
Christine Weiland, MOT, OTR/L
Christine Weiland, MOT, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist at ChildServe. Christine has 15 years of experience and is involved with the Autism Day Program, Feeding program, and the Life Skills program. She has experience working with clients in an individual and group setting focusing on ADLs, IADLs, sensory regulation, work, leisure, and social skills. Christine is the Lead Therapist for the Life Skills Program, where she has been instrumental in the development and education of the Life Skills program over the last ten years at ChildServe.
Dr. James Williams
Dr. James Williams is the Administrator for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), a division of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). Prior to serving as the Administrator of IVRS, Dr. Williams was the Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Consulting, a national provider organization specializing in providing vocational services, evaluations, and training to individuals with disabilities, particularly those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, and a Certified Special Education Teacher. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Special Education from Sam Houston State University, his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Science Center, and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. He has had the wonderful opportunity to work in both public and private special education with students of all ages in both teaching and administrative roles. His passion for the last 18 years has been, and always will be, providing transitional and vocational Pre-ETS services to students with disabilities. He strives to use his professional and personal experience with ASD as a catalyst to inspire and educate others to believe in the incredible possibilities for adults and children with disabilities when they receive the appropriate services and accommodations.