Special Needs

Joshua Depoe, EdD, currently serves as the executive director of elementary education for the Neosho School District. In this role, he supports curriculum, instruction, and intervention systems to ensure high levels of learning for all students. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Depoe is known for his leadership in developing collaborative cultures, strengthening Tier 2 supports, and guiding schools through continuous improvement. Dr. Depoe is a member of NAESP and has been recognized for his impact on instructional leadership. He holds a specialist degree and doctorate in educational leadership from William Woods University.

Victoria Francis, MEd, EdS, spent over 40 years teaching high school across Idaho, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Her work inspired a passion for working with “underdog” students—those who others felt had poor future prospects.

Breauna C. Wall, EdD, is an esteemed education professional with over a decade of experience as a leader, scholar, and practitioner. She champions equitable and collaborative education, with a focus on empowering educators through transformative knowledge, training, and support.

Sarah Kesty is an executive function coach, author, speaker, and host of The Executive Function Podcast. She began her career in education as a classroom aide, quickly discovering the positive impact of empowering students with executive function skills.

This is your chance to reclaim your time and energize your teaching. In this hands-on webinar, you’ll discover how Modes of Concentration affect learning and discover strategies to make the most of each classroom minute. Engage students and maintain your energy while establishing habits that improve focus. Explore practical, time-saving approaches to help every day run smoother, more efficiently, and more effectively.

Justin D. Garwood, PhD, is a professor of special education at the University of Vermont (UVM). He is a former secondary English teacher and K–12 special education teacher. At UVM, he teaches courses on behavior management, emotional and behavioral disorders, and statistics.

Julie A. Schmidt has served as a school psychologist, Director of Student Services, Associate Superintendent of Student Services, and recently retired from Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 in Illinois after serving as Superintendent of Schools for 13 years. The district began its professional learning communities (PLC) journey nearly 25 years ago, and all seven schools have been recognized as Model PLC at Work^® schools. She is passionate about ensuring ALL students have an opportunity to thrive and reach their goals.

Paula Maeker is an educator, presenter, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than 23 years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Yazmin Pineda Zapata, EdD, is a program specialist and teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in California. Her expertise in delivering special education services allows her to advocate for students in grades K–12 with varying learning differences.

Barbara Boroson, LMSW, has been an autism educator for more than 25 years. As a clinical social worker, she specialized in working with students on the autism spectrum and went on to become a school administrator.