Vermont Family Network

White River School Puppet Presentation
2024-01-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Puppet Program & Workshop

Watch: Transition Tips for Families
2024-01-18 14:00 - 15:00
Watch the recording for “Transition Tips for Families” here.
Transition to adulthood can be a challenging process for all young people, but for students with disabilities, there are both additional challenges but also resources that can help the youth and their family in this process. VFN family support consultants have supported thousands of families through the special education process for their children, from birth through transition to adulthood. Join us as we share transition tips for families on how to maximize available resources and support to ensure a smooth transition into post-secondary life for their children with disabilities!
Presenters:

Karen Price, Co-Director of Family Support – Education, Vermont Family Network
Martha Frank, Family Support Consultant – Education, Vermont Family Network

Bethel Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-01-25 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Supports and Services for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss and Their Families: An Overview of the New England Consortium on Deafblindness (NEC)
2024-01-25 13:00 - 14:15
Watch the recording of “Supports and Services for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss and Their Families: An Overview of the New England Consortium on Deafblindness (NEC)” workshop here.
In this workshop presenters will:
1. Describe the population of children with combined sensory support needs
2. Detail supports and services available to families and their educational teams in Vermont through the New England Consortium on Deafblindness (NEC)
3. Present learning strategies for home and in the community
Presenters:

Tracy Luiselli, Ed.D., Director, NEC
Dr. Evans Luiselli’s professional experience includes early intervention and school-based consulting, as well as successful coordination of NEC for over twenty years. As a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, her areas of interest include assessment and instruction, brain-based visual impairment (CVI), and organizational leadership and management. She emphasizes the importance of family engagement in all aspects of educational programming.
Helene Gallagher, M.Ed., Vermont Education Consultant, NEC
Helene has worked in special education for more than 25 years. She has extensive experience working with students with complex communication and learning profiles, ages 3 through 21. She completed the NEC Deafblind Leadership Program and is a NEC Professional Learning Community member. Helene is also a licensed special educator in VT and NY and an educational consultant for the VT I-Team.
Brenda Allair, M.Ed., Lead Educational Consultant, NEC
In her nearly 20 years in Early Education, Brenda has worked to provide families with the skills and knowledge they need to allow their children to access the world and be active, involved members of involved members of their chosen communities. As the parent of a now young adult daughter who is blind and has complex needs, Brenda recognizes the critical importance of engaging with communities of support and creating opportunities for connection.
Kristen Layton Campagna, M.Ed., Senior Consultant, NEC

Bellwether School Puppet Presentation
2024-01-30 08:00 - 17:00

McNulty Academy Puppet Presentation
2024-02-01 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Mangino Chevrolet

Thetford Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-02-06 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: What Parents, Families & Caregivers Need to Know About Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
2024-02-12 10:30 - 11:30
Watch the recording for the “What Parents, Families & Caregivers Need to Know About Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports” workshop.
This workshop is focused on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the crucial role of family engagement in creating thriving schools. PBIS, a framework implemented in 170 schools in Vermont, prioritizes a safe and supportive learning atmosphere for all students. PBIS is a proactive, school-wide system to nurture the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students. Learn how students, teachers, administrators, counselors, and families collaborate to provide support in various school settings, including lunchrooms and playgrounds. Gain insights into PBIS levels of support, opportunities for family involvement, and valuable resources to deepen your understanding.
Presenter:

Amy Wheeler-Sutton is the Co-Director of the Building Effective Supports for Teaching (BEST) and VT Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (VTPBIS) Project at the University of Vermont. Amy began her career as a School Counselor at the Dothan Brook School, a longtime exemplary PBIS school. She has on-the-ground knowledge of how PBIS works in a school and what key elements lead to success. Amy provides training in the Universal level of PBIS and specializes in training social skills, bullying prevention, and classroom management. Amy has co-led the exciting work to align and integrate whole-school restorative approaches with PBIS, including the design of a 4-day BEST/MTSS Summer Institute strand, workshop development and presentation, and revamp of the Universal PBIS training. She continues to develop her expertise in the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) and Early MTSS/Pyramid Model. She presents locally, regionally, and nationally on best practices. Amy served as a key member of the Act 35 Task Force on Equitable and Inclusive School Environments.

Skano Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-02-13 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Mohawk Chevrolet

Robinson School Puppet Presentation
2024-02-15 08:00 - 17:00

All Saints Catholic Academy Puppet Presentation
2024-02-22 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Genetic Connections: Introduction to Genetics, Red Flags and Resources - Part One
2024-02-22 13:00 - 14:00
Watch recording of “Genetic Connections: Introduction to Genetics, Red Flags and Resources – Part One” workshop here.
This two-part webinar was originally created by the Mountain State Regional Genetic Network. It will break down and explain the who and why of genetics, genetic vocabulary and basic genetic concepts. We will also explore four case studies and go over what the red flags are that families and professionals should consider when referring to a genetic specialist. Lastly, we will discuss how a genetic navigator might assist in this process as well as other local, regional, and national genetic resources. This webinar will benefit those who are navigating a genetic diagnosis, and those hoping to understand more about the basics of genetics. Also, register for Part Two which will be held on March 14 at 10:00 a.m.
** This workshop is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $600,000 with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov
Presenter:
– Ashley Michaud, BA, is the Genetic Navigator for Vermont Family Network and the mom of a 6-year-old living with a rare genetic condition. Genetic Navigation is a family support that aims to provide guidance, resources, and assist families accessing genetic services or living with a genetic condition. Genetic navigation is an initiative that began in the Mountain States Regional Genetic Network and through the support of the New England Regional Genetic Network, Ashley completed the 8 hours of training to bring this resource to Vermont. Through this work, Ashley hopes to raise awareness and strengthen a family’s voices when navigating the genetic services system.

Village School North Bennington Puppet Presentation
2024-02-29 08:00 - 17:00

Shaker Road Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-03-06 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by DeNooyer Chevrolet

Coxsackie Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-03-07 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Sawyer Chevrolet

Johnson Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-03-14 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Genetic Connections: Introduction to Genetics, Red Flags and Resources - Part Two
2024-03-14 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “Genetic Connections: Introduction to Genetics, Red Flags and Resources – Part Two” workshop here.
This two-part webinar was originally created by the Mountain State Regional Genetic Network. It will break down and explain the who and why of genetics, genetic vocabulary and basic genetic concepts. We will also explore four case studies and go over what the red flags are that families and professionals should consider when referring to a genetic specialist. Lastly, we will discuss how a genetic navigator might assist in this process as well as other local, regional, and national genetic resources. This webinar will benefit those who are navigating a genetic diagnosis, and those hoping to understand more about the basics of genetics. Part One will be posted on our YouTube channel.
** This workshop is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $600,000 with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov
Presenter:
– Ashley Michaud, BA, is the Genetic Navigator for Vermont Family Network and the mom of a 6-year-old living with a rare genetic condition. Genetic Navigation is a family support that aims to provide guidance, resources, and assist families accessing genetic services or living with a genetic condition. Genetic navigation is an initiative that began in the Mountain States Regional Genetic Network and through the support of the New England Regional Genetic Network, Ashley completed the 8 hours of training to bring this resource to Vermont. Through this work, Ashley hopes to raise awareness and strengthen a family’s voices when navigating the genetic services system.

Fort Ann Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-03-20 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Ross Hometown Chevrolet

The Sara Marie School Puppet Presentation
2024-03-21 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by DePaula Chevrolet

Watch: Chronic Absenteeism, Truancy and Educational Neglect
2024-03-21 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording for the “Chronic Absenteeism, Truancy and Educational Neglect” workshop here.
What is the difference between Chronic Absenteeism, Truancy and Educational Neglect? What should you expect when your child is unable or unwilling to attend school? Join our presenters from the state as they discuss the current process for the school and state response when students are not at school for periods of time. They will also talk about how families and schools can help children to return to schools.
Presenters:

Alicia Hanrahan, Education Programs Manager/Interagency Coordinator, Family and Educator Support Programs, VT Agency of Education
Heather Willis-Doxee, State Director of Special Education, Student Support Services Team, VT Agency of Education
Lindy Boudreau, Juvenile Justice Director, VT Department for Children and Families
Lindsay Barron, Policy and Planning Manager, VT Department for Children and Families

Fayston Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-03-27 08:00 - 17:00

2024 Conference "Change Begins with You: Using Your Voice to Make a Difference"
2024-04-02 09:00 - 16:00
“Change Begins with You: Using Your Voice to Make a Difference”
Our 2024 Annual Conference “Change Begins with You – Using Your Voice to Make a Difference” was held on April 2, 2024, at the UVM Davis Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This year our event began with a welcome from VFN’s Executive Director, Jacqui Kelleher, and former South Burlington State Representative to the VT House, Maida Townsend, kicked off our day with inspiring opening remarks.
We then welcomed our featured presenter, Amy Shollenberger, from Action Circles. Amy provided a full day, in-depth, interactive training on advocacy. Amy has more than 20 years of experience developing political strategy, grassroots organizing, influencing policy, and running political issue campaigns. She has worked on a variety of campaigns, ranging in scope from local community issues to state and national issues. She started Action Circles in 2010 and along with the Action Circles Team has served clients and offered training ever since. There was also an opportunity for attendees to visit exhibit tables, network, and chat over breakfast and lunch.
Topics covered included:

Legislative Process 101
Telling Your Story
Strategic Thinking for the Legislative Process 201

Please note that this conference was not recorded.
We hope to see you next year!

Rutland Northwest Primary School Puppet Presentation
2024-04-03 08:00 - 17:00

North Hero Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-04-09 08:00 - 17:00

Enosburg Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-04-10 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Accessibility in College After High School: Knowing Your Needs, Understanding the Process, and Who to Talk To
2024-04-15 11:00 - 12:00
Watch the recording of the “Accessibility in College After High School: Knowing Your Needs, Understanding the Process, and Who to Talk To” workshop here.
There are a lot of unknowns when making the transition from high school to college. This presentation hopes to reduce some of the mystery as it relates to receiving services for students with disabilities. We will review the differences between accommodations in high school and college as well as general processes and best practices for pursuing access.
Presenters:

Marie Frietze, ADA Resource Coordinator. Marie started her career as a middle school teacher. Her career journey has taken her through various positions serving students with disabilities of all ages. Marie also has graduate education in clinical mental health counseling. Currently, Marie advises students at the Community College of Vermont and serves as CCV’s statewide ADA Resource Coordinator.
Angie Albeck, Associate Dean of Students. Angie has worked in accessibility services at the Community College of Vermont for 16 years, first as an academic advisor/accessibility coordinator, and currently as the ADA/504 compliance officer.

Cambridge Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-04-17 08:00 - 17:00

Elm Hill School Puppet Presentation
2024-04-24 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by VT Department of Mental Health

Salem Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-05-01 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by MAG Chevrolet of Greenwich

Lanesborough Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2024-05-02 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Bedard Brothers Chevrolet
