Vermont Family Network

Watch: Executive Functioning - 5 Powerful Shifts to Move From Chaos to Calm
2025-07-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Watch the recording of the “Executive Functioning: 5 Powerful Shifts to Move From Chaos to Calm” workshop.
Your child’s brain has a “control center” that helps them think before acting, pay attention, adapt to changes, and find solutions. But some children struggle to develop this control center naturally, and that can turn simple daily activities into ongoing battles for the whole family. In this presentation, you’ll discover 5 powerful shifts that any parent can make, no matter what age your child is. These aren’t complicated techniques or expensive programs. They’re practical changes you can start using right away to help your child build these crucial skills. And the best part? These strategies work whether you have a preschooler, a teenager, or anything in between.
Presenter:

Natalie Raby is a certified parent coach who brings to this important work a combination of formal education in counseling, child development, and psychology as well as experience as a teacher, school counselor, and mother of four.

Watch: Being the Anchor for Your Child: Staying Calm in the Storm of Big Emotions
2025-08-14 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Being the Anchor for Your Child: Staying Calm in the Storm of Big Emotions” workshop here.
This workshop will be online using the Zoom meeting platform. If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time. We appreciate when you register as that data can support our grant reporting.
Are you a parent/caregiver of a child or adolescent (ages 5–18) looking for practical tools to manage intense reactions and challenging behaviors at home?
When emotions run high at home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to respond. This workshop offers foundational parenting skills to help you stay calm, connected, and confident—even in the most challenging moments. You’ll learn simple strategies to defuse and de-escalate situations without harming your relationship with your child, ways to repair after conflicts, and techniques to build stronger positive connections.
Whether you’re feeling stuck or just want to strengthen your parenting toolkit, this session will help you understand that you’ve got this—your presence matters, and with the right tools, you can guide your child through emotional storms and change the course of their challenging behavior.
Presenter:

Greeta Soderholm, LICSW, LACD. Greeta works as a Clinical Social worker at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She is trained and certified in Parental Management training (PMT) and has over 20 years of experience working directly with children and families.

Watch: Digital Wellness - Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the”Digital Wellness – Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families” workshop here.
Empowering Families in the Online World” is an online empowerment series presented by Grow Digital Skills.
In this third workshop information is shared on “Digital Wellness for Families” which includes:

Balancing screen time with offline activities
Setting up tech-free zones and times at home
Encouraging positive online interactions

Presenter:

Emmy Hilliard, VFN Co-Director of Family Support – Health and Grow Digital Skills Coordinator

Bethel Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-09-10 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by the VT Department of Mental Health

Hardwick Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-09-25 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Parent Representatives in Act 264 and Coordination of Services (CSP)
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the “Parent Representatives in Act 264 and Coordination of Services (CSP)” workshop recording here.
Act 264 was passed to ensure that public schools and community mental health/developmental services agencies work together with parents and guardians to coordinate services for better outcomes for children and families. A parent representative, or parent rep, is a person with lived experience who can help you navigate the Coordinated Service Plan (CSP) process. Learn how Act 264, or CSP, may be appropriate for your family and how parent reps can support you through the process.
Presenters:

Karen Price, VFN Co-director of Family Support – Education
Michelle Laliberte, VFN Family Support Consultant and Parent Rep
Nora Sabo, VFN Family Support Consultant and Parent Rep

Watch: What Does Vermont's Pathways to Partnerships Bring to the Table?
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “What Does Vermont’s Pathways to Partnerships Bring to the Table?” workshop here.
This workshop will introduce what Pathways to Partnership is and what it brings to Vermont families, students and community partners. Vermont’s Pathways to Partnerships (VT-P2P) project aims to facilitate a smoother transition for young people with disabilities into independent living, employment, continued education or training, and community engagement. This funding presents an exceptional opportunity for Vermont to develop meaningful partnerships and training programs aimed at fostering the post-school success of students with disabilities.
Presenter:

Liz Perreault, Vermont Pathways to Partnerships Project Director.
Liz has over 18 years of combined experience in state government, education, and workforce development, including leadership roles in the Plainfield School District and the Getting Ready to Work Program. As VT-P2P’s leader, she is dedicated to empowering students with disabilities through strong systems of support, student leadership, and successful career and post-secondary pathways.

Little Royals Williston Puppet Presentation
2025-10-03 08:00 - 17:00

Bakersfield Elementary Middle School Puppet Presentation
2025-10-09 08:00 - 17:00

Founders Memorial School Puppet Presentation
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Supporting Students in Exploring Dual Enrollment and Early College Opportunities
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00
Watch the recording of the “Supporting Students in Exploring Dual Enrollment and Early College Opportunities” workshop here.
This workshop outlines the ways that students can take advantage of statewide Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs. Viewers will learn specifics about both programs and about tools to help students, counselors, and families in the decision-making process, including assessing readiness.
Presenter:

Amy Dodge, Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education. Amy works to support school districts and students in exploring and accessing post-secondary pathways, including dual enrollment and early college opportunities. With a background as a student advisor, college counselor, and college instructor, Amy brings a broad perspective to her work, having advised students at both the high school and college levels. Her experience in both advising and teaching allows her to help schools and students navigate the transition from high school to higher education with confidence and clarity.

Irasburg Village School Puppet Presentation
2025-10-23 08:00 - 17:00

Lyndon Town School
2025-10-29 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) System Changes: Intake, Eligibility and Conflict of Interest
2025-11-04 14:00 - 15:00
Watch the recording of the “Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) System Changes: Intake, Eligibility and Conflict of Interest workshop here.
The system of care for Vermont children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities has been undergoing significant changes. This workshop highlights these changes, including intake and eligibility, funding processes, case management, and service delivery. Watch to learn more about how the changes will impact those new to accessing services and those currently receiving services.
Presenter:

Melanie Feddersen, DDSD Services Specialist Supervisor. Melanie has worked for the VT Developmental Disability Services Division for 10 years and has been in her current role for 3 years. Prior to working for DDSD, she worked for HCRS for 15 years and managed a residential program for HCRS through their Adult Mental Health program. Melanie moved to Vermont in the Autumn of 2000 and currently lives in Woodstock, VT with her husband and two children.

Oak Grove Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-11-05 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Students with Disabilities and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
2025-11-13 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Students with Disabilities and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs” workshop here.
This workshop explores the different programs and courses offered through Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the ways that families, schools and CTE centers can collaborate to support students with disabilities who want to pursue a technical education program.
Presenter:

John Spinney, Postsecondary Transition Coordinator at the VT Agency of Education. John is in his 20th year at the AOE, where he works to support systems that promote good transitions to post school life for students with disabilities statewide. John’s two youngest brothers were adopted as infants, and both have Down Syndrome. John grew up being immersed in the disability world and is the legal guardian for his two brothers who are now in their 40s.

Watch: Residential Placements – What Should Families Know?
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:00
Watch the recording of the “Residential Placements – What Should Families Know?” workshop here.
Sometimes, children and youth with disabilities are placed in residential schools/placements, which can include out of state facilities. Placements could be through the school or a state agency. There is preparation before your child starts their new program, considerations during their placement and then proactive ways for schools and families to plan for children’s return back to their communities. This workshop reviews the Vermont Agency of Education’s published document which has suggestions for school teams and local agencies on collaboration through the process, keeping families and students’ needs at the forefront of every conversation.
Presenter:

Alicia Hanrahan – Vermont Agency of Education’s Interagency Coordinator and Education Programs Manager. Alicia is part of the new Safe and Healthy Schools Team which covers topic areas such as Chronic Absenteeism, Behavioral Threat Assessments, Hazing, Harassment and Bullying, Mental Health, and School Safety. She has been at AOE for 27 years…the first 15 in special education monitoring and the last 12 immersed in Interagency work. Alicia is part of the Case Review Committee (CRC) which helps to place students in residential facilities and is also Co-Chair of the State Interagency Team.

Newport Town School Puppet Presentation
2025-12-04 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by the National Life Foundation Group

Samuel Morey Elementary (Lake Morey) School Puppet Presentation
2025-12-12 08:00 - 17:00

Woodstock Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2025-12-17 08:00 - 17:00

Proctor Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2026-01-08 08:00 - 17:00
Resilience Puppet presentations generously sponsored by the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation

Troy School Puppet Presentation
2026-01-13 08:00 - 17:00

Blue Mountain Union School Puppet Presentation
2026-01-22 08:00 - 17:00
Resilience Puppet presentations generously sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation

Watch: Rule 4500 in Vermont Schools: Information for Parents & Caregivers
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Rule 4500 in Vermont Schools: Information for Parents & Caregivers” workshop here.

This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers that would like a clear, accessible understanding of Vermont’s regulations on the use of restraint and seclusion (Rule 4500) in schools. It reviews when and why these interventions may be used, what protections exist for students, what documentation families should expect, and how schools can partner proactively with caregivers to keep students safe.
Presenter:

Ashley Riendeau, M.Ed., School Climate Program Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education Ashley leads statewide work related to restraint and seclusion (Rule 4500), school climate and belonging, restorative approaches, exclusionary discipline, and Harassment-Hazing-Bullying prevention. She provides technical assistance to SU/SDs across Vermont and supports implementation of trauma-informed, proactive, equitable systems, legally aligned practices, and develops guidance and resources to strengthen family-school partnerships.

St. Francis Xavier School Puppet Presentation
2026-01-27 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Preparing Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Users for Transition: Tips and Tools!
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Preparing Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Users for Transition: Tips and Tools!” workshop here.
For young people with disabilities, there are many moving pieces and processes around the transition from school to adult services. There are unique needs for those with communication disabilities who may use augmentative alternative communication (AAC) systems. There is need to educate new community communication partners about the person’s communication and any technology that is used. Being thoughtful, intentional and systematic about the communication support needs of the individual who is transitioning can increase the chances of their being included in a meaningful way. In this workshop, you will hear strategies from a Speech-Language Pathologist, AAC Specialist and a Parent with lived experience. Intended audience would be care partners of high school students transitioning to adult community services. This talk hopes to equip and inform families with children using AAC as well as school and community professionals who support these individuals.
Presenters:

Ashley Couture, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist with True Voice and Communication Consultant with the VT Interdisciplinary Team. Ashley has been working in the field of Speech Language Pathology in Vermont for over 25 years. She specializes in AAC across the life span by consulting with school teams on getting students access to AAC as well as with designated adult services agencies increasing communication access for adults with developmental disabilities.
Theresa Soares, parent of a young adult with a motor disability, and has been employed supporting parents of young children, with and without disabilities, for over 20 years. Theresa is mom to two young adults who were born prematurely 24 years ago. Joe was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 5 months and has been connected to disability services ever since. His cerebral palsy affects all of his motor systems, requiring a collaborative approach to his daily living needs as well as his communication with a complex speech generating device.

Watch: Understanding VT Education Transformation: Continued Impacts and Opportunities for Special Education
2026-02-03 14:00 - 15:00
Watch the recording of the “Understanding VT Education Transformation: Continued Impacts and Opportunities for Special Education” workshop here.
Vermont legislators continue to focus on sweeping education transformation in our state. The passage of Act 73 at the end of the 2025 session set into motion significant changes in both the delivery and funding of public education in Vermont – yet many of those changes don’t go into effect until the current legislature acts on additional reforms. This Fall, a number of key reports were issued that pertain specifically to how schools provide (and fund) special education services. All of these discussions have unique implications for students with disabilities. Join us to learn about the latest in this education transformation, with an emphasis on how this might impact special education in our State.
Presenter:

Meagan Roy, Ed.D., Coordinator of School Leadership Programs at Saint Michael’s College. Meagan currently serves as the Coordinator of School Leadership Programs at St. Michael’s College. Previously, she served as Superintendent of the Washington Central Unified Union School District and spent more than a decade in the Champlain Valley Union School District as their Director of Student Support Services. She began her Vermont teaching career as an Intensive Needs special educator, and her professional endeavors are deeply connected to ensuring that public schools can serve all students. Meagan is deeply invested and engaged in education policy work at the state level and has a particular interest in supporting schools as they implement policy locally. She is a past President of the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators and past Chair of the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont. Meagan is a graduate of Simmons College in Boston, MA and completed her Master and Doctoral degrees in UVM’s Education Leadership and Policy Studies program.

MMUUSD/Underhill ID Preschool Puppet Presentation
2026-02-05 08:00 - 17:00

Watch: Behavior Threat Assessments in Schools – What Should Families Know?
2026-02-10 14:00 - 15:00
Watch the recording of the “Behavior Threat Assessments in Schools – What Should Families Know?” workshop here.

A Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) gathers information about, assesses and manages dangerous or violent situations in schools. All schools are required to have a trained Behavioral Threat Assessment Team. What are the steps of the BTA process? Who is responsible for carrying out the BTA? How might a BTA be used for a student on an IEP? What role does a parent have if their child is referred for a BTA? Join us for this family-friendly workshop to learn more about BTAs.
Presenter:

Cammie Naylor – Staff Attorney with the Disability Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid, Inc. As a former children’s therapist, Cammie has long advocated for the needs of children and their families. She joined Vermont Legal Aid as a Staff Attorney in 2017. She has a deep passion for protecting the rights of children and advocating within spaces where a child’s needs and rights intersect. Cammie advocates for children with disabilities regarding their rights in schools, and other individuals with disabilities who are facing legal problems like guardianship, access to health care, or discrimination because of their disabilities.

Townshend Elementary School
2026-02-13 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by the Oakland Foundation
