8:00-8:30  Breakfast/Visit Exhibitors: Livak Fireplace Lounge & Silver Maple Ballroom

8:30-9:15  Welcome and Keynote Speaker: Silver Maple Ballroom

9:15-9:35  Break/Visit Exhibitors: Livak Fireplace Lounge

9:35-10:45 Session One (Choose One)

1. Family Co-Advocacy in Action: Adapting to Complex Systems Together: Silver Maple Ballroom
2. Working Together: Using Shared Plans of Care to Strengthen Family and Provider Collaboration: Sugar Maple Ballroom

10:45-11:05  Break/Visit Exhibitors: Livak Fireplace Lounge

11:05-12:15  Session Two (Choose One)

1. From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life (Case Study 1): Silver Maple Ballroom
2. Looking Beyond the Absence: Family-Centered Approaches to Support School Attendance: Sugar Maple Ballroom

12:15-1:15  Lunch/Visit Exhibitors: Livak Fireplace Lounge & Silver Maple Ballroom

1:15-2:25  Session Three (Choose One)

1. From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life(Case Study 2): Silver Maple Ballroom
2. Understanding Executive Function: The Brain Skills That Help Us Plan, Focus, and Get Things Done: Sugar Maple Ballroom

2:25-2:40  Break/Visit Exhibitors: Livak Fireplace Lounge

2:40-3:40  Session Four

A Seat at the Table: What Youth with Disabilities Want Us to Know: Silver Maple Ballroom

3:40-3:45  Closing Remarks: Silver Maple Ballroom

Welcome and Keynote

Jeneva and Rob Stone

Jeneva Burroughs Stone is a writer turned disability rights advocate whose path to public advocacy began when her son, Rob, chose it first. After Rob transitioned from high school to adult disability services in 2018, the two became a team and brought their lived experience to state and federal stages, joining organizations like Little Lobbyists and the Rare Action Network. Jeneva’s keynote weaves together the personal and the political, offering a voice that is both a parent’s and a collaborator. A mindful reminder that the people most affected by systems are often the most powerful agents for changing them.

Workshop Session One

1. Family Co-Advocacy in Action: Adapting to Complex Systems Together 

Presenter: Jeneva Stone 

This interactive workshop guides participants through the Four Stages of Adaptation, which is a framework for understanding and processing the emotional journey of navigating disability and complex systems. Using a structured worksheet, attendees will reflect on their own experiences at each stage, from crisis and survival to growth and advocacy. Facilitated discussion follows each stage, with sharing encouraged but always optional. Come ready to reflect, connect, and leave with new tools for the road ahead.

2. Working Together: Using Shared Plans of Care to Strengthen Family and Provider

Families of children with special health needs often navigate care spread across multiple networks, each holding only part of their story. This panel shares real examples of how families partnered with care teams across networks—guided by quality improvement efforts—to use shared plans of care and the technology that supports them to strengthen shared decision making and create more connected care experiences. Through brief stories, panelists will highlight common challenges, how collaboration with families reshaped care planning, and key lessons and benefits, followed by audience Q\&A.

Panelists:

• Alyssa Consigli (she/her), Quality Improvement Coach, VCHIP
• Samantha Firth, Patient and Family Advisor
• Leah Pence, Complex Care Case Manager, Golisano Children’s Hospital | University of Vermont Health
• Becca Rainville, Care Coordinator, Monarch Maples Pediatrics
• Dr. Keith Robinson, Pediatric Pulmonologist, Golisano Children’s Hospital | University of Vermont Health 

Workshop Session Two

1. From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life (Case Study One)

Keynote Speaker

Jeneva Burroughs Stone (she/her) is a our keynote speaker this year. While Jeneva has been a writer her entire life, she became a public advocate for health care and disability rights only after her son Rob Stone chose that path in 2018 when he transitioned from high school to adult disability services. Since 2019, Jeneva and Rob have advocated at both the state and federal levels. They are members of several state and national advocacy and lobbying organizations, including Little Lobbyists and the Rare Action Network. Read Jeneva’s full bio here.

Working Together: Using Shared Plans of Care to Strengthen Family and Provider Collaboration

Alyssa Consigli (she/her), Quality Improvement Coach, VCHIP

Samantha Firth, Patient and Family Advisor

Leah Pence, Complex Care Case Manager, Golisano Children’s Hospital | University of Vermont Health

Becca Rainville, Care Coordinator, Monarch Maples Pediatrics

Dr. Keith Robinson, Pediatric Pulmonologist, Golisano Children’s Hospital | University of Vermont Health 

Looking Beyond the Absence: Family-Centered Approaches to Support School Attendance

Heidi Schumacher, MD FAAP is a general pediatrician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.  In that role, she serves as faculty with the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program, a statewide initiative that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Vermont children and families.  She is also the principal investigator of the Every Day Counts initiative, which supports cross-sector partnerships to improve attendance across Vermont.  Previously, she served in leadership roles at Washington DC Public Schools and the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. She is an Advisory Board member of Attendance Works and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health, serving as a regular spokeperson for its attendance-related policy and advocacy work.

Liz Carney is a disability rights advocate, a founding member of the CVSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), and a member of the Disability Justice working group affiliated with the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont. She is a later life diagnosed AuDHDer with a PDA profile. VPR featured her story in audio and written format last year. She is the mother and caregiver of two absolute characters who frustrate and delight her every day. 

Claire Zandstra (he/they) lives in Topsham Vermont and attends Pacem School in Montpelier, which is an independent student-directed learning community. Claire is the Chair of the Youth Mental Health Committee of the Vermont State Youth Council.   One thing that Claire is really looking forward to for the future is applying to the School for Ethics and Global Leadership Semester program in London. 

From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life (Case Study 1)

Deb Baker-Moody (she/her), Project SEARCH Instructor at the University of Vermont Medical Center.  Project SEARCH is a one-year work-based transition program for high school students and young adults with disabilities interested in paid employment. Before working at the medical center, Deb developed internship opportunities for students at South Burlington High School.  Deb worked as an academic advisor for Think College supporting students with disabilities in college classes. Outside of work, Deb enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

Stephanie Bissonette, Director of Children Services, licensed Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientaiton & Mobility Specialist at the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) with 40 years of experience in the field of visual impairments.

Ashley Dubois is the Employment and Education Senior Manager at CCS, overseeing the programs and staff. Ashley first joined CCS as a student intern in 2016 and held various positions within the supported employment program prior to becoming a senior manager. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Bukuru Ingabire, Intern at Project SEARCH.  Bukuru lives at home with her family.  Through Project SEARCH, she has worked in the gift shop, on patient floors, Human Resources, and mini laundry. Her last internship will be at the Harvest Cafe. She has learned how to do different jobs this year in Project SEARCH. She would like to work at the medical center. Bukuru likes to listen to music, sing, and dance. She also likes to read and write.

Kaelyn Modrak, Transition Counselor for the VT Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She has been working with teenagers for 15 years, 12 of those with students who are blind or visually impaired. Her passion is wheedling out and discovering the spark of joy and curiosity that lives inside every teenager.  She holds a Master of Education in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Kaelyn lives in West Bolton, VT with her husband, their two boys, their dog and seven chickens.  

Alexis Pennington, Senior Transition Counselor II at HireAbility Vermont in the Rutland Office. Alexis has been with HireAbility for two and a half years. Alexis maintains a license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and worked in both community mental health and private practice for 7 years with youth before coming to HireAbility. Alexis received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University, has a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology from SUNY Cobleskill and an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from SUNY Cobleskill. Alexis currently works with teens and young adults ages 14-24 with disabilities; helping them figure out what comes next after high school. Whether it may be employment, training, education or just career exploration Alexis approaches her work with a client focused mindset to help youth accomplish their goals.

Liz Underwood is the Bridging Coordinator and has been with CCS since 2015. She is responsible for day-to-day operations of the program, curriculum, and school collaboration. Before joining Bridging, Liz was a Direct Support Professional and a Youth Employment Specialist, bringing her experience in direct supports to her current role. She studied Human Development at the University of Vermont.

From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life (Case Study 2)

Joey Dutson is a Deaf Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with HireAbility Vermont. He works with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and individuals with hearing loss to support employment and independent living goals. He is committed to improving accessibility, Deaf culture awareness, and services for all individuals with hearing loss.

Bill Hudson is currently employed with HireAbility (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation Services) as a Rehabilitation Counselor. He came out of retirement to help with this caseload until a new counselor is hired.  Previously, he was employed with Vocational Rehab Services almost 32 years before retiring. AND, he is very happy to be back to assist our consumers with their employment success!   Bill earned his Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College in 2002.   He also has a Vista sign language teaching certificate and taught various American Sign Language courses for 22 years. Bill was born with my hearing loss so he had to learn self-advocacy skills at a young age.  One thing to share with others is that you will maintain your advocacy skills as a very useful tool along the way as you go through life!  Bill is married with two grown children and five grandchildren.

Steve Reigle is the Coordinator of Supported Employment for the Counseling Service of Addison County.  Steve has been working for CSAC in various supported employment roles for over 15 years. Prior to joining CSAC, Steve was an employer who incorporated individuals with disabilities into his workforce at both the University of Rochester and Middlebury College.  In his role at CSAC,  Steve serves Young Adults 16-22 in the JOBS program, adults with chronic mental health conditions, adults with substance use disorder and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Steve has employment certifications from both  ACRE – Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators and the IPS Center – Individualized Placement and Support.

John Spinney is the Postsecondary Transition Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Education.  John  has been working for the Vermont Agency of Education for 21 years as a member of the special education team. He grew up in a large family and his 2 youngest brothers both have Down Syndrome and were adopted as infants. John is also now legal guardian for his two brothers. Both of his parents were educators and education leaders. True inclusion and equity for all people was something that was instilled in him from a very young age and still to this day drives his work in education. John’s primary work at VT AOE focuses on improving the IEP transition services offered by Vermont’s high schools. 

Understanding Executive Function: The Brain Skills That Help Us Plan, Focus, and Get Things Done

Jess Flaherty, MAED

Jess Flaherty (they/them) is the Program Coordinator for the Jump on Board for Success Program at Rutland Mental Health in Rutland. They hold a Master of Arts in Education and served as a Vermont K–12 Special Educator for more than 15 years, specializing in neurodivergence and emotional disability.

Jess brings both professional expertise and lived experience to their work as a neurodivergent person and parent of neurodivergent children. Their approach is grounded in empathy, advocacy, and a deep commitment to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for individuals and families.

In addition to their professional role, Jess is a writer, artist, actor, and photographer, as well as a passionate social justice advocate. They serve as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Rutland County Pride and are an active member of its youth committee. Jess is also part of the Rutland County Collaborative and the People With Lived Experience Workgroup.

As a community advocate, mental health professional, and certified NLP Transformational Life Coach, Jess is deeply committed to supporting neurodivergent individuals in living authentic, empowered, and fulfilling lives.

Alex Sheldon (he/him) is 19 years old and a lifelong Rutland resident. Alex has attended both public and alternative schools, and was part of the Vermont Early College Program at CCV.  Alex has also been involved with the Rutland Mental Health JOBS program for the past four years.

After speaking on the youth panel at the 2024 Interagency Core Team event, Alex discovered a real passion for public speaking—which is what brings him here today.  Outside of that, Alex enjoys painting, reading, writing, watching hockey, burning CDs, and spending time with his cat.

Looking ahead, Alex hopes to work more closely with disabled youth. He is interested in supporting kids and families at an early stage, helping create access to resources, and making sure they feel heard and supported from the start. But he is especially looking forward to working in direct support in early intervention for children.

A Seat at the Table: What Youth with Disabilities Want You to Know

Noah Cohen lives in St. George Vermont.  He graduated from CVU high school last year and is currently taking classes at UVM and attending the Think College program. This semester, Noah has a job at the UVM Career Center and in the summer, he worked for the Vermont Lake Monsters. One thing Noah is really proud of is how his classes have gone this year and how much of a participant he is in the active class discussions. 

Cosmo Duncan lives in Burlington, Vermont.  Cosmo graduated from Burlington High School with the Highest Honors.  He has his own Business, Cosmo’s Cool Thinx, and he also works at Homesuite Hotel in Burlington.
One thing Cosmo is really excited about in the future is living in his own apartment! His is also really proud to have a stand at the South Burlington Farmers’ market all summer long.

Mariam Poling

Alex Sheldon (he/him) is 19 years old and a lifelong Rutland resident. Alex has attended both public and alternative schools, and was part of the Vermont Early College Program at CCV.  Alex has also been involved with the Rutland Mental Health JOBS program for the past four years.

After speaking on the youth panel at the 2024 Interagency Core Team event, Alex discovered a real passion for public speaking—which is what brings him here today.  Outside of that, Alex enjoys painting, reading, writing, watching hockey, burning CDs, and spending time with his cat.

Looking ahead, Alex hopes to work more closely with disabled youth. He is interested in supporting kids and families at an early stage, helping create access to resources, and making sure they feel heard and supported from the start. But he is especially looking forward to working in direct support in early intervention for children.

Giada Willet

Claire Zandstra

Keynote Resources

Embrace Change and the Life That’s Waiting for You

Resources for Disabled People and Caregivers

Little Lobbyists: Civil Rights 101

Resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community:

HireAbility VT

Vermont Hands & Voices

Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services

Vermont Association of the Deaf

Deaf Independence Program – Vermont Center for Independent Living

School Attendance:

Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA) and the Need for Safety

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS

Platinum Level

• Vermont Department of Health – Children with Special Health Needs
• Vermont Pathways to Partnership

Silver Level

• HireAbility Vermont
• University of Vermont Osher Center for Integrative Health
• SD Associates
• Vermont Center for Independent Living
• VT Department of Children & Families – Child Development Division, Children’s Integrated Services (CIS)
• Vermont Federal Credit Union

Bronze Level

• American Academy of Pediatrics, Vermont Chapter
• Building Bright Futures
• Northwest Counseling and Support Services
• Rutland Regional Medical Center
• Timberlane Pediatrics
• Timberlane Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
• UVM Health – Golisano Children’s Hospital

THANK YOU 2026 EXHIBITORS

• Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont
• College Steps
• Community College of Vermont
• Children with Special Health Needs
• Department of Children and Families – Burlington District Office
• Disability Rights Vermont
• EDD Adaptive Sports
• HireAbility Vermont
• Northwest Counseling & Support Services
• Parent Infant Program – Educational Services Practice
• Partners in Adventure
• SD Associates
• The Columbus Organization
• Unbuckled Foundation
• University of Vermont – Osher Center for Integrative Health
• Vermont AMBUCS
• Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Vermont Center for Independent Living
• Vermont DCF – Children’s Integrated Services
• Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
• Vermont Federal Credit Union
• Vermont Human Rights Commission
• Vermont Pathways to Partnerships
• Vermont Social Adventure Group
• VSAC: Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Program

Additional Support From:

• Adventures in Granola
• Hannaford Supermarket
• Northwestern Medical Center
• Shaw’s Supermarket
• Vermont Artisan Coffee
• Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council