NJASEPS 47th Annual Conference & Annual Meeting Sessions

Workshop #1

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• Josephine Hunt
  Josephine Hunt, NYU M.A. Ed., M.A. Ed. Leadership is an educator, instructional coach, teacher mentor, sought-after presenter, parenting consultant, media voice, and educational leader with more than twenty-three years of experience serving students, families, and educators across New Jersey. Josephine currently serves as an Integrated Preschool Teacher with Closter Public Schools and is a certified Instructional Coach and Teacher Mentor through the Northern Valley Curriculum Center. Josephine holds master's degrees in Special Education from New York University and Educational Leadership from Ramapo College of New Jersey, along with New Jersey certifications in both Principal and Supervisor leadership. Her professional expertise includes resilience, social-emotional learning, special education, MTSS, parent engagement, instructional coaching, early childhood education, student well-being, and youth mental WEALTH. A passionate advocate for helping children thrive in an increasingly complex world, Josephine is the founder of The Resilience Revolution™ and creator of The Resilience Loop™, initiatives dedicated to strengthening resilience, emotional well-being, healthy childhood development, and what she calls Mental Wealth—the capacity to navigate life's challenges with confidence, perseverance, self-worth, and optimism. Josephine is a frequent presenter at educational conferences and professional learning events and has been featured in national and regional media, including CNN, Univision, PEOPLE Magazine, NewsNation, and ONNJ, where she shares insights on resilience, parenting, child development, technology, education, and well-being. Josephine’s professional recognitions include being named a recipient of the NJCEC Ringelheim Award, recognition by the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education, selection as a NJASCD Emerging Leader, and service on the New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children Board. Josephine is currently authoring her first book, The Resilience Revolution™, and developing a companion podcast, Raising a Resilient Child: The Power of a Parent, both focused on helping educators, families, and communities raise resilient, capable, and confident children. Through her speaking, writing, consulting, and leadership work, Josephine remains committed to empowering educators, parents, and communities with practical strategies that help children flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and throughout life. Learn more at JosephineHunt.com.

Workshop #1

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• Jenna Triano
  Jenna Triano, Founder and President, Innovations in Modern Education, Jenna Triano is the Founder and President of Innovations in Modern Education, an organization that partners with public and private schools to support students with diverse and complex learning needs. She has over 10 years of experience working directly with students in one-on-one and small group settings, including students with executive functioning challenges, attention difficulties, and learning differences. Jenna specializes in designing flexible, student-centered learning environments that improve engagement, reduce overwhelm, and support meaningful progress. Her work focuses on identifying where traditional systems break down for students and developing practical strategies that align with how students process information, regulate attention, and access learning. She has presented at statewide conferences on student engagement, instructional design, and emerging challenges facing today’s learners. Her work is grounded in daily experience supporting students, families, and schools in creating more responsive and effective learning environments.

Workshop #1

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• Khadijah Thibodeaux
  Khadijah Thibodeaux is a Senior Science Curriculum Developer at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC). Khadijah joined the SSEC in 2023 to support the development of Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research and action guides. Before joining the SSEC, Khadijah was a middle school science teacher serving a historically underrepresented and under-resourced community. Her role in the classroom and work at the Smithsonian reflect her passion for creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive science learning experiences. Khadijah has a Master’s Degree in Education from Southern Methodist University concentrated in Urban Education, where she focused extensively on Universally Designed Learning, Asset Based Pedagogies, and Culturally Responsive Teaching. She also has earned a Bachelors degree in Molecular Biology from Pomona College.
• Elizabeth Alves
  Elizabeth Alves Elizabeth Alves is a dedicated educator and special education advocate with a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. Holding certifications in Supervision, Elementary Education, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities, and Childhood Development she brings a multifaceted perspective to the field of inclusive education. Elizabeth has built a distinguished career at the intersection of teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership. As a NESST Teacher Ambassador (Generation III) and former Smithsonian Field Tester, she has contributed to advancing educational practices at both the local and national level. Most recently, she organized and facilitated multiple special education round tables with Smithsonian Science Education Center staff and local and national stakeholders, fostering collaboration across the field. Her expertise extends to assessment development, having served as an Outside Item Writer for the ETS Special Education Praxis exam in 2024. Elizabeth is an active member of IEEE and the Learning Disabilities Association of America, reflecting her ongoing commitment to research-informed, learner-centered practice.

Workshop #1

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• Shanalynn Murt
  My name is Shanalynn Murt and I am an educator and aspiring school leader. I am currently in my 7th year of teaching. I am a 6th grade inclusion teacher at Carusi Middle School. In addition to my teaching roles, I am an active participant on many committees in my school. I previously taught elementary education for 4 years and I am in my third year in secondary education at the middle school level. I teach 6th grade inclusion and have knowledge in teaching all subject areas. I have experience in grades in Pre-K-Eight. I also have experience working with students with autism spectrum disorder. I am knowledgeable on what is developmentally appropriate for different age groups. I have taught in both urban and suburban communities. I am a firm believer in that all students are like flowers, each of them may need different resources, but they all have the capability to grow. I hold multiple honors including being a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and National Society of Leadership and Success. My goal is to ultimately become an administrator! I am extremely passionate about serving others and to me, leadership is all about service. "Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" -Martin Luther King Jr.

Workshop #1

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• Karen Vastola
  With over 33 years of experience in education, Karen Vastola brings extensive classroom expertise and a deep commitment to supporting both teachers and students. Her teaching career spans multiple grade levels and learning environments, including kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade, fifth grade mathematics, and sixth grade mathematics, as well as gifted and talented instruction for students in grades K–8 and resource room special education for grades four and five. This breadth of experience has given her a strong understanding of how students develop mathematically and how teachers can support diverse learners through effective, data-informed instruction. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s degree in Special Education from William Paterson University. In addition to her classroom teaching, Karen has served as a sixth grade math team leader and mentor, supporting colleagues in instructional planning and implementation. She has contributed extensively to curriculum development, including writing and revising mathematics curriculum and designing gifted and talented curriculum for her district, where she also led professional development for teachers. Karen’s leadership extends to tutoring students for NJSLA assessments, advising the TREPS entrepreneurship club, and mentoring student teachers from Ramapo University. She is passionate about helping educators translate effective instructional practices into meaningful learning experiences that support all students.

Workshop #1

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Workshop #1

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• Stephanie McGowan
  Dr. Stephanie McGowan: Educator, Community Leader, Advocate Dr. Stephanie McGowan is a lifelong educator, community leader, and fierce advocate for equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Currently serving her fourth term on the Rutherford Borough Council and her sixth year as Council President, Dr. McGowan has dedicated her career and public service to creating communities where everyone can reach their fullest potential. Her advocacy is deeply personal. As the mother of twins with multiple developmental disabilities, Stephanie champions supportive housing, gainful employment, and independent living. In Rutherford, she sponsored the creation of the Access for All committee, led the redevelopment of the fully inclusive "Kid Spot" playground, and is spearheading the borough’s first-ever re-development project to include supportive housing. Her leadership extends across New Jersey. She is currently the Chairwoman of the NJ State Democratic Committee Disability Caucus, a past DNC delegate, and has served on the Bergen County Advisory Board for Disability Services since 2015. She was also honored with the Outstanding Women in Government award by the NJ League of Municipalities. An expert in her field, Dr. McGowan holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fordham University and completed post-graduate work in applied behavior analysis. From addressing the United Nations on the evolving roles of Women to co-founding the International Center for Autism, Research in Education at Felician University, her global impact is undeniable. Today, she serves as the Director of Transition at the South Bergen Jointure Commission, continuing her lifelong mission to dismantle barriers and empower individuals of all abilities to live independent, purposeful lives.

Workshop #2

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• Thomas Gambino
  Thomas Gambino, Ed.D has been with the NJDOE since 2000 and has been advising to school leaders on school safety and security since 2018

Workshop #2

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• Linda Miller
  Linda Miller is an ASL bilingual speech therapist in Jersey City for the past 12 years specializing working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Linda is a member of the Deaf Advocacy Group of NJ helping bridge the communication gap through sign language training, community events and policy development. Linda has facilitated workshops for educators of all levels at the local, county , state and national level.

Workshop #2

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Speakers

• Nyasia Borelli
  Nyasia Borelli, MA BCBA-LBA NJ, Assistant Director of Behavioral Services, Deron School of NJ, Doctoral Candidate at TCS, OBM Specialist

Workshop #2

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Workshop #2

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• Mike Marotta
  Mike Marotta is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center, NJ’s AT Act program. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter, with over 35 years experience, providing practical training to professionals interested in UDL, assistive and inclusive technology. Mike serves on the CAST Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) Advisory Board and is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ) teaching Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike is one of the co-authors of the book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and the Tips for Inclusive Learning Quick Wins card deck.

Workshop #2

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Workshop #2

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• Jessica DiPane
  Jessica DiPane is a Training and Consultation Specialist for the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) Project at The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development. She provides training and technical assistance on best practices for implementing, managing, and sustaining CBI. Prior to her work at The Boggs Center, Jessica was an educator, transition coordinator, and special education supervisor. Throughout these experiences, she educated and empowered students and their families through individualized, person-centered supports. She is a dedicated professional focused on systematic change and improved student outcomes through best practices in transition. Jessica earned her Master of Arts degree in Special Education and Bachelor’s degree in psychology from The College of New Jersey. Additionally, she earned her Supervisor’s Certificate from Kean University. She is a certified Elementary Teacher, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Grades K-5, and Supervisor.

Workshop #3

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Speakers

• Bobby Morgan
  Bobby Morgan has served in K-12 education as a classroom teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and member of the board of education. He currently leads Memorial Middle School in Willingboro, NJ, where his work centers on systems-level school transformation, restorative practices, and culturally responsive leadership. Through NextPhase Schools, he provides professional development and consulting to schools and districts across the region. His doctoral research focuses on restorative practices and neurodivergent learners. Bobby speaks at state and national conferences on equity-driven leadership and building school systems that serve every student, including those with complex needs.

Workshop #3

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Speakers

• Alex Hilsen , Esq., LL.M.
  Earned his J.D. at Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware, his B.S. at Nyack College, in Nyack, NY, his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in estate planning from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He is a member of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania State Bar. Mr. Hilsen has financial services and advisory experience at Fortune 500 companies such as Merrill Lynch and Citigroup, where he monitored and advised clients on all avenues of investing and financial planning. He was previously licensed as a General Securities Representative, current Investment Advisor, and Life Insurance Advisor. He is familiar with a broad array of investment strategies. At Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler, Mr. Hilsen uses his financial expertise to help guide our clients in estate issues, including Special Needs Trusts, Wills, and General Estate Planning.

Workshop #3

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• Nefertiti Victor
  a District Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 10 years of experience in behavior analysis. I currently support Mount Holly School District across all three buildings, providing consultation, program development, and individualized behavior plans. I am dedicated to high-quality RBT supervision and training, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across teams. I am passionate about helping students thrive through targeted, evidence-based interventions and am committed to implementing practical systems that improve outcomes without increasing staff burnout.
• Cristina Emmolo
  serves as Jump Ahead Pediatrics’ primary liaison for school clients, where she expertly aligns recruitment strategies with each district’s unique culture and needs. Leveraging over a decade of experience in education, curriculum design, and client engagement, Cristina enhances the hiring experience through responsive communication, active problem-solving, and collaboration. Bilingual in English and Italian and holding credentials in International Studies and Special Education, Cristina blends instructional insight with marketing acumen to support sustained client partnerships and organizational growth.

Workshop #3

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Speakers

• Stacy Klein
  Stacy Klein is a strategic and mission-driven executive with over 15 years of cross-sector leadership in disability services, education reform, and nonprofit innovation. She currently serves as Senior Director of Program Development and Family Support at The Arc Mercer, where she leads system-wide initiatives that support individuals with disabilities and their families through the transition from school-based services to adulthood. With a professional foundation in education, Stacy began her career in school-based settings, shaping her deep expertise in special education systems, IEP development, and transition planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University, and is a certified teacher in both New Jersey and New York. Stacy’s expertise spans transition planning, Medicaid and DDD systems navigation, program design, regulatory compliance, and cross-system collaboration with schools, service providers, and state agencies. In addition to her leadership role, she is the founder of Transforming Together, a consulting practice focused on strategic planning, advocacy, and systems navigation for individuals and families across the lifespan. Through her work, Stacy has secured multimillion-dollar funding, led high-performing teams, and developed sustainable models that advance independent living, employment pathways, and family engagement. She is widely recognized for translating complex systems into clear, actionable strategies that improve access, equity, and long-term outcomes.

Workshop #3

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Speakers

• Chelsea Traina
  Chelsea Traina, LADACIN Network, Schroth School Principal, 5 years experience in administrative role ; 10 years teaching in various roles, BA in Education/Psychology & MA in Administration in Education
• Lori Cordasco
  Lori Cordasco, LADACIN Network, Supervisor of Instruction/Assistant Principal, MA School Administration, Master of Science, 15 years' experience as Reading Specialist, adjust professor at Brookdale Community College, 6 years' experience as Title 1 preschool teacher

Workshop #3

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Speakers

• Mike Marotta
  • Mike Marotta is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center, NJ’s AT Act program. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter, with over 35 years experience, providing practical training to professionals interested in UDL, assistive and inclusive technology. Mike serves on the CAST Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) Advisory Board and is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ) teaching Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning. Mike is one of the co-authors of the book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and the Tips for Inclusive Learning Quick Wins card deck.

Workshop #4

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Speakers

• Danielle Taylor
  Dr. Danielle Taylor, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist with over 15 years of leadership experience in special education across public, private, and clinical settings throughout the Northeast. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum360, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and those who identify as Autistic, where she provides strategic leadership and oversees clinical and educational programming. Dr. Taylor is also the owner and practicing psychologist at Sacred Journeys Therapy, LLC, where she provides integrative, trauma-informed care. Her clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practices and enriched by advanced training in modalities such as Internal Family Systems, trauma-focused therapy, canine assisted therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches . A recognized leader in the field, Dr. Taylor has held multiple executive and clinical director roles and has presented extensively on topics including autism, trauma-informed care, and innovative interventions in schools. She is particularly known for her work in animal-assisted interventions, including school-based canine therapy programs designed to support student engagement, emotional regulation, and overall well-being . Dr. Taylor brings a unique blend of executive leadership, clinical expertise, and holistic, compassionate care to her work, with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for neurodiverse individuals and the systems that support them.

Workshop #4

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• Melissa Antinoff
  career educator and the creator behind “The Well-Seasoned Teacher,” where she shares practical advice for modern classrooms on social media. The 2019 Burlington County, NJ Teacher of the Year and a 2020 Bonnie Campbell Hill National Literacy Leader, Melissa has spent almost three decades helping students transition from non-readers to avid book lovers. Her expertise is featured in the last four editions of Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook. Known for her direct and realistic approach to classroom management, Melissa emphasizes clear boundaries, consistent consequences, and the importance of creating a safe environment where students know exactly what to expect. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Teaching Certificate from Rutgers University.
• Allison Gollin
  founder of Gollin Educational Consulting Services, LLC, has over 21 years of experience as a New Jersey based school social worker with the Mount Laurel School District. She has the unique perspective of sitting on both sides of the table as a Child Study Team case manager and the mother of a daughter with dyslexia. Allison works with students that have differences including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, depression, communication impairments, explosive behaviors and various health conditions. Allison has a breadth of experience in writing strength-based IEPs, interpreting assessments, making referrals to private providers and guiding parents, teachers and administrators through the complex world of special education. She strongly believes that helping teachers to better understand their students' holistic needs - academic, social-emotional and behavioral - will empower them to partner most effectively and positively with families. Allison earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lehigh University. She holds an LSW from the State of New Jersey.
• Jennifer Mazzochi
  founder of Co-Teaching Connection, is a 25 year veteran special educator whose work spans self contained, resource center, and inclusion classrooms. Her expertise in co teaching has helped transform instructional teams from simply functioning to truly flourishing. With experience in both elementary and middle school, and in general and special education roles, she brings a rare, well rounded perspective to the profession. As the 2019 Camden County Teacher of the Year, Jennifer is recognized as a trusted, respected, and highly effective educator whose impact reaches far beyond her own classroom. She currently works in the Gloucester Township School District. Jennifer received her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from NOVA Southeastern and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education at SUNY Geneseo.

Workshop #4

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• Michael Selbst
  Michael C. Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, is the Executive Director of Behavior Therapy Associates. He is a Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Certified School Psychologist, Licensed Behavior Analyst in New Jersey, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Doctoral level. Dr. Selbst also Co-Founded and was the Executive Director of the HI-STEP® Summer Social Skills Program for 20 years. He has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of clients who present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, aggression, social skills deficits, learning disabilities, as well as family and relationship issues, and parent training. Dr. Selbst has extensive experience evaluating and treating pre-school-aged children through adults, consulting with school districts and private schools, helping individuals working through significant life changes and transitions, and has led numerous workshops, including at local, statewide, national, and international conferences. Dr. Selbst assists clients in increasing their psychological flexibility, making meaningful steps toward who and what is important to them. He is co-author of the Behavior Problems Resource Kit: Forms and Procedures for Identification, Measurement and Intervention, the social skills curriculum, POWER-Solving®: Stepping Stones to Solving Life’s Everyday Social Problems, and book chapter “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” in A. G. Dempsey’s (Ed.) book, Pediatric health conditions in schools: a clinician’s guide for working with children, families, and educators.

Workshop #4

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• Christine Delmas
  Christine Delmas is a Literacy Consultant and CERI Certified Dyslexia Specialist with more than 25 years of experience in education. Her work spans roles as a workshop presenter, literacy coach, curriculum writer, interventionist, Orton-Gillingham practitioner and teacher-trainer, special education teacher, and general education classroom teacher. Christine serves as a facilitator for the AIM Institute for Learning & Research, where she delivers Pathways to Structured Literacy and Pathways to Proficient Reading to educators nationwide. Most recently, she has become a Regional Coach with the New Jersey Tiered Systems of Support for Early Reading (NJTSS-ER), supporting districts in strengthening early literacy systems and instructional practices. In addition, Christine serves on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NJIDA), advancing the organization’s mission to provide teacher education and increase public awareness of dyslexia across New Jersey. She has presented extensively throughout New Jersey and across the country on dyslexia, Structured Literacy, and data-informed reading instruction. Christine taught students in grades 1 through 6 before earning her Reading Specialist certification, after which she helped establish and coordinate her district’s Response to Intervention (RTI) initiative. In 2012, she was honored as Monmouth County Teacher of the Year. She is also a former national Language Circle Consultant for Project Read. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in Reading along with a Supervisor Certificate from Rutgers University. She holds certification as an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner, Teacher-Trainer, and Dyslexia Specialist from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Christine has co-authored a peer-reviewed journal article on reading instruction. A committed lifelong learner, Christine is passionate about providing high-quality professional development that equips educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure all students become proficient, confident readers.

Workshop #4

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Speakers

• Stefanie Rinaldi
  Stefanie Rinaldi is a proud graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and a Master’s Degree in Teaching. She began her career working with students who had been hospitalized as a result of mental health problems, and ultimately moved onto a career working with adults with disabilities. Her experience helping adults with disabilities began with developing employment and day habilitation programs, and ultimately expanded to include helping individuals in group homes find employment. Soon, she found herself exploring Transition Support for high school students and ultimately became responsible for developing programs that helped bridge the gap between high school graduation and entering the workforce. Currently, Stefanie is the Assistant Director at The Center School in Somerset, NJ where she works to enhance the school's transition program.

Workshop #4

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• Melissa Donovan
  Melissa Donovan M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP of Garden State AAC Specialists, LLC With 15 years of experience as a speech therapist, Melissa has dedicated her career to helping clients with complex communication needs fully engage in life through the use of tailored AAC systems. She has served clients from 3 to 21 years of age with a variety of diagnoses including Cerebral Palsy, Autism, CHARGE Syndrome, Angelman’s Syndrome, Cortical Visual Impairment, and more. Melissa founded Garden State AAC Specialists to specialize in helping individuals with complex communication needs. She is passionate about providing those who are unable to speak with an alternative way to communicate and offering high-quality trainings to help families and schools implement life-changing AAC systems during everyday activities. Melissa is an expert in both high-tech and low-tech AAC interventions, and she is experienced in working with individuals who communicate through a variety of modalities like touch, pointing, switch scanning, and using eye gaze technology. Her vast training and experience with communication devices from Talk to Me Technologies, Tobii Dynavox, and Prentke Romich - as well as iPad communication applications like TouchChat and Proloquo2go - enables her to determine the ideal communication system for every individual. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Seton Hall University, and she earned her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Seton Hall University two years later. She then went on to get her Certificate in Assistive Technology from Stockton College in 2013 and became an Assistive Technology Practitioner through RESNA in 2016. In order to further support individuals with communication and visual impairments, Melissa also earned a micro-credential from Perkins School for the Blind in the area of Cortical Vision Impairment in 2017. She is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed to practice throughout the state of New Jersey.