Description

NJASEPS’ Communications & Outreach Seminar is a dynamic, information-packed program designed exclusively for professionals working in NJASEPS member schools. This half-day virtual seminar brings together experts who will provide timely updates, practical tools, and actionable strategies to strengthen communication, enhance daily workflows, and elevate advocacy efforts across your school community.

Participants will receive a federal landscape update from our national organization, NAPSEC, including how emerging federal developments may impact our schools and best practices for communicating these changes clearly and effectively. The seminar also features an engaging session on AI and social media, offering guidance on crafting strong prompts, posting effectively, and understanding how these tools can work together to streamline tasks and support your communication goals. The day concludes with an accessible, informative introduction to government affairs and advocacy—covering how to get involved, how to deliver compelling calls to action, and how individual voices can make a meaningful impact.

Attendees will leave equipped with stronger communication strategies, valuable insights into advocacy efforts, and practical tools they can immediately apply to support team collaboration, family engagement, and organizational outreach.

Event Details
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Join at any time during the event based on your schedule and topics of interest.

Speaker Schedule

• 9:30 – 10:30 AM: Danielle Damm – Federal Update and Impact
• 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Joe McMerty – AI and Social Media
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Tom Bushnauskus – Advocacy 101

This seminar is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your communication toolkit, stay informed on critical updates, and build confidence in your role as a communicator and advocate. We look forward to your participation!

Speaker Bios:

Danielle Damm has served as CEO and Executive Director of NAPSEC and NCASES since 2018. She leads the organization’s advocacy efforts in shaping public policy to positively impact individuals served in member programs while supporting the growth of a collaborative membership network of nonpublic special education and adult service programs. Danielle is a government relations professional and former congressional staffer with over a decade of experience working with elected officials and private sector clients in Washington, DC. She has counseled heads of state and cabinet-level officials and has played a leadership role in directing influential advocacy campaigns for education, human rights, and global health issues.


Joseph McMerty is the Technology Director and Health & Safety Officer at Collier Youth Services in Wickatunk, NJ, with over 25 years of experience supporting nonprofit special education schools. He leads school-wide technology strategy, cybersecurity, digital learning systems, and comprehensive safety planning.

A certified NJECC AI Teacher and School Safety Specialist, Joe focuses on the responsible use of AI and social media in education, helping school leaders improve efficiency, communication, and student privacy while addressing data security and ethical considerations. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and experienced IT trainer, he brings a practical, mission-driven approach to supporting safe, innovative learning environments.


Thomas Bushnauskas brings extensive experience in government affairs, public service, and political strategy. He has held leadership roles in legislative offices, community organizations, and public outreach, including serving as Executive Director of the Police Athletic League of Parsippany and as a legislative staffer to former Assemblyman John F. McKeon.

Thomas has also led communications and outreach efforts for U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer and Passaic County, and previously served as Chief of Staff to a Passaic County Freeholder. A graduate of William Paterson University with a degree in Political Science, he is a committed advocate for effective policy, civic engagement, and community-focused initiatives.