MTSS Integrated Conference 25

Integrated Multi-tiered Systems of Support represent a sea-change in education toward differentiated, equitable, and strengths-based learning environments for all students--especially for students with developmental and learning differences—and depend on school district central office support for their success at scale. But what kind of support? And what does it take for central offices to provide it for every school every day?

Speakers

Meredith Honig

Professor and Director, College of Education, University of Washington

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am PDT
Grand Apple Ballroom 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Include Inspire Innovate

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient

10:45am PDT

Community and Connection: Come Experience It

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Orchard South

Learning about Restorative Practices is important, but experiencing them firsthand
is transformative. The impact of proactive community-building Restorative Practices work is
powerful, impactful, and accessible to everyone in the school community. Successfully
supporting youth needs means first supporting adult needs. We want to move quickly to directly
supporting youth, yet slowing down enough to take care of ourselves, our staff, and one another
will increase our overall impact.

Speakers

Ali Hearn

LCSW, Ali Hearn Coaching and Consulting

Ali Hearn, LCSW is a National keynote speaker, trainer, and coach whose mission is to shift mindsets and ignite fires within others to create sustainable change and impact. Throughout her career, she has worked with thousands of educators across the country, emphasizing the importance... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Orchard South

Include

10:45am PDT

Reimagining School: Building Belonging Through Community-Rooted Education

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Gala 1

This session introduces a new school model where academics and experiential learning are equally prioritized, every student has a personalized plan, and teachers serve as content specialists embedded in the community. Participants will explore how a decentralized, healing-centered MTSS approach can transform education by rooting learning in identity, wellness, and joy—and dismantling white-centered, compliance-driven systems.

Speakers

Todd Martinez-Simmons

Educator, Snohomish School District

Britney Boyles

Senior Liberation Consultant, And Still We Rise

Jenai Choi

Principal, Federal Way Public Schools

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Foundational, Developing

10:45am PDT

Fresh Eyes on MTSS: Actionable Tools to Analyze, Innovate, and Inspire Change

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Discover how to move MTSS initiatives forward with actionable, discovery-driven tools. This session equips school and district leaders to analyze MTSS systems using methods like Empathy Interviews, the Hexagon Tool, and Force Field Analysis. Participants will be empowered to set equity-focused SMARTIE goals and create practical action plans with students at the center. Participants will leave with a toolkit of templates and examples to strengthen MTSS implementation at both the district and school levels.

Speakers

Hannah Gbenro (She/Her)

Consultant, 21st Century Possibilities

Dr. Hannah Gbenro is a nationally recognized education leader, executive coach, and former Chief Academic Officer with deep expertise in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), project management, and program evaluation. With over 15 years of experience spanning school, district... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Developing

10:45am PDT

Leveraging Micro-Fidelity Strategies to Improve MTSS Structures

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Gala 3

Schools implementing MTSS are likely familiar with fidelity tools such as the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) for PBIS or the District Systems Fidelity Inventory (DSFI), but how are schools leveraging micro-fidelity strategies to improve MTSS structures? This presentation introduces 5 high leverage elements for anchoring an efficient and sustainable MTSS across all schools. Participants will be provided with examples of how other districts have developed these elements AND they will gain examples of the unique fidelity measures used to maintain high levels of implementation.

Speakers

Dawn Henry

Collaborative Learning Solutions

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Proficient

10:45am PDT

Using Screening and Progress Monitoring Data to Make Data-based Decisions about Student Instruction

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Fuji 2/3

Workshop model to support use of screening and progress monitoring data to make data-based instructional decisions at the school and individual student level. The presentation will clearly define screening and progress monitoring data, and use case studies to demonstrate use of data to make instructional decisions at the school, grade, and individual school level. Case studies will include both academic and behavioral scenarios, cover intervention matching, decision rules, and intensifying intervention.

Speakers

Susan Ruby

AIMS Faculty, Eastern Washington University, UW Bothell

William Rasplica

Executive Director, Learning Support Services (Retired), University of Washington Bothell Goodlad Institute

Bill retired after 42 years working in the public schools of Illinois, Iowa and Washington State. Past positions include paraprofessional, special education teacher, principal, AEA special education consultant and district special education administrator. In Washington, Bill has been... Read More →

Stephanie King

AIMS and ECSEL Faculty, UW Bothell

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Fuji 2/3

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing

10:45am PDT

Innovate, Include, and Inspire: Culturally Responsive Practices for Multilingual Learners

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Orchard North

This presentation provides strategies for implementing a culturally and linguistically responsive (CLR) mindset and skillset in serving multilingual learners (MLs) using the ML Statewide Strategic Plan. The tools and materials shared help participants understand the critical role of culturally responsive practices to eliminate opportunity gaps and to prepare MLs for college, career, and life by supporting their identity through whole child education and achieving academic excellence.

Speakers

Virginia Morales

Assistant Director, OSPI

Virginia Morales is the Assistant Director of Multilingual Education at OSPI. Virginia has over 20 years of experience working with multilingual learners as an educator in California, Wisconsin, and Washington. Previously, Virginia was a Professional Learning Specialist with WIDA... Read More →

Kadriye El-Atwani

Program Supervisor, OSPI

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Developing

10:45am PDT

Leveraging Fidelity Data to Drive Meaningful Systems Change

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Gala 2

This session is all about making your data work for you. Participants will gain skills in analyzing systems data and transforming the data into action steps that drive MTSS implementation. We will explore different ways systems data, and particularly, fidelity data are collected. Learn how to use the data to assess the health of your system, and celebrate staff to support retention efforts. Lastly, learn about the importance of fidelity data and student success.

Speakers

Leanne Mullen

Manager of District Communication, Egg Harber Township School District (NJ)

Melissa Shotts

Account Executive, Branching Minds

Ellina Xiong

Branching Minds, MTSS Practice Lead

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Elementary, District
Experience Developing

10:45am PDT

One Team, Every Tier, All Students

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Fuji 1

Putting students first is often said—but is it your reality? Are all staff aligned, setting pride aside to support every student? In this session, learn how to systematically track intervention and extension with fluidity and purpose to ensure success with essential standards. Discover how culture unites MTSS systems for true collaboration. Like gears in motion or stones in a bridge, each part must align to build lasting pathways to student success.

Speakers

Sara Olson

Principal, Bethel School District

Entering my 13th year in educational administration and 10th year as a principal, I am a firm believer in the power of distributive leadership and the importance of empowering staff to leverage their strengths in service of collective success. I view school culture as the foundation... Read More →

Mary Jo Ross

Intervention Teacher, Bethel School District

Claire Bwandolle

Resource Room Teacher, Bethel School District

Amie Brisson

Intervention Teacher, Bethel School District

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Fuji 1

Inspire

12:00pm PDT

Lunch

Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Grand Apple Ballroom

Wednesday July 30, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand Apple Ballroom 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

1:00pm PDT

Discourse into Action: Addressing Exclusionary practices in Special Education

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Join our team for a powerful discussion on eliminating exclusionary practices through belonging and coaching. We’ll uncover barriers faced by practitioners, coaches, and administrators while sharing solutions rooted in research and field experience. This session fosters belonging and empowers attendees with actionable strategies for promoting inclusionary practices.

Speakers

Paola Stepney

Behavior Specialist, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Laura Batcheller

Director of Special Services, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Elementary
Experience Foundational, Developing

1:00pm PDT

Meeting Students Where They Are: Behavioral and Mental Health in Action Across MTSS

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Gala 2

In this panel will explore how schools and districts can respond to the diverse behavioral and mental health needs of students through a robust, tiered system of supports. We'll look at how services—from school-based counseling to ESD programs to specialized placements—can be integrated into MTSS in ways that are equitable, student-centered, and sustainable. This conversation is about more than systems—it’s about seeing students clearly and responding with the right support at the right time.

Moderators

Sue Ann Bube

Consultant, Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Speakers

Anna Troutman

MASH Director, North Central Educational Service District

Scott Raub

Assistant Director, Special Education Policy & Community Engagement, OSPI

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing

1:00pm PDT

MTSS FUNdamentals: The Starter Pack

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Fuji 2/3

New to your MTSS journey? Join us for this session tailored just for you! Dive into understanding the foundational aspects of the WA-MTSS framework and its five key components: Team-Driven Shared Leadership, Continuum of Supports, Evidence-Based Practices, Data-Based Decision-Making, and Family and Community Engagement. Gain insights into the significance of establishing a robust MTSS framework.

Speakers

Tori Hazelton

Regional MTSS Implementation Specialist, Puget Sound Educational Service District 121

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Fuji 2/3

Target Audience Elementary, District, Secondary
Experience Foundational

1:00pm PDT

Working Smarter: Aligning MTSS for Equitable Discipline & Academic Gains

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Orchard North

Learn how three regional examples aligned their MTSS and reduced exclusionary discipline, improved attendance, perceptions of belonging, and reading.

We’ll share how each district approached alignment to fit their budget, goals, and timelines. We will also highlight the commonalities, and the site-based adjustments that were necessary to fit each community: large, diverse AK district, a small, rural CA district, and mid-size, suburban OR district.

Speakers

Jessica Swain-Bradway

Executive Director, Northwest PBIS Network

Dr. Jessica Swain-Bradway is the Executive Director for the Northwest Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Network (NWPBIS). She has expertise in organizing social-emotional-behaviors supports and mental health integration at the district, school, and classroom level. In... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience District
Experience Developing, Proficient

1:00pm PDT

Bridging Silos with Data: Integrating Academic and Behavior Systems

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Gala 3

Academic and behavioral data are stronger together.
In this session, we will:
1. Connect the dots: Understand how integrated academic and behavioral screening data leads to a clearer picture of student needs
2. Demystify the data: Explore screening, diagnostic tools, and progress monitoring systems (while addressing common concerns about using data effectively!)
3. Take action: Develop a personalized assessment plan and walk away with ready-to-use templates and checklists for school-wide implementation and planning

Speakers

Emily Bushouse

Behavior Inclusion Coach, North Central Educational Service District 171

Emily is originally from Michigan where she earned her Educational Specialist degree in school psychology. She has worked in Michigan, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington in public school, university, and residential settings, serving students with special needs from preK through university... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing

1:00pm PDT

Tier 3 for ME? Yes Please!

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Fuji 1

Have you ever been so exhausted within your classroom that you felt in need of your own tier three interventions? Join us for a bit of fun as we share quick and easy classroom strategies that keep students thinking, put time back into your day, and a smile on your face.

Speakers

Sara Paul

Program Supervisor, OSPI

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Fuji 1

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing, Foundational, Proficient

1:00pm PDT

Beyond the Surface: The Deep Work of Systems Change in Education

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Gala 1

Lasting change doesn’t come from adding new programs; it comes from changing the systems that hold persistent challenges in place. This interactive session explores how the Six Conditions for Systems Change (Kania et al., 2018) align with MTSS implementation when guided by Implementation and Improvement Science. Participants will examine the “water” beneath school systems and engage in practical strategies to shift policies, practices, power dynamics, and mental models for sustainable transformation.

Speakers

Brandon Riddle

Assistant Director of Student Support, Educational Service District 105

Brandon is committed to advancing educational equity by coaching and training evidence-based strategies and frameworks. With a solid background in Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience District
Experience Proficient

1:00pm PDT

Restorative Practices: More Than Just a Circle

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT

Orchard South

Implementing Restorative Practices is about more than sitting in a circle. Successful
installation starts with both systems & implementation leaders understanding the roots of the
work, the principles that drive it, and the practices that bring it to life. For implementation to be
sustainable over time, however, it must be anchored and aligned to other work taking place
and cannot exist in a silo. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework provides the
structures necessary to support the use of data for decision-making, to progress-monitor
implementation over time, and to evaluate student and staff outcomes.

Speakers

Ali Hearn

LCSW, Ali Hearn Coaching and Consulting

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm PDT
Orchard South

Inspire

2:30pm PDT

Mathematical Fluency: Building Bridges not Barriers!

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fuji 2/3

In this session participants will learn what fluency is (and is not) in mathematics through carefully curated fluency routines, games and robust discourse. If you are interested in walking away with resources to put into use in K-5 classrooms that will support students growing their fluency in mathematics, this is the session for you!

Speakers

Debra Kowalkowski

Regional Mathematics Coordinator, NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101

An enthusiastic math educator and learner, Debra coordinates and facilitates math learning for administrators, teachers, parents, community members, and PK-MS students. Her work as a Regional Math Coordinator for Northeast Washington Educational Service District (NEWESD 101) focuses... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fuji 2/3

Target Audience Elementary
Experience Developing, Foundational, Proficient

2:30pm PDT

Strong Tier 1 Structures and Systems IS the Foundation for all Inclusion Work: A Closer Look at One of the Newest Demosites, Lowell Elementary in Seattle Public Schools

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Orchard North

Inclusion and MTSS are often framed as separate initiatives. In this session, we explore their interconnectedness as the foundation of strong tier 1 structures and systems promotes rigorous and meaningful inclusive practices for all learners. Lowell’s commitments to centering multilingual learners and students with IEPs drives: the creative and strategic use of adults in flexible service delivery, embedding SDI in the general education setting, and building and sustaining collaborative structures.

Speakers

Rebecca Ray

Inclusion Specialist, University of Washington Haring Center

I am a former ESL and special education teacher (but always a teacher at heart! I've been 'playing school' since I was a preschooler....) turned graduate student. My research interests are largely inspired by my former students, their families, and my experiences as a teacher and... Read More →

Chelsea Dzedzic

Principal, Seattle Public Schools

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Elementary
Experience Developing, Foundational

2:30pm PDT

MTSS in Action: Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Results

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fuji 1

This session explores how MTSS is being implemented in grades 7–12, including how we’re adjusting our master schedule to support both intervention and extension. We’ll cover how students are identified, what data drives decisions, and the next steps in our ongoing process. MTSS is a journey, and we’re sharing real strategies, challenges, and progress as we continue to refine and improve support for all students.

Speakers

JoLynn Ray

High School Principal/ Special Service Director, Reardan School District

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fuji 1

Target Audience Secondary
Experience Foundational, Developing

2:30pm PDT

Proactive vs. Reactive: Remagining Tier 1 through Universal Screening and a Holistic Wellness Lens

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Orchard South

Traditional MTSS approaches rely heavily on academic, attendance, and discipline data—focusing supports around crisis and points of failure, rarely incorporating meaningful mental health data. This session highlights a partnership between King County and the Tahoma School District implementing universal mental health and substance use screening as part of a wider holistic wellness strategy in middle and high school, transforming a reactive, deficit-based model into one rooted in proactive wellness, student strengths, and authentic engagement.

Speakers

Sarah Michelle Leonard

School Based SBIRT Training Coordinator, King County DCHS

Gwendolyn Huete

Student Wellness Advocate

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Secondary, District
Experience Developing, Proficient

2:30pm PDT

Return Repair Reconnect: Building Meaningful Reintegration Pathways within MTSS

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Gala 3

What happens after a suspension, threat assessment, or crisis? This session focuses on student reintegration as a Tier 2/Tier 3 suppot within MTSS. Paticipants will explore how schools can create trauma-informed equity-driven reintegation practices that prioritize safety, belonging, and long-term success. Learn how to structure reintegration meetings, collaborate across roles, and build plans that repaire relationships and reconnect students to learning.

Speakers

Emily Bushouse

Behavior Inclusion Coach, North Central Educational Service District 171

Hunter McLeod

Threat Assessment Coordinator, North Central Educational Service District 171

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary
Experience Foundational, Proficient

2:30pm PDT

Screening, Detection & Diagnostics for Tier 2 and Tier 3 MTSS

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Gala 2

This session will help schools and districts to build a system for screening and detection of students who may be in need of Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports. We will also discuss diagnostic tools to help pinpoint the exact nature of students' needs once a need is detected. Attendees will see examples of how other schools and districts have built and carry out these processes.

Speakers

Dr. Lori Lynass

Senior Director for MTSS, Character Strong

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Gala 2

Innovate Include

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing, Foundational, Proficient

2:30pm PDT

Centering Inclusion: Using Participatory Program Evaluation to Advance Equitable Practices in MTSS

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Gala 1

Learn how school and district teams can use participatory program evaluation to strengthen inclusionary practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Grounded in collaborative inquiry and lived experience, this session introduces a four-step model for engaging educators, students, and families in evaluating progress and shaping more equitable systems. By bringing stakeholder voices into every stage of the evaluation—from defining priorities to interpreting data—teams can uncover barriers to inclusion, build shared ownership, and develop meaningful, context-sensitive solutions.

Participants will explore practical strategies to foster staff reflection, promote equity, and increase the relevance and use of data across all tiers of support. Emphasis will be placed on how participatory approaches can elevate inclusive mindsets, improve fidelity of inclusive practices, and support sustainable systems change driven by those closest to the classroom.

Speakers

Sue Ann Bube

Consultant, Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience District
Experience Foundational, Developing

2:30pm PDT

Guiding the Pieces: Putting MTSS Together with Purpose (Part 1: Team Driven Shared Leadership)

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Looking to bring clarity and consistency to your MTSS system? This session dives into the Washington State MTSS Guidebook—your roadmap to manualizing what works! We’ll spotlight Team-Driven Shared Leadership and how smart team design, shared roles, and strong communication build a system that actually sticks. Whether you're leveling up your current approach or starting fresh, you’ll leave energized with practical tools to lead with purpose and support every learner—every day!

Speakers

Kjersti Clayton

MTSS Regional Implementation Specialist, North Central Educational Service District 171

Solina Adelson-Journey

MTSS Implementation Coordinator, Educational Service District 112

Andrea Bowman

MTSS Implementation Coordinator, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Andrea Bowman currently serves as a Regional Implementation Coordinator at Olympic Educational Service District 114, where she partners with district and building leaders to assess their current MTSS design and support action planning for system-wide improvements. Her work centers... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Golden Delicious