MTSS Integrated Conference 25

Speakers

Jen Carnahan

Instructional Coach, Whitman Elementary, Spokane Public Schools

Jody Schmidt

Principal, Whitman Elementary, Spokane Public Schools

Savannah Warrington

Intervention Coordinator, Whitman Elementary, Spokane Public Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Elementary, District
Experience Developing, Foundational, Proficient

10:15am PDT

Inclusionary and Integrated School Mental Health and MTSS: A Comprehensive Systems Approach to Supporting All Learners.

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Orchard South

Mental health concerns and exclusionary practices underscore the urgent need to create inclusive environments. By focusing on positive behavior support, mental health and wellness, and inclusive education, schools can enhance academic success and also foster social development and a sense of belonging. WA MTSS framework allows schools, districts, and ESDs to build their capacity to develop and deliver inclusionary practices and eliminate exclusionary practices, while addressing mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention for all learners.

Speakers

Kelcey Schmitz

Director, Training and Technical Assistance UW SMART Center

Carol Davis

Professor of Education and Associate Dean for Research, UW College of Education

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing

10:15am PDT

Why No Kids with ADHD Should Struggle in Schools (and What Your MTSS System Can Do About It)

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fuji 2/3

With over 10% of students diagnosed with ADHD, why are so few supported before crisis points? Most MTSS frameworks miss early opportunities—relying on generic strategies until ADHD manifests as behavior, academic failure, or school refusal. In this session, you’ll learn why that happens and how to fix it. Walk away with clear, doable Tier I and II strategies that make your MTSS system more proactive, inclusive, and effective for students with ADHD.

Speakers

Cheryl Agarwal

Founder & Executive Coach, Pulsehive

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fuji 2/3

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Foundational, Developing

10:15am PDT

From Messy to Meaningful: MTSS Beginnings That Inspire

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Gala 3

Explore the first two years of building an MTSS system from the ground up—where progress, not perfection, led the way. This session highlights how taking the first step, assembling a committed team, reflecting often, and being open to change builds lasting systems and creates meaningful growth. You’ll walk away with practical insights and the reassurance that it’s okay if it feels messy—because building something great starts with simply being willing to begin.

Speakers

Britney Martin

Principal, Port Angeles School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Elementary
Experience Foundational

11:30am PDT

Learn how South Kitsap School District is building on intentional Tier 1 work to address academics, attendance, and behavior using an integrated tiered intervention process.

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Orchard North

Discover how South Kitsap School District is strengthening Tier 1 practices and leaning into Tier 2 standard protocols in reading, math, and behavior through an integrated, districtwide intervention system. Learn how early adopters are leading implementation, supported by intentional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and aligned supports to drive improved outcomes for all students.

Speakers

Erynn Fletcher

Instructional Specialist, South Kitsap School Distrit

Lisa Fundane't

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, South Kitsap School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Elementary, District
Experience Developing

11:30am PDT

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Inclusive and Behavioral Health Collaboration

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Gala 1

The MASH model strengthens inclusive, trauma-assumed systems through interdisciplinary coaching. This session explores how MASH builds school, family, and agency partnerships to support students with behavioral health needs. Participants will learn how to shift mindsets from student “fixing” to adult capacity-building, create emotionally safe environments, and engage in systems-level problem-solving.

Speakers

Anna Troutman

MASH Director, North Central Educational Service District

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing, Proficient

11:30am PDT

From Data to Action: Elevating SEL in Elementary Schools

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Fuji 2/3

Join us for an overview of our Elementary SEL MTSS framework, with a focus on our universal screening process. All students are screened three times per year using a research-based tool to identify social-emotional strengths and areas of need. Screening outcomes guide collaborative teacher discussions and help determine appropriate next steps, such as Tier 2 behavior plans or individualized supports. Our goal is to ensure every student receives the right level of support to thrive emotionally and socially.

Speakers

David VanGeelkerken

Elementary Principal, Cle Elem-Roslyn School District

Carrieanne Selzler

Executive Director of Student Services, Cle Elum-Roslyn School District

I began my career 29 years ago in the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District as a developmental preschool teacher, and I’ve chosen to stay in the district throughout my career. Over the years, I’ve served as a special education teacher, Response to Intervention (RTI) coach, and district... Read More →

Alexandria Gray-Madsen

Behavior Specialist, Cle Elem-Roslyn School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Fuji 2/3

Target Audience Elementary
Experience Developing

11:30am PDT

Rooted in Research, Flourishing in Practice: Transforming Schools with AAC

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Fuji 1

A thriving AAC-affirming school is like a well-tended garden—rooted in beliefs, supported by training and policies, and nurtured through daily implementation by a community of educators, SLPs, paraeducators, administrators, and peers. This session offers actionable strategies to embed AAC across environments, foster peer inclusion, and sustain long-term change. Explore leadership-driven initiatives, tiered professional development, and classroom integration techniques to cultivate a communication-rich culture where all students blossom as communicators.

Speakers

Sarah Kinsella

SLP & AAC Specialis, Special Education Technology Center (SETC)

Sarah Kinsella is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) passionate about empowering students with complex communication and learning needs through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Holding a Master’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Sarah has been... Read More →

Sara Ayars

SLP and Assistive Technology Specialist, Special Education Technology Center (SETC)

Sara is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist with the Special Education Technology Center, and an adjunct professor at Western Washington University. With 18 years of experience in public education, she specializes in Augmentative and Alternative Communication... Read More →

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Fuji 1

Target Audience District, Elementary
Experience Developing, Foundational, Proficient

11:30am PDT

Lessons from the Field: Strategies in Reducing Restraint and Eliminating Isolation in schools.

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Gala 3

In this session, two districts will share their journey in reducing restraint and eliminating isolation, highlighting both successes and challenges. Presenters will reveal key systems and practices driving change and offer practical, replicable strategies. Attendees will gain actionable insights to support implementation in their own schools.

Speakers

David Mendez

Associate Director, True Measure Collaborative

Dom Ventresco

Assistant Director of Special Services, Pullman School District

Rachel Dickson

Director of Student Services, Fife School District

Stephanie Salazar

Assistant Principal, Fife School Disstrict

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Developing

11:30am PDT

Wait, What Would You Do? Collaborating with Fellow Leaders to Integrate Inclusion and MTSS

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Orchard South

This participant driven session is designed for those in building and/or district leadership positions to engage in small group collective problem solving related to barriers to inclusive practice implementation within an MTSS framework. The session will begin with a brief whole group overview of the principles and practices to build and sustain inclusive schools self-assessment tool. Participants will then self-select into a small group discussion (e.g. early learning, elementary, secondary, district) facilitated by members of AESD and the UW Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Using a problem of practice protocol, participants will engage with a vignette and explore potential solutions to common barriers to implementation. Participants will also be prompted to reflect and share how this process may inform their own inclusive journeys.

Speakers

RinaMarie Leon-Guerrero

Project Coordinator, University of Washington Haring Center

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 →

Kathleen Lenihan

Inclusionary Projects Coordinator, Educational Service District 105

As the Inclusionary Projects Coordinator, I support school and district leadership teams with the implementation of inclusionary practices at the system and classroom levels. Over the past 5 years, our statewide project has made significant gains in our LRE 1 data to ensure all students... Read More →

Shane Miramontez

Inclusion Specialist, University of Washington Haring Center

Cassie Stevens

Inclusionary Practices Coordinator, Northwest Educational Service District 189

Cassie Stevens has served as the Inclusionary Practices Coordinator at Northwest Educational Service District 189 since 2020. Cassie is part of a statewide team of Inclusionary Practices coordinators that support school and district leaders to implement and improve inclusionary practices... Read More →

KC Knudson

MTSS Coordinator, Northwest Educational Service District 189

Let's talk MTSS! Let's talk UDL! Let's talk about systems that produce equitable outcomes for all students!

Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Foundational, Developing

1:30pm PDT

It Starts With Us

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Grand Apple Ballroom

"While the pandemic may seem behind us, its effects continue to impact our
educational communities. Student behaviors are intense, staff needs are complex, and the gap
between surviving and thriving can feel insurmountable. Still, I am unwavering in my belief that
when we bring relationships and community to their hearts, we will strengthen our systems and
bring academic achievement and social/emotional competence to their minds. Working
together to heal the harms from the last several years will open the door for us to bring trust,
clarity, consistency, and, ultimately, improved outcomes to our schools."

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 →

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand Apple Ballroom 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Include Inspire Innovate

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

3:15pm PDT

Every Kid Deserves a Plot Twist! Engaging Students in Foster Care through MTSS

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Students in foster care often face unique and significant challenges such as trauma, instability, and disrupted educational experiences, that can affect their academic, social, and emotional well-being. Comprehensive frameworks such as MTSS are the most effective way to address the diverse needs of these students. This session will explore how MTSS can be implemented specifically for students in foster care to ensure equitable access to education and provide educational stability.

Speakers

Stacey Klim

Foster Care Program Supervisor, OSPI

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Golden Delicious

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

3:15pm PDT

Fostering Educational Equity Through Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Screening

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Gala 3

Exemplar districts will share how they've leveraged key partnerships to develop buy-in for universal screening. Participants will learn about how universal screening data can be used to promote education equity for all students. This session will demonstrate approaches that foster adults' cultural competence and an interconnected approach to enhancing comprehensive school mental health.

Speakers

Kelcey Schmitz

Director, Training and Technical Assistance UW SMART Center

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 →

Rayann Silva

School Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, UW Smart Center

Mari Meador

School Mental Healther Coordinator, UW Smart Center

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary, District
Experience Developing, Proficient

3:15pm PDT

One Inclusive Classroom, Many Pathways: Standards-Based Instruction for All Learners, Including Those Who Take the WA-AIM

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Orchard North

Inclusionary classroom practice requires barrier-free instruction that is accessible and meaningful to all learners, including students who may take the general or alternate assessment (WA-AIM). This presentation demonstrates how general and special educators can plan curricular units based on grade-level standards in inclusive classrooms with diverse learners. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use techniques for rigorous and barrier-free instruction that meaningfully engages every student, including those who take the alternate assessment.

Speakers

Jennifer Sommerness

Research Associate, TIES Center

Jennifer Sommerness is a distinguished educator and researcher at the TIES Center, at the University of Minnesota. She is known for her dedication to inclusive education and student success, with a profound commitment to educational equity. Jennifer has played a role in shaping the... Read More →

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing

3:15pm PDT

Q & A Roundtable Session

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Grand Apple Ballroom

Join Ali Hearn for an interactive follow-up session to the Keynote! You’ll not only deepen your
understanding of Restorative Practices through real-time engagement but also have the
opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and explore practical strategies for implementation.
This is your chance to connect directly with Ali and gain clarity on how to make Restorative
Practices a meaningful part of your school community.

Speakers

Ali Hearn

LCSW, Ali Hearn Coaching and Consulting

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Grand Apple Ballroom 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

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

3:15pm PDT

Plan. Pivot. Progress: Launching MTSS with Staying Power

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Fuji 1

For many district and school leaders, the push to implement MTSS comes fast—often without the clarity, cohesion, or shared vision needed for long-term success. This session is designed for those who have felt the pressure to act quickly, only to find themselves in an endless loop of false starts, fragmented efforts, and staff fatigue.
Join us as we explore what it means to pause with purpose—to step back from unclear or reactive approaches and re-engage with MTSS implementation through a lens of coherence, leadership alignment, and sustainable momentum. Learn how one district shifted from urgency-driven decisions to a more strategic, collaborative rollout that created buy-in at every level—from the central office to the classroom.

Speakers

Gretchen Schlag

Executive Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, Tahoma School District

Lindsay Henry

Executive Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, Tahoma School District

Lindsay Henry is the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for the Tahoma School District in Washington State. She leads district-wide efforts in curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and program development. With a background in instructional coaching... Read More →

Jameson Moore

Executive Director of Student Service, Tahoma School District

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Fuji 1

Innovate Include Inspire

Target Audience District, Elementary, Secondary
Experience Developing, Foundational

3:15pm PDT

Getting Ready for 2028: Alignment and Overview of MTSS Rubrics and their Role for Implementation

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Orchard South

Multiple measures are available to support district and building leadership teams in evaluating MTSS implementation. This session provides an overview of the Center on MTSS Fidelity of Implementation Rubric (2025) and a recently developed interview, facilitator’s guide, and resource document funded by the Washington AIMS project. Participants will learn about the purpose, strengths, and challenges of multiple tools and will understand how the use of these measures can be combined for comprehensive school improvement efforts.

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 →

John Gallo

Assistant Professor, Gonzaga University

Thursday July 31, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Orchard South