24th Annual WI Transition Conference

Date: February 12-13, 2026
Location: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Schedule

This schedule is subject to change. Registrants will receive a conference program at conference check in.

Click on the dates below to view a specific date.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

7:30 am - 8:45 am

Check In, Light Breakfast, Networking, ExhibitorsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

8:50 am - 9:00 am

Welcome: Mr. Patrick Vavra, CESA 11, EdEvents DirectorSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

9:00 am - 10:15 am

Pamela Schuller- Keynote Suite 1, 2, 7, 8

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Break: Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Pamela Schuller- WorkshopSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

11:30 am - 12:20 pm

LunchSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

12:20 pm - 1:10 pm

1. WI Long-Term Services for Students Transitioning to Adult ProgramsAralia

Presenters: Jamie Champine (Self-Determination Supervisor); Lakisha Gunderson (ADRC Youth Transition Supervisor); Paul Mross (Community Partnership Specialist); Victoria Gunderson (Executive Director, WI )

Attending this session will result in everyone understanding what long-term services are available in Wisconsin. Three objectives will be met by attending this session 1) you will understand what the process is to receive long-term supports and services; 2) you will understand the role of an ADRC, MCO, ICA, and FEA; and 3) you will have an understanding of what self-direction means to a person with a disability.

Level: Beginner

2. Utilizing a Multi-Level System of Support to Decrease Dropout RatesBanyan

Presenters: Hector Santiago (Special Education Supervisor); Robin Scholz (Education Consultant )

A multi-level system of support includes strategic use of data, starting at the universal level and providing support at differing levels of intensity. At one school, the creation of Link Crew led to the identification of students with IEPs in need of more intensive support. Join us as we discuss how the school’s GRIP leadership team utilized a unique approach to learn more about these students, instill a sense of belonging for them, and how this ultimately can lead to a decrease in dropouts.

Level: Beginner

3. Shifting the Power: Student-Led IEPs for Self-Advocacy and Future ReadinessCypress

Presenters: Lisa Van Dyke (Special Education Coach ); Robin Scholz (Special Education Coach )

Student-led IEPs empower youth to build self-advocacy, communication, and goal-setting skills. They are a key part of transition planning and help strengthen family-school partnerships. This session will provide participants with the “why” and “how” of student-led IEPs, offering a ready-to-use module with lessons and a rubric to support implementation. Resources will be provided that can be adapted for grade/ability levels, along with strategies for scaffolding student participation.

Level: Intermediate

4. Discover TIG’s Free Online Learning for Transition Success!Tamboti/Aloeswood

Presenters: Jen Hilgendorf (TIG Implementation and Improvement Project Coordinator ); Pam Jenson (Technical Assistance Project Coordinator ); Pam Jenson (TIG Grant Coordinator); Shana Ratzburg (TIG Technical Assistance Transition Specialist)

This engaging session highlights a wide range of online resources including courses, technical assistance videos, and on-demand modules designed to strengthen skills in transition planning, career and technical education, and understanding the Indicator 14 survey. Participants will leave with practical, no-cost tools to boost student outcomes and access professional learning anytime, anywhere.

Level: Beginner

5. Making the Shift from Compliance to Best Practice with Transition-Level IEPMangrove

Presenters: Julie Mlagan (Implementation Specialist); Lara Janisch-Garcia (Special Education Program Manager); Theresa Whitney (Special Education Program Manager)

This session highlights how the School District of Beloit is transforming transition planning from a compliance task into a student-centered process. What started as state-mandated work has grown into a districtwide vision focused on purposeful Postsecondary Transition Plans (PTPs). Participants will learn the reasons for this shift, explore ways to strengthen PTPs, and strategies to foster IEPs led by transition goals for better student outcomes.

Level: Intermediate

6. Incorporating SEL and Servant Leadership in Transition and BeyondMarula

Presenter: Tara Schmitz (Special Education Teacher)

Explore how Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Servant Leadership can transform transition planning for students with disabilities. Led by veteran special educator and SEL coach Tara Schmitz, this session provides practical strategies to build self-awareness, empathy, and leadership skills that empower students for life beyond high school.

Level: Intermediate

1:10 pm - 1:15 pm

Snack, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

1:15 pm - 1:45 pm

DPI: Transition UpdatesSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

Alicia Reinhard from the Department of Public Instruction, Office of Continuous Improvement, will provide updates on transition matters.

1:45 pm - 2:15 pm

The WiTransition App Reloaded: Interactive, Engaging, and Student-FriendlySuite 1, 2, 7, 8

The WiTransition App Reloaded: Interactive, Engaging, and Student-Friendly

2:20 pm - 3:10 pm

7. Maximizing Transition Funding: Utilizing Incentive and Readiness GrantsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

Presenters: Alicia Reinhard (Statewide Transition and Graduation Consultant/Education Consultant); Jenny Jacobs (Technical Assistance Specialist & Indicator 14 Coordinator); Joanne Metzen (Director of Special Education)

By participating in the Indicator 14 Survey each year, districts have the chance to qualify for Transition Incentive Grant funds. Districts can receive up to $1,000 for each eligible survey. Learn how one district used these funds to offer mini-grants to staff. The Transition Readiness Grant (TRG) is another opportunity to enhance transition programming. Discover what the program is, how to apply, and how your district can use these funds to create competitive employment opportunities.

Level: Beginner

8. Future-Ready IEPs: Using WCRS to Strengthen Transition GoalsAralia

Presenters: Ben Urbanek (Special Education Teacher); Brandon Ihrcke (Special Education Teacher); Christy Tainter (Director of Academic and Career Planning ); Jennifer Riggle (Director of Student Services, Prevention, and Wellness )

All students deserve a future they are ready for. This session shows how the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards (WCRS) can strengthen IEP transition planning by making goals meaningful, measurable, and connected to real future-ready skills. Learn how to align WCRS with Academic and Career Planning (ACP) and write transition goals that build employability, independence, and self-advocacy through student strengths and interests.

Level: Intermediate

9. Beyond Numbers: Getting a GRIP with “Street Data”Banyan

Presenters: Monique Haralson (Education Consultant); Robin Scholz (Education Consultant)

Quantitative data tell us some things about student performance, but they do not tell the whole story. “Street data” offers educators a way to gather and make meaning of data. Street-level data offer deep insight into both the student and educator experience. In this presentation, participants will learn various examples of how to collect street data and one school’s journey to collecting it to make data-informed decisions to improve student performance.

Level: Intermediate

10. From Planning to Outcomes: Leveraging PTP and PSO DataCypress

Presenters: Lisa Van Dyke (Transition Improvement Grant Coordinator); Lisa Van Dyke (Transition Improvement Grant Coordinator)

This session explores how Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) and Post School Outcomes (PSO) data can drive transition success. Participants will learn to access and use reports to analyze trends, identify gaps, and design research-based services that connect secondary planning to post-school results. Strategies will strengthen compliance, improve outcomes, and prepare students for work, education, and independent living.

Level: Intermediate

11. Strengthening Transition Plans Through CTE and Youth ApprenticeshipTamboti/Aloeswood

Presenters: David Gordon (Director of Career and Technical Education); Lindsay Allen (CTE Specialist)

Learn how Career & Technical Education and Youth Apprenticeship can strengthen transition planning and open meaningful career pathways for students with disabilities. This session highlights practical steps to increase access, work collaboratively with special educators, align IEP goals with hands-on learning, and provide supports and accommodations that help students thrive in real workplace experiences.

Level: Beginner

12. Build your own BRIDGE: One school’s journey to better student outcomesMangrove

Presenters: Julie Mlagan (Implementation Specialist); Maddie Satre (Special Education Teacher: Transition Services)

What happens when a passionate Transition Teacher has big dreams but no roadmap? This session follows the journey of a small 18 & Beyond Transition Service in Beloit, led by a teacher full of ideas but unsure how to grow. With a few solid foundations in place but no clear direction, everything changed after connecting with TIG (Transition Improvement Grant). Learn how intentional support, collaboration, and targeted goals helped transform the service in just one year—and how you can do the same.

Level: Beginner

13. Beyond Accommodation: Harnessing AI for Inclusive LearningMarula

Presenters: Jason Krug (Teacher ); Tara Schmitz (Special Education Teacher)

In today’s classrooms, educators face increasing demands to provide individualized instruction, behavioral support, and inclusive learning experiences for all students—especially those with special needs. However, limited staffing and resources often make it difficult to give every student the attention and specialized instruction they require. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers innovative solutions that can help bridge these gaps, making personalized learning and inclusion more achievable.

Level: Intermediate

3:15 pm - 4:05 pm

14. Engaging Youth in Transition: Creative Activities to for Transition SkillsAralia

Presenter: Carrie Wilson-Smith (DPI/WSPEI Information and Support Specialist)

Are you looking for creative ways to engage youth in transition? Look no further. Transition is crucial for youth with disabilities and each student has specific needs in the area of transition. Join the presenter in learning about new and fun ways to engage students in transition through activities both in the school and community. Step away with resources to help begin making transition fun!

Level: Advanced

15. Tools for Including Health/Wellness in the IEP and PTPBanyan

Presenters: Shelley Burke Otto (Statewide Technical Assistance Transition Specialist); Tim Markle (Director)

People need to be mentally and physically well to go to school, work, or engage in their community. In 2025, for the 1st time health questions were included in the Indicator 14 Post School Outcomes Survey. In this session, we'll share what we learned about former students' level of responsibility in their own health care, as well as showcase tips and "hot off the press" tools to: 1) Include health/wellness in the IEP and PTP and, 2) Increase youth self-advocacy in their own health care.

Level: Intermediate

16. Data 101: Using Multiple Data Points to Tell a StoryCypress

Presenters: Jen DuMond (Implementation Specialist - TIG); Lisa Van Dyke (Evaluation Specialist - TIG)

Take a journey that goes beyond the grade or score and dives deeper into how to build a data story for each student. In this session, we will walk through a real-life best practice scenario that highlights the different types of data that can be utilized within the education system. You will learn how to make connections between student outcomes data, progress monitoring data, and fidelity of adult practice data that will allow you to implement data-based decisions.

Level: Beginner

17. The Transition from Children’s Long-Term Care Supports to the IRIS ProgramTamboti/Aloeswood

Presenters: Beth Zopfi-Selig (ICA Team Manager); Tara Ditter (ICA Team Manager)

The transition process from Children’s Long-Term Supports to Adult Long-Term Care can be intimidating, confusing and frustrating. Hear from professionals in the Children’s Long-Term Care Supports program and the IRIS program on the similarities and differences between the two programs, what to expect during the transition process, and what resources are available to assist you and your family throughout the process.

Level: Intermediate

18. Self-Monitoring Interventions to Support Transition-Aged StudentsMangrove

Presenter: Grant Allen (Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout)

Self-monitoring is an effective intervention to support transition-aged students in a variety of areas, such as academic, behavioral, or social skills development. Self-monitoring interventions involve teaching students to observe and record their own behavior. This is a necessary skill to support independence and self-determination, which are indispensable skills in transition planning. Participants will learn why this strategy is effective and how to implement this intervention with students.

Level: Intermediate

19. The New Learning Ally: AI’s Role in Special EducationMarula

Presenters: Jason Krug (Project-based educator); Tara Schmitz (Special Education Teacher)

Level: Intermediate

Friday, February 13, 2026

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Light Breakfast, Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

8:30 am - 8:40 am

Welcome: Mr. Patrick Vavra, CESA 11, EdEvents DirectorSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

8:45 am - 10:00 am

Shut Up Sisters Patricia Terrasi and Gina Gallagher - KeynoteSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

10:00 am - 10:20 am

Break: Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

10:25 am - 11:40 am

Shut Up Sisters Patricia Terrasi and Gina Gallagher - WorkshopSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

11:45 am - 12:40 pm

LunchSuite 1, 2, 7, 8

12:50 pm - 1:40 pm

20. Stoughton Area School District Transition ProgramAralia

Presenters: Jennifer Collins (Transition Coordinator); Jennifer Collins (Transition Coordinator)

This is my fifth year as the transition coordinator for the Stoughton Area School District. Over the five years we have built our program from the ground up, working with different local community businesses. We have a busy schedule full of volunteer placements, community engagement, paid competitive employment and leisure. Stoughton is a small rural community, I will share different ways that I have worked with the local chamber to engage the community in our programming.

Level: Intermediate

21. Vocational Opportunities Through School & Community PartnershipsBanyan

Presenters: Bobbi Jo Debruin (Special ed teacher); Jill Lotzer (Work Based Learning and Transition Coordinator); Jill Lotzer (special ed teacher)

High school vocational training continuum for students with intellectual disabilities. Presenters will share training programs & content used within school settings for students with emerging vocational skills. Students who demonstrate a vocational readiness within the school setting will begin volunteer community placements that lead to paid employment.

Level: Beginner

22. Transition Planning Meetings: Empowering Transition TeamsCypress

Presenters: Jill Thomas (Transition Coordinator); Leah Cuda (Special Education Teacher - Transition Coordinator); Rachel Pankowski (Beyond 18 Teacher); Shelley Burke Otto (TIG Transition Specialist )

Transition planning and Beyond 18 programming can often involve complex scheduling and coordination. Join us for a discussion with districts from across the state as they share strategies for using transition meetings beyond the traditional IEP framework. This session will highlight the importance of creating a dedicated space and time for students, families, and agencies to collaborate, share insights, and develop meaningful, effective transition plans.

Level: Beginner

23. Updated Strategies to Support Youth Employment Experiences Tamboti/Aloeswood

Presenters: Alicia Reinhard (Statewide Transition and Graduation Consultant); Bob Meyer (Competitive Integrated Employment Coordinator ); Rachael Kramer (Community Innovations Specialist); Sarah Kuehn (Program and Policy Analyst Advanced); Stacey Teegardin (IPS State Trainer )

Collaboration and the braiding of supports and services are critical in supporting employment experiences for youth with disabilities. Current data continues to show the benefit of collaboration on long term employment outcomes. Given the current limitations on access to vocational supports, this session will explore alternatives for braiding funding and cooperation between transition partners. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of state agency representatives.

Level: Intermediate

24. Becoming my Own Advocate: How Peer Mentoring Builds Transition REadinessMangrove

Presenters: Anna Morehouse (Program Development Director); Lindsey Kugler (Peer Mentor Program Supervisor); Shawn Ihrcke (Behavior/Service Navigator Manager)

Transition-aged youth with disabilities often enter post-secondary education, employment, and independent living environments without the confidence or skills to navigate these systems on their own. Peer mentoring offers a powerful, relationship-based approach to building readiness and independence. This session explores how peer support helps young adults become effective self-advocates—developing the communication, problem-solving, and self-determination skills essential for adulthood.

Level: Beginner

25. A Nonprofit’s Practical, Person-Centered Transition ToolkitMarula

Presenter: Marney Orchard (Education Director)

My Full Life is a nonprofit, mission-driven digital curriculum and ready-to-teach toolkit designed to fill the gap in practical, age-appropriate life-skills instruction for students with IDD. It offers comprehensive courses with built-in assessments that support educators. Whether you’re a classroom educator, transition coordinator, agency leader, or caregiver, you’ll walk away from the session with practical tools to strengthen life-skills instruction and support youth and young adults.

Level: Intermediate

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm

26. Person Centered Planning for SuccessAralia

Presenters: Brianna Huebner (Inclusion Support Specialist); Keli Melcher (Director of Student Services); Megan Blankenheim-Villarreal (Special Education Coordinator)

Person-centered planning is a strengths-based approach that supports students with disabilities in transitioning into adult life. The student is at the center, and the team focuses on their abilities and goals. Families, educators, and service providers collaborate to create an action plan that supports employment, education, independent living, relationships, and community involvement, all based on the student’s interests, strengths, and future vision.

Level: Beginner

27. Lessons Through Laundry: A Transition Tool for Providers & SchoolsBanyan

Presenter: Michelle Castile (Community Health Worker )

Transitions for students with disabilities are often treated as isolated events. Families experience them as an ongoing cycle. Using the universal metaphor of laundry, this session introduces a practical transition framework—Sort, Wash, Dry, Fold—that helps teams clarify priorities, clean up confusion, allow time for processing, and shape supports into real-world skills. Designed for schools and providers, this tool centers family voice while supporting clear, collaborative transition planning.

Level: Intermediate

28. Time Blindness: Symptoms and Strategies Cypress

Presenter: Brandi Berry (School Psychologist-Senior)

People who experience time blindness struggle to accurately estimate the time needed to accomplish a task and to perceive the passage of time. These difficulties with managing time can negatively impact school and career success as well as interpersonal relationships. As time blindness is commonly associated with ADHD and other disorders, students with disabilities are disproportionately affected. In this session, we will discuss ways of recognizing time blindness in your students and strategies

Level: Beginner

29. Well-Being & Work–Life Harmony: Building a System of H.O.P.E.Tamboti/Aloeswood

Presenter: Brandi Kelly (Owner/CEO)

Social workers carry stories, challenges, and victories that shape the heart of our communities. But supporting others begins with supporting ourselves. In this session, we will explore how a System of H.O.P.E. can guide professionals toward sustainable well-being and meaningful work–life harmony—without guilt, burnout, or self-sacrifice. Participants will learn how hope can function as a practical framework to navigate stress, prevent burnout, and foster resilience.

Level: Intermediate

30. When Does Transition Really Start?Mangrove

Presenters: Kathryn Erickson (Transition Coordinator); Tim Markle (Transition Coordinator)

Transition begins at 14. Right? Not so fast. Explore with us the evolution of thought around transition, specifically equipping students to be successful after exiting the K-12 system. Is that enough time to prepare the student and the family? What if we looked at transition as a journey that includes the entirety of the educational experience? Come join the discussion around improving outcomes by introducing community, family, and educational supports throughout the educational experience.

Level: Beginner

31. Transition into Adult Services: One Residential Provider's PerspectiveMarula

Presenter: Nicole Styles (Sr. Director of Admissions and Case Management)

this presentation will discuss what I/DD residential providers look at from assessment to admission to the first few months of placement. The discussion will help individuals and their parents/caregivers understand some of the considerations in adult services as one is preparing for that next step whether it be from school or from living at home.

Level: Beginner