{"id":22988287,"date":"2026-03-20T19:40:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T19:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/conference-speakers\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T18:26:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T18:26:10","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Conference Speakers<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n

At the TSD Conference, our esteemed speakers represent a diverse array of expertise and passion in the field of student transportation for those with disabilities and special needs, each bringing unique insights and innovative strategies to the forefront. These thought leaders will inspire and empower attendees with their presentations that address current challenges, share best practices, and highlight new trends in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Keynote Speakers<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Julie Weatherly<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

The Wheels of Justice: Important Case Law Impacting Transportation of Students with Disabilities<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Litigation in the area of special education has been increasing exponentially over the past few years.\u00a0 By examining real-world legal scenarios with court decisions, this session is designed to equip participants with knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of providing safe and equitable transportation for all students while remaining aware of potential legal vulnerabilities.\u00a0 Discussion of recent court decisions and their implications will include hot topics such as personal injury-type money damages in special education cases, student discipline issues, transportation as a related service, and service animal requests.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Show Biography<\/h2>

Julie <\/span>J. <\/span>Weatherly<\/span>, Esq.<\/span> <\/span>is the owner of Resolutions in Special Education<\/span>,<\/span> <\/span>Inc.<\/span>, a special education law<\/span> and consulting<\/span> firm<\/span> <\/span>in Alabama.<\/span> <\/span>Julie<\/span> is a <\/span>member of the State Bars of <\/span>Alabama and <\/span>Georgia<\/span> and<\/span> for<\/span> <\/span>forty years <\/span>continues to provide <\/span>consultation and <\/span>legal representation<\/span> <\/span>to <\/span>school <\/span>agencies<\/span> across the country<\/span> <\/span>in the<\/span> area of <\/span>educating students with disabilities. <\/span>She <\/span>is also <\/span>a member of the faculty for <\/span>many<\/span> national and state legal <\/span>I<\/span>nstitutes and is a frequent speaker at special education <\/span>L<\/span>aw <\/span>C<\/span>onferences. Julie has developed a<\/span> number of<\/span> professional development and<\/span> <\/span>training <\/span>programs<\/span> (in-person and virtual)<\/span> that support <\/span>special education l<\/span>egal compliance <\/span>and has <\/span>been <\/span>published nationally as a part of her trainings, workshops<\/span>,<\/span> and seminars. <\/span>In June of 1996, Julie appeared on CBS news program \u201c60 Minutes\u201d to discuss the cost of meeting the legal requirements of IDEA. \u00a0<\/span>In 1998, <\/span>she<\/span> was honored by Georgia\u2019s C<\/span>EC <\/span>as <\/span>the <\/span>Individual who <\/span>h<\/span>ad Contributed Most to Students with Disabilities<\/span>, and in<\/span> April 2012, Julie received <\/span>the Award for Outstanding Service<\/span> from the Council of Administrators of Special Education<\/span>(CASE)<\/span>.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span>Julie devotes a good bit of her time consulting and providing professional development sessions <\/span>nationally and <\/span>for many <\/span>state and local school agencies and associations<\/span>, including the Council <\/span>of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). \u00a0<\/span>For additional information, visit <\/span>the <\/span>RISE <\/span>website at <\/span>www.specialresolutions.com<\/span><\/a> <\/span>or contact Julie at<\/span> <\/span>JJWEsq@aol.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Glenna Wright-Gallo<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Keynote<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Show Biography<\/h2>

Glenna Wright-Gallo is a transformative leader in disability policy, inclusive education, and employment. As Vice President of Policy at Everway, a global neurotechnology software company, she leverages over 25 years of experience to drive systemic change and empower diverse learners worldwide. Wright-Gallo\u2019s career reflects a progression of impactful leadership roles. She recently served as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education, where she championed policies improving outcomes for over 7 million individuals with disabilities. Prior to this, she held key positions such as State Director of Special Education in Utah and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in Washington State, leading strategic reforms to elevate expectations and expand access to opportunities.<\/p>\n

As an individual with a disability, Wright-Gallo brings a unique perspective to her work. This personal experience fuels her commitment to ensuring all individuals have access to opportunities without arbitrary limitations. Her strategic approach to policy development positions her to lead advancements in inclusive practices that empower individuals with disabilities.<\/p>\n

At Everway, Wright-Gallo spearheads the Policy Center of Excellence, an initiative that amplifies voices of neurodivergent individuals and\/or have a disability, shapes equitable policies, and integrates research and evidence-based practices with neurotechnology software to foster inclusive practices and support accessibility in education and workplaces.<\/p>\n

A recognized thought leader in systems improvement, Wright-Gallo emphasizes raising expectations and leveraging data-driven strategies to continuously enhance outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Her work aligns with Everway's ambitious mission to empower over 1 billion people with reading and writing skills by 2030, ensuring all individuals can access opportunities and reach their full potential.<\/p>\n

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Patrick Mulick<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Promoting Independence and Reducing the Reliance on 1:1 Adult Support<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Session Description<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

Show Biography<\/h2>

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. Originally from the humble town of Boring, Oregon, Patrick earned his undergrad and masters in special education and behavior analysis from Gonzaga University. While spending several years educating students with disabilities, from pre-school to high school, Patrick developed an affinity for working with students with autism and behavioral challenges. Today he works as an educational consultant and as the Director of Student Engagement for the Auburn School District in Washington State. As a nationally recognized speaker, Patrick has committed his work to \"lighting it up\" for all those who work with students with disabilities through a hybrid of instruction and inspiration. His resources and strategies have helped make the complex simple, equipping teachers, administrators, therapists, para-educators, and bus drivers, alike.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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2025 Speakers<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Kathy Anneken
<\/strong>VP of Sales
Easy Way Safety Services<\/p>\n

Keba Baldwin
<\/strong>Director of Transportation & Central Garage\u200b
Prince George's County Public Schools\u200b<\/p>\n

John Benish
<\/strong>Chief Operating Officer
Cook-Illinois Corporation<\/p>\n

Laura Blankenship
<\/strong>Physical Therapist
Knox County Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee<\/p>\n

Tyler Bryan
<\/strong>Education Associate \u2013 School Transportation
Delaware Department of Education<\/p>\n

Josy Campbell
<\/strong>Director of Transportation
Harrison Schools District Two, Colorado<\/p>\n

Denny Coughlin
<\/strong>Consultant
School Bus Training LLC<\/p>\n

Denise Donaldson
<\/strong>Editor & Publisher\u200b
Safe Ride News Publications, Washington<\/p>\n

Terri Drca
<\/strong>Special Education Teacher
Davis School District, Utah<\/p>\n

Quanika Dukes-Spruill
<\/strong>Executive Director, Transportation Services
Newark Board of Education<\/p>\n

Kemberly Edwards
<\/strong>Educational Consultant\u200b
Mesquite Independent School District<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Laura Greene-Halley
<\/strong>Senior Director, Student Services\u200b
First Student, Inc.<\/p>\n

Launi Harden
<\/strong>Consultant\u200b
Launi\u2019s Transportation Solutions, LLC\u200b<\/p>\n

Aaron Harris
<\/strong>National Sales and Training Manager
Besi, Inc.<\/p>\n

Kala Henkensiefken
<\/strong>Special Education Transportation Manager
Bemidji Area Schools, Minnesota<\/p>\n

Julie Hrebicek
<\/strong>Director of Transportation
Magnolia ISD<\/p>\n

Dr. Susan King
<\/strong>Co-Founder \/ Special Education Professor
Connect Leaders and Practitioners (CLP)<\/p>\n

Sierra Long
<\/strong>Special Needs Route Supervisor
Garland ISD, TX<\/p>\n

Miriam Manary, CPST
<\/strong>Lead Research Engineer
University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute<\/p>\n

Jill Metcalfe
<\/strong>Director of the Transportation and Global Logistics Technology Center
Lone Star College, Texas<\/p>\n

Diana Mikelski
<\/strong>Director of Transportation
Township High School District 211<\/p>\n

Rachella Moore
<\/strong>Outreach Specialist
Statewide Outreach Center | Texas School for the Deaf<\/p>\n

Katrina Morris
<\/strong>Transportation Director\/Executive Director
West Shore ESD\/ Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Yvonne Morrison
<\/strong>Special Needs Transportation Lead
Widefield School District #3, CO<\/p>\n

Trisha Nolen
<\/strong>Southern Regional Manager
Q'Straint\/Sure-Lok<\/p>\n

Ursa Rewolinski
<\/strong>Sign Language Specialist
Statewide Outreach Center | Texas School for the Deaf<\/p>\n

Alexandra Robinson
<\/strong>President
A. Robinson Consulting<\/p>\n

Tamara Sheetz
<\/strong>Director of Student Supports
Battle Ground Public Schools<\/p>\n

Anthony Shields
<\/strong>Director of Transportation
San Marcos CISD<\/p>\n

Sue Shutrump, CPST<\/strong>
Special Education Transportation Consultant<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Maritza Valentin<\/strong>
Contract\/National Account Manager
AMF-Bruns America<\/p>\n

Charlie Vits, CPST
<\/strong>Child Passenger Safety &
Seating Consultant<\/p>\n

Bailey Wouters
<\/strong>SPED Routing Coordinator
Melissa ISD, TX<\/p>\n

Trudy Zhang
<\/strong>Homegoing Coordinator
Statewide Outreach Center | Texas School for the Deaf<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"dipi_cpt_category":[],"class_list":["post-22988287","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22988287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22988287"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22988287\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22988635,"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22988287\/revisions\/22988635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22988287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"dipi_cpt_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tsdconference.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dipi_cpt_category?post=22988287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}