Keynote Presenters
Lauren Sisler
Lauren Sisler is a three-time Emmy Award–winning ESPN sports broadcaster, author of Shatterproof, and nationally recognized speaker. Since joining ESPN in 2016, she has become known for her powerful storytelling and insightful coverage from the sidelines of college football and gymnastics. But Lauren’s story reaches far beyond the sidelines. During her freshman year of college, she faced a devastating tragedy that would forever change the course of her life. Through resilience, courage, and a commitment to living authentically, Lauren has turned her story into a powerful message that is inspiring audiences across the country.
Christy Isbell, PhD, OTR/L
Christy Isbell, PhD, OTR/L is Professor and Director of the Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Learning and Development at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). With over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, she specializes in early intervention and school-based practice. Dr. Isbell continues clinical work and research at ETSU’s Baby Steps Clinic, which serves young children with prenatal substance exposure. Her research focuses on early childhood topics including fine motor development, feeding, self-regulation, and creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Isbell is a frequent national and international speaker at professional conferences and has authored multiple books and articles for educators and other professionals who support the development of young children.
Breakout Session Presenters
Joseph D. Ackerson, PhD
Dr. Joe Ackerson is a pediatric neuropsychologist who has served as the Director of Psychology for Children’s Health System/Associate Clinical Director for Children’s Behavioral Health before spending ten years as the Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Since 2008 he has served as Clinical Director for Ackerson & Associates Cognitive and Behavioral Services, a private practice group located in Vestavia Hills, AL (www.ackersonandassociates.com). He has served on several national neurocognitive study groups, consulted to the NIH, and is a guest reviewer for the journal Neurology. He has over 30 publications and over 70 presentations. Dr. Ackerson’s clinical interests include the evaluation and treatment of all forms of traumatic brain injury (including concussion), executive dysfunction, ADD/ADHD and other cognitive processing/learning disorders, autism and other genetic disorders, epilepsy, and complicated medical cases impacting brain functioning including demyelinating and metabolic disorders. He frequently provides consultation services to schools, physicians, mental health professionals, the legal system, organizations, and healthcare systems regarding how to better serve their patients, students, and athletes with brain-based challenges.
Wendy Harris Altizer PT, ATP
Wendy Harris Altizer is a Physical Therapist and Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) with 30 years of expertise working with the pediatric medically complex community. Wendy has worked in neurological rehabilitation, early intervention, schools, and outpatient therapy while simultaneously running two clinics and an early intervention agency. She has completed research papers, taught CEU classes and written articles related to the F-words and assistive technology use. She actively works with the Clinician Task Force and the West Virginia Governor’s Early Intervention Coordinating Council, serving as chair of the Assistive Technology Committee. Her passion for training future practitioners from collegiate programs is unparalleled. Previous leader of Camp Gizmo Assistive Technology Camp and current head of the new OnTimeTech mobile assistive technology clinics, Wendy continues to encourage function and participation with children and their families in West Virginia and beyond, starting with early diagnosis and intervention.
Angela Anselmo, MA
Angela Anselmo is an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. She loves being a part of The Bell Center team. From a very young age, Angela knew that she wanted to be a teacher. Angela earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University and began to work in the special education preschool at Mountain Brook Elementary. While working in the special education preschool at Mountain Brook Elementary, Angela desired to become an early childhood education teacher and enrolled and earned her degree in the Master’s program for Early Childhood Special Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Angela has worked at The Bell Center for five years and enjoys being able to serve children of diverse needs from across the state.
Shauna Ashley, PhD, CCC-SLP
Dr. Shauna Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (pre-medical program) from Oregon Institute of Technology, Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University, Master of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from University of Oregon, and Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences from Faulkner University with an emphasis in pediatric feeding. Her areas of specialty include language, cognition, feeding/swallowing, voice, fluency, and issues related to autism (Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist). She serves on research committees and as an academic advisor. Prior to joining Faulkner University in 2020, Dr. Ashley worked as an SLP for six years in a variety of settings, including: skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities; home health; schools; and early intervention. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Faulkner University.
Stephanie Bear, EdS, CCC-SLP
Stephanie Bear is an Education Specialist II and Speech-Language Pathologist with the Alabama State Department of Education in Special Education Services, focusing on monitoring, preschool special education, speech-language impairment, English learners with special needs, and students with disabilities who attend private schools. She is the special education contact for Regions 4 and 10 and a Team Leader with the Integrated Monitoring Team. Before joining the State Department in 2014, she served as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Alabama and Georgia schools for fifteen years, with the last thirteen primarily serving preschool-aged children. She also has experience working PRN at Baptist East Hospital in Montgomery.
Brandy Black
Brandy Black is a Home Visiting Coordinator and former Parent Educator with extensive experience supporting families with young children through early childhood programs. She has worked directly with families to promote school readiness, strengthen parent-child interactions, and connect caregivers with community resources.
Brandy is passionate about empowering parents to serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Through her work in home visiting and community-based family engagement initiatives, she focuses on building strong partnerships between families, educators, and early childhood programs to support positive developmental outcomes for children.
Blaklie H Blevins, MS, CCC- SLP
Blaklie H Blevins, MS, CCC-SLP earned her bachelor’s degree (2000) and master’s degree (2002) in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo. She is licensed through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA), and is a member of the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA). Blaklie is the owner of Talk2Me, Inc and enjoys providing services to children across a range of settings. She works with Team for Kids where she provides outpatient services to children with a variety of speech/language disorders. Blaklie provides Early Intervention services for ages birth to three through both TEAM EI and AIDB. Upon being invited to participate in the Alabama Part C Autism Mentorship Initiative, Blaklie has worked to collaborate with a cohort of professionals to expand the identification and service provision within natural environments for children with characteristics of autism.
Autumn M. Bobo, OTR/L
Autumn M Bobo, OTR/L earned her Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1998. Autumn is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association (ALOTA). She is the owner of TEAM Rehabilitation, Inc., which serves children throughout Calhoun and surrounding counties with school-based services and contracts Early Intervention services to programs within the area. Autumn also owns and operates TEAM For Kids which provides outpatient OT and speech services to children in these areas. Her newest venture is TEAM EI which provides Early Intervention to Calhoun and surrounding areas. She utilizes her 28 years of pediatric experience along with additional certifications to assist children reach their full potential. Autumn was selected to join the Alabama Part C Autism Initiative in the initial cohort. She has worked closely with professionals across the state as an Alabama Part C Autism Mentor to encourage early identification and service provision for children with delays in social communication.
Mary H. Bryan, MEd, CCC-SLP
Mary H. Bryan is an Assistant Clinical Professor at The University of Alabama where she works as a Clinical Educator and Clinical Placement Coordinator. Mary is also an adjunct instructor at The University of Kentucky. She received her B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Communication Studies and Linguistics and her M.Ed. from The University of Virginia in Speech-Language Pathology. Mary serves on the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama executive board and in 2025 received the SHAA Honors of the Association Award.
Ashley Campbell, AuD, CCC-A
Ashley Campbell, AuD completed her doctorate in audiology from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2011. She completed her fourth year externship at Magnolia Speech School in Jackson, MS before accepting a job at the UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics in July of 2011. At Sparks, Ashley is part of an interdisciplinary team that sees children coming in for autism and/or developmental evaluations and her role is to rule out, diagnose or treat hearing loss. She is involved in the Newborn Follow-up clinic, Lifespan Down Syndrome clinic and UAB Early Head Start’s yearly hearing screenings. She is also passionate about (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder testing and fitting low gain hearing aid technology when appropriate. She is a member of the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA). In her free time, Ashley enjoys weightlifting, CrossFit and her boxer dogs.
Emily Campbell, MPH, CHES
Emily Campbell serves as the Alabama Healthy Kids, Healthy Future Director at the Alabama Partnership for Children. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Public Health in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Alabama and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. Emily has experience delivering health education programming on physical activity and nutrition for a range of audiences, and designing and implementing health promotion initiatives across educational, occupational, and clinical settings. In her current role, she works to expand professional development opportunities for early childhood educators across Alabama and to integrate evidence-based child health practices into state systems. In her free time, Emily enjoys staying active and spending time with her partner and two cats!
K. Megan Carpenter, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES
Megan Carpenter teaches full time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham but also continues to work in early intervention with AIDB. She has worked in EI for 16 years as an occupational therapist and specializes in medical feeding, eating, and swallowing.
Tara Carr, EdS
Tara Carr, EdS, is the Director of Pre-K Programs for Montgomery Public Schools, where she leads the implementation and oversight of high-quality early childhood education initiatives, including First Class Pre-K classrooms. She is committed to ensuring program excellence through strong instructional leadership, compliance with the Alabama Standards for Early Learning and Development, and support for equitable learning opportunities for all young children. Her leadership focuses on building effective systems, empowering educators, and strengthening family and community partnerships to promote school readiness and long-term student success.
Allison Cavender, MD
Dr. Allison Cavender is a Birmingham native and completed medical school and pediatric residency at UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Prior to joining Cahaba Medical Care, she was a member of the interdisciplinary team at UAB Sparks Clinics. She is particularly interested in caring for children with autism and complex medical issues.
Kelli Chaviano, DO
Dr. Kelli Chaviano is a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician at University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Medicine, and Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. She graduated PM&R residency at Michigan State University and pediatric rehabilitation medicine fellowship from University of Texas Southwestern. She is the education lead for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation Medicine Committee. She is the past-chair of the Education Committee in American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. She is the past co-secretary of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Cancer Rehabilitation Medicine Consortium. She is a Brain Injury Medicine board exam content creator for American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is the creator of “I CAN Rehab,” (or “Integrative Cancer REHABilitation”) program at both University of Texas Southwestern and University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her other clinical interests include cancer rehabilitation, brain injury, osteopathic manipulative medicine, mindfulness, medical education, and graphic medicine.
Chris Collins
Chris Collins is a loving husband and father of two boys, ages three and six months. He is just beginning his early intervention journey with his youngest son who is profoundly disabled. Professionally, Chris is a product management leader who works with government agencies to deliver services to the public. He is honored to share his perspective as a father during this conference.
Greta Conlon
Greta Conlon is a current UAB Medical Psychology Graduate student with an interest in pediatric neuropsychology. She is currently working with Dr. Joesph Ackerson in his neuropsychology clinic.
Candace H. Cook, MS, CCC-SLP
Candace Handley Cook is a Clinical Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama where she has served as a Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Educator and instructor for more than 15 years. She supervises undergraduate and graduate students providing assessment and treatment for feeding, articulation, language, fluency, and social communication disorders, as well as utilizing augmentative/alternative communication strategies. She is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding ® and the CAN-EAT© Approach for children with feeding difficulties, as well as the SCERTS ® Model for social communication. She is also a certified trainer for Project ImPACT©, a parent-mediated intervention for children with delays in social communication.
Morgan Cord
Morgan Cord is a fourth-year Auburn audiology student who is currently a duel LEND trainee for audiology and self-advocacy at UAB Civitan-Sparks clinics in Birmingham, AL. She has a particular interest in pediatric audiology, as a bimodal user herself, and is a huge advocate for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing community. Her audiological interests span a wide range of topics, including electrophysiology, cochlear implants, amplification outcomes, genetics of hearing loss, and diagnostics and treatments of pediatric special populations. Outside of fourth year, she enjoys trying new foods and playing board games with family. War Eagle!
Tammi S. Dahle, PhD, NCC, LPC, LPC-SC
Dr. Tammi Dahle is the current Associate Director at the Woolley Institute for Spoken language and Education (WISE). In that role she oversees professional staff members and is responsible for administrative oversight and strategic initiatives. Dr. Dahle began her association with WISE as a parent of a WISE student from 2010-2012. She also served as a member of the WISE Board of Directors for a decade. A Birmingham native, Dr. Dahle is a graduate of the University of Montevallo and received both a bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts and a master’s degree in Counseling from that institution. Dr. Dahle also holds a doctoral degree from the University of Alabama in Counselor Education, which she received in 2003. Licensed to practice counseling in the state of Alabama, Dr. Dahle began her career in the private sector. In 2000, she began her tenure at the University of Montevallo as the Career Center Director. During her 26 years at UM, she worked to help educate Alabama students by also serving as Counseling Center Director, Counseling and Career Center Director, Dean of Students, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, and Executive Vice President for Student Affairs. Among her many professional accolades, Dr. Dahle was selected as a Better Business Journal “Woman to Watch.” Dr. Dahle has been married to John Dahle of Birmingham for 28 years. She has two college age sons, Jack and Ben.
Mary Laura Day, OTR/L
Mary Laura Day has been working at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs for over 16 years. She also has 11 years of experience as a Kindermusik educator. She has attended continuing education for the Sequential Oral Sensory approach and Beckman Oral Motor approach. She is certified in Neonatal Touch and Massage. Mary Laura considers it a great honor to serve children and families in these capacities. She graduated from Auburn University in 2003 with an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and received a master’s degree at UAB in Occupational Therapy in 2008. Occupational Therapy at The Bell Center allows her to be creative while equipping her with the ability to make a difference in the lives of other people. Her vision to encourage, support and help others aligns with The Bell Center’s mission to help children reach their full potential.
Stephanie De Bear
Stephanie De Bear is an Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction Specialist at UCP of Central Florida, where she partners with teachers and school leaders to strengthen instructional practices across inclusive early childhood classrooms. She provides job-embedded coaching, develops and facilitates professional learning, and supports educators in implementing research-based strategies that promote high-quality instruction and positive outcomes for all learners. Stephanie is passionate about helping teachers build engaging, developmentally appropriate classrooms that foster student growth, independence, and school readiness.
Lindsey Dean, LBSW
Lindsey Dean, LBSW, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Auburn University in 2004 and began her career as a Service Coordinator in Maternity Care. After becoming a mother, Lindsey worked as a preschool educator for several years before dedicating time to raising her children at home. In 2017, Lindsey returned to the workforce as a social worker and currently serves as the Service Coordinator Supervisor for Village Early Intervention. She brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work with families, grounding her approach in empathy, collaboration, and respect. Originally from Florida, Lindsey has called Birmingham home for the past 13 years. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Madeleine (19) and Katherine (16). Lindsey is passionate about meeting families where they are and ensuring they receive the highest quality services and support.
Sandy Donovan, MSN, RN, CASA
Sandy Donovan, MSN, RN, CASA, has spent her life and career serving the needs of children and families. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, specializing in pediatrics, and has practiced nursing in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. Her career has included positions of: Assistant Professor of Nursing, Clinical Educator, Quality Specialist, Assistant Director of School Health, and Consultant for E.I. Dupont, allowing her to work with a vast array of age groups, family units, and clinical environments. Serving as the Health Committee Chair for the first Jefferson County Children’s Policy Council introduced her to the Juvenile Justice system and sparked a commitment to community service for at-risk children who cannot speak for themselves. Serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), she has worked with foster children and foster parents in Georgia, where she received the CASA of the Year Award 2018 for the judicial district she served, and is currently an active CASA in Autauga County, Alabama. She is a wife of 49 years to her life’s love, Jim, mother of three amazing adult children and their spouses, and “Nana” to six precious grandchildren.
Kathryn C. Duncan, EdS
Kathryn Duncan has worked in Deaf Education for over 29 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Deaf Education and Elementary Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She also has a Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama and an EdS in School Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kathryn served at the Alabama School for the Deaf as middle/high school counselor and School Psychologist prior to moving to Deaf/HH Outreach department.
Mary Ellen Whigham, ADN, RN
Mary Ellen Whigham is a registered nurse who received her associate degree in nursing from Mobile College (currently the University of Mobile) in Mobile, Alabama, in 1984. She is currently employed by the ADPH as the EHDI Coordinator, directly supervising four audiology graduate student interns and a nurse coordinator. She brings over 40 years of nursing experience and has worked in various fields such as intensive care, emergency room, child psych, cardiac care, urology, orthopedic care, home health/ hospice care, dialysis, doctors’ office manager, and infectious disease coordinator with ADPH for 18 months prior to working with the ANSP. In addition, she is a mother of a child with late effects of hearing loss diagnosed at age 7 due to risk factors of prematurity prior to newborn screening.
Linnea Elliott, EdS
Linnea Elliott has been a teacher for 20 years, including as a Special Education teacher, teacher for the Visually Impaired, and teacher for D/HH in the public school system. She has a bachelor and master degrees in Special Education, she’s certified in VI, and has her Ed. S in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. She just transitioned to become an Outreach Provider with AIDB in August of 2024.
Kelli Ellis, MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT
Kelli Ellis is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (Cert AVT). She currently serves on the team at the Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education (WISE), a preschool and therapy program serving children with hearing differences across Alabama. Kelli has over 20 years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of children with hearing loss and other developmental concerns. She has experience in early intervention, outpatient, preschool classroom and school settings.
Gay Finn
Gay has over 30 years of experience in public education. She was a first-grade teacher, a second-grade teacher, and a school-based reading coach for 10 years. She then served as a regional reading coach with the Alabama Reading Initiative. After two years in these regional positions, Gay became an Education Specialist and later an Education Administrator with the Alabama State Department of Education. She then worked with the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education as the Assistant Director of the Office of School Readiness. Gay earned her B.S. degree from the University of Alabama in Business Management, her Master’s degree from the University of Montevallo in Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Educational Administration, PK-12. Gay currently serves as the Early Language and Literacy Coordinator for the Feed Me Words initiative at the Alabama Partnership for Children.
Amy Fisher, MS, ECSE
Amy Fisher started her career in Mobile, AL while attending the University of South Alabama. She worked for Easter Seals at their preschool and then moved into working in home programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. After she graduated from USA, she moved to Birmingham to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s graduate school. While in school, she continued her work in home programs, worked as a special instructor for Early Intervention and as an early childhood special education preschool teacher in Jefferson County. Once she completed her master’s degree, Amy transitioned to a private early intervention program where she worked as an ECSE teacher and then the program director while also continuing to work as a special instructor vendor. After Amy left the private early intervention center, she began working in the AEIS system, first as an early intervention specialist for DMH and now as an early intervention monitor. Though Amy misses providing direct services to children and their families, she enjoys her position in AEIS and the positive changes she can help make as part of the state team for all children enrolled in AEIS by supporting the teams and people who serve our children and families.
Debra Florea
Debra has worked in Early Intervention for 15 years in various capacities. Her current position is Early Intervention Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Cindy Florence, MA, ECSE
Cindy graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She acquired a master’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama Birmingham. Cindy taught special education at the elementary school level with Jefferson County Schools prior to joining The Bell Center in 2015. Cindy enjoys working with babies along with their caregivers to maximize individual potential. When you ask Cindy why she became a special education teacher, she credits a little boy named Patrick, who showed her how rewarding it is to find joy in the little things.
Shannon Foster
Shannon has been employed with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services for 21 years. She worked as a District Early Intervention Coordinator from 2005 to 2012. She was the primary monitor for over 20 Early Intervention (EI) programs from 2012 to 2021. From 2021 to 2023, she worked as the EI Field Supervisor and is currently the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Coordinator for Early Intervention. She is a graduate of Troy State University with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology.
Fran Frost, OTR/L
Fran Frost, OTR/L, is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with more than 30 years of experience serving children and families across a variety of pediatric settings. As part of United Ability’s Outpatient Clinic, Fran specializes in evaluating and treating children with complex feeding histories, oral motor and swallowing challenges, sensory processing differences, and developmental delays. Fran is especially passionate about helping children who struggle with feeding. She takes a whole-child approach, carefully considering how oral motor skills, sensory processing, positioning, nutrition, and overall development work together to support safe and successful mealtimes. She collaborates closely with physicians, nutritionists, therapists, teachers, and families to create individualized treatment plans that meet each child’s unique needs.
Ben Gravlee
Ben is a proud father of a two-year old son with Down Syndrome. He is a loving sibling of his older brother, Joseph, who also has Down Syndrome. Ben grew up in Fairhope within a Bed and Breakfast. Ben attended The University of Alabama and studied Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer and a certified energy manager. He is a project manager for Alabama Power. Ben and his wife, Jill, have a total of four children, Mary (7), Margaret (7), Catherine (5), and Benjamin (2). The Gravlee family lives in Birmingham, Alabama.
Glenda Grbac, MEd, BCBA, LBA
Glenda Grbac graduated from UAB in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and found her passion for working with children with ASD and other developmental disorders at Mitchell’s Place. She gained experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, teacher assistant, and lead teacher in the early learning preschool program. She obtained her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from UAB in 2019 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2024. She currently works as a school consultant and parent advocate.
Maegan Guven, MS, RD
Maegan is a Registered Dietician who specializes in pediatric nutrition therapy for babies at the Newborn Follow-Up Clinic. Maegan obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Auburn University. She also completed an Early Intervention Training Program at Auburn University Graduate School. Maegan completed her dietetic internship at Winthrop University in South Carolina. She went on to receive her Master’s in Nutrition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she completed a pediatric nutrition traineeship at Sparks Center. She has worked in specialty clinics at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Children’s of Alabama. Maegan is a Dietitian for the Early Head Start Program and New Born Follow- Up Clinic at UAB.
Kendall Hampton
Kendall Hampton has spent over two decades supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. She is an Early Language and Literacy Facilitator with the Alabama Partnership for Children’s Feed Me Words program, where she delivers professional development on brain, language, and early literacy development. Kendall also serves as a Developmental Specialist and Autism Mentor within the Alabama Early Intervention System and is the owner of Rested Families, LLC, where she provides pediatric sleep support. Her work focuses on helping caregivers and professionals support children’s development through everyday routines, with an emphasis on communication, sleep, regulation, and early learning.
Laura Hansen, PhD
Dr. Laura Hansen is the Director of the UA-ASD Clinic and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychology. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed her pre-doctoral internship in clinical psychology at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. Dr. Hansen also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical child psychology with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. From September 2020 to April 2024, Dr. Hansen served as the Director of Psychology at Mitchell’s Place, a comprehensive ASD treatment facility in Birmingham, AL. She joined the UA-ASD Clinic staff in spring 2024.
William Harper-Hooper IV, PhD
Dr. William Harper-Hooper IV is an associate professor of early childhood education at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Harper-Hooper has experience in the field of early childhood education serving as a classroom teacher, curriculum coach, administrator, accreditation consultant, and researcher. Dr. Harper-Hooper is a published author with research interest focused on culture and diversity in early childhood education, social and emotional development, and support for improving teacher-child relationships.
Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/L
Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/L, is a clinician scientist and occupational therapist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from Ohio State University. Karen is an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati and a faculty member of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disability (LEND) Program. Her clinical and research expertise includes evaluating and treating children with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) and Cerebral Palsy (CP). Her research program aims to close the gap between early brain injury and delayed diagnosis and intervention. She is heavily involved in working towards evidence-based interventions for children with CVI. Dr. Harpster currently serves as principal investigator or co–principal investigator on several funded studies, including NIH-supported research focused on early CVI detection and outcomes, international studies examining the early natural history of CP, and randomized controlled trials of early intervention for infants with CVI and CP.
Rebecca Harris, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Rebecca brings more than a decade of experience serving children and families with a wide range of communication needs. Rebecca earned her a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo. Following graduate school, Rebecca began her professional career at United Ability working in Everly intervention. This work strengthens her skills in family-centered care and shaped her understanding of the importance of partnering closely with caregivers to support meaningful progress across daily routines. Rebecca has worked in the pediatric outpatient setting for the past 10 years, with a passion for working with children using AAC/AT. Currently, Rebecca serves as lead speech language pathologist in the Ability Clinic at United Ability in Birmingham, AL.
Loretta Hayslip, PhD
Loretta Hayslip, PhD is the Executive Director at the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Early Learning Center. She has direct oversight of the RISE School. Her research focuses on building a sense of belonging in inclusive early childhood classrooms. She is an active member of both National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Division for Early Childhood (DEC); and serves on the Early Childhood Advisory Board for Calhoun Community College.
Lynzee Head, DO
Dr. Head is a general pediatrician with a long interest in rehabilitation. She currently sees patients in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Gastroenterology clinics as a general pediatrician, working to bridge the gap between the two specialties.
Abby Hicks, MA, CO
Abby Hicks, MA CO, received her B.A. Degree in Communication from Biola University and her M.A. Degree in Family Counseling from Denver Seminary. Abby is the Director of Village Early Intervention and also serves as an Early Intervention Service Coordinator, Developmental Specialist and mentor for the Alabama Part C Autism Initiative. A native of Colorado, Abby has lived all over the country including Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, and Fort Lauderdale, and currently lives in Birmingham with her husband and their four children. Her first experience with Early Intervention was as an EI “mom” for some of her own children and she has since been working in EI for 20 years and loves supporting children and their families.
Kimberly Hile, PhD
Dr. Kimberly Hile is an associate professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where she coordinates the Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education and Child, Family, and Community Development undergraduate degree programs. Dr. Hile also serves as the principal investigator for the Regional Autism Network at UAH. She has over 25 years of experience supporting young children, with and without disabilities, and their families in a variety of capacities, including early care and education teacher, child welfare case manager, and Part C Early Intervention Service Coordinator and developmental therapist. Her research interests focus on the inclusion of young children with disabilities, Part C Early Intervention, implementing family-centered practices, and personnel preparation.
Katasha Hughes, MAECEL
Katasha is the Project Coordinator for Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose through UCP of Mobile. She has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Master’s in Early Childhood Education Leadership. She has been with Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose for almost three years and enjoys teaching and helping other teachers learn about including those with disabilities.
Marc Hultquist, DO, FAAP
Dr. Hultquist is a board-certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician with more than two decades of clinical and leadership experience in military and civilian medicine. He earned his medical degree from Des Moines University in 1999 and completed his general pediatric residency at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. After residency, he began his career in Army medicine, serving as a general pediatrician at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma, beginning in 2002. In 2013 Dr. Hultquist completed a Fellowship in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Madigan Army Medical Center (Fort Lewis, Washington). He subsequently held several senior leadership positions in the U.S. Army Medical Department, including Chief of Pediatrics at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany (2014–2017) and Director of the Department of Defense’s Early Intervention and Related Services for Europe. He retired from active duty in 2023. Following his military career, Dr. Hultquist transitioned to civilian practice and now serves as an independent contractor for the State of Alabama and for Glenwood in Birmingham, where he continues to provide specialized care in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, with a focus on early intervention and multidisciplinary management of children with developmental concerns.
Heather Jackson, AuD, CCC-A
Heather Jackson earned her Doctor of Audiology from Auburn University and completed her externship at Civitan-Sparks Clinic, where she now practices full-time. She has a special interest in serving children with developmental delays and is passionate about improving community education and awareness surrounding overlooked hearing loss.
Liletta Jenkins, MS, CPM
Liletta M. Jenkins serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. With more than 20 years of experience, she leads statewide initiatives that support children and families, including 67 County Children’s Policy Councils and the Born Ready University birth-to-five parenting programs. Her work focuses on advancing social and emotional development, school readiness, and healthy, safe environments. She also supports key initiatives such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and First 10 Communities to promote successful transitions to kindergarten. Liletta is known for connecting community needs with leaders who can drive meaningful change. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Faulkner University and has a Certified Public Manager through Auburn University Montgomery.
Chantel Jno-Finn, PT, DPT
Chantel J. Jno-Finn, PT, DPT is a Pediatric Physical Therapist of over 18 years who has treated and worked with families and their children with developmental delays and/or movement disorders. She currently works at the UAB Newborn Follow-Up Clinic and the Lifespan Down Syndrome Clinic providing care to infants and toddlers and assisting with research. She is a vendor for the Alabama Early Intervention System and co-teaches Journey II trainings in the Birmingham area. Chantel gained pediatric experience working for Children’s of Alabama in the NICU, Cardiac Unit, Early Intervention, pediatric weight management, and specialty clinics. She obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2007 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education – Kinesiology from Louisiana State University. Chantel is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association where she previously served as the cultural and linguistic competence liaison and member of the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy.
Barbie Jones
Barbie Jones is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood at UCP of Central Florida, where she leads the development and implementation of research-based curriculum and instructional practices across inclusive early childhood programs. With extensive experience in both public education and nonprofit leadership, she partners with school leaders and teachers to strengthen instructional quality, support family engagement, and ensure every child receives individualized, evidence-based instruction that promotes success. Prior to joining UCP, Barbie served as an Early Childhood Education Liaison, where she designed a districtwide program that earned state recognition and was replicated across multiple school districts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with graduate certification in School Principal Leadership and advanced coursework in Early Childhood Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Rachel Kassel, MD, PhD
Rachel Kassel is an Associate Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a practicing physician at Children’s of Alabama. She holds both an MD and a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Virginia and completed her pediatric training and fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Kassel serves in multiple leadership roles, including Medical Director of the Multidisciplinary Feeding Program and GI Director of the Aerodigestive Program, reflecting her focus on complex feeding and swallowing disorders. Her research and quality improvement work emphasize caregiver well-being, aerodigestive conditions, and outcomes in children with medical complexity. She is also an active educator, mentor, and national contributor to professional societies in pediatric gastroenterology and feeding disorders.
Jane Burton Keith, MSPT, CNT, NTMTC
Jane Burton Keith is a neonatal Physical Therapist at UAB Hospital. She is a Certified Neonatal Therapist and holds certifications in Neonatal Touch and Massage and Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment. Having spent her entire 34 years in pediatrics, she has worked in many settings including early intervention, neonatal follow-up clinics, birth to three outpatient, as well as neonatal and general acute care pediatrics. Over the last 16 years, she and Alicia Peeples worked together to establish consistent therapy protocols at UAB’s RNICU/CCN. Current projects include working with the Neuro NICU team to improve early identification of cerebral palsy as well as working with her therapy team to advance care in NICU to optimize long term outcomes. Her experience in early intervention and other follow-up clinics has given her perspective on the problems NICU graduates encounter through the early years of development. She has a passion for this population and strives to facilitate an optimal transition from the NICU to home with appropriate referrals and parent education.
Hannah Kennedy, PhD
Dr. Hannah Kennedy has had over ten years of experience serving children and families in the field(s) of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. She has served as General Education and Special Education teacher for students in a variety of inclusive early childhood settings. In her current role as Assistant Professor in Teacher Education, she has the opportunity to share her passion for child development theory, developmentally appropriate practices, and inclusive education in the Early Childhood setting.
Jennifer L. Kilgo, EdD
Dr. Jennifer L. Kilgo is a University Professor of Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) in the School of Education and Human Sciences at UAB. Dr. Kilgo directs a federally funded, interdisciplinary personnel preparation program, Project TransTeam, that prepares professionals to serve young children, birth through age five, with disabilities and their families. She has published widely in the area of teaming and interprofessional preparation and has presented at a variety of conferences on the state and national levels. Dr. Kilgo has served in national leadership positions through the Division of Early Childhood (DEC). She has worked with young children with delays and disabilities, families, and other community stakeholders throughout her career as an early interventionist, special educator, and professor at the University of Hawaii, Virginia Commonwealth University, and UAB. For more than four decades, Dr. Kilgo has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to mentoring graduate students through strong leadership, sustained scholarship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in interdisciplinary education.
Belinda Kock, LPC, FT
Belinda is a Licensed Professional Counselor that resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She earned her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Montevallo in Aug. 2016. She received her Certification of Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling the following year and in December of 2021, Belinda completed her Grief Counseling Studies through the Center for Loss & Life Transition with Dr. Alan Wolfelt in Fort Collins, Co. Due to what she calls her “Forced Sabbath of 2020”, Belinda took some time off from traditional mental health counseling to focus on her grief education studies, take a few cross-country motorcycle trips, and meet some of the most amazing people that helped her learn to heal and rest. She also became a published author and released her first grief support journal titled “Becoming a Mindful Mourner”. In 2023 Belinda tip-toed back into the Counseling field to finish her LPC. She spends her time facilitating grief groups in her local community, caring for grievers one on one as a grief counselor, and shares her passion for grief education through online and in-person training. She is a nationally certified QPR suicide prevention trainer and provides Mental Health First Aid training, both in-person and online, to people all over the country. If Belinda is not spending time with her family or companioning someone through their grief journey, you can find her riding her big green Harley to visit Bucee’s all over the country or coaching a motorcycle safety class at her local Harley Davidson dealership.
Erica O. Lee, PhD
Dr. Erica Lee is an assistant professor of Special Education at the University of Montevallo. As a former Early Childhood Special Education teacher, she has an immense passion for improving educational outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families. Her research interests include social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and evidence-based practices for students with and at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders.
Johnny Lee
Johnny Lee is the Director of Peace@Work, an agency dedicated to the prevention of violence in and through the workplace. He is also the President of ePanicButton, LLC which provides a desktop software duress alarm program and the Threat Assessment Dashboard, an incident/threat assessment case management. His previous experience includes his role as the Training Director for the UNC-Chapel Hill Injury Prevention Research Center’s PREVENT program, delivering a national violence prevention training program. He was previously also the Workplace Violence Specialist for the Office of State Personnel in Raleigh, North Carolina. His responsibilities included consulting state agencies on the development and revision of their workplace violence programs. Previously, as the Victim Services Coordinator for the Asheville Police Department, he delivered assistance to victims from the crime scene.
Katrina Lipscomb, MEd
Katrina earned her BS and MS in Education from Jacksonville State University. After graduating from college, Katrina worked as a classroom teacher. In 2007, she started Early Intervention as a Special Instructor/Service Coordinator. She was with a program for several years, but took an opportunity to work with Child, Youth, and School Services for the Department of Defense. While working with DoD, she missed Early Intervention and started working as a vendor. She also worked as an EI Program Director. In 2023, Katrina returned to EI as a State Monitor. Katrina loves making a difference in the lives of the EI families we serve. When not working, Katrina loves art, music, riding ATVs, spending time with friends and family, and being part of ALTRUSA.
Savannah Loudin
Savannah Loudin is an Inclusion Consultant with Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose at UCP Huntsville, where she partners with educators to support children of all abilities in early learning environments. With a background in applied behavior therapy and over ten years of experience working with individuals with Autism, Savannah brings both professional expertise and a deep passion for inclusion to her work. She provides classroom-based support, develops trainings, and equips teachers with practical strategies they can use immediately. Savannah has presented at local and national conferences, including NASA’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month event, and is known for her engaging, relatable approach. She believes that what is essential for some is beneficial for all, and strives to make inclusion feel both achievable and impactful.
Lydia Lowery, MT-BC, NMT™
Lydia, originally from Boaz, AL, obtained her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Mississippi University for Women. She completed her internship at Easter Seals Midwest Autism Services, working with a wide range of ages and abilities. Lydia’s clinical work has focused on autism and developmental disabilities, early childhood development, and the school system, with specialized experience in Gestalt Language Processing and sensory regulation. She has been affiliated with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® since 2023. Lydia is deeply passionate about empowering her clients through music therapy, a mission inspired by her own experience receiving services as a teenager during cancer treatment.
Karen Lea Martin, OTD, OTR/L
Karen Lea Martin (Hyche) holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University. Her thirty years of experience includes psychiatric care, school-based (Part B) services, Early Intervention (Part C) services and pediatric outpatient services. Karen has been a national speaker for PESI and is the co-author of “Classroom Strategies for Children with ADHD, Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders” and “Connecting the Dots between development and behavior”. She is the owner of The (Hyche) Center for Sensory & Motor Learning in Jasper, AL.
Kimberly McAnnally
Kimberly McAnnally has been teaching in a variety of areas for over 25 years in classrooms and as a child care director. She truly enjoys teaching others. She is a resident of Madison, AL and has worked for Child Care Central for seven years. She is married to her wonderful husband Dewayne and they share a daughter and son who are both in college, as well as four dogs that run the show.
Jennifer McInerney, JD, LL.M. in Taxation, MA, BA
Ms. McInerney devotes her practice to helping families and small businesses with their legal needs. Her expertise in estate planning focuses primarily on families with special needs children. She is passionate about helping families with special needs planning, which is estate planning for the benefit of a family which includes someone who is disabled or who may be receiving needs-based government assistance. The emphasis in her planning for such a family is to protect the family member who may receive (now or in the future) needs-based government assistance. She achieves this through estate planning and by utilizing specialized accounts, special needs trusts, and other legal and financial tools.
Aida Miles, EdD, MMSc, RDN, LD, CSP, FAND
Aida Miles, EdD, MMsc, RDN, CSP, LD, FAND, is associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, in the Division of Adolescent Medicine. She is the director of the UAB Leadership Education in Pediatric Nutrition Program; a training grant funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to train professionals and students in pediatric nutrition and maternal and child health. Additionally, she serves as nutrition faculty for 2 other MCHB training grants, the LEAH grant (Leadership Education in Adolescent Health), and the LEND grant (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities). Dr. Miles’ pediatric nutrition expertise spans three decades and has focused primarily on child and adolescent obesity, nutrition challenges of children with disabilities, and pediatric feeding and eating disorders. As a pediatric dietitian and consultant Dr. Miles has worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Center, the Clinic4Kidz Feeding Disorders Program, and the Munroe Meyer Pediatric Feeding Disorders Clinic. Professionally, Dr. Miles has held many leadership roles, including being Chair of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group. She was a member of the Academy’s Board of Directors, and Speaker of their House of Delegates between 2014 and 2017. She has also served as the Chair of the Academy’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Chair of the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition Member Interest Group. Currently, Dr. Miles is the Editor in Chief of the Academy’s Pediatric Nutrition Care Manual, a Board member of the Academy’s Foundation, a member of the Commission on Dietetics Registration’s Appeals Committee, and the South-Central Regional Director for the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors Council. She is the newly elected Chair-Elect of the Academy’s Disabilities Member Interest Group. Dr. Miles is also an active leader in other national organizations, currently serving as the Dietitian Liaison on the board of the International Association of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing, the interim president of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, and a co-author of the Obesity Medicine Association’s 2027 Pediatric Obesity Algorithm.
Gwendolyn Miniard, MS, CAMS-I, CGP, ALC
For over twenty years, Gwendolyn has worked and advocated for children, women and families in a variety of professional roles in social services, education, and mental health over the state of Alabama. Gwendolyn is an Associate Licensed Professional Counselor under the supervision of Katrina Elston, Ed. S. LPC-S. Gwendolyn is a proud alumnus of the University of West Alabama. Gwendolyn earned a BS in Psychology and MS in Counseling Psychology. She is licensed from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. Gwendolyn is the owner of Bright Horizons Family Resource Center, LLC. Bright Horizons provides counseling services to children and families, and consults for nonprofits and social services agencies.
Kimberly Moon, MA
Kimberly Moon has worked in the field of Deaf Education for over 29 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Deaf Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Master of Science degree in Deaf Education from Lamar University, as well as a Library Media certification from the University of West Alabama. She has served AIDB as a DHH classroom educator, library media specialist, and now as an Outreach Provider for DHH, serving the needs of DHH students and educators across the state. She holds several certifications in assessing DHH students and is a trained CAEBER educator.
Christy Moran, OTD, OTR/L
Christy is an Occupational Therapist with her OTD from UAB. She has been an OT since 1991. She owned an OT business providing home health care for nine years. She then began work at Children’s of Alabama where she worked in outpatient, early intervention, inpatient, NICU, the intensive feeding program, and feeding clinic. She retired from COA after 24 years. She is currently working at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. She has specialized training in the SOS feeding approach, Beckman Oral Motor therapy, infant massage, Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Strategies, and Neonatal therapy. She has four grandchildren, two of which have special needs.
Mary Beth Moses, PT, MS, PCS, NTMTC
Mary Beth Moses is a Physical Therapist who has been practicing in the area of pediatrics and early intervention for 37 years. She received her Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Alabama Birmingham and is a Specialist Certified in Pediatric Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. She is Neonatal Touch & Massage Therapist Certified and is certified as a level A practitioner in Dynamic Movement Intervention. Mary Beth has worked in school systems, early intervention programs, outpatient physical therapy, inpatient physical therapy and gait analysis. She has worked with programs such as the ARC of Shelby County, Children’s of Alabama, and is currently employed full time by The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. Mary Beth was Adjunct Faculty at UAB teaching classes on walking, gait analysis and pediatric treatment from 1995-2003, and taught as Adjunct Faculty teaching pediatric content at Samford University from 2016-2021. She has participated in research projects related to Identifying abnormal movement patterns in Very Low Birth Weight Infants, and Gait Analysis and Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy. She has also presented on a variety of topics related to Pediatric Physical Therapy at Alabama Physical Therapy Conferences and Alabama Early Intervention Conferences.
Noelle Nicholson, MS, CCC-SLP
Noelle Nicholson is a Speech-Language Pathologist at The Bell Center for Early Education Intervention Programs in Homewood, Alabama. Prior to her work at The Bell Center, she served elementary-aged students through Helping Hands Therapy. She received her undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders from The University of Alabama and earned her Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from there as well. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and state license from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Her professional interests include augmentative and alternative communication modalities and early childhood language development.
Samantha Pate, MEd, BCBA, LBA
Samantha Pate joined Mitchell’s Place in 2006 and currently serves as the Education Director. Samantha received her bachelor’s from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies and holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Special Education. She also holds a certificate from Auburn University in Early Intervention. Samantha received her certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analysist in 2021, and her license as a Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama in 2022. Since joining the team, Samantha has held many positions ranging from lead teacher in the Early Learning Program, Teach Me Therapist, assistant teacher, extended day staff and floater, and she moved into the Director of Education position in 2017.
Alicia Peeples, DPT, CNT, NTMTC
Alicia Peeples is a neonatal physical therapist at UAB. She is a Certified Neonatal Therapist and holds certifications in Neonatal Touch and Massage and Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment. She began her career at UAB 16 years ago and has worked with Jane Burton Keith to establish consistent therapy protocols at UAB’s RNICU/CCN. Her clinical rotations and work before physical therapy school included work with the 0-3 year old population which has given her perspective on the needs of the neonatal population in regard to long term outcomes. Alicia is a part of UAB’s Neuro NICU team and she has worked to bring standardized assessments to UAB to aid in the effort to improve early identification of cerebral palsy and risks for other neurodevelopmental impairments. She believes educating and empowering parents is vital to successful outcomes of NICU babies and loves to see her former patients thriving in the community and when they visit the NICU.
Tabitha Perry, MS
Tabitha Perry obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Montevallo. In 2013, she began working in Early Intervention as a Service Coordinator / Developmental Specialist at EIEIO in Prattville, AL. In 2015, she became a District EI Coordinator in Birmingham and obtained her Master of Education from American InterContinental University. In 2020, she began her work as a Rehabilitation Specialist, a position that enables her to continue providing training and support to early interventionists across the state. She believes EI is not just a profession, it’s a ministry!
Scott Powell
Scott Powell is the Executive Director for the Alabama Head Injury Foundation.
Sabrina Robinson
Sabrina has served as the Child Care Central Professional Development Director at TCR Child Care Corporation since 2015 and has been with the organization for 24 years. Sabrina initially became involved with TCR as a Head Start Center Director and later served as a trainer for eleven years. Her current role includes staff supervision, managing seven resource centers for childcare providers, and creating and overseeing training sessions to meet Alabama’s Performance Standards and IACET accreditation standards. Sabrina has worked in various roles during her 40+ years in early childhood education. She appreciates every experience she’s had. She is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother to five grandchildren.
Lynn Roebuck, MS, CCC-SLP
Lynn Roebuck, MS, CCC-SLP is an APTAT Consultant and Speech-Language Pathologist. Her focus areas include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Early Intervention. With a deep commitment to supporting children and teens with complex communication needs, Lynn has specialized in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and other forms of assistive technology for over two decades. Lynn currently serves as a Speech-Language Pathologist at United Ability and as a Communication and Early Assistive Technology Consultant at APT AT. Lynn is also the coordinator of Emmett’s Workshop at United Ability—a hands-on workshop that empowers caregivers and providers to learn how to adapt toys, making play accessible for children of all abilities. Her work reflects a lifelong passion for inclusion, creativity, and community collaboration.
Billy Ronilo, MS, PT
Billy Ronilo is the PT/OT Program Specialist for Children’s Rehabilitation Service in the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. He has worked for CRS since 2004 as a Physical Therapist covering their multi-disciplinary specialty medical clinics including their adaptive equipment evaluation clinic. Over the years he has worked as an Early Intervention provider and is the PT faculty member for the TransTeam grant program at UAB.
District Judge Jessica Sanders
Jessica Sanders is a 20-year veteran of public service. She grew up in the Wiregrass and attended college at Faulkner University in Montgomery graduating magna cum laude with a degree in political science. After Law school, she began her legal career as a prosecutor. For ten years, Judge Sanders worked closely with Randall Houston as an Assistant District Attorney for Autauga, Elmore, and Chilton counties. Her dedication to public service continued with her appointment as an Assistant Attorney General with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Before taking the bench, she most recently served the Alabama Legislature as a legislative attorney and as Assistant Attorney General and Government Affairs Director for the State Department of Education. On January 16, 2023, Jessica was sworn in as District Judge of Autauga County where she presides primarily over juvenile, small claims, district criminal, and district court civil cases (more juvenile court information). In addition to her current judicial duties, Judge Sanders also serves on the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Judicial Education Committee, as Chairman of the Autauga County Children’s Policy Council and as Treasurer for the Alabama Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. A resident of Autauga County, Alabama, Judge Sanders and her husband, Russ, are active members of their church and community. Judge Sanders is a past president of the Prattville Lions Club, President Elect of the Prattville-Millbrook Sunrise Rotary Club, and a current Member of the Board of Directors at the Smith Center.
Sarritha Scales, MEd
Sarritha Scales is an early childhood professional with over 20 years of experience, including 15 years as a Head Start preschool teacher. She currently serves as an Early Childhood Specialist with Child Care Central and a PD Specialist with the CDA Council. Sarritha holds an M.Ed. from Faulkner University and is a Region 2 Board Member for the Alabama Early Childhood Association. She enjoys time with family and friends and loves shoe shopping.
Kate Scarborough, PhD
Dr. Kate Scarborough brings over 20 years of early childhood experience as a classroom teacher, preschool administrator, and university faculty. She is an advocate for developmentally appropriate early learning and works tirelessly to share ways to develop early childhood skills using engaging, joyful strategies.
Amelia Schuyler, MD, MPH
Amelia Schuyler is an assistant professor of pediatrics and neonatologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She completed her undergraduate degree in microbiology from Auburn University. She completed her medical training, pediatric residency, and neonatology fellowship at UAB. Her primary interests are in family support, palliative care, bereavement care, global health, medical education, and optimization of neurodevelopmental outcomes. She is thrilled to practice clinically and contribute to research projects in the UAB RNICU, COA NICU, and Newborn Follow Up Clinic at UAB.
Katherine Seal, MA, CCC-SLP
Katherine Seal, MA, CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience working with young children and their families. She currently serves at United Ability, where she works in their inclusive preschool, early intervention and outpatient programs. Katherine is passionate about early intervention, AAC, and making assistive technology accessible to every child. She enjoys helping teachers and families discover practical strategies that support communication, play, and inclusion, empowering every child to reach their full potential.
LaTonya Sibley, PhD, NBCT
LaTonya Sibley, PhD, NBCT, is a Pre-K Education Specialist with Montgomery Public Schools, where she supports First Class Pre-K classrooms in implementing high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with the Alabama Standards for Early Learning and Development. She specializes in instructional coaching, classroom engagement strategies, and the design of interactive learning environments that promote child-led learning. Her work focuses on ensuring equity, inclusion, and strong foundational skills for all young learners through intentional teaching practices and effective classroom systems.
Johnece Smith, MS, Eds, LPC, NCC, IMH-E
Johnece Smith is a licensed therapist and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant where she leads transformative work centered on healthy emotional rational development, resilience, and emotional well-being.
With extensive experience in school-based consultation and early childhood systems, she collaborates with teachers, families, and leadership teams to support children with behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs. Her approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and reflective practices, helping adults better understand the “why” behind behavior while building sustainable strategies for growth. She is especially passionate about addressing generational trauma and its impact on caregivers, children, and communities, often integrating frameworks such as Ghosts in the Nursery and Angels in the Nursery into her work. Through her presentations, she creates engaging, reflective spaces that inspire professionals to reconnect with their purpose while reducing burnout and strengthening workforce retention. In addition to her clinical and consulting work, she develops workshops, resources, and trainings that bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that mental health support is both accessible and impactful.
Katie Beth Sharp Staggs, OTD, OTR/L
Katie Beth Sharp Staggs, OTD, OTR/L, earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She currently works as a full-time occupational therapist at Alabama Pediatric Therapy Services, providing care for children and young adults ages 0–21. Her work focuses on delivering evidence-based, client-centered interventions that support meaningful participation in daily activities.
Leanna Stephens
Leanna Stephens is the preschool special education teacher for the Bibb County school district. She works with Early Intervention to ensure a smooth transition for two- to three-year-olds and provides services for preschoolers at the Bibb County Preschool. Leanna has taught for 14 years with background in kindergarten, resource, and self-contained special education.
Andrew Stevens, OT
Andrew is currently employed with United Ability where he has worked for the last 20 years as an occupational therapist in the Early Intervention setting.
Kate Stribling, PT, DPT, PCS
Kate Stribling started her career as a Physical Therapist in early intervention at The Bell Center in Birmingham, Alabama before completing the pediatric physical therapy residency program at Oregon Health and Science University. She has been a Physical Therapist with Portland Public Schools since 2016, working with both school-age students and families with infants and young children (ages 0-5) during that time. She has been a Board-Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy since 2017. Kate is active with the APTA’s Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy in a variety of roles and is the Education Team Lead with APTA Oregon’s Cultural and Minority Affairs Committee.
Jessica D. Strickland, BSE, LICSW
Jessica Strickland BSE, LICSW, is a counselor and social worker with Cahaba Medical Care’s Ability Clinic located at United Ability in Birmingham. She has her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary collaborative education from Samford University. In her brief tenure teaching, Jessica recognized her passion had shifted away from the classroom to supporting individual family units. She then became a Family Support Specialist with Alabama’s First Teacher Home Visiting program at United Ability while studying to get her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama. After graduation and during the roller coaster of the COVID days, Jessica provided home-bound instruction for students in Shelby County and later worked as a counselor for King’s Home. In 2022, Jessica’s dream of returning to United Ability as a counselor for their participants and families became a reality through their new partnership with Cahaba Medical Care. Jessica believes she has found her niche working with individuals with disabilities and their families and enjoys equipping others with tools to support healthy individuals and families of various ability levels. She is specially certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Alpha-Stim treatment, using these to assist clients in overcoming traumatic memories, anxiety, depression, and much more. She is also proficient in counseling individuals who use assistive technology and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Most importantly, Jessica is a proud wife and mother, having been married for 9.5 years and having two precious boys – ages four and two.
Kimberlly Stringer, MD, MPH
Kimberlly Stringer is an associated professor of pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics at UAB Civitan Sparks Clinics and has been a part of the UAB Newborn Follow-up Clinic since 2018. She is a native of Birmingham, Alabama completing her undergraduate degree in biology and masters of public health at UAB. She completed her medical training at the University of Tennessee, her pediatric residency at Texas Tech in Lubbock TX and her fellowship in developmental-behavior pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her clinical interests include evaluating and treating children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and developmental delays. She also spends about one day a week in the UAB Newborn Follow Up Clinic evaluating the development needs and the early identification of cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder among infants born prematurely. Her research interests include screening and improving social determinants of health among children with neurodevelopmental disorder.
Margaret Summersell, MS, RD
Margaret Summersell is a Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition support for premature infants and children with special needs. She earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and completed her dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Margaret then returned to Birmingham, where she completed a pediatric nutrition traineeship at The Sparks Clinic and earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nutrition Sciences. During this time, she began working with the Newborn Follow-Up Clinic, where she developed a special interest in providing specialized nutrition support to premature infants and children with complex healthcare needs.
Emily Tester LPC, NCC
Emily Tester is an inclusive and neuroaffirmative therapist who has extensive training in non-directive play therapy techniques. Clinically, Emily incorporates a systems approach with children by including caregivers in the process as they are the strongest supporters outside of the playroom. She believes every child is unconditionally worthy and highlights the importance of meeting children where they are through attunement and co-regulation.
Hallie Thuenen, MSN, CPNP-PC, SANE-P
Hallie Thuenen is a dedicated pediatric nurse practitioner whose path to advanced practice was deeply shaped by her personal experience as a mother. After witnessing inequities in healthcare while advocating for her third daughter, Makylee—who was diagnosed with level 3 autism at age three—Hallie felt called to expand her role from registered nurse to provider. This transition was driven by a commitment to ensure that all children and families receive compassionate, equitable, and accessible care. Hallie is especially passionate about delivering inclusive care to every patient, regardless of insurance status, diagnosis, or communication differences. She brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her work, offering well-rounded, empathetic support to autism families while understanding firsthand the daily challenges they navigate. In addition, she is a strong advocate for improving access to pediatric mental health services and continually pursues ongoing education to remain current and provide the highest standard of care. Outside of her professional role, Hallie enjoys life with her supportive husband and their three daughters, including one with profound autism and two with ADHD. She proudly embraces the titles of “Autism Mom” and “Band Mom” and actively seeks opportunities to serve and advocate for the neurodivergent community throughout Northern Alabama.
Mary Beth Vick
Mary Beth Vick has more than 30 years of experience supporting systems that serve young children and their families. She previously oversaw the Alabama Early Intervention Autism Initiative within the Alabama Early Intervention System before retiring in 2021. She now serves as Program Support Director at UCP of West Alabama, where she continues this work through the Community Autism Initiative, expanding outreach to children under age five. In this role, she supports the statewide initiative funded by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and supported through The University of Alabama, focusing on early identification and intervention for young children on the autism spectrum. Mary Beth is known for her commitment to collaboration, family-centered practices, and strengthening statewide systems that improve outcomes for children and families.
Danielle Waldrep Rich, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASDCS
Dr. Danielle Rich, PhD, CCC-SLP is the Interim Associate Dean of the School of Speech-Language Pathology at Pepperdine University’s College of Health Sciences. With nearly thirty years of clinical experience spanning neonatal care, early intervention, acute care, and rehabilitation, she brings rare depth to every room she enters. Dr. Rich earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo and her PhD in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She specializes in pediatric dysphagia, speech-language disorders, and neurodiversity-affirming practice, and has presented her research at regional, state, and national conferences. She is passionate about equipping practitioners with evidence-based tools that actually work.
Abby Whitlock, MT-BC, NMT™, NICU MT
Abby is a Music Therapist and Operations Manager for Rooted Music Therapy, a private practice specializing in Neurologic Music Therapy® services. A native of Madison, Alabama, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Samford University. She then pursued a Music Therapy Equivalency degree from The Florida State University, earning the additional designation of NICU-MT (National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy). Abby completed her clinical internship at Apalachee Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Her clinical work encompasses many populations, from hospitals to school systems. She is grateful to have worked with populations such as oncology, palliative care, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health, cardiopulmonary, and neurorehabilitation. Abby cares deeply about helping her clients reach their goals and live meaningful lives.
Rebekah Whitt, MS, CCC-SLP
Rebekah Whitt is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinical Educator at the University of Alabama Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic where she provides speech-language therapy to autistic children, clinical education to graduate students, and serves on an interdisciplinary autism evaluation team. Rebekah is also Program Coordinator for the Supporting and Enhancing Resilient Families (SERF) program, which provides family education, community resources, and respite to the greater west Alabama community. Rebekah has completed training in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding, Project ImPACT, gestalt language processing, and trauma-informed care.
Kristen Wilhite, MA, CCC- SLP
Kristen Wilhite has been an Speech-Language Pathologist at The Bell Center in Birmingham, Alabama for six years. She received her undergraduate degree from Samford University in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2018. Kristen went on to get a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis in 2020. She has completed training in the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to Feeding. Kristen enjoys problem-solving with parents to help infants grow and develop.
Kathy Wilkins, MEd
Kathy Wilkins is an education specialist with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) in Special Education Services. In addition to serving as the regional specialist for Region 5, she is on the Integrated Monitoring Team. Her primary focus is on preschool special education and providing instructional support to successfully improve outcomes for students with disabilities. She is the Indicator 12 contact, responsible for overseeing compliance with the transition from Early Intervention to Preschool Special Education. Kathy brings over 30 years of experience in special education, working with students ranging from preschool to adult, including those with varied abilities.
Amy Williamson, AuD, CCC-A
Amy Ingram Williamson is a pediatric Audiologist who received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University in 2008 and Doctorate of Audiology from the University of South Alabama in 2013. Dr. Williamson completed her externship at Children’s of Alabama prior to spending four years as a pediatric
audiologist in Columbia, South Carolina. She currently serves as the Audiology Program Specialist with
Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS), a division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Dr. Williamson has worked closely with the Alabama EHDI program to strengthen partnerships and provide audiologic support. Her specialty includes newborn hearing screening, pediatric hearing evaluation and assessment, and pediatric hearing aid fittings. Dr. Williamson lives in Auburn, Alabama.
Lori Williamson, OTR/L
Lori Williamson graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham with her Master of Science in Occupational therapy degree. She has been working at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs since 2018 working with children birth to three. Lori is certified in Neonatal Touch and Massage. She has completed numerous courses in feeding interventions and evaluation including Beckman Oral Motor approach, Mealtime Miseries, and CAN-EAT
approach. She completed her level 1 mentorship with the STAR Institute for sensory processing disorders founded by Lucy Jane Miller. Lori is passionate about helping children and their families maximize their participation in every aspect of life by looking at the whole child and collaborating with other professionals.
Casey Willis
Casey Willis is the Alabama Healthy Kids, Healthy Future Coordinator with the Alabama Partnership for Children (APC). She holds a BA in Psychology with a Biology minor from UAH and completed BCaBA coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology. For over 15 years, Casey has supported children with diverse needs as a BCaBA and Early Intervention Developmental Specialist. At APC, she partners with childcare providers to support the implementation of best practices in health and wellness. Casey is passionate about helping children thrive and stays active with her three kids in their many activities.
Joy Winchester
Joy Winchester is the Innovative Director of Innovative WORKS Collaborative LLC and the founder of Wired for Success: The Joy of Neuro. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and systems-level work, she specializes in translating neuroscience into practical, real-world strategies for educators, caregivers, and leaders. Joy is known for her engaging, thought-provoking presentations that move beyond surface-level strategies to help audiences understand behavior through a brain-forward lens. Her work focuses on the intersection of brain science, adult behavior, and learning environments, equipping professionals to respond more effectively in high-stress settings and better support the development of children and families.
Raeyna Woodside-Howard
Raeyna Woodside-Howard, affectionately known as Rae, is entering her fifteenth year of working in the early education field. She has worked in various capacities, most notably in Head Start and additional Type III facilities. She spent eleven years as a Pre-K teacher, where she excelled in her role via her curriculum and teaching strategies. She then transitioned to the administrative side, where she has been a mentor coach for a local CDA/ECAC program, early care coach, PD Specialist, and CLASS observer. Additionally, she is a Louisiana Pathways certified trainer and a Cohort 5 graduate of the Louisiana Early Leaders Academy (LELA). Coach Rae’s purpose and mindset is to “pay it forward” to educators by supporting them with the tools and tips needed to keep their trajectory moving upward.
Fan Yang, PhD
Dr. Fan Yang is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she is also an associate scientist at the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Dr. Yang’s research focuses on health communication, with particular emphasis on improving the effectiveness of health communication for culturally diverse and underserved populations. Her work draws on experimental design, community-based interventions, and mixed methods to address real-world health challenges. Through her interdisciplinary research, Dr. Yang aims to advance evidence-based communication strategies to promote health equity and informed health decision-making.
Presenter relevant financial and non-financial disclosures:
All presenter registration fees were waived by UCP Alabama.
Keynote presenters received an honorarium for their presentations from UCP Alabama.
The following presenters disclosed these relevant financial relationships:
Stephanie Bear, Ed. S., CCC-SLP
Presenter is a paid employee of the Alabama State Department of Education and will be mentioning her place of employment in her presentation.
Blaklie Blevins, MS, CCC-SLP, Kathryn Duncan, Kimberly Moon, and Linnea Elliott
Presenters are paid employee of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
Mary Bryan, M.Ed. CCC-SLP
Presenter is a paid employee of the University of Alabama and the University of Kentucky.
Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/L
Presenter is receiving an honorarium and travel support for this presentation from UCP Alabama.
Wendy Harris Altizer, PT, ATP
Presenter received a speaking fee and travel support from the Rifton company.
Lynn Roebuck, MS, CCC-SLP
Presenter is a paid employee of AL APT and United Ability and will mention her employer in the session.
Abby Whitlock, MT-BC, NMT™, NICU MT
Presenter is a paid employee of Rooted Music Therapy.
Rebekah Whitt, MS, CCC-SLP
Presenter is a paid employee of the University of Alabama and receives grant funding through the Children’s Trust Fund.
The following presenters disclosed these relevant non-financial relationships:
Stephanie Bear, Ed. S., CCC-SLP
Presenter is the current Alabama State Department of Education liaison to the Speech & Hearing Association of Alabama.
Mary Bryan, M.Ed. CCC-SLP
Presenter is on the Executive Board of the Speech & Hearing Association of Alabama.
Allison Cavender, M.D.
Presenter is a current UCP of Alabama Board member.
Sandy Donovan, MSN, RN
Presenter is a Court Appointment Special Advocate for CASA of the River Region.