Rebecca Bultsma is an AI ethicist, researcher, and strategic advisor who helps education leaders make thoughtful, practical decisions about AI. A former school district Communications Director, she brings 17 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications, including seven years in K–12. She knows how much of school leadership happens between the things you planned to do that day. Her master's research in Data and AI Ethics at the University of Edinburgh examined epistemic uncertainity and synthetic media in K–12 education and how institutions respond. She's delivered more than 200 AI presentations and works with schools and organizations across North America on responsible AI adoption. She also serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Amplify & Elevate and co-hosts the AmpED to 11 podcast, where she talks with educators about AI, leadership and what's actually happening in schools. Rebecca is a power user of AI who also studies what goes wrong with it. She brings both perspectives into the room, helping leaders work out where these tools can help, what needs checking and what should stay human. She's thrilled to return to NAPSEC in 2027, with more time to work alongside a community whose empathy and care for kids stayed with her after last year's conference. This year, she'll connect the big questions about AI with practical ways to take some administrative work off your plate, including building a personal AI assistant. Her starting point is radical humanity: being deliberate about the relationships and care that kids need from us.

Phil Januszewski is a nationally recognized keynote speaker and author who empowers the “givers” of the world to flourish personally so they can create greater impact professionally; all while avoiding burnout, boredom, and cynicism. A 20-year educator turned full-time motivator; Phil blends science, storytelling, and humor to inspire audiences to recharge their energy and reignite their purpose. With a background in chemistry, a master’s in teaching leadership, and a certification in positive education, he lives out his mission of creating and spreading happiness through motivation, education, and entertainment; all with a little extra tattoo ink and a whole lot of heart.

Marty Matheson is the Executive Director of ScenicView Academy in Provo, Utah. He is a social worker by profession and has practiced as a mental health therapist since 1995. He is an adjunct professor of Social Work at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.

Dr. Rachel Tait is the current Board President of NJASEPS, where she has served for the past fifteen years. She is also the Chief Program Officer at Eden Autism, overseeing all programs and services, including The Eden School, Adult Day and Residential Programming, Outreach, Training and Support, and all wraparound services provided by the organization. With over 25 years of experience in special education, Dr. Tait has played a key role in strategic planning and the growth of both school and adult services programs. She has also served on NAPSEC’s Board of Trustees, is a Past-Chair of the NCASES Commission, and remains an active member of the Conference Planning Committee.

Tracy Lee is the Board President of the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey. She is also a member of the administrative team at the Gramon Family of Schools and a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. With over 25 years of experience working in special education, Tracy leads strategic planning, organizational growth and improvement, and advocacy initiatives for students, families, staff, and special education community stakeholders.

Dr. Tanna C. Jackson is a special education leader, educational consultant, and advocate with extensive experience supporting students with disabilities, families, and school leaders. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration with a concentration in Special Education Policy from Delaware State University and has dedicated her career to improving special education systems, compliance, and inclusive practices. Dr. Jackson is the founder of Reagan’s Voice Organization, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering families of children with disabilities through advocacy, education, mentorship, and support services. She is also a speaker and trainer who equips educators and families with practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, advocacy, and student outcomes. Through her work, Dr. Jackson is committed to helping others see the potential and promise inside every struggling child.

Scott is a Senior Risk Control Manager within Lamb Insurance Services’ Risk Management division. His primary focus is partnering with clients to deliver value-added risk control services tailored to their organization. Scott’s consultative approach assists clients in understanding and identifying risk factors while also developing focused solutions designed to protect the assets of their organization. Prior to joining Lamb, Scott led a risk control team for AmTrust North America that covered the Eastern, Mid-West, and Western markets. During his tenure, he also managed risk control services for AmTrust Nonprofit, which provides all lines of insurance coverage specifically customized to the needs of nonprofit organizations. Scott is a graduate of Keene State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Safety Studies, and currently holds four professional designations: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Professional Risk Consultant (PRC), and Occupational Health & Safety Technologist (OHST).

Dr. Danielle Taylor, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist with over 15 years of leadership experience in special education across public and private school and clinical settings in the Northeast. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum360, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with Autism and those who identify as Autistic, and is the owner and practicing psychologist at Sacred Journeys Therapy, LLC.

Ken Berger is a nonprofit executive with more than 40 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations through transformational growth, strategic change, and complex governance challenges. Currently CEO of Spectrum360 and former CEO of Charity Navigator, Ken has built a career uniting boards and executives around shared vision, transparency, and measurable impact. He has worked extensively with nonprofit boards as both a leader and governance chair, and today serves as President of the NAPSEC Board as well as on several other nonprofit boards. His work continues to focus on strengthening CEO/Board partnerships to foster accountability, collaboration, and long-term organizational success. In the summer of 2023, Ken also co-launched "The Nonprofit Fix," a podcast he and ran for over a year, to help nonprofits of all kinds improve their performance. He and his co-hosts are now developing a book and a companion app built on the show's ideas. Outside of work, among other things, Ken plays rhythm guitar and keyboard in the NJ rock band, Eclectic Jam!

Jyothish Daniel has over 30 years of executive experience across for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including the turnaround and sale of Portadam and leadership roles at The Conti Group and General Motors. He leads Sindan Consulting and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Dr. Colleen Katzenmoyer is an educational leader with nearly two decades of experience specializing in special education administration, school psychology, and systemic program improvement. She currently serves as the Vice President of Education Services, where she provides strategic oversight and leadership of the Educational Services division, including center-based school programs and in-district student supports. Throughout her career, Dr. Katzenmoyer has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for students with complex behavioral and mental health needs.

Scott began his career working in various roles with the YMCA in PA and DE. Scott joined Benedictine in 2000 as the Director of Benedictine’s Adult Program in Delaware, overseeing residential and employment services. During his time in Delaware, he was an Adjunct Faculty Member for Wilmington University teaching Organizational Behavior and Business Ethics. He was promoted to Director of Adult Services for MD and DE in January of 2009. Scott was named CEO of Benedictine in August 2012 and currently still holds that role. During his time as CEO Scott has been active in legislative advocacy, capital fundraising, program development/expansion and building state-wide community partners. Scott performed his undergraduate work at Villanova University, earned his MBA from Temple University, received a Certificate in Fundraising Management from University of Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Leadership Maryland and The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities at the University of Delaware. Scott is active in his community taking part in various boards including the Maryland Association of Community Services, Queen Anne’s County Local Management Board and Maryland Works. He is a graduate of Leadership Maryland, class of 2016.

Julie is the VP of Children’s Services for The Benedictine School, a nonprofit service provider supporting children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. She oversees the education and residential programs for children. This includes two school programs serving students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities from throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region, and a residential program with campus and community group homes serving individuals with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities under the age of 21. Julie began her career with a degree in Psychology and worked in public mental health connecting individuals with resources in the community. After joining the team at Benedictine, she earned her Master’s in Special Education from Wilmington University. She is licensed through Maryland State Department of Education in Special Education and School Administration. Julie has worked with children and adults with with special needs as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Community Case Manager, Residential supervisor, and educator for 28 years. Julie serves on the board of Crossroads Community in Centreville, Maryland as well as the board for Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF). She is Commission Chair for the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). She has provided trainings and workshops for educators, parents, community members, and first responders.

Elizabeth Oseguera is the Director of Public Policy for the California Alliance of Child and Family Services. They help lead the policy team and have worked on finding legislative solutions for the insurance crisis and supporting member advocacy regarding Tiered Rate Structure implementation. Previously, Elizabeth was the Assistant Director of Policy for the California Primary Care Association, where they advocated for behavioral health, workforce, farmworkers, health equity, and immigration. As the lead on immigration work, they collaborated with immigrant partners to create resources such as sample policies and procedures, toolkits, and trainings that help service providers improve communications with immigrant communities. Elizabeth also has a passion for working with youth and offering mentorship. They have mentored college students through the PUENTE Community College Mentorship Program and have worked with foster youth as a CASA. Elizabeth graduated from Sonoma State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice and a minor in English. During college, they worked as an educational advisor for migrant students. They are a child of immigrant parents, which created in them a passion for helping marginalized communities gain access to basic health services in a culturally appropriate way.

Lisette is a lawyer who has dedicated herself to improving policy, practice, and outcomes for children, families, and communities. Lisette has a rare combination of experience that includes direct service provision, community organizing, legal representation, and policy and advocacy work. Currently, Lisette is the Chief Policy and Practice Advisor for the international Association of Children’s Residential and Community services (ACRC). ACRC envisions children and families thriving at home and in their communities, with uncompromised access to high-quality behavioral and mental health services when needed. Lisette coordinates efforts to advise policymakers, and she has informed and supported the drafting, introduction, passage, and implementation of federal legislation. Lisette is a cross-systems thinker and leader serving on several national working groups and coalitions related to child welfare, juvenile justice, education, health, and immigration, including the Act4JJ Coalition, the national Child and Family Services Liability Insurance Working Group, she is a former appointee to the American Bar Association Commission on Youth and Family Justice, and she is an Associate Editor for the international Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma.

Pati Ortiz is speaking at the Concurrent Session: Understanding and Addressing the Liability Insurance Crisis Impacting Children’s Services on January 20, 2027 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am.

Adrienne is the Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Strategy, overseeing the work of the CA Alliance Policy Team. She is a recognized expert in behavioral health policy who has devoted her career to improving the well-being of people living with mental health and substance use conditions. Adrienne became involved in mental health policy as a staff person in the campaign to pass the 2004 Mental Health Services Act. For the past six years, she has directed the multi-faceted legislative and budget advocacy program of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, from developing strategic policy goals, to lobbying, building effective coalitions and partnerships, and working with Departments and oversight agencies to effectuate policy changes that enable providers to better serve children and families in public systems.

Dr. Becca Colangelo is the director of strategic partnerships, research, and operations in the Neurodiversity at Work department at Kennedy Krieger Institute. In this role, she oversees the recruitment of Neurodiversity at Work staff, works with local universities to provide meaningful internship experiences for college students, and advances departmental research initiatives. In 2018, Dr. Colangelo completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Drexel University. Her research explored the transitional challenges that families face when adolescents with more severe diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder transition from traditional school settings to placements with adult service agencies. In addition to her role as the director, Becca has served as an adjunct faculty member for Towson University and the University of Maryland.

Stacey Beichler is the Assistant Vice President of Neurodiversity and Community Workforce Development at Kennedy Krieger Institute, where she is known as a visionary leader and catalyst for transformational change. She drives strategic initiatives that center on advancing equity, innovation, and access across the employment landscape. She is deeply committed to building high quality, research informed supports that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in their communities and careers. Stacey is a nationally recognized force in advancing equitable and inclusive employment, she is shaping the future of how organizations hire, support, and empower neurodivergent talent. A dynamic and forward-thinking leader, Stacey oversees programs that design, evaluate, and scale effective models of inclusive employment. She is recognized for her ability to build high performing teams, inspire cross departmental collaboration, and guide organizations through complex systems change. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, she ensures that services remain evidence based, person centered, and responsive to emerging community and employer needs. Stacey leads the Institute’s Neurodiversity at Work initiatives, bringing employers, policymakers, and community partners together to advance equitable hiring practices and expand career pathways. Through strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and employer training, she equips organizations to adopt inclusive workforce practices and strengthen strategies for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining neurodivergent talent. Her leadership extends into research translation and dissemination, helping bridge gaps between policy, practice, and real-world implementation. A committed advocate for access and equity, Stacey brings her leadership voice to several influential boards and committees. She serves as an appointed member of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, where she chairs the Access and Equity Committee and leads efforts to embed inclusion across statewide workforce systems. Additionally, she serves on the board of Sunflower Bakery as Programs Committee Chair, contributes to the policy committee for the National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC), and participates in numerous state and national workgroups dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, workforce innovation, and community access. Stacey holds a degree in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in severe disabilities and autism. Her leadership has been recognized with honors including the Baltimore Business Journal’s 2019 Leader in Diversity award and The Daily Record's 2020 Leading Women recognition. Driven by a clear vision for inclusive excellence, Stacey is committed to developing sustainable, scalable systems that amplify the strengths of individuals of all abilities, redefine how communities and employers deliver support, and transform society’s understanding of access—ensuring that opportunity is truly available to all. Stacey is driven by a powerful belief: when communities and employers remove barriers and rethink access, society becomes stronger—and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three cats—Link, Midna, and Ganon.

Hannah has worked in the field of special education for 20 years, helping students and young adults with a variety of needs. Hannah began her career at Kennedy Krieger Institute's Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™), where her experience as a therapeutic assistant with preschool aged children sparked a passion to pursue a career in special education.  Hannah has since acted in many roles at Kennedy Krieger School: Montgomery County Campus, including program aide, teacher, lead/mentor teacher, transition coordinator, and most recently, assistant principal. Hannah graduated from Dickinson College with a BA in Psychology.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from The Johns Hopkins University and a Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Johns Hopkins University. Hannah is passionate about working with young adults and their families, developing new partnerships in the local community, and mentoring staff.  Hannah is thrilled to be joining the Meaning Community Services team and looks forward to meeting everyone who is a part of this dynamic community!

Stephanie Summers, NJASEPS Chief Operating Officer, obtains extensive experience in public affairs, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. She previously served as Executive Director for multiple nonprofit organizations, where she led their transformation from trade associations into elevated, mission-driven professional organizations. Stephanie has a strong track record of strengthening operations, enhancing member value, and positioning organizations for long-term sustainability and impact. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Autism MVP Foundation and is a member of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Young Professionals Group, where she co-chairs their signature All In Good Taste event.

Catherine “Catie” Dry, Esq., brings more than 15 years of legal expertise. As Principal Deputy General Counsel, she serves as second-in-command of Devereux’s Office of General Counsel, supporting leadership, operations, and management across the organization. She is a frequent national conference presenter on legal compliance in residential care and comprehensive mental health services in schools.

Andrea Durbin is the Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Collaboration on Youth since 2012. A passionate and life-long advocate for young people, she leads ICOY’s work to help children, youth, and families thrive. Andrea is also the Vice-President of the National Organization of State Associations for Children, co-chairs the National Child and Family Services Liability Insurance Crisis Working Group, and co-chairs the Child Welfare League of America’s Workforce Advisory Committee. In 2019, Andrea was recognized with the Social Impact Award from the Crown School at the University of Chicago. Chicago Business Journal named her a Woman of Influence in 2017. She has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.