Keynote Address & Featured Presenter

Patrick Mulick

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. Originally from the humble town of Boring, Oregon, Patrick earned his undergrad and masters in special education and behavior analysis from Gonzaga University. While spending several years educating students with disabilities, from pre-school to high school, Patrick developed a particular love for working with students with autism and behavioral challenges.

Today he works as an educational consultant and as the Director of Student Engagement for the Auburn School District in Washington State. As a nationally recognized speaker, Patrick has committed his work to lighting it up for all those who work with students with disabilities through a hybrid of instruction and inspiration. His resources and strategies have helped make the complex simple, equipping teachers, administrators, therapists, paraeducators, and bus drivers alike.

Keynote: Undefeated

The passion and precision of one can effect change on the masses, and so it is YOU who can effect change within your team. Are you ready to be that person? Maximize your environmental impact by creating a home field advantage in which your colleagues and students can win! From administrator to paraeducator, we all play an integral role in supporting our students’ success, bringing new meaning to how we “positively reinforce” each other. Set your schedule to laugh, cry, excite, and learn in Patrick’s dynamic proclamation for all who support kids to light it up!

Conference Agenda

8:00 - 9:00: Registration and Breakfast

9:00 - 10:30: Welcome and Keynote Presentation

Welcome - Jennifer Huotari - Superintendent - Dickinson-Iron ISD
Introduction of Keynote Speaker - Jennifer Huotari - Superintendent - Dickinson-Iron ISD
Keynote: Undefeated - Patrick Mulick, Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Certified Speaker, Trainer, & Coach

10:30 - 10:45: Mid-Morning Break

10:45 - 11:45: Breakout Sessions #1

Foundations in De-escalation - Patrick Mulick, Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Certified Speaker, Trainer, & Coach
Advancing Literacy Across the Continuum From Tier 1 to Specially Designed Instruction - Ben Hicks, MAASE
All Things Access - Taylor Baker, Northwest Michigan Tobii Dynavox
Beyond the Label: Neuro-Affirming Supports and Gestalt Language Processing in Early Intervention (Birth to 3) - Jennifer Beaudette & Sarah Bodine, CCISD
Benefits of Whiteboard Meetings - Theresa King & Barb Potts, MARESA

11:45 - 12:45: Lunch

Menu*

Croissant Sandwich Buffet
- Garden Salad
- Soup: Chicken Dumpling

*For those with food sensitivities and dietary restrictions: Food will be labeled, and gluten free options will be available.

12:45 - 1:45: Breakout Sessions: #2

Promoting Independence and Reducing the Reliance on 1:1 Paraprofessionals - Patrick Mulick, Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Certified Speaker, Trainer, & Coach
Advancing Literacy Across the Continuum From Tier 1 to Specially Designed Instruction (REPEAT SESSION) - Ben Hicks, MAASE
Rubric for Assigning Students to Alternate Standards for Instruction and Assessment - Tori Steingreaber and Bethanie Eggleston, MDE
Sensory Support in the School Setting - Dr. Michelle Suarez - Western Michigan University
Determining LRE for Early Childhood - Lyndsay Carey, MARESA

1:45 - 2:00: Afternoon Break & Networking

Enjoy a variety of cookies and beverages

2:00 - 3:15: MDE - Michigan Alternate Assessment

1% Stakeholders Feedback

3:15 - 3:30: Closing/Wrap-up/Raffles

3:30 - 4:00: Conference Evaluation & SCECH Form

Conference Presenters

Ben Hicks

Associate Executive Director of Training and Development

MAASE

Ben Hicks is the Associate Executive Director of Training and Development at the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), where he has served for nearly two years. Before joining MAASE, Ben spent over a decade in special education leadership, including five years as a Special Education Supervisor and six years as Director of Special Education at Char-Em ISD.

A former secondary-level special education teacher, Ben focused on math instruction and holds endorsements in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairments. Throughout his career, he has remained passionate about supporting students of all needs and empowering educators to create inclusive, effective learning environments.

Taylor Baker, M.S. CCC-SLP

Solutions Consultant - NW Michigan

Tobii Dynavox

Taylor Baker is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s degree and a background working with adults in skilled nursing facilities. She recently joined Tobii Dynavox in Michigan, where she gets to combine her clinical experience with her passion for AAC to help individuals find their voice through innovative communication tools.

She is excited to keep learning, growing, and connecting with others in the SLP and AAC community!

Dr. Michelle Suarez, Ph.D., OTR

Associate Professor

Western Michigan University

Dr. Michelle Suarez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University, bringing a wealth of practical, hands-on experience to her research and teaching. Before joining WMU, she spent a decade on the front lines as a pediatric occupational therapist, working extensively in school and outpatient settings. This direct experience in educational environments gives her a deep understanding of the collaborative dynamics between teachers, therapists, and support staff, and the unique challenges they face daily.

Her passion and expertise center on supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, and those who have experienced trauma. Dr. Suarez's research is directly applicable to the classroom and therapy room, focusing on strategies that genuinely benefit students with complex needs. What sets her apart in academia is her ongoing commitment to clinical practice; she continues to work as a clinician, ensuring her insights remain relevant and actionable for those currently serving students.

Dr. Suarez earned her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University and her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University. An advocate for Michigan's natural beauty, she enjoys hiking and spending time on the lake, making a trip to the Upper Peninsula a fitting setting to share her expertise. When she’s not working, she enjoys time with her husband, two daughters, their dog Arie, and throwing pottery in her home studio.

Tori Steingreaber

Special Education Consultant

Michigan Department of Education

Tori Steingreaber serves as a Special Education Consultant within the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, working in the Program Accountability Unit. In this role, she supports statewide monitoring activities through CAP compliance oversight and contributes to statewide alternate assessment efforts as a member of the 1% Core Team. Tori brings extensive expertise in instruction, reading development, and special education, drawing on her background as a Reading Specialist and Special Education teacher to ensure the best educational experience for all learners. She is also trained as a Key2Ed IEP Facilitator, helping guide effective and collaborative IEP meetings across educational settings.

Tori earned a Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education and Social Science, a Master of Art in Literacy, and a Master of Science in Special Education from Michigan State University.

Bethanie Eggleston

Department Specialist

Michigan Department of Education

Bethanie Eggleston is a Department Specialist with the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Special Education for 5 years, serving in the Program Accountability Unit. She contributes to statewide oversight through her work on the 1% Alternate Assessment core team and supports compliance of the state complaint system, corrective action processes, and due process and dispute resolution activities and data.

Bethanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Michigan State University (MSU) and a Post-Baccalaureate in Education. She maintains a Professional Teaching Certificate with the State of Michigan and is a 2024–2025 fellow of MSU’s Educational Policy Fellowship Program.