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Early Bird Registration Ends September 11th, use code EC26 at checkout to save 20%
Friday Evening
On-site and off-site activities for both adults and families for socializing with peers. More details to come as we get closer!
Saturday
Keynote Presentation - Donna Cruz Jones
Topics to include
*subject to change & exact schedule to be announced in the coming weeks
Educational Advocacy & IEPS
Wound Care & Prevention
Weight Management & GLP-1s
More to come...
Keynote Speaker - Donna Cruz Jones
Donna Cruz Jones was born with Spina Bifida in the
U.S. territory of Guam. She served two terms on the Spina Bifida Association National Board, and served multiple terms on the advocacy board for Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, NC.
Donna has worked as a staffer on Capitol Hill twice, worked for multiple political campaigns on the state and national level. She also served as the Americans with Disabilities for McCain Coalition Coordinator and was a Staff Assistant for Veterans for McCain Coalition.
In 2019, she was invited to testify before the House Appropriations subcommittee on Health Education and Labor as a representative of the Spina Bifida community.
Advocating for herself and those in the disability community is of the utmost importance, and she enjoys educating herself about the ADA, Medicare, and legislation pertinent to her community. Prior to her political experience, she served as head of customer service training for large retail organizations.
Outside of her philanthropy work, Donna was also a competitive weightlifter and specialized in the bench press. She believes disability is a natural part of life and advocating for the inclusion of all disabled individuals in society is of the utmost importance. She currently resides in New York City, NY.
Morning Session Presenter - Christine Levy
Christine Levy is a speaker, educator, advocate, and entrepreneur who blends deep expertise with compassion to help families navigate the complexities of education and ensure every child has the supports they need to thrive. With 20+ years in public and independent schools, she has been a classroom teacher at The Hewitt School (NYC), Upper Elementary Coordinator at The Aaron School (NYC), and held district leadership roles in Rhode Island, including Assistant Director of Special Education and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator.
In 2024, Christine expanded her vision by launching the Levy Educational Advocacy Academy, training a team of specialized advocates to ensure that every student regardless of ability receives the advocacy, support, and opportunities they deserve. This initiative includes the development of the Levy Educational Advocacy Toolkit, a robust resource of strategies, tools, and proven methodologies. Guided by best practices and grounded in state and federal law, the toolkit ensures effective, ethical, and legally sound advocacy.
Christine has established collaborations with the Jonnycake Center, the Down Syndrome Society, and the Hamilton School at Wheeler (RI). She has also appeared on notable podcasts such as Dr. Dan’s Parent Footprint and Coaching with Brooke, sharing insights from her career and advocacy practice.
Christine will be sharing her expertise to help inform and guide families when navigating the educational placement process and Individual Education Plans (IEP).
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