Keynote Speaker:  Dr.  Mona Amin

Champions for Families Leading with Evidence, Listening with Empathy.

Developmental therapists are amazing. You change lives in living rooms, playrooms, and therapy sessions often without the recognition you deserve. The work can feel thankless at times, but it is some of the most impactful work a child and family will ever experience. Every word of encouragement, every moment of co-regulation, every small skill unlocked creates ripples that shape a child’s life for decades to come.

At the same time, you’re carrying the weight of workforce shortages, Medicaid cuts, inequitable systems, and families overwhelmed by conflicting advice and misinformation.

In this keynote, Dr. Mona Amin blends clinical science, personal parenting stories, and practical strategies to honor both sides of your reality: the strain of working in a system that doesn’t always support you, and the profound difference you still make. Together, we’ll talk about how to advocate for children with clarity and compassion, how to lean on evidence while still listening with empathy, and how to partner with families instead of pushing against them. Most importantly, we’ll explore how to reclaim your joy and rewrite your “why” because even when the system feels heavy, your work is not just making ripples. You are making waves that carry children and families forward for the rest of their lives

Morning Breakout Sessions:  

Session Option 1:

                

Tracy Patton:

The Mess that Calms: Tying Sensory to BIG feelings.

The smell of coffee, the softness of a kitten, the booms of thunder or fireworks: As humans, we are sensory beings. Sensory input is a powerful stimulus for a wide range of emotions and behaviors – both positive and negative. Understanding this is the key to self-regulation for children as well as adults. We can diffuse and change big feelings and negative behaviors by increasing self-regulation skills through sensory play and activities. This workshop will include simple, sensory based activities you can try and use immediately.

Session Option 2:

           

Amy Nelson:

The Playful Way!  Supporting Emerging Self-Regulation through Dyadic Play.

Designed with home-based,

Developmental Therapists in mind, this training explores how dyadic play supports co-regulation and builds the foundation for self-regulation in infants and toddlers. Participants will learn how to embed play-based strategies into daily routines—like diapering, bedtime, and transitions—while deepening their understanding of the neuroscience behind emerging self-regulation. Caregivers and professionals alike will walk away with practical tools to strengthen relationships and support emotional development through everyday moments.

Session Option 3: 

       

Jessica Lynn Kazaniwskyj:

The Vicarious Load:  Preventing Burnout and Emotional Spillover in Developmental Therapy

Working closely with families in distress carries emotional weight. This workshop offers a deep look at how vicarious trauma shows up in our bodies, our boundaries, and our ability to stay present. You’ll walk away with nervous system-aligned practices to protect your energy, recover from overwhelm, and stay rooted in purpose.

Session Option 4:

            

Lila Ayyad-Alharsha:

How to Encourage Caregivers to be Motivators. 

In this session, you’ll learn how to coach caregivers using clear, supportive language that boosts their confidence and engagement. You’ll explore how to shift from simply modeling skills for caregivers to actively modeling with them, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and greater follow-through. The session will also guide you in building lasting buy-in by helping caregivers see the direct impact they have on their child’s progress.  Whether you’re navigating caregiver hesitation or aiming for more consistent carryover at home, this training will equip you with practical tools to create meaningful, lasting change together.

Closing presenter:  Amy Nelson

Session Title: The Journey of Joy

Session Description

"Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else." – Fred Rogers.

There is no denying that the pandemic has reshaped the education landscape across our country. But the journey is not over. In many ways, it is only the beginning. When we shift our primary focus from what is behind to what lies ahead, our journey opens with endless possibilities to find joy.

Participants will rediscover the joy our colleagues and children bring to our work and lives in this invigorating keynote. Participants will understand why joy matters and how it

contributes to therapist resiliency. Participants will also identify actionable strategies for turning negative energy into positive outcomes.