Friday October 2nd, 2026

8:30-3:30

Moraine Valley Community College

The IDTA is proud to announce our 11th annual conference exclusively for Developmental Therapists in the Illinois Early Intervention field. This will be an excellent opportunity to connect with your peers, gain tips to further your practice, and honor the achievements of Developmental Therapists with The Benny D Rising Star Award and Wehman Award of Excellence.

We are excited that you have made the commitment to join your fellow DT colleagues to continue to expand our knowledge together and learn from leading experts in our field. 

This page will serve as your portal to everything that you may need throughout the day. Here you will be able to do things such as:

Keynote Speaker:  Dr. Benton K. Johnson II

Dr. Benton K. Johnson II, PhD, LCPC, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, BC-TMH, is an Associate Professor at Walden University, licensed clinical counselor, international presenter, and early childhood mental health professional with more than 20 years of experience serving children, families, and professionals within early intervention and relationship-based systems of care. Since 2003, he has provided developmental therapy, counseling, social-emotional consultation, violence prevention programming, and psychotherapy services for infants, toddlers, young children, and families throughout Illinois and Iowa.

Dr. Johnson currently serves as a Professional Development Specialist with the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, facilitating trainings focused on social-emotional development, trauma, inclusion, relationships, reflective care, and family-centered practice. Through Ephphatha Consulting Services, Inc., he also provides counseling, consultation, and training services supporting children, families, helping professionals, and integrated healthcare initiatives addressing trauma, chronic illness, and the wellness needs of medical providers.

He served as President of the European Branch of the American Counseling Association from July 2024 through December 2025 and currently serves on the Board as Past President. Dr. Johnson has presented workshops, trainings, and keynote presentations throughout the United States and internationally in Romania, Hungary, Switzerland, Greece, and Germany.

His work integrates neuroscience, polyvagal-informed care, cultural humility, joyful engagement, and relationship-based practice to strengthen connection and co-regulation within the lives of children, families, and professionals. He is also trained in Theraplay and traditional play therapy approaches that support attachment, engagement, co-regulation, and relationship-based intervention.

In addition to English, his agency provides services in sign language, Spanish, Romanian, and Macedonian to support the diverse needs of children and families. A native of the Quad Cities, Dr. Johnson currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.