From Burlington to the National Stage: Invited to Speak at the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference

Ask the Advocate will be speaking at the National NATSAP conference in a few weeks.

Last October, I had the opportunity to speak at a regional National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs(NATSAP) conference in Burlington, Vermont. The room was filled with program leaders, clinicians, and educators who do this work every day—supporting students with complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.

The conversation was real, practical, and candid. We talked about what actually happens when families are trying to access therapeutic placements, how school districts make decisions behind closed doors, and where things most often break down for parents and programs alike.

That session sparked meaningful dialogue—and clearly struck a nerve.

As a result, I was invited to take that work to the national stage.

I’m honored to share that I will be speaking at the 2026 NATSAP Annual Conference, Many Voices, One Mission, taking place February 9–12, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Why This Topic Resonated

My presentation focuses on engaging school districts effectively while protecting and advancing parents’ rights under FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education). This is an area that is often misunderstood—even by experienced professionals—and yet it is central to whether students actually receive the services and placements they need.

At the Burlington conference, we dug into:

• Why districts say “no” even when the need is clear

• How programs can position themselves as educational partners, not adversaries

• What parents need to understand about their rights before a crisis escalates

The feedback was clear: this information is not only valuable—it’s necessary.

Bridging Programs, Parents, and Districts

With more than two decades of experience working across special education advocacy, district negotiations, and therapeutic placements, my work lives in the space where education law meets real-life decision-making.

At the national conference, I’ll be expanding this conversation to focus on:

• How programs can navigate school district systems more strategically

• How parent rights under IDEA and FAPE can be upheld without derailing collaboration

• How clear data, documentation, and communication can change outcomes

This isn’t abstract policy talk. It’s grounded in real cases, real families, and real results.

Why Being Asked to Speak Nationally Matters

Being invited from a regional conference to a national one is deeply meaningful. It signals that the message resonates beyond one room or one region—and that professionals across the country are looking for clearer, more effective ways to support students while working within complex systems.

As therapeutic programs continue to evolve, the ability to collaborate with school districts—and to support parents through that process—is no longer optional. It’s essential.

I’m proud to bring this work to San Diego and to continue contributing to a national conversation focused on ethical practice, informed advocacy, and better outcomes for students and families.