Great mentors don’t just teach—they transform. This session explores how meaningful mentorship can elevate confidence, strengthen teams, and create a culture of learning that lasts. Whether you’re guiding a new hire or stepping into a mentorship role yourself, you’ll gain clear strategies for building trust, setting expectations, and navigating challenges together. Because when we support each other well, we all serve better.

In this honest and insightful session, Abbey Lou Childress shares her lived experience as a person with autism, offering a window into the challenges, misconceptions, and moments of growth she’s faced along the way. With compassion and clarity, Abbey reframes what it means to live with autism and encourages deeper understanding. You’ll walk away with meaningful insights and practical tools to better support and connect with the people you serve.

Clear boundaries are essential for protecting yourself and the individuals you serve. This session takes a practical look at why staying within your professional role matters, what can happen when boundaries are crossed, and how to navigate gray areas with care. Come prepared to gain the tools to recognize red flags, protect your energy, and stay grounded in your role with clarity and purpose.

What does it mean to truly support someone’s independence? This session explores dignity of risk—the idea that everyone deserves the right to take chances, make choices, and grow from experience. We’ll explore real-world examples of supporting healthy risks while honoring our duty of care. Walk away with practical tools for navigating this balance and a renewed perspective on what it means to empower those you serve.

You can’t self-care your way out of secondary traumatic stress (STS) with bubble baths. This session busts myths about STS and compassion fatigue—including the idea that caring less will help you survive the work. We’ll explore what STS really is, how it differs from burnout, and how to recognize the signs. You’ll be introduced to the CECERT model, a five-part framework with practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce STS. Leave with tools to respond with intention—not just reaction.

Caring for others takes heart—and it takes a toll. This session is for anyone who shows up every day with empathy and wants simple ways to protect their own well-being in the process. Forget the advice that doesn’t fit your life. You’ll learn research-backed tools that are easy to use on the job, in the moment, and in real time. Come ready to experience techniques that help you stay grounded, connected, and well.

When someone has experienced trauma, even the most well-meaning support can fall short without trust. Take a closer look at how trauma shows up in the developmental disability community—and how to respond effectively. You’ll learn how to spot the signs, reduce re-traumatization, and use practical tools rooted in empathy and safety. Walk away with strategies that build connection, increase confidence, and help you serve individuals and families with the compassion they deserve.

This session explores practical strategies and programs that support employment for people with disabilities. You’ll examine common myths and misconceptions that often create barriers—and discover how to replace them with awareness, resources, and real-world solutions. Learn how to strengthen community partnerships, promote hiring, and support the transition from readiness to long-term success. The goal isn’t just employment— it’s meaningful employment that leads to opportunity, independence, and possibility.

People thrive when they’re supported to lead their own lives, try new things, and make their own choices. This session focuses on person-centered practices that help individuals with intellectual disabilities feel connected, confident, and in control. You’ll learn practical strategies and walk away with new ideas to help individuals take part in daily planning decisions. When people have a seat at the table, the outcomes are stronger—for them, their families, and their communities

Serving others well challenges us to follow our passions while also supporting others in the pursuit of their own interests. No one understands this more than Oklahoma native and singer-songwriter, Cutter Elliott. Join Cutter as he shares his personal story of pursuing country music while living with vision and hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and autism. “I want to encourage everybody to find whatever it is they love to do and do it the best they can. If everybody does that, we can change the world.”