2025 Conference Speakers and Panelists
Dani Bowman
Special Keynote Speaker
Cast Member of Netflix "Love on the Spectrum US"
Founder and CEO of DaniMation Entertainment
Dani Bowman is a young and talented animator, artist, and entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is passionate about using her skills to help others and her dedication to inclusion and diversity. Despite being diagnosed with autism at age 3 and nonverbal until 6, Dani has overcome these challenges to become an accomplished artist, animator, and inspiring speaker. She founded her own company, DaniMation, when she was just 14 years old, and DaniMation UK in 2019. Dani has taught animation to over 3000 students with autism and premiered 14 short films at San Diego Comic-Con. As a national speaker and cast member of Love on the Spectrum, Dani uses her platform to inspire and mentor others.
Alex Kimmel
Special Keynote Speaker
Owner of The SelfDeterminator
Alex Kimmel is an experienced trainer, presenter, and owner of The SelfDeterminator www.alexkimmel.com. Alex is contracted at the local, state, national and international levels for keynote and breakout sessions on such key issues as Inclusion, Disability Acceptance, Neurodiversity, Culture of Gentleness, Self-direction, Autism and Person-Centered thinking.
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Dr. R. Scott Akins, D.O.
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Section Chief, Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics
Medical Director UC Davis MIND Institute
Dr. Akins is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician specializing in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. He is the Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Associate Director of the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and Medical Director at the UC Davis, MIND Institute. Prior to joining the MIND Institute, Dr. Akins was a general pediatrician, then a developmental pediatrician in the US Navy, where he served as Community Leader for Developmental Pediatrics and then as the Children’s Health Community Leader and Advisor to the Surgeon General. He has special clinical interest and expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disability and Trisomy 21.
Susan Andrien
CEO Hope Reimagined
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Trainer
Susan Andrien is a visionary leader and advocate in the field of mental health and community wellbeing. As the CEO and Founder of Hope Reimagined, she brings over two and a half decades of invaluable experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her journey in the mental health sector has been driven by a profound commitment to nurturing the holistic health of communities, making her a respected and influential figure in the field. Susan's expertise extends beyond traditional therapy; she is a certified Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Level II Trainer. In addition to her role at Hope Reimagined, Susan holds the position of Director of Wraparound Supports at Destiny Arts Center, further amplifying her impact on community wellbeing.
Dr. Amber Busay, BCBA
Dr. Amber Busay, BCBA has been in the field of special education for almost 20 years and has worked in numerous environments such as in home ABA, non-public school settings, district settings, and private settings. She opened her own business in December of 2022 to help advocate for families and their students. She is also trained in mediation and conflict resolution strategies, which helps her better advocate for people with disabilities. Her passion is to help bridge the gaps within the special education community to ensure people with disabilities have an overall positive quality of life.
Chelsea Calabria
Rockem Dog Training
Chelsea has spent 14 years working in the animal field. She began training animals for TV, movies, commercials and more. After training dogs for entertainment, she became an Animal Control Officer for the Department of Law Enforcement in Las Vegas. In 2013, she began her extensive work with service dogs at Canine Companions for Independence, where she worked her way through a three-year apprenticeship to become a certified Service Dog Trainer through Assistance Dogs International. She spent the next 7 years training and placing hundreds of service dogs to assist their human partners with a variety of different skills. She specializes in non-weight bearing mobility assistance, hearing dogs, psychiatric dogs and dogs for children with a variety of disabilities and diagnoses. Chelsea now owns and operates her own private training business, Rockem Dog Training, in the Bay Area with her partner. At Rockem, she trains pet dogs with a variety of behavioral issues and runs a service dog program to help owners train their own service dogs.
Teresa Cortes Lamas
Parents Helping Parents
Teresa Cortes Lamas is the Bilingual Strategic Project Coordinator for Connections California: Transition to Adulthood and Adult Services at Parents Helping Parents. Connections California is a 24-hour, statewide, online information and resource center where you will find videos, transition guides, and an annual calendar with more than 100 live webinars, available in English and Spanish. Teresa lives in Contra Costa County with her husband and son, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 16 months. Teresa is fond of saying: "We want to help make your loved one's transition to adulthood experience a friendly and satisfying one. Let's Create Connections… Connections California!"
Renee Croog
Serenity Saddles
My name is Renee Croog. In 2017, I created Serenity Saddles. I am so proud to have watched this program provide equine-assisted activities to more than 80 children and adults with special needs in the community.
Our Therapeutic Riding Program addresses the cognitive, physical, and social well-being of these individuals, teaching horsemanship skills tailored to their individual needs and abilities. Classes are taught by me, an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and assisted by one of the many volunteers that support the program.
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Rachelle Franko
Workforce Development Board of Solano County
Rachelle Franko is a dedicated Disabilities Resource Specialist with the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, bringing over 14 years of experience in serving the disabilities community. Her passion and drive stem from being a mother and advocate for her autistic daughter. Rachelle began her career by teaching a transition academic program for special needs children at the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. In addition, she served military families through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), providing in-home ABA therapy to multiple stages of youth under the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Rachelle’s career has evolved to focus on serving adults with disabilities. Through the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, she helps adults and emerging adults with disabilities by implementing programs that assist disabled job seekers and workers in acquiring the skills they need for success in the labor market. She ensures they have access to the resources, support, and accommodations necessary to thrive in various settings, such as educational institutions, workplaces, and communities.
E5 Therapy
E5 Therapy is a nonprofit mental health outpatient facility located in Suisun City, CA. E5 therapy sees clients of all walks of life and specializes in several therapeutic specialties to include canine assisted therapy. Canine assisted therapy (CAT) is a powerful tool in psychotherapy, offering emotional, physiological, and relational benefits for clients. Our incorporation of a canine partner in clinical sessions creates a calming and supportive environment, particularly with individuals who are managing PTSD, anxiety, depression and or trauma. E5 strives to provide professional, evidence-based therapy for Military members, veterans, and First Responders to include their families. Couples therapy, child therapy and family therapy are all offered in addition to treatment for individuals.
Dr. Shandi J. Fuller, M.D.
CEO Doctor 4 the People
Medical Director Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Solano County
Dr. Shandi J. Fuller wears many hats and serves as a pediatrician, consultant, coach, and speaker. Born and raised in Northern Virginia she attended the illustrious Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Fuller pursued her passion for serving the needs of the community by completing her Master of Public Health degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Currently she is medical director for the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health division in Solano County. She is also the CEO of Doctor 4 the People where she treats children and adults with ADHD in the Bay area. She also informs, enlightens, and empowers by sharing her knowledge with colleagues and community members through trainings, coaching and speaking engagements. Dr. Fuller’s mission is to give voice to racial inequities in healthcare by developing strategies to end health disparities and creating safe spaces.
Dr. Jefferey Gaborko, M.D.
Pediatrician, Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Jeffrey Gaborko, MD is a pediatrics specialist in Vacaville, CA and has over 28 years of experience in the medical field.
Dr. Gaborko graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine in 1995. He works in Vacaville, CA and 3 other locations and specializes in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics. Dr. Gaborko is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Vacaville. Along with being a general pediatrician he also has leadership responsibilities in an area called Health Promotion. This job takes him into the community engaging different groups on health and wellness topics.
Michael Ginsberg, MD
Pediatrician, NorthBay Health
As a pediatrician, I see patients from newborns to young adulthood. I treat every child the same way I would want my own children to be treated -with kindness and respect. I know that young children can be fearful of doctors. I want to give them a positive first experience so they can go through life without anxiety about caring for their health. I am passionate about ensuring that children are up to date on all their vaccinations because immunization saves lives. Immunization is the single greatest and most important accomplishment of modern medicine and public health ever. I work to make sure that parents understand the facts on this issue and take time to educate them on the importance of following the immunization schedule. I believe in educating the entire family about a child's health care and empowering the child to understand his or her own health care, on an age-appropriate basis. I have special interest in adolescents, asthma (both acute and chronic) and the management of ADHD and developmental/behavioral disorders. I'm also fluent in Spanish.
When I listen to a patient, I try to put myself in their shoes. Being a doctor gives me great emotional and intellectual satisfaction. I enjoy helping people be healthy. There's no job in the world I would want other than this.
Tacorra Gray, M Ed., BCBA
In The Gray Learning LLC
Tacorra Gray founded In The Gray Learning LLC as an Educational Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Tacorra loves to blend her knowledge of cultural competency, trauma-informed practices, and Applied Behavior Analysis in her practice.
Melissa Guevara
Solano SELPA
Melissa Guevara is an educator, advocate, aspiring plant enthusiast, humble home sourdough baker, and mother to 2 boys (one neurotypical and one neurodivergent). Her core values are accessibility, inclusion, and connection. She has a combined 17 years working in special education, serving in roles from paraprofessional to special education teacher to administrator. Melissa has been a coordinator with the Solano County SELPA since 2018 where she works in collaboration with families and school districts in support of students with disabilities and the provision of their special education services.
Katharine Harlan Owens
Program Manager, The PATH Program
CEDD UC Davis MIND Institute
Katharine Harlan Owens is the Program Manager of the PATH program and Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the UC Davis MIND Institute. She is enthusiastic and committed parent-advocate currently studying to become a Registered Nurse in the healthcare industry. She has extensive personal experience navigating ASD and ADHD specific therapeutic and clinical services. She is well versed in drafting and advocating for IEP’s within the public schools.
Lisa Hooks
State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Lisa Hooks is a dedicated public servant with over three decades of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She serves as a Regional Manager for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), where she provides essential public information and training to individuals, families, service providers, and policymakers on issues affecting people with disabilities. Lisa is particularly passionate about empowering individuals to advocate for their needs, including securing necessary supports and services. Her career spans both the public and private sectors, with experience in care coordination, case management, behavior intervention, and crisis management. She has worked in a variety of settings, including childcare centers, group homes, developmental centers, and correctional institutions, all of which have informed her commitment to promoting inclusivity and systemic change. Lisa’s advocacy focuses on creating equitable systems in areas such as education, housing, mental health, transportation, and employment, with an emphasis on person-centered planning, disability awareness, and self-advocacy.
Erica Hurtado
Founder of Team Dixon
Special Needs Parent & Advocate
Erica Hurtado is the Founder and Director of Team Dixon, a local special needs nonprofit that builds a supportive, inclusive, and loving community around special needs youth. TEAM Dixon embodies the power of friendship allowing the abilities of all the children to shine through, using a buddy system. She is a pioneer in her community leading the way to foster inclusive opportunities and bring awareness about the neurodiverse world. Erica was also on the founding board of the Dixon Montessori Charter School where she supported the special education program for 6 years. Her ability to advocate and make change has resulted in numerous recognitions, including Solano County Champions For Children Award in 2018 and Congressman Garamendi’s prestigious award of Woman of The Year, in 2019. Erica is mom to four children, including her adult disabled son, Ryan, who continues to inspire her to advocate and dream big.
Kim Johnson
Secretary, California Health and Human Services Agency
Kim Johnson was appointed Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency in September 2024 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Prior to her appointment as Secretary, Ms. Johnson was appointed Director of the California Department of Social Services by Governor Gavin Newsom, a position she held from July 2019 – August 2024. In this role, Ms. Johnson led a team of over 5,500 employees – the largest Department in the California Health and Human Services Agency – serving over 7 million Californians.
Ms. Johnson started with the California Department of Social Services in 2015 and had previously been appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division, CalWORKs and Child Care Branch Chief, and Child Care and Refugee Programs Branch Chief.
Ms. Johnson has over 25 years of experience working in both community-based organizations and government focused on advancing the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities most in need of resources.
Jeanette Luedders Jones, PhD.
Jeanette Luedders Jones, PhD, is a credentialed early childhood special education teacher. She completed her doctoral degree in infant and early childhood development with an emphasis on mental health and developmental disorders. Over her 20-year early childhood career, Dr. Luedders Jones has taught and coached in inclusive preschool classrooms and provided early intervention services to families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays. She currently facilitates a course about children with special needs at Solano Community College and has offered local (Solano Family and Children Services), state (California Association for the Education of Young Children), and national (Zero to Three) workshops for parents and early childhood professionals on various topics including interoceptive awareness, reflective practice, inclusive practices, and trauma-informed practices.
Christa Poe
Special Needs Mom & Advocate
Team Vacaville
Christa Poe is a local special needs mother and advocate, helping to bring resources to special needs families in her community. She is the Co-Host of A Special Kind of Chaos Podcast, alongside Angel Hixson, where they talk about all things special needs related. They share their own personal journeys of being special needs parents to complex and profoundly impacted children. Through sharing these candid experiences, as well as other parent’s stories, they raise awareness, share resources, and ultimately lift each other up as they navigate their special needs journey. Christa also founded Team Vacaville, a local nonprofit for children and adults with disabilities. She helped to create a program that would allow special needs children and adults to grow and experience new opportunities in their community in a supportive and understanding environment. The program is a buddy-based program that focuses on the power of friendship and what is possible when see the ability instead of the disability.
Ellisa Reiff, M.S., LMFT
Self-Determination Program Supervisor,
North Bay Regional Center
Ellisa has over 25 years of experience in the Regional Center System. She has worked at multiple Regional Centers. At NBRC, she has been a Service Coordinator, Case Management Supervisor and she was also the Associate Director of Client Services in Napa & Solano Counties. Ellisa has overseen the Self-Determination Program (SDP) at NBRC since January 2024. She looks forward to sharing information with you!
Gabriel Rogin
Executive Director, North Bay Regional Center
Gabriel Rogin has worked with people with developmental disabilities and their families for over 25 years and has consistently achieved meaningful outcomes on both the individual and system levels. Gabriel is committed to the principles of self-determination and has dedicated his career to making the service system more responsive, efficient and effective. He is currently the Executive Director of North Bay Regional Center, providing advocacy, services and support for individuals and families in Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Deputy Director for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, helping to lead the Council’s advocacy, capacity building and systemic reform efforts throughout the state. He has served as a direct support professional, Case Manager, Area Board Director, and in multiple other management and leadership positions. Gabriel holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.
Elyse Sutherland, SLP
Elyse Sutherland is a California licensed and American Speech Language and Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence holder, speech and language pathologist who currently works as a contractor for BMR Health Services, Inc. and iTalk Therapies. She has been contracted to local school districts for the past five years, specifically to work with students with Autism and Autism like characteristics at the elementary school level. Additionally, she works with families of young children to promote language development in the home. She has a deep passion for alternative and augmentative communication and making sure that every student has a way to express themselves. She loves using things that motivate the child to promote communication, through play and other hands-on activities such as speech science experiments.
Dr. Randolph Thomas, MD
FAAP, Pediatrician, Sutter Medical Group
Dr. Thomas has been with the Sutter Medical Group as a primary pediatrician since 1998. He has participated in numerous community efforts, including Board of Directors, Youth and Family Services of Solano County from 1992 to 2014, being a Member, Partnership HealthPlan of California Quality/Utilization Advisory Committee, from 2000 to present. Dr. Thomas also was on the Board of Directors for First 5 Solano Children’s and Family Commission from 2002 to 2003. He was also named Medical Practitioner of the Year by the Child Abuse Prevention Council, Children’s Network of Solano County in 2007.
Sara Trail, M. Ed.
Sara Trail, M.Ed. has an extensive background in education and has worked with many neurodivergent individuals, primarily those with developmental disabilities. Since earning degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard, Sara has continued to serve and advocate for neurodivergent individuals in navigating their housing, education readiness, and employment opportunities.
Christopher Walker, MD
Family Medicine
Napa-Solano Physician in Chief
Dr. Christopher Walker is the Physician-In-Chief for Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano, where he leads approximately 700 physicians, and over 3000 medical personnel across two medical centers and three clinics. Originally from Southern California, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara before joining the United States Air Force to pursue his medical degree. He completed his Family medicine residency at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base and served in many clinical roles overseas before his separation from the military.
Having now resided in Vacaville for over 20 years, he is thankful to be serving and guiding the care for more than 300,000 patients in Solano and surrounding counties.