23rd Annual WI Transition Conference
Date: February 13-14, 2025
Location: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Schedule 
This schedule is subject to change. Registrants will receive a conference program at conference check in.
Click on the dates below to view a specific date.
Friday, February 14, 2025
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Breakfast, Networking, ExhibitorsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
8:30 am - 8:45 am
Welcome Back: Patrick Vavra, EdEventsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
8:45 am - 10:15 am
Dr. Mary MorningstarSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Mary E. Morningstar, PhD, is the new co-director of PSU’s ThinkCollege Inclusion Oregon project in the Special Education Department, and teaches courses for preservice students focused on transition and post-secondary outcomes. She has a BSEd in special education from the University of Georgia, an MEd in special education from the University of Maryland, and a PhD from the University of Kansas. Morningstar’s research encompasses three interrelated concentrations: college and career readiness for youth with disabilities, teacher education and professional development, and secondary inclusive educational reform. She is the author of The Educator’s Guide to Implementing Transition Planning and Services (2017), and over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous book chapters, monographs, and technical reports.
10:15 am - 10:35 am
BreakSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:40 am - 11:45 am
Dr. Mary Morningstar: WorkshopSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:00 pm - 12:50 pm
Lunch, Networking & ExhibitsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:55 pm - 1:45 pm
14. Finding Free and Easy Resources for Developing Work-Based Learning PlanTamboti/Aloeswood
Presenter: Everett Grady (Founder)The demand for work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students is growing rapidly. With ADVANCE CTE new National Career Cluster Framework, schools and businesses recognize the need and value of expanding the hands-on, real-world experience in preparing students for the workforce. Establishing a high-quality WBL program has become a priority. However, creating these programs can seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be daunting—what’s needed is a strong community plan.
15. On Your Marq- Support for Neurodivergent College Students Aralia
Presenter: Emily Raclaw (Director, On Your Marq)On Your Marq is a college success program designed to assist neurodivergent students in navigating the college landscape at Marquette University. The program focuses on students’ transition to the rigors of academia as well as works with students to identify strengths and skills to transfer to life after college. We will share information about our program as well as provide a model for other programs in development. This session will also address the increasing need for similar programs.
Level: Beginner16. Most Students Can Take College Classes in High School - Five examplesBanyan
Presenter: Jennifer Powell (Transition Coordinator)In this presentation I will share five different college experiences that students have enjoyed. I will share the different funding sources that I used including Start College Now, Early College Credit Program, High School Academies, WIOA, Self-pay, and District Special Education Funding. I will also give some tips to check for college readiness in high school as well as strategies to begin planning.
Level: Beginner17. Creating Meaningful Connections Utilizing Team Building & Leadership ActiviCypress
Presenter: Brian Kenney (Consultant )Developing meaningful and purposeful connections to others is crucial to being a good team player. Learn to connect to others while working on critical thinking and problem-solving skill sets. Learning the value of connecting with others will increase your leadership skills and allow you to become career and life-ready. This session will involve hands-on small and large group sessions to develop strong team-building and leadership skills.
Level: Intermediate18. Utilizing a Micro-Enterprise to Build Employability Skills Mangrove
Presenters: Kris Steinhilber (Transition Skills Assistant ); Mary Beth Connors (Transition Coordinator); Patti Kimball (Transition Skills Manager)In the Oshkosh Area School District, our Transition Team currently runs three micro-enterprises. ( School Cafe's, Brewing Futures Food Truck, "Details Matter" - our new car detailing business). We would like to present on what it takes to successfully start a micro-enterprise, how to run one, and what employability skills we are targeting.
Level: Intermediate19. High Impact Family Engagement Practices: Through The Lens of TransitionMarula
Presenters: Heidi Lehman (Family School Partnership Coordinator); Stephanie Adrihan (Family School Partnership Coordinator); Stephanie Lehman (Family School Partnership Coordinator)Family-school partnerships form the bedrock of IDEA. The transitions students and families experience as they prepare for post secondary options can be confusing and stressful. Participants will leave this session with ideas for how to come together as educators, students and families to develop Postsecondary Transition Plans that help students embark on their journey to success after high school.
1:55 pm - 2:45 pm
20. Bridging Partnerships: Strengthening Collaboration for Effective TransitionSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenters: Jason Glozier (Executive Director); Pam Jenson (TIG Grant Coordinator); Sarah Kuehn (DVR Program and Policy Analyst); Shana Ratzburg (TIG Transition Specialist)Discover how collaboration among school districts, families, youth, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and Independent Living Centers (ILCs) transform Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with IEPs. This session offers actionable strategies to build and sustain partnerships that foster student success and highlights the essential roles that DVR and ILCs play in the transition process.
Level: Beginner21. Building Students' Futures: Work-Based Learning and Youth ApprenticeshipTamboti/Aloeswood
Presenters: Brooke Holbrook (Director of Career and Life Ready Department); Mallory Bryan (Business Services Consultant); Valerie Brooks (Career and Technical Education Coordinator)Explore how Work-Based Learning can open doors for students with IEPs! This session for educators, parents, and agencies highlights Youth Apprenticeship as an ideal pathway to career success. We’ll discuss critical supports from DVR, WIOA, and Special Education to ensure access to meaningful work experiences. Learn collaborative strategies and resources to empower students for successful transitions into the workforce and beyond.
Level: Beginner22. 18 & Beyond: How Do We Determine Frequency & Delivery of Services?Aralia
Presenters: Danielle Davidsen (Transition-Program Support Teacher); Holly Smith (Principal/Director of Curriculum)A question that arises in a variety of networking, professional development, and family engagement settings is how to best determine frequency and duration of transition services on an individualized basis. In alignment to guidance from DPI and TIG, this presentation will explore early partnership with families, transition assessment, and a service rating tool that all assist in the decision-making process towards braiding school-based services with the student's Post-Secondary Transition Plan.
Level: Intermediate23. Building Bridges: Collaboration of School Nurses & Special Education StaffBanyan
Presenters: Amanda Dehli (School Nurse); Christine Kierzek (Teacher)Starting simple with a class presentation, a collaborative relationship grew between the School Nurse and our Life Skills Classroom. The presentation lead to greater and greater collaboration, participation of students in health programs at the school, and a holistic approach to care that is improving outcomes for all of our students. We will talk about some challenges we faced and how we overcame them, as well as detail how the collaboration worked and it's results.
Level: Intermediate24. 'Can Do' Work ExperienceCypress
Presenters: Jenny Amos (HS Special Ed Teacher); MaryKay Crotteau (HS Special Ed Teacher)Creating a variety of work experience opportunities is essential in providing students with meaningful job skills to help them learn more about themselves and what careers they 'can do' after high school. Learn more about the variety of students I am currently providing work experiences for and how I have tailored it to each student's individual needs.
Level: Beginner25. Behavior Contracts to Support Transition-Aged StudentsMangrove
Presenter: Grant Allen (Assistant Professor)Behavior contracts are an effective method for supporting behavior change in students across the grade span, including transition-aged students, for a variety of behaviors. This presentation will cover what behavior contracts are, what makes behavior contracts effective, and a step-by-step process for how to implement a behavior contract. Participants will have the opportunity to access a professional learning module to support using behavior contracts in educational contexts.
Level: Beginner26. Education and Health Care Transition: Outcomes and Resources (WI and beyondMarula
Presenter: Timothy Markle (Director)In 2024, Wisconsin Title V Program and the Youth Health Transition Initiative led a TA from MCHB to utilize Got Transition to assist Wisconsin and a consortium of states. The effort was designed to improve collaboration between Title V and DPI (and others). Come learn about the our outcomes and the resources that have been co-developed in Wisconsin. We will also highlight work being done from other states in the consortium and then co-develop with participants the next steps in Wisconsin.
Level: Intermediate
