Created especially for families and anyone who desire to understand more about autism spectrum disorders and options to help those individuals.
2024 Conference Presentations
Keynote Presentations by Laurie Hellmann:
"Beyond the Spectrum: A Journey of Hope”
"Care for the Caregiver"
"Break Out Sessions:
"Navigating the Meltdown" by Sheelagh Lucas
"Communication That Makes Everyone's Life Easier" by Susanne Boykin
"Valuing All Forms of Communication by Laurie Hellmann
"Understanding the Benefits of Neurofeedback/Neuromodulation in the treatment of Global Brain Control and Self Regulation" by Jody Angel-Trejo and Jacob Sandman
"Transition Roadmap Timeline: Everything You Need To Know About Transition Planning For Life After High School" by Jenn Miller
"The Gut Brain Connection” by Shelbi Weis
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Keynote Speaker, Laurie Hellmann
Throughout her entire life, Laurie Hellmann has assumed the role of caregiver, advocate and leader, so it comes as no surprise that she immediately jumped into action to navigate the challenging world of autism and share what she’s learned with others when her first born, Skyler, was diagnosed with severe, non-verbal autism in 2006. Laurie’s 24 year professional career in the healthcare industry combined with her 20 years of personal experience as a parent caregiver to a young adult son with profound needs has made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader whose empowering message and uplifting perspective opens minds and soothes souls.
Laurie is a self-professed “warrior mom” whose honesty, humor and authenticity have connected her to families, medical professionals, therapists and, frankly, everyone she meets. Through her podcast, “Living the Sky Life — Our Autism Journey,” her book, Welcome to My Life: A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism, and her advocacy work, volunteerism, and speaking, Laurie is continually making a lasting impact in the autism community and beyond.
Laurie speaks for live and virtual audiences of all sizes on topics including shifting perspective, resilience, self-advocacy, inclusion, marriage, mental health and belief in a higher purpose. She’s also a fitness enthusiast and a natural-born empowerment coach.
Breakout Session Presenters
Susanne Boykin, M.A., CCC-SLP
Susanne is a clinical educator in the Communication Disorders Department at UNK. Prior to joining the CDIS faculty in 2018 Susanne practiced as a bilingual therapist working primarily with children in a variety of settings including outpatient therapy at Phelps Memorial Health Center, private practice, Sewall Child Development Center in Denver, various school settings in Oregon and Colorado, and providing multi-lingual Child Find evaluations and in-home early intervention therapy. Outside of work Susanne enjoys coordinating a ministry to families with children with special needs (V.I.P.) at her church Kearney eFree.
Jody Angel-Trejo, MS, LIMHP, CPC
With over 25 years of training and experience in agency, school and clinical settings, Jody has years of experience working with children and adolescents who present with atypical development and functioning. Jody’s interest in neurodivergent functioning arose from her years of work with children who experienced developmental trauma. Out of that passion, Jody began to deepen her understanding of the relevance of neuronal functioning in the treatment of children in the mental health field, regardless of diagnosis. Jody is well versed in the complexities of the mind, body and brain, creating a practice that considers how all of these pieces support optimal functioning of the diverse individuals she supports through her work at Midwest Encouragement and Counseling Center. She has years of training and presenting across the state on neuro development and neuro informed treatment.
Shelbi Weis, PLMHP
Shelbi joined Midwest Encouragement and Counseling Center in August 2023, first as a clinical intern, and then transitioned to our team full time as a PLMHP when she graduated in May. She received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2017, and her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May of 2024. Shelbi worked as a social worker in child welfare as well as hospital social work for 6 years. She has completed training in TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy). Shelbi has a strong interest in integrative approaches to treatment, and has completed Integrative Mental Health Care training and over the next year will works towards certification as an Integrative Mental Health Practitioner. Shelbi has a strong interest in the gut- brain connection, and using nutrition, exercise, strength training, and meditation as interventions for mental health treatment. She enjoys working with older children, teens, young adults and their families who have been touched by trauma, athletes of all ages, performance pressure and overall health and wellness in correlation with mental health.
Jenn Smith-Miller, M.A.
Jenn is the Executive Director of the Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping families across Nebraska who have children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs navigate the special education process. Jenn has been employed at PTI Nebraska since 2011. She worked with families as a Parent Outreach Coordinator where she focused on individualized education programs, positive behavior supports, and strengthening home-school partnerships before becoming the Executive Director in December 2022. She is grateful to be part of such a wonderful team who is passionate about empowering families to advocate for their children’s needs in school and teaching families how to navigate different systems and services.
Jenn serves on several statewide committees and local boards that focus on improving outcomes for people with disabilities. She has a Master’s in Human Resource Development, and received her Bachelor’s in English with Minors in Speech and Mass Communications and an emphasis on Public Speaking from Doane University. She has three wonderful children and her oldest son has a rare genetic disorder which has led to global developmental delays in all areas and multiple disabilities including Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, and Autism. Jenn enjoys spending time and going on adventures with her children (even when that adventure is going to Scooters, Target, or Dairy Queen), hanging out with her family and friends, laughing, playing volleyball, drinking coffee, and eating ice cream.
Sheelagh Lucas
Sheelagh is a Special Education Teacher at Maxwell Public Schools, with a Master’s Degree in Education and the Director of Training for Operation Shine Camp. She specializes in training others to work with children who have behavioral challenges. Her work with children who exhibit behavioral issues led her to focus on creating individualized, empathetic, and effective strategies. Sheelagh’s engaging presentations are known for their practical applications and real-world relevance, providing valuable tools for educators and caregivers alike. As the parent of a son with Autism, she understands the need for practical aspects of behavior management tools.
Sheelagh has presented at the PEP Conference and The Kids and Dreams Foundation Autism Conference on effective strategies for working with schools and building communities for families with special needs children. She has presented to educators and school support personnel on Navigating Meltdowns. Most recently she has worked with the Nebraska Speech Communication and Theater Association, teaching theater and speech coaches from across the state on effective strategies on coaching children with special needs in Theater and Speech. Promoting inclusion in all aspects of these programs.
Sheelagh spends her spare time coaching theater and speech, traveling with her husband, Jordan and four children, and boating as much as possible in the summer.
