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1 | Facilitator Instructions Link | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | Facilitator Name | Day | Time | Session | Room | Presentation Title | Abstract | Presenter First Name | Last Name | Co-Presenter | Strand | Bio | Bio Co-Presenter | ||||||||||||||
3 | Leo Patiño | Wednesday | 9:30 am-10:30 am | First Timers Session | Suncoast | Batter Up! Newcomer Orientation | Step up to the plate! Join fellow first-timers to learn the conference game plan, meet new teammates, and get ready to knock your experience out of the park. This session is alsoo good for the super curious and lifelong learner. | Rob | Moore | Caroline Foster | Life Long Learners | Robert Moore is an accomplished educator with more than 30 years of experience across high schools, community colleges, and adult education programs. He led adult education initiatives in two Indiana districts and served twice as president of the Indiana Association for Adult & Continuing Education. Rob has delivered statewide and national trainings on student outcomes and program improvement, earning numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Award (2014) and the Craddock Award for Lifetime Service (2024). His Bloomington program was nationally recognized in 2022 for its employer-engagement. | Caroline Foster is the current IAACE President, she is the Assistant Adult Educatio Director at Impact Institute | ||||||||||||||
4 | Deb Sherwood | Wednesday | 9:30 am-10:45 am | Certiport Certification Exams | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
5 | Jenn Wigginton | Wednesday | 12:00 pm-12:45 pm | Keynote Speaker | Stardust Ballroom | NO ONE Gets There ALONE: The Hinge of Mental Toughness | Every educator and student will face a defining “hinge moment”—a decision, event, or challenge that changes everything. The question is: will they be ready? This presentation equips educators with practical strategies to build resilience and mental toughness, both for themselves and their students. Drawing from years of work with athletes, leaders, and organizations, Dr. Rob Bell shares powerful stories and actionable tools to help transform setbacks into comebacks. Attendees will learn how to navigate stress, model perseverance, and create environments where students thrive through adversity. The focus is not on chasing success but on developing the process that leads to significance. By reframing obstacles as opportunities, educators will leave this session empowered to guide students toward confidence, resilience, and the readiness to embrace their own hinge moments. | Dr. Rob | Bell | Personal Development | “I FELL OFF AN 80-FOOT CLIFF IN COLLEGE, AND THAT HINGE MOMENT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.” It caused a lot of pain physically and emotionally, but it connected who I was with who I would become from that event. Sport Psychology was discovered, and if you want the whole background of why I entered the field, check out the story of how an Olympic Gold Medalist and I shared a Hinge Moment. Here’s some more upbeat, positive background fodder about me: I was the mental coach for multiple winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, and the University of Notre Dame I worked with medalists at the Olympics. I was the sport psychology coach for the 2013 USTA National Champion I have also caddied over 20+ events on the PGA Tour Written eight (8) books on Mental Toughness and have an awesome sport psychology podcast- The Mental Toughness Podcast With Dr. Rob Bell Credit https://drrobbell.com/about-me/ | ||||||||||||||||
6 | Mark Fridenmaker | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Suncoast | Signature Storytelling for Impact: Elevating Adult Learner Voices to Drive Policy and Practice | Discover the power of storytelling to drive adult learner advocacy. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn a 5-layer signature story framework, exploring why stories inspire action and influence policy. Outcomes: craft compelling narratives, center lived experience, and connect data with emotion to create lasting impact for adult learners. | Bridgett | Strickler | Personal Development, Administration, ABE | Bridgett Strickler is a nationally recognized, adult learner champion. Bridgett has played a key role in launching adult learner engagement campaigns across the country, partnering with state and regional leaders to stand up and support large-scale initiatives in Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington. Her work has helped connect tens of thousands of adults to education pathways and workforce opportunities that align with their goals. In November 2025, Bridgett will take the TEDx stage in New York City at TEDxWomen to deliver a talk on “The Moment of Decision” exploring the neuroscience, emotion, and identity shifts behind adult learners' choice to return to school. Through her storytelling work, she is helping bring visibility and dignity to adult learners by sharing their powerful comeback stories and spotlighting the barriers and breakthroughs on the road to education and career transformation. She is currently writing her first book, which draws on her professional expertise, research, and personal experience as a “comebacker” herself, weaving together compelling narratives about reinvention, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose at any age. She currently serves as Vice President, Adult Learner Engagement and Impact at the newly launched national-nonprofit, the Center for Academic Innovation. She previously was Vice President of Coalition Strategy at the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), where she lead CAEL’s long-standing national partnerships with the energy and telecommunications sectors through the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) and the National Alliance for Communications Technology, Education and Learning (NACTEL). In that role, she developed and advanced scalable workforce-education strategies to drive economic mobility for adult learners and incumbent workers. Prior to her role at CAEL, she served as Chief Strategy Officer at The Graduate! Network (TGN), where she co-created employer engagement strategies that reached nearly 4,000 businesses and over 6,000 workers nationwide. She also led research, learning, and impact efforts that helped shift the narrative around adult learners and their potential. Bridgett holds both an MBA and a Master’s in the Art of Teaching. She is available for keynote speaking, storytelling workshops, and strategic advising on topics including: ● Adult learners and comeback stories ● Employer-education partnerships ● Cognitive flexibility and career reinvention ● Storytelling for advocacy and stakeholder engagement | ||||||||||||||||
7 | Jane Coulter | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Freemont 1 | Indiana Licensing for ABE and CORE teachers | This session will provide updated information from the Indiana Dept. of Education regarding teacher licensing. | Dr. Karen | Bevis | Personal Development | Completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education, a master’s in administration and supervision and a doctorate in Educational Leadership-Curriculum and Instruction over a 43-year career in education, after 12 years of elementary and middle school teaching, Karen became a K-8 administrator then chose to teach and lead at the collegiate level. Teacher licensing and Workplace Specialist licensing are her current areas of expertise. Karen has become a leader in education with a knack for visualizing creative solutions. Dr. Bevis is the co-author of "Compass to the Future" | ||||||||||||||||
8 | Veronica Monge Perez | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Freemont 2 | Strengthening HiSET Test Center Readiness | This session refreshes HiSET test center staff on secure test delivery by clarifying staff roles, reinforcing test day protocols, and addressing technical issue management. It also covers portal navigation, onboarding procedures, and includes a PBT mini-session on error prevention—promoting integrity and safeguarding the testing process. | Stephanie | Bauer | Data Management/Testing Center Administration | Stephanie Bauer, the HiSET Account Manager, focuses on cultivating relationships with state clients, vendors, and internal partners. She manages the implementation of the HiSET program at the state level, collaborating with adult education programs and test centers on contracts and service level agreements. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 programs and a bachelor’s degree from Rider University, Stephanie is also certified as a Scrum Master I and Six Sigma Greenbelt. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Stephanie is an avid traveler and Broadway aficionado. | ||||||||||||||||
9 | Pam Humes | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Freemont 3 | Swinging for the Fences with AI in Adult Ed | Discover how AI can step up to the plate in adult ed! Join Sheila Butler and her AI co-teacher “Gabe” for a lively, hands-on session exploring tools to create worksheets, games, and writing support. Learn to save time, boost engagement, and hit instructional home runs with practical, classroom-ready ideas. | Sheila | Butler | Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach | Sheila Butler is a veteran adult education teacher from Indiana with over 37 years teaching experience. She has presented at conferences statewide for 22 years and nationally for the past 6. Sheila specializes in using AI to enhance instruction, generate content, and support diverse learners. She co-teaches with ChatGPT to model real-world applications of AI in the classroom. A long-time leader in IAACE, she brings energy, humor, and practical strategies to every session. | ||||||||||||||||
10 | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Freemont 4 | Building Career Pathways: How NCCER and COABE Are Empowering Adult Learners | Discover how NCCER and COABE are partnering to build inclusive career pathways in construction for adult learners. Learn how this collaboration equips educators with tools, connects job-ready adults to employers, and supports workforce development through training, credentials, and real-world opportunities. | Kaylene | Smith | Rob Moore | Workforce/ WEI/IET | Kaylene joined NCCER in 2022, after being a long time NCCER customer working at ABC of Indiana/Kentucky and Ivy Tech Community College managing both NCCER and Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Kaylene serves as the Workforce Development Manager for CA, NV, AZ, KS, IN, OH, PA, NJ, WV, and KY. In her role, Kaylene works with organizations to implement NCCER standardized training and assessment programs to help build a safe and sustainable construction workforce. Kaylene brings her experience and passion for careers in construction to form partnerships between education and industry. | Robert Moore is an accomplished educator with more than 30 years of experience across high schools, community colleges, and adult education programs. He led adult education initiatives in two Indiana districts and served twice as president of the Indiana Association for Adult & Continuing Education. Rob has delivered statewide and national trainings on student outcomes and program improvement, earning numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Award (2014) and the Craddock Award for Lifetime Service (2024). His Bloomington program was nationally recognized in 2022 for its employer-engagement. | |||||||||||||||
11 | DWD Team | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Freemont 5 | A League of Our Own: 15 Years at DWD | Fifteen years ago, Indiana Adult Education transitioned from the Department of Education to the Department of Workforce Development. Over this time, there have been significant changes in program direction and outcomes. This presentation will review shifts and trends that have defined this timeframe and provide perspective on how DWD leadership continues to shape the future of Indiana Adult Education. | Marilyn | Pitzulo | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
12 | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | Freemont 6 | Integrating Project Management into CTE for Reentry | Explore how integrating project management in CTE builds workforce readiness and supports desistence. Learn core concepts—stakeholders, processes, and skills—and how they apply on the job or in entrepreneurship. Discover practical ways to teach these through case studies, team projects, and real-world problem solving. | Dr. John | Rajanayakam | Corrections/Vocational | Dr. John Rajanayakam is a Regional Correctional Education Coordinator, author, and speaker with over 25 years of global experience spanning corporate leadership, correctional education, and organizational transformation. He currently oversees educational programs in 8 correctional facilities for Ivy Tech Community College. A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt , Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Life Coach , Dr.John Rajanayakam brings a unique blend of strategic planning, process improvement, and workforce development expertise. His background includes executive leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and in helping organizations adopt technologies like AI and RPA. Passionate about second chances and reentry success, Dr. John Rajanayakam emphasizes entrepreneurship, coaching, and practical skill-building. He is known for integrating real-world problem-solving and project-based learning into classrooms to empower justice-involved learners with tools for employment, entrepreneurship, and life transformation. | |||||||||||||||||
13 | Deb Sherwood | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
14 | Luz Espinoza | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | SamsTown B | Preparing ELLs for IETs & Career Pathways | This session will provide a broad understanding of potential career pathways for upper-level ELLs utilizing the comprehensive Burlington English curriculum. Participants will be shown 4 activities to get started. Give students the chance to “hit” a home run, advance through our programs, and reach home plate (training certification and better job)! | Brenda | Gaston | ELL/Civics | Brenda Gaston has been an adult ESL teacher for Warren Township for the past 13 years. She currently teaches Int/Adv ELLs, but has experience teaching all levels. Brenda designs contextualized language units to challenge students with critical thinking skills . By using a text-driven & project-based learning approach, she can provide maximum student engagement and help students persist with their HSE goals. In her role as program "coach", she has designed and led the professional learning community, providing high-quality professional development sessions & coaching to other teachers. | ||||||||||||||||
15 | Tony Parra | Wednesday | 1:00 pm-2:15 pm | Session 1 | SamsTown C | Know your TI-30XS Multiview Calculator | This calculator can do more than most of us realize. Developing proficiency and understanding when and how to use it to their best advantage can be a game-changer for students with math anxiety. I will demonstrate useful functions you may never have tried. I'll share tips, tricks, and my video tutorial series. Bring your calculator if you have one! I will also have some to share. | Carol | Bible | ABE Curriculum | Carol Bible, M.Ed., is a career educator with 11 years in adult education. She has taught everything from level 1 ELL through Transitions and eventually found a home in HSE classes. Carol taught “face-to-face online” from 2020 to 2025, developing and sharing highly effective systems of engagement and strategies that yield high retention and performance. In July 2024, she joined the Essential Education team as a Customer Success Manager, continuing to teach part-time and serving on the IAACE board. | ||||||||||||||||
16 | Katie Walton | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Suncoast | The Re-imagined & Re-Organized PDF Network | The Indiana PDF Network will be re-imagined for PY 25-26. Hear the details about the new format, qualifications and how these changes will impact the local programs. | Amy | Ramer | Virtual Presenter | DWD | ||||||||||||||||
17 | David Shepherd | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Freemont 1 | Indiana Licensing for Workplace Specialist/CTE teachers | This session will provide updated information from the Indiana Dept. of Education regarding teacher licensing. | Dr. Karen | Bevis | Corrections/Vocational | Completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education, a master’s in administration and supervision and a doctorate in Educational Leadership-Curriculum and Instruction over a 43-year career in education, after 12 years of elementary and middle school teaching, Karen became a K-8 administrator then chose to teach and lead at the collegiate level. Teacher licensing and Workplace Specialist licensing are her current areas of expertise. Karen has become a leader in education with a knack for visualizing creative solutions. Dr. Bevis is the co-author of "Compass to the Future" | ||||||||||||||||
18 | Rachel Hilligoss | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Freemont 2 | GED Program Update: Tools and Resources for Student Success | If you’re looking for a summary of all the best of the GED program, look no further... We’ve been working hard to support learners and we want to share our efforts with you! GED has been busy over the last few years. You and GED have a shared interest in supporting student success. Please join us for discussion and Q&A, on the latest and greatest! (New tools, products- and our GED App!) | Liz | Lanpear | Workforce/ WEI/IET | Liz Lanphear works as a State Relationship Manager with GED Testing Service. In this role, she develops and implements state-specific strategies to promote the GED mission of providing career and college readiness opportunities for adult learners across the nation. With more than 20 years of experience in Adult Education, Liz has held several positions, including GED Chief Examiner, ESL Instructor, Adult Education Program Coordinator, Program Director, and State GED Administrator for Kansas. Liz holds master’s degrees from Kansas State University in Adult, Continuing, and Occupational Education, and from Emporia State University in Health Education. | ||||||||||||||||
19 | Sheila Butler | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Freemont 3 | Swing for the Fences: Hitting Home Runs with AI-Customized Curric | Step up to the plate and discover how AI can instantly customize curriculum for adult learners—from basic skills to career certification to English language learning. Learn how a few smart tools and prompts can adapt lessons for all levels and language proficiencies. We’ll finish with a quick sneak peek at the ConnectAble LMS and its ready-to-use customized curriculum right on the dashboard! | Treg | Hopkins | Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach | Dr. Treg Hopkins is a lifelong educator and leader with a deep background in adult education, workforce development, and higher ed. He’s served in key roles such as Dean of Workforce and Director of Adult Education at the community college level, known for his calm, steady leadership and his talent for connecting people and systems. Treg’s path to co-founding ConnectAble began through long-standing relationships. He met Amy through adult ed work and Neil through shared circles in business, ministry, and tech—well before Amy and Neil connected. Since the three came together to form ConnectAble, they have been together supporting schools across the US! As a proud Quaker, Treg lives out values of service, equity, and empowerment. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by adult learners and educators—especially in underserved communities—inspires his commitment to human-centered solutions. At ConnectAble, Treg works alongside Amy and Neil to offer adult educators tools that truly support their mission. Their shared goal: make educators’ lives easier and improve outcomes for students, always with heart and clarity. | ||||||||||||||||
20 | Maeve Warrick | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Freemont 4 | Student Home Runs: Stories of Success with Employer Partnerships | Employer relationships are the key to long term student achievement. This presentation will highlight several students who hit it out of the park through involvement in Integrated Education and Training (IET) classes. We will share details of the home runs they achieved, and will discuss ways to develop key relationships with employers to facilitate connections for your students. | Laura | Elsbrock | Workforce/ WEI/IET | Laura Elsbrock is the Coordinator of Area 30 Adult Education (A30AE) with over 13 years of experience at the adult program in Greencastle, Indiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from DePauw University and a master’s degree in administration from Miami University. Laura has worn many hats in the adult education program including Teacher, Professional Development Facilitator, Career Coach, and now Coordinator/Director. A30AE has doubled their enrollment since she joined the program, and they offer an extensive list of Integrated Education and Training (IET) and Workforce Education Initiative (WEI) courses to complement their ABE and ELL classes. Laura is passionate about empowering students to believe in their own ability to work hard to achieve their goals and see what their future can become. Laura is on the Putnam County Economic Development Executive Board and helped create a Workforce Engagement Group to bring together educators, employers, and key community partners who meet monthly to discuss the workforce needs in the community. | ||||||||||||||||
21 | Janet Drach | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Freemont 5 | Forming and Developing Your All-Star Team | Learn how to build and strengthen your All-Star Team through intentional planning, communication, and team development strategies. This interactive session covers personality dynamics, shared vision, roles/responsibilities, onboarding, meetings, communication, and continuous improvement - ideal for new or growing teams. | Amber | Finnegan | Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Mgt | Amber Finnegan serves as the State Correctional Education Director for Ivy Tech, where she oversees the Adult Education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across 15 Indiana Adult Prisons. Prior to this role, Amber dedicated 10 years as a Probation Officer in Bartholomew County before being appointed as the first Director of Jefferson County Community Corrections in 2010. During her 12-year tenure, she significantly expanded the program to include Pre-Trial Services, Drug Court, Community Corrections, the Jefferson County Adult Treatment Train, Prosecutor Diversion, and Probation | ||||||||||||||||
22 | Hannah Summers | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | Freemont 6 | Integrating Six Sigma Tools into CTE Student Curriculum | Learn how to embed Six Sigma tools like the 5 Whys and FMEA into CTE curricula to teach students structured problem-solving skills. These tools enhance workplace readiness, improve service quality, reduce defects, and empower students to think critically—essential whether employed or launching a business. | Dr. John | Rajanayakam | Corrections/Vocational | Dr. John Rajanayakam is a Regional Correctional Education Coordinator, author, and speaker with over 25 years of global experience spanning corporate leadership, correctional education, and organizational transformation. He currently oversees educational programs in 8 correctional facilities for Ivy Tech Community College. A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt , Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Life Coach , Dr.John Rajanayakam brings a unique blend of strategic planning, process improvement, and workforce development expertise. His background includes executive leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and in helping organizations adopt technologies like AI and RPA. Passionate about second chances and reentry success, Dr. John Rajanayakam emphasizes entrepreneurship, coaching, and practical skill-building. He is known for integrating real-world problem-solving and project-based learning into classrooms to empower justice-involved learners with tools for employment, entrepreneurship, and life transformation. | ||||||||||||||||
23 | Deb Sherwood | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | SamsTown A | Batter up for better post-testing gains! | Are you having difficulty understanding what test form and level for TABE or TABE CLAS-E that you should give to your students to have the best chance at getting an MSG? This session is designed to help testing coordinators and InTERS data managers across the state to take a deeper look at the new TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E and how it is scored to help your students get a post-test gain on the 1st try! | Angela | Reffo | Data Management/Testing Center Administration | Angie is a 2002 graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington. She has a bachelor of science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and minors in Psychology, Sociology and Public Health. Angie has been the testing and data manager for the South Bend Community School Corporation Adult Education Department for the past 14 years. Her strengths are supervising, conducting and monitoring HSE testing using both HiSET and GED and also sharing strategies/best practices to help other data managers analyze their data effectively. She enjoys being the "biggest cheerleader" for the students who take their high school equivalency test in South Bend. She has been a presenter at both IAACE and Summer Institute. In her spare time, she is the announcer for the New Prairie High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team, a 5th grade girls basketball and volleyball coach, a 3rd-5th grade Cross Country Coach and delivers the morning announcements at her church. She has been married to her husband, Daniel, for 19 years and they have 3 children: Olivia(17), Noah(16) and Breanna(11). | ||||||||||||||||
24 | Michelle Ellis | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | SamsTown B | Building Futures Behind Bars: A Q&A for Skilled Trades Instructors Using NCCER | This session is designed specifically for skilled trades instructors who are already implementing NCCER training programs within correctional facilities. As more states and institutions turn to NCCER as a pathway to industry-recognized credentials, this interactive Q&A will serve as a platform for educators to collaborate, share experiences, and explore strategies for maximizing program impact. | Kaylene | Smith | Corrections/Vocational | Kaylene joined NCCER in 2022, after being a long time NCCER customer working at ABC of Indiana/Kentucky and Ivy Tech Community College managing both NCCER and Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Kaylene serves as the Workforce Development Manager for CA, NV, AZ, KS, IN, OH, PA, NJ, WV, and KY. In her role, Kaylene works with organizations to implement NCCER standardized training and assessment programs to help build a safe and sustainable construction workforce. Kaylene brings her experience and passion for careers in construction to form partnerships between education and industry. | ||||||||||||||||
25 | DWD Team | Wednesday | 2:30 pm-3:45 pm | Session 2 | SamsTown C | Boosting Engagement: Leveraging Social Media for Adult Education Success | In today’s digital world, social media is a crucial tool for adult education providers looking to increase engagement and enrollment in High School Equivalency (HSE) and career development programs. This session will focus on how providers can effectively utilize social media platforms to connect with adult learners, share valuable content, and foster ongoing interaction. Attendees will gain practical insights on platform selection, content creation, and strategies to build an online presence that drives learner engagement and supports program success. | Bella | Biesen | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
26 | DWD Team | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Suncoast | Maximizing InTERS’ Capabilities | The session will provide a practical walkthrough on how to effectively implement and harness the power of InTERS’ Digital Registration and Digital Attendance tools. Using real-time demonstrations with laptops, tablets, and smartphones, attendees will learn how to streamline data entry, improve accuracy, and reduce reliance on paper, all while effortlessly enhancing efficiency and data integrity. You will get to experience it from the point of view of a student, teacher and administrator. | George | Juardo | Brin Sisco | DWD | ||||||||||||||||
27 | David Shepherd | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Freemont 1 | Getting to Third Base with Your Local Legislator | Learn how to contact and have meaningful conversations with your state legislators. Melinda will provide basic steps on how to reach out and sustain ongoing relationships with your government officials. Once you know your legislators, what's next? In this session you will learn advocacy tips and tricks to build your skills to allow you to share your program's story with confidence. | Melinda | Haines | Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Mgt | Since January 2020, Melinda Haines has served as the CEO of The Literacy Alliance in Fort Wayne, IN. Started in 1972, The Literacy Alliance currently utilizes 30+ employees and more than 150 volunteers to deliver its five literacy programs. Over the past several years, she has enjoyed advocating for adult education throughout the state, getting to know her Region 3 legislators and developing lasting and meaningful relationships. Prior to TLA, Melinda served for eight years as the director of the Community Arts Academy at Purdue Fort Wayne, as a marketing director and as small business owner. She earned her MBA in 2019, is married with two grown daughters, one cat and one English cream golden retriever. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and knitting. | ||||||||||||||||
28 | Maeve Warrick | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Freemont 2 | Accommodations Deep Dive: Policies, Scheduling, & Best Practices | Learn how to navigate the HiSET accommodations process effectively. This session covers key topics including common approval errors, differences between paper- and computer-based accommodations, the role of educator letters, and scheduling tips. Gain insights to streamline support for test takers with accommodations needs. | Stephanie | Bauer | Data Management/Testing Center Administration | Stephanie Bauer, the HiSET Account Manager, focuses on cultivating relationships with state clients, vendors, and internal partners. She manages the implementation of the HiSET program at the state level, collaborating with adult education programs and test centers on contracts and service level agreements. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 programs and a bachelor’s degree from Rider University, Stephanie is also certified as a Scrum Master I and Six Sigma Greenbelt. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Stephanie is an avid traveler and Broadway aficionado. | ||||||||||||||||
29 | Judy Fedorchak | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Freemont 3 | Teaching Beginning Reading in ABE/ EL: Needs Assessment Results | How should we teach beginning reading to ABE and EL learners? This interactive presentation shares the results of a needs assessment which identified the perspectives of learners, teachers, program administrators, and professional development facilitators from across Indiana about their experiences teaching and learning reading with ABE and EL learners who have low reading assessment scores. | Amy | Pickard | Lara Pastore | ABE Curriculum | Dr. Amy Pickard is formerly an adult literacy and ABE/HSE teacher and presently an adult education researcher at IU. She is especially interested in understanding how policy affects how students are served in ABE programs. She also researches ABE reading and writing instruction, self-directed learning of ABE students, and digital engagement of ABE teachers and learners. | |||||||||||||||
30 | Laura Elsbrock | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Freemont 4 | The Bases Are Loaded | Join the WIN Learning Team as we explore and pull together elements of an ideal game plan for adult jobseekers. How do we load the bases with community support, engage employers and tap into resources to create a grand slam of success? | Polly | Marquette | Michelle Stien; Laura Elsbrook | Workforce/ WEI/IET | Polly Marquette calls Lexington, KY home and for the past 15+ years has worked alongside its communities to help them identify gaps, convene partners, forge solutions and implement goals around all types of college, career and life ready agendas. As part of WIN Learning’s Professional Services Team, Polly takes that background and leans on it to support states, organizations and sites as they use WIN’s stackable courses to help learners of all ages and stages grow employer valued skills. Helping individuals find a career path, be ready for a job, go to work or get better at work are all part of WIN's core mission. Polly is always intrigued by and happy to be part of the evolving conversations around what it truly means to be ready for life and work.Polly also represents WIN Learning at conferences, conventions, meetings and most anywhere college, career and life readiness are the key topics. WIN Learning offers a range of options via online and offline courseware designed to offer 24/7 access to anyone with an internet connection. Whether it’s attitudes and behaviors at work (Soft Skills) professional skills required across all professions (Academic Skills), or, fundamental technology skills (Digital Literacy), WIN’s courses are endorsed by the National Work Readiness Council (NWRC), based on employer feedback and, continually vetted by professionals. | |||||||||||||||
31 | CANCELLED | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Freemont 5 | Managing Crash-outs Safely in an Adult Education Classroom! | One thing more important than what you teach is the safety of whom you teach. If you’re not up to date on the kids’ lingo these days: to ‘crash out’ means to have a public meltdown with little regard for understanding. In this session educators will learn how to safely and effectively navigate a “crash out” in the classroom. We encourage to prioritize safety, communication, and de-escalation. | Craig | BOYKIN | Personal Development | Craig J. Boykin has garnered national attention as a consultant, celebrated for his refreshingly candid approach to systemic poverty and trauma. Craig is unapologetic about speaking the hard truth. With a multifaceted career as an author, consultant, entrepreneur, and decorated Army veteran, Craig's achievements are a testament to his unyielding determination and perseverance. Having grown up with a single mother who struggled with addiction, Craig faced considerable challenges in his youth, including the absence of his father and an uncertain future. He repeated the 3rd and 5th grades, was diagnosed with a learning disability, and was placed in special education. Consequently, Craig experienced significant difficulties in school, was frequently expelled, and eventually dropped out in the 10th grade. Craig presently oversees forty students in a 24/7 psychiatric residential treatment facility as the Direct Care Manager. These students have been diagnosed with a range of emotional and behavioral disorders. Following a decade of consulting, in 2022, Craig took a 7th-grade teaching position at one of the most challenging middle schools in Montgomery, Alabama. Unlike most professional speakers who leave education to consult full-time, Craig transitioned from consulting to a full-time educator, demonstrating the sincerity of his commitment. Despite his daily involvement in the trenches, Craig remains a captivating presenter, delivering inspiring and actionable presentations. | ||||||||||||||||
32 | Tammy Campbell | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Freemont 6 | In the Teacher's Dugout: Best Practices from the Field of Correctional Education | Step into the dugout with a panel of correctional educators as they share best practices from the field. Learn practical strategies for instruction, classroom management, and student engagement. Includes Q&A, small group discussion, and a takeaway playbook. Open to all experience levels. | Amber | Finnegan | Panelist to be announced | Corrections/Vocational | Amber Finnegan serves as the State Correctional Education Director for Ivy Tech, where she oversees the Adult Education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across 15 Indiana Adult Prisons. Prior to this role, Amber dedicated 10 years as a Probation Officer in Bartholomew County before being appointed as the first Director of Jefferson County Community Corrections in 2010. During her 12-year tenure, she significantly expanded the program to include Pre-Trial Services, Drug Court, Community Corrections, the Jefferson County Adult Treatment Train, Prosecutor Diversion, and Probation | |||||||||||||||
33 | Michelle Langwell | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | SamsTown A | A ConnectAble Home Run: Discovering Tools at Your Fingertips | Are you getting the most out of your ConnectAble platform? Chances are that there are still tools in your system that you may not realize! Join us to uncover powerful tools hiding in plain sight—tools that simplify tracking, boost learner progress, and grow your program. We’ll show you what’s already at your fingertips and how to make it work harder for you. Stick around for Q&A to ask anything! | Neil | Richmund | Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach | Neil Richmund is an Australian who’s lived in the U.S. for over 30 years—though he still hasn’t lost the accent. For 15 years, he worked as a chaplain and minister in Christian schools, walking alongside students and families. Over time, his passion for helping people grow led him into tech, where he built a solo career as a web designer and marketing strategist, helping nonprofits, churches, and schools expand their reach and impact.During the pandemic, his wife Amy—a seasoned adult educator in Indianapolis—was facing growing challenges in her program. So Neil did what he does best: he built a solution. That first tool to support Amy and her team became the foundation for ConnectAble, a nonprofit now serving adult education programs across the country.Today, Neil, Amy, and their friend Dr. Treg Hopkins co-lead ConnectAble, offering an all-in-one platform that simplifies the work of educators and improves outcomes for students. Neil’s role blends strategy, design, and a deep belief in the transformative power of adult education. He and Amy have been married for 11 years and have three grown children—two married and one finishing college at Ball State. They're embracing empty nesting and enjoying being first-time grandparents. Their journey has taken them to adult ed programs in over 20 states, where they’ve shared their passion and platform with educators coast to coast. | ||||||||||||||||
34 | Janet Drach | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | SamsTown B | Covering All the BurlingtonEnglish Bases: Multilevel Strategies to Reach Every Learner | The dynamics of multilevel adult ESL classrooms demand a robust, flexible approach to accommodate learners' diverse proficiency levels, goals, and backgrounds. Participants in this session will be covering all of the BurlingtonEnglish bases to learn practical classroom activities from BurlingtonEnglish to enhance the overall student experience and support individualized learning paths. | Laura | Smart | ELL/Civics | Laura has been involved with adult education for over 10 years. She taught HSE classes at Impact Institute for four years and then accepted a teaching position at Miami Correctional Facility as a HSE instructor. Laura is now the Customer Manager for Indiana and Kentucky. She is also a volunteer at her local library tutoring ELL students. Laura lives on a farm with her husband in Roanoke, Indiana. She enjoys riding her horse, Duke; kayaking, fishing, gardening and working on the farm. | ||||||||||||||||
35 | DWD Team | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | SamsTown C | Employer Partner Best Practices | During this session we will define what is a great employer partner and investigate what it takes to cultivate great employer relationships. We will discuss how to identify strong employer partnerships and give strategies on how to increase employer engagement. | Roy | Melton | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
36 | PamHumes | Thursday | 8:30 am-9:30 am | Session 3 | Orleans Ballroom | I'm Not a Trained Counselor, But My Students Need Help! | Though we are not trained counselors, our students look to use for advice and support. How can we help our students when they need a listening ear? In this interactive session, you will learn the basics of how to provide effective support while avoiding common pitfalls. | Steven | Schmidt | ABE, ELL, Administration | |||||||||||||||||
37 | Brenda Gaston | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Suncoast | Emergency Town Hall Meeting: Adult Education ELL teachers in Indiana | This is a moment of crisis for Adult Education in our country and especially for adult education ELL teachers and students. We need to come together as a professional community in Indiana to share our concerns, brainstorm alternatives, and take action. The agenda will address current issues and ways teachers have navigated the uncertainty of programming and staffing. Above all, this session will focus on supporting, collaborating, and moving forward together. | Dinorah | Sapp | Brenda Gaston | ELL/Civics | This is a facilitated session designed for participants to share, brain storm and collaborate! | |||||||||||||||
38 | Michelle Ellis | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Freemont 1 | Elevating Student Voice: COABE’s National Learner Initiatives | Discover how COABE’s national initiatives empower adult learners to become confident leaders and advocates. This session covers key programs such as the Student Ambassador Program, Students as Leaders Summit, mini grants, and more. Gain practical tools and ideas to engage learners, amplify their voices, and strengthen adult education in your community. | Erin | Vobornik | Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Mgt | Erin Vobornik is the Initiatives Director at the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), where she leads national efforts to elevate adult learner voices, expand leadership opportunities, and strengthen grassroots advocacy. She brings over 12 years of experience in adult education, having served as an instructor, teacher supervisor, and professional development specialist in Illinois. These roles gave her firsthand insight into the challenges faced by both learners and educators, shaping her passion for creating meaningful, accessible programs that foster student leadership and civic engagement. At COABE, she oversees key initiatives including the Student Ambassador Program, the Students as Leaders Summit, and the LOCAL (Lifting Our Communities through Advocacy & Leadership) initiative. Her work focuses on building student-centered resources and trainings that help learners tell their stories, advocate for adult education, and lead change in their communities. She also hosts The COABE Advocast, a national podcast featuring conversations with students, educators, and advocates working to advance adult education. A frequent presenter at state and national conferences, she is committed to helping the field of adult education grow stronger, more visible, and more student-focused. | ||||||||||||||||
39 | Adriana Queiroz | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Freemont 2 | Essential HiSET Insights for Educators and Test Centers | Join us for an interactive session tailored for adult educators and test center staff to explore the HiSET exam. Learn how to assess if HiSET fits your test takers, review the five subject areas, and get key updates for this testing year. Gain the latest info and best practices to better support learners and enhance test center effectiveness. | Stephanie | Bauer | ABE Curriculum | Stephanie Bauer, the HiSET Account Manager, focuses on cultivating relationships with state clients, vendors, and internal partners. She manages the implementation of the HiSET program at the state level, collaborating with adult education programs and test centers on contracts and service level agreements. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 programs and a bachelor’s degree from Rider University, Stephanie is also certified as a Scrum Master I and Six Sigma Greenbelt. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Stephanie is an avid traveler and Broadway aficionado. | ||||||||||||||||
40 | Mark Fridenmaker | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Freemont 3 | Understanding Updates and Changes for TABE 13&14 and CLAS-E | This session highlights for teachers and testing administrators the innovative features, updates and best practices of these assessments, designed to enhance adult education accuracy and effectiveness. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of TABE 13 & 14 and CLAS-E C & D. Explore the connection to O*Net careers, improving Measurable Skills Gains for Adult Ed and ESL students. | Michael | Johnson | ABE Curriculum | Mike Johnson - National Adult Education Director Mike has been with Data Recognition Corp - DRC for over 15 years and involved with Adult Education for over 25 years. As the Adult Education National Director, Mike is responsible for guiding the development of all Adult Assessments for DRC including TABE and TABE CLAS-E to meet the needs of Adult Learners in ESL, Basic Skills and High School Equivalency programs. Mike’s responsibilities include managing day to day operation of assessments target for Adult Basic Education and providing support test and program development related to industry direction and meeting the needs of the customers. | ||||||||||||||||
41 | Deb Graves | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Freemont 4 | Stretch your WEI from a Double to a Triple with Progress Milestone | Discover how Warren Township Adult Education built Indiana’s highest-enrolling Workforce Education Initiative program with over 500 enrollments this year! Learn three proven delivery models — on-site employer classes, on-campus programs, and integrated training partnerships — to help your program knock workforce education out of the park. | Natalie | Reuter | Ryan LaPorte | Workforce/ WEI/IET | Natalie Reuter is the Director of MSD of Warren Township’s Program of Adult and Continuing Education, a role she has held since 2019. She began her adult education career in 2010 with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development before joining Warren Township in 2012. Under her leadership, the program serves over 2,300 students annually, helping more than 400 earn career certifications and enrolling over 500 in workforce initiatives. A proud mother of three, Natalie loves sports, health, and fitness. She enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors, believing in the power of education. | |||||||||||||||
42 | DWD Team | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Freemont 5 | The Future of Work: Unlocking the Power of Entrepreneurship in Indiana | Entrepreneurship is a hot topic in Indiana as a new office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is currently being formed. Indiana adult education is poised to be in a great position to contribute to this work as we have already started on this journey with approved IETS in entrepreneurship. Join us in this informative session on how entrepreneurship is the next wave of the innovation of work. | Nickie | Nolting | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
43 | Hannah Summers | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Freemont 6 | Bringing Calm into the Adult Learning Classroom | Bringing Calm into the Adult Learning Classroom: Practices for Teachers and Students. This interactive session introduces practical tools to create a more peaceful classroom to promote presence and engagement. Explore techniques incorporating mindfulness, movement, and breath work. | Jane | Coulter | Corrections/Vocational | Jane Erica Coulter is a IAACE Board Member. She is Ivy Tech’s ABE Instructor for GED students at Madison Correctional Facility. During her first year as an IAACE member and new instructor, she was nominated for the New Adult Educator of the Year Award. Jane holds a Certificate of Teaching Secondary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. Jane serves as a mentor to new teachers through Ivy Tech’s new teacher mentor program. Jane received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2019 so that she could share yoga practice with those in her community and taught classes for both children and adults. | ||||||||||||||||
44 | Deb/Rob | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | Proctor | Exams | ||||||||||||||||||
45 | Janet Drach | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | SamsTown B | Demystifying Fixed and Mobile GED Testing Centers | Would you like to offer GED testing at your program but you don't know where to start? Come to this session and learn the requirements and processes for establishing a Pearson VUE-approved GED testing center. | Natalie | Cummins | Data Management/Testing Center Administration | Natalie E. Cummins is Client Channel Operations Manager (CCOM) for the GED® Exam for Pearson VUE. In her role as CCOM, she serves as a liaison among GED testing centers, GED Testing Service, and the Pearson VUE units which support the implementation and continuing function of GED® testing centers. Her goal is to help improve the test center process and to increase test center footprint across the country. She brings 28 years of experience in Adult Education to her role. | ||||||||||||||||
46 | Michelle Langwell | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | SamsTown C | Boost Digital Health Skills and Instructional Insight | Discover how a digital health literacy workbook can power confident instruction and real-time data collection—without the complexity of a learning management system. This session shares an innovative, low-lift model for building learner confidence with digital health technologies while giving educators insight into learner progress and instructional impact. | Angela | Harris | Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach | Angela Harris is the founder of TGX Development (TGX), a publisher and curriculum partner equipping adult education and workforce programs across the U.S. and Canada. She designs easy-to-use, insight-driven workbooks and data-informed tools that equip instructors to build learners’ confidence with technology—one click at a time. A Harvard MBA and Georgetown honors graduate, Angela blends expertise in digital inclusion, instructional design, and data accountability to help programs improve outcomes, secure funding, and make technology approachable for all. | ||||||||||||||||
47 | Marcia Bridges | Thursday | 09:45 am- 10:45 am | Session 4 | Orleans Ballroom | Building Digital Resilience | Digital resilience means that learners are able to use technology with a growth mindset. How do we help our learners develop job ready tech skills? Find out in this interactive webinar where we will discover best practices for teaching technology skills, learn about effective resources, and share effective ideas. | Steven | Schmidt | Technology, ABE | |||||||||||||||||
48 | Katie Walton | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Suncoast | Manufacturing New Beginnings - Credentials That Change Lives | Discover how MSSC’s nationally recognized certifications in Manufacturing and TDL provide justice-involved and opportunity populations a path to economic mobility. Learn from success stories in Indiana and beyond, explore scalable models, workforce trends, and hear real-world insights from practitioners. | Tyler | Kennedy | Virtual Presenter | Corrections/Vocational | Tyler Kennedy serves as the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), an industry-led, non-profit organization dedicated to training, assessment, and certification for core technical skills essential to the nation’s front-line production and material handling workforce. In his role, Mr. Kennedy leads the onboarding and integration of all new Assessment Centers, which include secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, correctional facilities, industry groups, and similar organizations. He ensures that each center is effectively equipped to implement MSSC’s nationally recognized certification programs. MSSC has more than 2,200 Authorized Assessment & Training Centers in 49 states and has issued 245,000+ credentials | |||||||||||||||
49 | David Shepherd | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Freemont 1 | Anthem IN Medicaid Employment and Education Value Added Benefits | This high level presentation will touch on the Employment and Education Value Added Benefits for Anthem Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Health Wise and Hoosier Care Connect. Learn how to directly connect your students who have Anthem IN Medicaid with a variety of resources to increase their education and employment opportunities. Additional updates for the 2025 VABS will be shared as a resource. | Dustin | Jablonski | Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Mgt | Dustin Jablonski is a lifelong resident of Indiana and has spent the last twenty- years in the social services field. Dustin has a Bachelor of Social Work degree obtained from Anderson University. Dustin has worked for employment search programs at Eskenazi Health, Adult and Child, Goodwill of Central and Southern IN, and the Hopewell Center. Dustin currently is a Program Coordinator with Anthem IN Medicaid helping members access education and employment resources. | ||||||||||||||||
50 | DWD Team | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Freemont 2 | Knocking It Out of the Park: Effective Essay Instruction for HiSET and GED | From Double to Homerun: Equipping Educators with the Latest Essay Success Strategies for Adult Learners | Megan | Hibbard | Denise Esslinger | DWD | ||||||||||||||||
51 | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Freemont 3 | A ConnectAble Home Run: Discovering Tools at Your Fingertips | Are you getting the most out of your ConnectAble platform? Chances are that there are still tools in your system that you may not realize! Join us to uncover powerful tools hiding in plain sight—tools that simplify tracking, boost learner progress, and grow your program. We’ll show you what’s already at your fingertips and how to make it work harder for you. Stick around for Q&A to ask anything! | Neil | Richmund | (repeated) | Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach | Neil Richmund is an Australian who’s lived in the U.S. for over 30 years—though he still hasn’t lost the accent. For 15 years, he worked as a chaplain and minister in Christian schools, walking alongside students and families. Over time, his passion for helping people grow led him into tech, where he built a solo career as a web designer and marketing strategist, helping nonprofits, churches, and schools expand their reach and impact.During the pandemic, his wife Amy—a seasoned adult educator in Indianapolis—was facing growing challenges in her program. So Neil did what he does best: he built a solution. That first tool to support Amy and her team became the foundation for ConnectAble, a nonprofit now serving adult education programs across the country.Today, Neil, Amy, and their friend Dr. Treg Hopkins co-lead ConnectAble, offering an all-in-one platform that simplifies the work of educators and improves outcomes for students. Neil’s role blends strategy, design, and a deep belief in the transformative power of adult education. He and Amy have been married for 11 years and have three grown children—two married and one finishing college at Ball State. They're embracing empty nesting and enjoying being first-time grandparents. Their journey has taken them to adult ed programs in over 20 states, where they’ve shared their passion and platform with educators coast to coast. | ||||||||||||||||
52 | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Freemont 4 | What Ideas Do You Have?? | Teachers, bring your best ideas and you dilemmas to brain-storm with colleagues and to hear what things have worked and what more you could try in your classroom. During this session you will engage your real classroom situations and discuss with others how they may have similar situations and how they are solving these dilemmas or how they are finding solutions. | Dr. Karen | Bevis | Personal Development | Completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education, a master’s in administration and supervision and a doctorate in Educational Leadership-Curriculum and Instruction over a 43-year career in education, after 12 years of elementary and middle school teaching, Karen became a K-8 administrator then chose to teach and lead at the collegiate level. Teacher licensing and Workplace Specialist licensing are her current areas of expertise. Karen has become a leader in education with a knack for visualizing creative solutions. Dr. Bevis is the co-author of "Compass to the Future" | |||||||||||||||||
53 | DWD Team /Lisa Cruea | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Freemont 5 | Keep Your Eye on the (Money)Ball! | The presentation will include an overview of all things budget: reimbursements, modifications, revisions, and funding streams and sources. Attendees will learn how to create their own tracking system for their allocation spending. We will discuss how to prepare for closeouts and year-end reimbursing. There will be time for questions from the attendees. | Donna | Lovelady | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
54 | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Freemont 6 | Batter up for Vocational Soft Skills | The presentation will incorporate discussion on soft skills in vocations and what is needed for an incarcerated individual to be successful in the work environment. The session will have PowerPoint slides for guidance and handouts of suggested classroom activities. Mike Thombleson and Paula Clark will be co- presenters. | Mike | Thombleson | Paula Clark | Corrections/Vocational | Mike Thombleson has worked for 20 years in adult education in Indiana Department of Correction facilities. He currently works as the Northern Regional Coordinator for Ivy Tech who hold the correction education program contract. In addition Mike's employment experience also includes six years of public school teaching and twenty years of management of group homes for adults with disabilities. Mike holds a M.S. degree from Indiana State University in mathematics. In addition Mike is active in IAACE by serving on the conference planning committee for seven years and served on the board of directors for 5 years. In addition to his work life which he enjoys very much, he is actively involved in with his family and grandchildren. | ||||||||||||||||
55 | Deb/Rob | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | Proctor | Exams | ||||||||||||||||||
56 | Janet Drach | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | SamsTown B | Let AI be Your New Pinch Hitter! | Just like in baseball, playing all the positions of an educator can often cause you to strike out where it matters most! Gather in the dugout and learn how AI might just be your new favorite teammate. We'll look at how AI can be used to create new lessons, supplement existing plans with new vocab and activities, and most importantly - how to differentiate between all ELL levels within seconds! | JuliAnn | Nisevich | ELL/Civics | JuliAnn has been a teacher for over a dozen years, primarily in the field of English Literature. She switched to adult education a few years ago when she started as an ELL teacher at Neighbors' Educational Opportunities (NEO). JuliAnn has worked to successfully establish a thriving, permanent hub in East Chicago, Indiana, for English Language Learners. She also works with NEO as the professional development facilitator and helps with their marketing and events. JuliAnn presented at the 2024 IAACE conference, where was also nominated for new educator of the year. | ||||||||||||||||
57 | Roger Dutcher | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | SamsTown C | My First Year in Corrections Education | What happens when a fifty something jack of all trades ends up in prison? as a teacher? Join me for this reflective narrative of my first year in correctional teaching. This promises to be an amusing but meaningful retrospection as I share my experiences in the rarefied atmosphere of correctional education. I work with the most interesting people in the world. Find out why. | Jason | Sipe | Corrections/Vocational | I am a 54-year-old Indiana Native, who currently resides on the west side of Indy with my wife Cathy and a menagerie of pets. I lived outside of Indiana for several years, and my professional pursuits have varied from broadcasting and theatrical production to education and entrepreneurship. I currently enjoy teaching the CORE curriculum at Heritage Trails Correctional Facility in Plainfield | ||||||||||||||||
58 | Jane Coulter | Thursday | 1:00 pm-2:00 pm | Session 5 | Orleans Ballroom | Managing the Multi-Level Classroom | Every classroom that has more than one student is really a multi-level classroom! How can we meet the needs of our students working at different grade level equivalents without going crazy? Find out in this workshop where we will discuss effective ways to manage multi-level instruction in reading, writing, and math. | Steven | Schmidt | ||||||||||||||||||
59 | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Suncoast | Career Advancement: Step up, Swing, Homerun! | When was your last promotion, raise, or move up? Sheila Jones, The Job Lady, will give you a new appreciation of what you have to offer and help you grow in personal confidence. Learn to magnify your skills, experience, and accomplishments as assets to your organization. Practice favorable personal presentation. Take ho | Sheila | Jones | Virtual Presenter | Personal Development | Sheila Jones of Whicked Results knocks it out of the park as a motivational speaker, certified national educational trainer, revered personal growth coach, and international best-selling author. With decades of experience in the professional world as an acclaimed chef, an innovation specialist, and a billion-dollar brand developer, Sheila fires up people of all ages to achieve their dreams. After 30+ years of executive experience in Fortune 500 companies (Nestle, Campbell Soup, Walmart), her current goal as the CEO of Whicked Results is to help one million people change their lives, live smarter, and follow their dreams. A Certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker & Trainer, as well as a Certified Trainer with the Center for Teacher Effectiveness, Sheila specializes in leadership and educational training. Focused on personal and professional development for administrators, educators, students, and nonprofit organizations, her stimulating programs involve engagement, brilliant use of props, storytelling, and superior motivation. She understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures—and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide-ranging. A “one size fits all” approach does not work. Sheila encourages educators through motivation, inspiration, and humor, leaving them with proven, practical strategies they can implement immediately to produce Whicked Results! Sheila is ready to re-energize educators. | ||||||||||||||||
60 | Hannah Summers | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Freemont 1 | Modeling and Teaching Ethics and Empathy to Incarcerated Individuals | Teaching ethics and empathy as part of a rehabilitation strategy in prison education can help incarcerated individuals make better decisions, foster personal growth and development while reducing recidivism. Research shows ethics education can improve behavior and conflict resolution. | Nora | Sallows | Corrections/Vocational | Nora Sallows has taught Business Technologies at the Correctional Industrial Facility for four years. She is interested in investigating models and approaches that incorporate restorative justice and accountability into the pedagogy of instructing incarcerated individuals. She believes more research needs to be done on using education as a tool for rehabilitation and controlling recidivism. | ||||||||||||||||
61 | Maeve Warrick | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Freemont 2 | Making Your PLC an All-Star Team | After a year of implementation of Professional Learning Communities in IDOC adult education sites, let's take a moment to share successes and challenges and brainstorm ideas to strengthen our PLC teams so they are as effective as they can be. | Robert | Moore | Corrections/Vocational | Robert Moore is an accomplished educator with more than 30 years of experience across high schools, community colleges, and adult education programs. He led adult education initiatives in two Indiana districts and served twice as president of the Indiana Association for Adult & Continuing Education. Rob has delivered statewide and national trainings on student outcomes and program improvement, earning numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Award (2014) and the Craddock Award for Lifetime Service (2024). His Bloomington program was nationally recognized in 2022 for its employer-engagement. | ||||||||||||||||
62 | Katie/Jenn | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Freemont 3 | Pause, Refresh, Boost: The 7th Inning Stretch with IAACE- | Step into the 7th Inning Stretch of the conference and give yourself the boost you need! This session is designed to help you pause from the busy pace, refresh with new energy, and boost your knowledge of all the winning benefits IAACE offers. From networking opportunities to professional development, certifications, discounts, and advocacy, IAACE membership covers all the bases. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away ready to hit a home run with the resources and perks available to you. Don’t miss this chance to recharge and discover how IAACE helps you keep swinging for success! | Katie | Walton | Jenn Wigginton | Personal Development | ||||||||||||||||
63 | JuliAnn Nisevich | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Freemont 4 | Time Management is a Fallacy: Using an AI powered Eisenhower Principle to Increase Efficiency and Expand Horizons | Discover how AI and the Eisenhower Principle can revolutionize your time management and free you of overwhelm. Learn to prioritize tasks efficiently and save time so that you can expand your horizons. Explore AI-powered strategies and tools that can boost productivity and transform your workflow. | Treg | Hopkins | Personal Development | Dr. Treg Hopkins is a lifelong educator and leader with a deep background in adult education, workforce development, and higher ed. He’s served in key roles such as Dean of Workforce and Director of Adult Education at the community college level, known for his calm, steady leadership and his talent for connecting people and systems. Treg’s path to co-founding ConnectAble began through long-standing relationships. He met Amy through adult ed work and Neil through shared circles in business, ministry, and tech—well before Amy and Neil connected. Since the three came together to form ConnectAble, they have been together supporting schools across the US! As a proud Quaker, Treg lives out values of service, equity, and empowerment. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by adult learners and educators—especially in underserved communities—inspires his commitment to human-centered solutions. At ConnectAble, Treg works alongside Amy and Neil to offer adult educators tools that truly support their mission. Their shared goal: make educators’ lives easier and improve outcomes for students, always with heart and clarity. | ||||||||||||||||
64 | DWD Team | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Freemont 5 | Inside Baseball: Indiana's Place in the National Adult Education Landscape | As Indiana continues to lead the country in several aspects of adult education performance, it is important to understand how adult education is delivered in other states throughout the country. As Indiana prepares to host COABE in April of 2026, it is helpful to recognize in what ways Indiana is similiar and different compared to states in the midwest and throughout the country. | Lara | Pastore | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
65 | Janet Drach | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | Freemont 6 | Best Practices Roundtable: Teaching CTE in Corrections | Join this interactive roundtable as CTE instructors share best practices in correctional education. Explore case studies, hands-on learning, workforce relevance, classroom professionalism, and strategies for teaching students facing trauma or barriers. Brainstorm new ways to better prepare students for real-world success. | Dr. John | Rajanayakam | Mrs Paula Clark | Corrections/Vocational | Dr. John Rajanayakam is the Regional Correctional Education Coordinator for Southern Indiana with Ivy Tech Community College, overseeing academic and CTE programs in eight Department of Correction facilities. A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and PMP, he brings 25+ years of leadership experience in education, corporate strategy, and workforce development. He has led significant initiatives in instructional quality, project-based learning, and technology integration, raising educational standards and student outcomes systemwide. A published author and sought-after presenter, Dr. Rajanayakam shares actionable strategies to embed project management, Six Sigma tools, and real-world workforce skills into correctional education to support student success and desistance. Paula Clark serves as the Career and Technical Education Coordinator for Ivy Tech’s Madison campus, supporting CTE programming across all IDOC facilities statewide. With over 11 years at Ivy Tech and 8 years focused on training programs for incarcerated individuals, she was appointed CTE Coordinator in 2022. Paula also oversees Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs and represents Indiana in RTI’s national IET Design Camp. A graduate of the IACTE Fellows Program and a seasoned career development leader, she previously launched Ivy Tech’s Career Coaching and Employer Connections department. Paula holds an MBA and is passionate about aligning education with workforce needs and empowering diverse learn | |||||||||||||||
66 | Deb/Rob | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
67 | DWD Team/Lisa Cruea | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | SamsTown B | Data Analysis, What's all this mean? | I will cover portions of the NRS technical assistance guide and well as how this information is coded into Inters to calculate all of the federal outcomes. | Matt | Crites | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
68 | John Belizaire | Thursday | 2:15 pm-3:15 pm | Session 6 | SamsTown C | Covering the Bases: Essential Math Moves for GED Success | Step up to the plate with practical math strategies to help students knock the GED out of the park! This fast-paced session focuses on graphing, equations, and classifying question types. Walk away with classroom-ready games, visuals, and a Google Classroom toolkit to build confidence—for both you and your students. | Sheila | Butler | ABE Curriculum | Sheila Butler is a veteran adult education teacher from Indiana with over 37 years teaching experience. She has presented at conferences statewide for 22 years and nationally for the past 6. Sheila specializes in Math and getting students to their goal quickly. She is excited to come out of retirement this fall to teach 4 Fast Track Classes for Cook Medical. A long-time leader in IAACE, she brings energy, humor, and practical strategies to every session. | ||||||||||||||||
69 | Katie Walton | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Suncoast | Whicked Interview Strategies that Result in “You’re Hired!” | Simply put, jobs change lives! Jobs provide self-esteem and create economic development. Jobs pay the bills! Let’s dive into interviewing tips as we work through the phases of preparation, interviewing, and offer/acceptance. Known as The Job Lady, Sheila will share proven steps to success and essential trade secrets from decades of experience. Free eBook with session. | Sheila | Jones | Virtual Presenter | Workforce/ WEI/IET | Sheila Jones of Whicked Results knocks it out of the park as a motivational speaker, certified national educational trainer, revered personal growth coach, and international best-selling author. With decades of experience in the professional world as an acclaimed chef, an innovation specialist, and a billion-dollar brand developer, Sheila fires up people of all ages to achieve their dreams. After 30+ years of executive experience in Fortune 500 companies (Nestle, Campbell Soup, Walmart), her current goal as the CEO of Whicked Results is to help one million people change their lives, live smarter, and follow their dreams. A Certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker & Trainer, as well as a Certified Trainer with the Center for Teacher Effectiveness, Sheila specializes in leadership and educational training. Focused on personal and professional development for administrators, educators, students, and nonprofit organizations, her stimulating programs involve engagement, brilliant use of props, storytelling, and superior motivation. She understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures—and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide-ranging. A “one size fits all” approach does not work. Sheila encourages educators through motivation, inspiration, and humor, leaving them with proven, practical strategies they can implement immediately to produce Whicked Results! Sheila is ready to re-energize educators. | |||||||||||||||
70 | Janet Drach | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Freemont 1 | Covering All the Bases: Supporting Students with Disabilities | To build a winning team, educators must be equipped to support all learners—including those with disabilities. This session will provide educators with a clear, practical, and engaging overview of how to recognize and meet the needs of students with disabilities through inclusive practices, collaborative support, and a deeper understanding of relevant laws and instructional strategies. | Connie | Lucas | Corrections/Vocational | Hi everyone! I'm Connie Lucas, the State Special Education Coordinator for Ivy Tech's Correctional Education program. I have worked in correctional education for 17 years, with the past four years serving on Ivy Tech's State Team. In my role, I oversee the special education programs across all 15 Indiana Department of Correction facilities, ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. I am dedicated to making sure that students with qualifying special needs receive the services and accommodations they need to succeed in reaching their educational goals. | ||||||||||||||||
71 | Michelle Langwell | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Freemont 2 | 5 Best Practices to Increase Student Usage | Explore 5 practical strategies to boost student usage and engagement while discovering the core components of BurlingtonEnglis. Learn how blended learning, clear expectations, and smart tools can support student success and measurable skill gains. | Mara | Stibitz | ELL/Civics | Mara Stibitz is the Customer Representative and Teacher Trainer for Indiana and Illinois at BurlingtonEnglish. Originally from Brazil, where she began teaching ELL at just 17, Mara brings over 22 years of experience to the field—11 of those in Adult Education in Indiana. She has served as a dedicated ELL instructor, professional development facilitator, and presenter at regional and state conferences. Known for her strong communication skills, creativity, and team spirit, Mara delivers engaging training sessions that support and inspire educators. | ||||||||||||||||
72 | Maeve Warrick | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Freemont 3 | Captive Audience? | This workshop will survey theories and methods used for classroom student engagement. Special emphasis will be give to examine how this concept relates to a correctional environment. Participants should bring along best practices to share. A goal of this activity to to provide lots of new ideas for participants to return to work with. | John | Heppner | Corrections/Vocational | John Heppner has an MBA and an educational doctorate (EdD). He worked ten years in a college setting and has been working in corrections for the past 5 years. Mr. Heppner brings his educational and work experience into his workshops and encourages interaction. He has facilitated workshops at IAACE before and in other venues as well for many years. | ||||||||||||||||
73 | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Freemont 4 | Covering All the Bases for GED Success | Step up to the plate with a winning HSE strategy! This session features a project analyzing official GED study topics assigned to students. Like the size of home plate, GED standards don’t change—but our support must. Explore how this project, Study Buddies, and the new GED series from New Reader's Press can guide instruction based on GED scores. Walk away with a sample tool and a game plan! | Orville | House | ABE Curriculum | With over a decade of experience in the Adult Education classroom, I have supported learners through multiple high school equivalency (HSE) transitions—from the 2002 GED to TASC, then HiSET, and now the current GED. During my seven years of TASC instruction, I developed practical classroom tools to help students estimate their scores and better understand the test expectations. These tools empowered learners to track their progress and build confidence in reaching their goals. As testing requirements evolved, I worked to ensure that students stayed focused, informed, and equipped for success. After leaving the classroom, I continued supporting adult education as Ivy Tech’s Data Analyst and Professional Development Coordinator. In this role, I focus on helping educators across the state use data to drive instruction and build tools that improve classroom alignment and student outcomes. My passion remains helping both educators and students stay on target—no matter which test is at the plate. | |||||||||||||||||
74 | DWD Team | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Freemont 5 | Pre-Apprenticeships: Providing Career Pathways into Registered Apprenticeship | Employers continue to search for strong pipelines and pathways to skilled talent. How do community training partners help address the lack of skilled candidates? Through comprehensive training programs that directly address the missing skills needed for a successful employee. Explore how IET/WEI programs can be a foundational solution through the creation of pre-apprenticeship, enhancing employer engagement and partnerships. | Shannon | Ollis | DWD | |||||||||||||||||
75 | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | Freemont 6 | Coach's Corner: ABE Materials for Student Success | Do your students ever strike out on a particular subject? Does the GED Readiness test seem to throw a curveball their way? If you’re an educator/coach in a similar position, then you should have a Mound Meeting with me and other coaches as we collaborate on some helpful ABE materials. Join me as we train our students to prepare for the World Series/GED! | Samuel | Grant | Corrections/Vocational | Samuel Grant is an ABE teacher at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility who is in his third year there. He enjoys sharing his passion for learning with students and motivating them to strive towards their educational goals. Previously, he taught in the Department of English at Indiana State and taught writing courses in the Danville Correctional Facility for the Danville Area Community College. In his spare time he enjoys table-top gaming, board games, and spending time with his wife and their dogs. Although he's fairly new to correctional education, he's excited to continue to grow. | |||||||||||||||||
76 | Deb/Rob | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
77 | Lori Hunt | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | SamsTown B | Let's Talk: Using New York Times Picture Prompts | Students at the intermediate level of English are developing their speaking skills to share their feelings and opinions. By using the New York Times Picture Prompts, participants will learn how to structure a lesson or activity that lets students have confidence in their speaking abilities. The presenter will guide participants in a picture prompt activity | Dinorah | Sapp | ELL/Civics | Dinorah Sapp is an Adult Education ELL teacher and Professional Development Facilitator at Broadview Learning Center in Bloomington, Indiana. She was recognized as the 2023 IAACE Outstanding New Adult Educator. Dinorah holds a master’s degree in Language Education from Indiana University. Her classroom experience has been at the elementary, high school, and university levels, as well as a teacher trainer. Dinorah has presented at regional, national, and international conferences. She has also taught English abroad (Germany, Austria), and has provided online support to teachers in Chile. | ||||||||||||||||
78 | Jane Coulter | Thursday | 3:45 pm-4:45 pm | Session 7 | SamsTown C | Reading to Learn - Strategies for the Struggling Learner | Many adult educators lack formal training in reading instruction. This session offers key strategies to help struggling readers improve comprehension and academic success. Participants will explore methods to teach academic reading, boost content understanding, and support the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” | Chris | Miller | ABE Curriculum | Ms. Miller worked for over 30 years in adult education and managed a comprehensive adult education program serving over 2,000 students annually and served on the state level for a time developing and implementing state-wide professional development programs. Currently, she works as a national consultant for Aztec providing training workshops, conducting national webinars, and presenting at state and national conferences. | ||||||||||||||||
79 | Deb/Rob | Thursday | 4:45 pm-5:45 pm | Certification Exams | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
80 | Deb/Rob | Friday | 7:45 am -8:45 am | Certification Exams | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
81 | Katie Walton | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Suncoast | "Decoding Taxes: Your Key to Financial and Civic Empowerment" | A recent national survey found that most Americans do not understand the tax code. We can all stand to learn more about the taxes that impact our daily lives and personal finances, and education is the first step to be an informed taxpayer, business owner, and even a lawmaker. Learn more about common taxes and resources available to you to make taxes less daunting. | Zoe | Callaway | Virtual Presenter | |||||||||||||||||
82 | Sheila Butler | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Freemont 1 | Mindfulness in Motion: Embedding Mindful Wellness into Everyday | Through a series of hands-on activities, guided reflections, and engaging discussions, participants will explore practical strategies for fostering emotional resilience, reducing stress, and creating supportive learning and work environments. Expect movement, creativity, and collaborative experiences that go beyond theory—because mindfulness is something you do, not just something you learn about. | Tara | Lisciandro | Personal Development | Tara Lisciandro is a 25+year educator from New Jersey. Tara has served as a consultant instructor for SEL programming for the National Education Association and instituted similar programs in numerous schools. Trained via CASEL and MBSR certified, Tara has incorporated wellness and mindfulness activities into many classrooms, offices and organizations, for well over a decade. Tara’s educational career began teaching for NATO in Italy and acted as a translator for Italian Holocaust victim families in Italy. She returned home to work as an educator of history, Italian and education for 20+ years. After obtaining her Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and certification, Tara build small, custom programs for classrooms, focusing on problematic student behavior and stressed educators. Observing the success of these programs, workshops grew and were hosted at other schools, jails and non for profit groups, spanning more than 10 states. Tara moved to Indiana in 2021 with her family and continues to bring mindful wellness into communities. Her work has been published in local and national journals (including COAB & NEA) and she continues to explore the ways in which mindful wellness aides in communities such as the ones she works in now including a juvenile detention center and adult education. She uses her small farm to educate about wellness via nature and breath work sessions, as well as therapy animals, continuing to integrate mindful wellness into her work. | ||||||||||||||||
83 | Jackie Christman | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Freemont 2 | Make a Game Plan for the Career You Want | Unshakable leaders understand the power of their values. With clearly identified, well-defined, ranked, and effectively communicated values we lead ourselves more effectively, thus others more effectively. Such leaders are more consistent and able to build resilient, adaptive, and focused teams with much needed empathic and trusting cultures. Come gauge how unshakeable you are and actions to take. | Carol | Bible | Personal Development | Carol Bible, M.Ed., is a career educator with 11 years in adult education. She has taught everything from level 1 ELL through Transitions and eventually found a home in HSE classes. Carol taught “face-to-face online” from 2020 to 2025, developing and sharing highly effective systems of engagement and strategies that yield high retention and performance. In July 2024, she joined the Essential Education team as a Customer Success Manager, continuing to teach part-time and serving on the IAACE board. | ||||||||||||||||
84 | Leo Patiño | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Freemont 3 | Leading with Unshakeable Values | Aimee | Gibson | Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Mgt | With over 20 years of experience including over 10 years of coaching, Aimee, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and former management consulting executive is working toward a new global standard for bravery and integrity in leadership. She helps leaders find clarity, joy, and courage on their professional journey to meet the complexities they face in the larger world. She specializes in preparing leaders for greater leadership responsibility and drives results by skillfully creating brave spaces for self-awareness and capacity building across industries and company size. | |||||||||||||||||
85 | Janet Drach | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Freemont 4 | Real-World Wins: ESL for Work and Beyond | Anne | Damiecka | ELL/Civics | Anne Damiecka has over 20 years of experience teaching and leading programs for adult English language learners in community colleges, adult education, corporate training, and virtual instruction for the U.S. Department of State. She began her career in Poland and has served as Lead Faculty of ESOL at Lone Star College. Anne holds a Master’s in TESOL and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design. She is currently an Educational Specialist with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. | |||||||||||||||||
86 | DWD Team/David Shepherd | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Freemont 5 | Q&A with the InTERS Team | Bring your data questions to this session which will feature an open Q&A format with the InTERS team. Over the last several months, new features, functionality, and processes have been added to the state data system. This is your chance to review any aspect of InTERS and learn from the experts. | Matt | Crites | Brin Sisco, George Jurado | DWD | ||||||||||||||||
87 | JuliAnn Nisevich | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | Freemont 6 | Apprenticeship: The Next Chapter | Explore how CMRCC’s partnerships with state agencies, re-entry, and adult education enable individuals to access apprenticeships, free training, and degrees. Benefits include a living wage, employer-paid benefits, and career advancement. Articulation with our program makes the adult education provider's program eligible for a Certified Pre-Apprenticeship, expanding program funding opportunities. | Hope | Harp | Corrections/Vocational | Hope Harp is an Outreach Specialist for the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (CMRCC, formerly IKORCC). She is a journey level millwright with over 33 years of experience in her field. She’s served as a subject matter expert and instructor for 26 years. Now, Hope promotes and raises awareness for registered apprenticeships and training programs for the CMRCC and helps develop programs across Indiana for High School Students and Adult Learners. | ||||||||||||||||
88 | Deb /Rob | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | SamsTown A | Certiport Certification Exams | https://iaace.com/certiport-certification-exams-at-conference/ | ||||||||||||||||||||
89 | Roberta Alves | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | SamsTown B | From Learner to Educator: An Immigrant’s Journey | A Brazilian immigrant shares her journey from ESL learner to educator in just three years. This session highlights emotional and practical challenges adult learners face and offers real-life classroom strategies rooted in empathy, cultural understanding, and student empowerment. | Roberta | Alves | Debbie Pogue and Kimberly Stiles | ELL/Civics | Experienced professional with a background in the commercial sector, specializing in account management and representation for both national and international operations. Skilled in planning and coordinating events, including large-scale fairs, exhibitions, and workshops. Notable projects include São Paulo Photo Fest, Paraty em Foco, and the Alumni Image Festival. Strong leadership skills, with proven ability in team coordination, negotiation, and customer relationship management. Results-oriented, detail-focused, quick to learn, and highly effective under pressure. Currently working at McDowell Education Center, where I determine eligibility for programs, conduct intake meetings, make referrals, and enroll students and families while ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures. I also contribute to community outreach and marketing strategies. | |||||||||||||||
90 | Mark Fridenmaker | Friday | 9:00 am -10:00 am | Session 8 | SamsTown C | From Plans to Purpose: Teaching for Deeper Meaning | Turn your lessons into engaging, learner-centered classrooms using active learning strategies. Discover how adapting inquiry-based, student-centered approaches will lead to deeper learning and increased scores for HiSET® or GED®. This session focuses on connecting lessons to real-world goals and adapting to varied learning levels —boosting confidence, retention, and testing outcomes. | Chris | Miller | ABE Curriculum | Ms. Miller worked for over 30 years in adult education and managed a comprehensive adult education program serving over 2,000 students annually and served on the state level for a time developing and implementing state-wide professional development programs. Currently, she works as a national consultant for Aztec providing training workshops, conducting national webinars, and presenting at state and national conferences.MM | ||||||||||||||||
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