Please join us for a panel discussion if you are a parent of a special needs child, or if you simply want to learn more about this community. Our panelists are parents who all have children with special needs. All are advocates, some are also professionally trained in the field.
Your RSVP is kindly appreciated. This event is open to the public. Free for SMMC members and $5 per adult for non-SMMC members.
Event Details:
6.30pm Meet and Greet
7.00pm - 8.30pm Panel Discussion and Q&A
Panelists include:
Alicia Ncho-Oguie
Board Member of Dedication to Special Education
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Her daughter is on the autism spectrum. She’s in an autism specific classroom as part of a County Program at Edna Maguire in Mill Valley. She was diagnosed at age two and has done OT, speech, equine therapy, music therapy, ABA therapy, adaptive aquatics, etc.
Nicole Siminoff
Masters in Clinical Social Work, NYU
Former Research Assistant at NY Psychiatric for Beatrice Beebe PhD & Joseph Jaffe PhD
CSW at AHRC, New York City (previous)
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Clinical Social worker with experience working with special needs children/adults and families. Previously hired as therapist to work at Board of Education in NYC to complete diagnostic evaluations in schools.
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Currently provides academic support to children with range of challenges - learning disabilities, Psych, etc.
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Runs swimming program for special needs children and Executive Board Member of Oak Hill School (San Anselmo), which specializes in treating children on the autism spectrum.
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Son is Freshman at Redwood High school with severe ADHD and psych issues
Michelle Beare
Co-Facilitator of FLO (Flexible Learning Opportunities)
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Son, Leo, has Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), ADHD, and Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Attends non-public school through local school district
Nikki Anderson Miller
Board Member of Dedication to Special Education
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Mother to boys, ages 7 & 6 - both non-verbal, use AAC devices, in wheelchairs and are main-streamed at Neil Cummins Elementary School.
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They have an ultra rare genetic disease called MEPAN Syndrome - www.mepan.org.
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The boys have been in MCOE classes since they were 18 months old
Emily King
DISCUSSION TOPICS TO INCLUDE, but not limited to:
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How to build your community - how to make play dates happen, etc.
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Share your personal experience about special ed services in your city and any other districts you have worked with
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Navigating School District Services: Children with Special Needs
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how to make the transition from early intervention programs to school district special education services, IEP process
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Options if they don’t qualify for IEP
the variety of services a school district can provide
about the assessment process and services offered