
October 31, 2025
Younes Conference Center, South - Kearney, NE
Created especially for families and anyone who desire to understand more about autism spectrum disorders and options to help those individuals.
Conference Schedule
Meet Our Speakers
Scott LeRette, Keynote
-
Keynote Presentation: The Unbreakable Journey: Autism, Advocacy, and the Power of Dreams
Autism, Addiction and Faith: How a Family Found Purpose in the Pain
-
Scott LeRette is a recovering addict and highly engaged human whose life is full of challenges and stumbles, balanced with humble wins, glorious successes, and a gratitude for it all. He is an author and producer of the major motion picture from Lionsgate- “The Unbreakable Boy” movie released in February. He and his UNBREAKABLE family live in Nebraska; his wife of 30 years, Teresa; their son Logan, an Omaha Police Officer; Austin “The AuzMan”; and their beautiful yet equally dysfunctional King Charles Cavaliers; Gracie and Coco.
Author/Producer of The Unbreakable Boy
Dr. Heather Calkins
-
Helping Children Communicate: Practical Strategies for Replacing Challenging Behavior
-
Dr. Heather’s journey in psychology has been profoundly influenced by her dedication to empowering individuals and families. She has tirelessly worked to create a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone who seeks her guidance. Drawing from her 5 years of experience, she has found her calling in assisting youth with significant support needs, particularly those grappling with behavioral challenges. Dr. Heather's commitment extends beyond the confines of her office as she collaborates with parents and caregivers, striving to equip them with the tools to effectively support youth in all facets of their lives.
Her expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, anxiety, depression, as well as addressing issues such as aggressive behaviors, family and peer conflicts, and trauma. Dr. Heather's unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being and her collaborative approach reflect her profound passion for positive change in the lives of those she serves.
Licensed Psychologist
Megan Lantis
-
Building Executive Functioning Skills Through Practical Application
-
With over 20 years of experience, Megan supports individuals with autism and complex needs across school and community settings. She is passionate about building future-focused awareness to help neurodiverse individuals achieve greater independence in adulthood. Megan promotes collaboration and creative problem-solving to support a seamless transition to life after high school.
Western Reg. Coordinator, NE ASD Network
Michayla Olson
Behavioral Operations Manager, Wabi Sabi Behavioral Health Center
-
Promoting Body Understanding, Health, and Personal Safety for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
-
Michayla Olson - Behavioral Operations Manager, Wabi Sabi Behavioral Health Center
Michayla's journey in behavioral health has been profoundly influenced by her mother's dedication to the industry. With over a decade of experience in diverse settings such as schools, residential facilities, and autism clinics, she has specialized in managing challenging behaviors, particularly high-intensity and high-frequency physical aggression. Beginning her career as a Registered Behavior Technician, Michayla progressed through various roles to reach leadership positions, where she has been instrumental in developing and implementing effective behavior management strategies. She is currently working on her Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with an emphasis in Autism and actively pursuing her BCBA certification. Her expertise also extends to her role as an instructor for Professional Crisis Management, where she trains others in advanced crisis intervention techniques. Deeply passionate about advocacy and positive change, Michayla is dedicated to empowering individuals and families facing complex challenges, helping them reach their fullest potential. Her commitment to making a meaningful impact in behavioral health drives her continuous contributions to the field.
Stacy Pfeifer
-
Enable Accounts: Everything You Need to Know
-
Stacy has been with the Nebraska State Treasurer's Office for 13 years and the Director of Enable for 3 ½ years. Stacy travels around the state of Nebraska (and a little in South Dakota) educating individuals about Enable accounts. She also works with legislation to improve Enable accounts and reviews other aspects of the plan, making improvements when necessary. Stacy loves finding ways to help individuals with disabilities save (and even fundraise) for the things they need! Stacy is also a busy mom of six, and in her free time enjoys singing, playing guitar and piano, as well as baking and cooking.
Enable Savings Plan Director
Mary Phillips
-
Guardianship vs Substituted Judgement: Supported Decision Making on The Guardianship Continuum
-
Mary talks-the-talk of Disability Advocacy. She has worked in the field of Special education in Nebraska for over three decades - as a teacher, a building Coordinator, a District Supervisor and the Director of Student Services at ESU 6 - supporting individuals with learning differences from pre-kindergarten through their transition years and beyond. Mary has also been a parent advocate and a disability advocate through her work as Board President with the Arc of NE and as a board member and volunteer with her local chapter, The Arc of Lincoln. She has made numerous presentations with Disability Rights Nebraska in the area of Supported Decision Making and Lay Advocacy, and is a consultant for the Nebraska Department of Education as an IEP Facilitator across Nebraska.
Mary also walks-the-walk of Disability Advocacy. She is a parent of an adult with IDD, who received school based services from infancy through age 21. Her daughter is currently on the comprehensive waiver with DHHS, has lived outside the family home for the past 8 years, receives vocational and residential support, and lives the life she desires to live.
Disability Advocate, Educational Consultant
Amy Slama
-
Launching Dreams: A Parent’s Role in Transition Planning
-
With over 30 years of experience in special education. Amy brings unmatched energy and expertise to helping schools create meaningful, attainable transition plans for students with disabilities ages 13 and up. A proud graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in speech-language pathology and a transition specialist endorsement, Amy is passionate about empowering educators, families, and students to build futures filled with purpose and possibility. Her work is rooted in collaboration, real-world outcomes, and a deep belief in every student’s potential to succeed beyond the classroom.
Transition Specialist Educational Service Unit 7