Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence
February 27, 2026, 9am - 11am
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This training provides an overview of teen dating violence and domestic violence, with a focus on how these issues affect adolescents and teens. Attendees will learn clear definitions, explore the emotional, behavioral, and developmental impacts of violence and trauma on young people, and gain a deeper understanding of what teens may be experiencing at home or in dating relationships. The training also offers practical strategies for responding with empathy, safety, and support to help adolescents navigate and recover from these experiences.
Learning Objectives: 1. Defining domestic violence and teen dating violence 2. Understanding the impacts of domestic violence and trauma on adolescents/teens 3. Supporting adolescents/teens experiencing domestic violence at home or in dating relationships
Leslie Nathan is a licensed social worker (LSW) at the Community Crisis Center, where they serve as a Community Prevention Educator and Partner Abuse Intervention Group Counselor. Their work focuses on supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as providing community education and prevention programming related to both. Leslie is committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through trauma-informed advocacy, education, and intervention.
Ann Vetri is a licensed social worker (LSW) at the Community Crisis Center, where she serves at the Children’s Program Coordinator. Their work focuses on supporting families in shelter and the community who are survivors of domestic violence sexual assault with counseling services. Ann’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. She is committed to listening with compassion, advocating for their rights, and fostering healing through trauma-informed care. By offering education, emotional support, and resources, she strives to help each child reclaim their sense of safety, self-worth, and hope for a brighter future.
Understanding Developmental Disabilities & Autism Across the Lifespan
 March 27, 2026, 9am - 11am
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This training will offer an overview of developmental disabilities and autism, with a focus on how individuals grow, learn, and experience the world across the lifespan. Participants will explore how developmental disabilities and autism may present differently from early childhood through adulthood, including strengths, challenges, and support needs at various life stages. The presenters will share real-world insights from their work in special education, highlight the importance of inclusive practices, and address common misconceptions. Emphasis will be placed on respectful language, person-centered supports, and the role families, educators, and community members play in fostering meaningful participation and independence.
Learning Objectives: - Identify key characteristics of developmental disabilities and autism and how they may change across the lifespan.
- Recognize common myths and misconceptions and replace them with accurate, respectful understanding.
- Understand the importance of inclusive, strength-based, and person-centered approaches to support.
- Describe ways families, schools, and communities can support individuals with developmental disabilities and autism at different life stages.
Presenter Bios
Jessica Antoniou, MA CCC-SLP/L, CAS is a Behavioral/Instructional Coach at Mid-Valley Special Education, where she is currently in her fourth year of coaching. As a Behavioral/Instructional Coach, Jessica works across multiple programs to support and mentor educators in implementing effective strategies for students with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Before becoming a coach, Jessie spent ten years as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative, primarily serving the New Pathways program, which is designed specifically for students with Autism. She also worked for two years in the Ball Chatham School District, supporting students with diverse disabilities. Her passion for coaching stems from her belief in the critical connection between communication and behavior. In 2021, Jessica earned a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Arizona State University. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development in the field.
She recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Jessica lives in Geneva and is a mother to 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2.
Melissa Mills, MAEL, MATL, LBS1 is currently the Assistant Director at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative. This is her sixth year in the position. Prior to moving into Administration, Melissa was an Instructional/Behavioral Coach for three years and a Special Education Teacher for fifteen years. Twelve of the fifteen years she spent in the classroom were spent teaching in a kindergarten through second-grade instructional autism program. Melissa has her LBS1 (Bachelors in Special Education) from Illinois State University. She received a MATL Graduate Degree from St Xavier University and an MAEL Graduate Degree from Aurora University. She received her Director of Special Education endorsement from Aurora University. Melissa lives in Batavia and is a mother to three children, ages 13, 11, and 7.
Supporting Autistic Adolescents: Identity,
Independence, and Social/Emotional Health April 24, 2026, 9am - 11am
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This training will explore the unique strengths, needs, and experiences of autistic adolescents as they navigate identity development, growing independence, and social-emotional well-being. Participants will learn how adolescence can intensify sensory, emotional, and social challenges, while also offering opportunities for self-discovery, self-advocacy, and skill-building. The presenters will share practical, strengths-based strategies that promote autonomy, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships, while emphasizing the importance of acceptance, collaboration, and respectful support. Common misconceptions about autism and adolescence will be addressed, along with ways to create supportive environments at home, in schools, and within the broader community.
Learning Objectives: - Describe how autism may influence identity development, independence, and social-emotional health during adolescence.
- Identify strategies that support self-advocacy, autonomy, and decision-making in autistic adolescents.
- Recognize factors that impact emotional regulation, mental health, and peer relationships for autistic teens.
- Apply inclusive, strengths-based approaches to support autistic adolescents across home, school, and community settings.
Presenter BiosJessica Antoniou, MA CCC-SLP/L, CAS is a Behavioral/Instructional Coach at Mid-Valley Special Education, where she is currently in her fourth year of coaching. As a Behavioral/Instructional Coach, Jessica works across multiple programs to support and mentor educators in implementing effective strategies for students with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Before becoming a coach, Jessie spent ten years as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative, primarily serving the New Pathways program, which is designed specifically for students with Autism. She also worked for two years in the Ball Chatham School District, supporting students with diverse disabilities. Her passion for coaching stems from her belief in the critical connection between communication and behavior. In 2021, Jessica earned a Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Arizona State University. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development in the field. She recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Jessica lives in Geneva and is a mother to 3 children ages 8, 6, and 2. Melissa Mills, MAEL, MATL, LBS1 is currently the Assistant Director at Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative. This is her sixth year in the position. Prior to moving into Administration, Melissa was an Instructional/Behavioral Coach for three years and a Special Education Teacher for fifteen years. Twelve of the fifteen years she spent in the classroom were spent teaching in a kindergarten through second-grade instructional autism program. Melissa has her LBS1 (Bachelors in Special Education) from Illinois State University. She received a MATL Graduate Degree from St Xavier University and an MAEL Graduate Degree from Aurora University. She received her Director of Special Education endorsement from Aurora University. Melissa lives in Batavia and is a mother to three children, ages 13, 11, and 7.
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