2025 Fall Virtual Conference Program
FORWARD TOGETHER: A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
AHEAD in Texas • Fall Virtual Conference Program (Central Time)
Total CEUs: 5.0
Opening Session
Welcome to the digital program for the Fall 2025 AHEAD in Texas Virtual Conference. This page contains all the essential information you’ll need for a successful conference experience—including session links, speaker bios, accessibility tools, and continuing education details.
SCHEDULE AND SESSION LINKS
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Each session link below will take you directly to the Zoom meeting. Please enter using your full name so we can accurately record attendance for CEU purposes.
The world—and the world of higher education—is in the midst of an intense and dramatic era of adjustment, and whether ultimately you may view this as encouraging or damaging, many of these previously unfathomable changes have led to significant turbulence for our profession, leaving leaders uncertain of the path ahead. For some individuals the effects are deeply troubling (either personal or professionally) and the uncertainty only heightens this reaction, leading many toward paralysis of analysis. However, it’s insufficient to succumb to the stasis.
“It’s ok to feel many things at one, including uncertainty” (Gottman Institute). Proactive leaders are anticipating further resource reductions and yet-to-be-imagined mandates that will continue to change the higher education landscape, and lives of our colleagues and the students served by our institutions. Join us for a keynote address from Chris Stone, Director of Disability Resources at WashU in St. Louis, as he discusses leadership in challenging times and approaches to navigating the situations we know, the situations we foresee, and the unknown.
“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t” (Thomas Edison).
Disability Resources
Washington University in St. Louis
Chris Stone, Ed.D. is Director of Disability Resources at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Stone leads Disability Resources in its efforts to assist disabled students in meeting their academic and personal development goals and supports the University in the broader mission of inclusivity and opportunity for disabled students. Following graduation from Central College (Pella, IA), Chris taught 7-12 Literature and Language Arts and coached track and cross-country before attending St. Ambrose University (Davenport, IA) and earning his M Ed: Post-Secondary Disabilities Services. Chris completed his Ed D from George Washington University, in Washington, DC. Chris previously served on the board of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and the North Carolina affiliate of AHEAD (NCAHEAD), and currently is the President of Missouri AHEAD. He has presented at a number of national and international conferences, co-chaired AHEAD’s annual conference (2016), and acted as the Accessibility Advisor for the ACPA Convention (2022).
Meet the Panel
Elizabeth Gorman: With more than 13 years of experience in higher education, including over eight years as a Director of Student Accessibility, I currently serve as the Director of Student Accessibility Services and 504 Coordinator at Tarleton State University. In this role, I have led student, faculty, and campus-wide initiatives to advance accessibility and support students with learning differences. Previously, I developed and launched Moss Scholars at Bradley University, the institution’s first non-academic program in its 124-year history, designed to support neurodiverse students through executive functioning coaching and holistic services in academics, social engagement, wellness, and career transitions. My earlier experiences at Augusta University, Clemson University, and the University of Iowa provided opportunities to design and implement innovative programs that foster inclusion, student success, and career readiness. Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to advancing equity, building sustainable programs, and creating partnerships that empower diverse student populations.
Alyssa Gutierrez joined the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in March 2022 as Director of the Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS), part of the Division of Student Affairs. A proud El Paso native and UTEP alumna, Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education and a Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) to further deepen her impact in the field of student support and accessibility.
In her role, Alyssa leads efforts to ensure equitable access and support for students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive campus environment. She actively contributes to institutional progress through service on multiple committees and currently co-chairs the ADA Advisory Committee.
An educator at heart, Alyssa is deeply committed to empowering students and removing barriers so they can thrive academically and personally.
Samantha Johnson serves as the Director of Disability Services and Mental Health Counseling at Blinn College District. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with over a decade of experience in higher education, supporting students through disability services, academic advising, mental health counseling, and career guidance.
Samantha holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Education from the University of Houston and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Her commitment to student well-being extends beyond campus through her involvement in community and professional organizations, including the Brazos Valley Coalition Against Alcohol and Substance Abuse, the AHEAD in Texas Board, and the Every Victim Every Time Conference.
Samantha also assists with services for pregnant and parenting students, serves on the Executive Council for Blinn’s Behavioral Intervention Team, and has completed the Master Training Program in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management through Homeland Security.
She believes students are best served when they are met with understanding and joy—and when they have equitable access to resources and support.
Select ONE of the following sessions
Angie Maxey
Director of Disability Services
University of St. Thomas
Session Description:
The intake meeting is where the relationship begins—but it’s more than a meet-and-greet. This session will walk through best practices for creating a welcoming, compliant, and efficient intake experience. We’ll talk about how to gather relevant information, engage students in self-advocacy, and set the tone for a collaborative partnership. Whether you’re new to the field or revisiting your process, you’ll leave with practical tools and fresh ideas to strengthen your approach.
Misty Reid
Director of Disability Services
Temple College
Session Description:
Remote Interpreting Services- Do you wonder how to set up remote interpreting? Are you having trouble finding in person interpreters? What companies can offer remote interpreting services and in person interpreting services at the send of an email. Find out what equipment you need to set up remote interpreting services- cell phone or laptop or both? How much does it cost?
Select ONE of the following sessions
Marilyn Harren, M.S., LSW
CollegeADA
Session Description:
The question becomes, is it an advantage or an accommodation needed to remove a disability barrier? Accommodations provided should be about allowing students to experience the same opportunities everyone else has. Accommodations should not let disabled students out of responsibilities or expectations held for others. Attendees will be provided with a process and procedures to follow to consider as this request continues to increase.
Shawn McNeil
Session Description:
This session is designed for higher education disability professionals seeking to strengthen cross-campus collaboration and foster institutional buy-in. Participants will explore practical strategies for building meaningful partnerships with key departments, including Enrollment, Student Support Services, the Provost’s Office, and Faculty. Through real-world examples and guided discussion, attendees will learn how to communicate the value of accessibility, align efforts with institutional goals, and cultivate a shared commitment to student success. The session will focus on the development of standardized faculty training and programming to promote consistent, inclusive practices across the college.
ECR Solutions
Education Civil Rights
Session Description: Under the second Trump administration, the federal government has begun to reshape how colleges and universities ensure access and compliance under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This session will break down those developments and their practical implications for higher education disability services professionals. We will examine shifting administrative actions, evolving policy interpretations, new enforcement priorities, and proposed regulatory revisions from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and other federal agencies. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the emerging compliance landscape, strategies for integrating evolving federal expectations into daily operations, and practical tools for aligning institutional practices and policies with the latest national direction.
Speaker Bio: Jackie is a nationally recognized education and civil rights attorney with more than 17 years of experience advising and training educational leaders across the country. Her work focuses on helping schools, colleges, and universities navigate complex issues involving Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Section 504, the ADA, and the First Amendment with clarity, empathy, and practical insight.
A former civil rights attorney with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights under both the Obama and Trump administrations, Jackie combines deep regulatory knowledge with firsthand institutional experience as both in-house counsel and external advisor. She is known for her engaging training style, common-sense approach, and commitment to fostering equitable and legally sound educational environments.
Jackie earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was a Dillard Scholar and member of the Virginia Law Review. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas Little Rock with majors in English Literature, History, and French. Licensed in Texas and Illinois, Jackie lives in Dallas with her husband, children, and vizsla dog. About | Education Civil Rights Solutions
???? Accessibility Information
- Live captions will be available for all sessions through Zoom accessibility tools. To enable, click the “CC” button in your Zoom toolbar.
- Slides and materials will be made available after the conference.
- If you need assistance or encounter technical issues, contact contact@txahead.org for real-time support.
???? CEU and Evaluation Information
- Attendance will be verified through Zoom participation logs.
- A brief evaluation form will be posted at the end of each session.
- CEU certificates will be distributed via email within two weeks of the event.
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Learn about the AHEAD in Texas Mentorship Program and how to join as a mentor or mentee.
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