Presented by: Dr. Stacy Taylor, BCBA-D, President Advance Behavior & Learning and Advance Learning Academy, Maitland, FL

Presentation: Behavior News You Can Use

Presentation Description: Understanding and managing behavior can often feel overwhelming, but the science of learning and behavior provides a research-based framework to guide parents, educators, and caregivers in fostering positive outcomes. Regardless of your child’s age or stage, knowing the principles of behavior allows for more effective strategies that can be applied at home, in school, and in the community. This session will introduce key behavioral concepts, including strategies for prevention, teaching, and responding to behavior in ways that promote growth and learning. By recognizing the reasons behind behaviors, participants will gain practical tools to support and encourage positive change.

Presenter Biography: Stacy Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rollins College, her master’s degree in Education at the University of Central Florida and her Doctorate in Special Education at Nova Southeastern University. She is doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For over 20 years, she has worked providing services to people with developmental disabilities, learning differences, and behavioral challenges. She has served as director for 3 clinical programs and currently owns and operates an Applied Behavior Analysis program, Advance Behavior & Learning, and a fully inclusive 21 st century private school, Advance Learning Academy in Central Florida. Dr. Taylor has worked in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, and homes. In addition to providing 1:1 treatment to children, she also provides training and consultation to parents, teachers, therapists, physicians, and agencies across the country. She speaks at conferences, presenting information on early intervention, education, and behavioral treatment. Dr. Taylor served as a member and chair on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. She teaches college level courses to help students learn more about inclusion, learning, child development, and behavior. Her programs function as an internship and practicum site for students just starting in the field.

Dr. Taylor is married and has 4 amazing children.

Presentation: Taking Care of Your Eyes

Presentation Description: In this session, we’ll cover the best practices for daily eye care, including tips for maintaining glasses and contact lenses. We’ll also discuss ways to prevent eye issues like allergies, itching, and rubbing, how to protect your eyes when using certain equipment, and when and how to seek help if you notice changes in your vision.

Presenter Biography: Dr. Ann Ostrovsky moved to Greenville in 2024 from New York City where she worked for almost a decade at New York University’s Langone Health Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Ostrovsky completed her Ophthalmology residency training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. She served as the director of the Keratoconus Program for NYU Langone for the past 5 years and was a co-founder of T21 – a multidisciplinary program for patients with Down Syndrome. During her time with NYU, Dr. Ostrovsky was heavily involved in ophthalmology resident’s clinical and surgical education. She also served as the Chief of Ophthalmology at several NYU affiliated hospitals in the NYC health and Hospitals System including Woodhull and Bellevue Hospitals. These hospitals were the cornerstones for resident education and training and served NYC’s most underserved patient populations. She implemented transformative changes at both hospitals that improved resident ophthalmic education, hospital revenue cycle processes, and patient care delivery.

In addition to her clinical practice, resident education and her administrative duties, Dr. Ostrovsky has been actively involved in clinical research. Her research interests include Stevens Johnson syndrome and keratoconus.

Dr. Ostrovsky has been appointed the inaugural Chair of Ophthalmology at ECU Health in Greenville with a vision to build an ophthalmology department that will be a leader in cutting-edge ophthalmic care, research and education while providing excellent multidisciplinary ophthalmic eye care to patients in eastern North Carolina.

Presentation: Daily Life Skills

Presenter Biography: Betsy John Lane is NCDSA’s Family Support Specialist. As a mother of 3, with her middle daughter having Down syndrome, the NCDSA is near to their hearts and is a vital part of their support system. It is a joy for her to give back and serve the community that has supported their family over the last 6 years!

As a former K-6 educator and Instructional coach here in Wake County, Betsy John has always believed high quality education is a right for all students! It is a passion of hers that we strive to create and sustain communities that provide equity and access for ALL! Her personal and professional experience make her eager to get to work serving and supporting the families of the NCDSA.

Micah Rocha is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Adapted Curriculum (K-12) from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

Micah’s passion for working with individuals with special needs stems from both personal and professional experiences. Growing up with two siblings with special needs- one with Down Syndrome and the other Legally Blind- she developed a deep understanding of the importance of advocacy and inclusion.

With over a decade of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, Micah worked one-on-one as a habilitation technician for ten years. She was also actively involved in her community, serving as a volunteer buddy and coach for The Miracle League of the Triangle in Cary, North Carolina.

Micah was a former special education teacher who was committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment. She is passionate about helping individuals with special needs build confidence, believe in themselves, and develop the skills to become strong self-advocates.

Presentation: Medical Health and Advocacy

Presentation Description: Coming Soon

Presenter Biography: Dr. Kate Westmoreland, a NC native from Winston-Salem and went to both undergraduate and medical school at Wake Forest University.

After becoming a pediatrician, Kate moved to Africa, to care for children, teach, and conduct research. After completing training in pediatric hematology oncology at UNC, Kate joined faculty at UNC and returned to Africa as a NIH-funded clinician scientist with a research focus on chemotherapy toxicity and incorporating patient reported outcome tools to improve symptom management and quality of life of her patients with Burkitt lymphoma in Malawi Africa.

In 2022, after nearly a decade in Africa, Kate moved back to Chapel Hill, NC with her husband, Rodrigo, and daughter, Amara, to welcome her baby girl. Izabel has Down syndrome and had open heart surgery when she was 3 months old. Izabel fills our family and all of those around her with endless love and happiness and we are honored to be a part of the lucky few.

Presentation: Job Skills and Interviewing

Presenter Biography: Dr. Diane Cavanagh retired to Hampstead with her husband Kevin after a 40 year career in special education. She began her career as a self contained classroom teacher of young children with Down syndrome, forging a longtime relationship with the Ds community. She continued teaching in the public schools until earning her doctorate at Columbia University. In 1991, she began her tenure as a professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. As a university professor, Diane shared her passion for working with children and families with Down syndrome by mentoring future teachers and focusing her research and service in this area.
Diane brings a wealth of experience to the NCDSA board. She has served on several boards that included: Catholic Charities Department for Persons with Disabilities; Pocono Parents of Down Syndrome; and, Equi-Librium Therapeutic Horsemanship. She also served on and chaired committees dealing with advocacy issues for individuals with disabilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She was President of the New Jersey Chapter of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) , as well as faculty advisor to the university CEC student chapter. She co-chaired many Buddy Walks and was the faculty liaison for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Diane has presented at many national, state and local conferences, sharing her expertise in working with individuals and families with Down syndrome, as well as other research initiatives that focused on inclusion and collaboration.

Since retiring to the beautiful coastal community of Hampstead, Diane remains a strong advocate for the disability community. She shares her passion by volunteering as a local coordinator and bocce coach with the North Carolina Special Olympics. She is also a member of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Corps, the founder and facilitator for the Kiwanis Aktion Club and a volunteer at Camp Victory Junction. Her personal interests include traveling with her husband, being an active member of her church, training for and racing in sprint triathlons, quilting, and working as a therapy dog handler with her black lab Murphy.

Presenter Biography: Coming Soon

Presentation: Healthy Snack Preparation

Presentation Description: Coming Soon

Presenter Biography: Coming Soon

Presentation: Toilet Training Tips and Tricks

Presentation Description: Toilet training is a definite rite of passage for children and families. Don’t let this important skill become frustrating for you or your child. There are proven methods, smart solutions, and even trade secrets that you can learn to help your child master this important foundational skill. Come and learn these practical tips and tricks that will set everyone up for success!

Presenter Biography: Stacy Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rollins College, her master’s degree in Education at the University of Central Florida and her Doctorate in Special Education at Nova Southeastern University. She is doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For over 20 years, she has worked providing services to people with developmental disabilities, learning differences, and behavioral challenges. She has served as director for 3 clinical programs and currently owns and operates an Applied Behavior Analysis program, Advance Behavior & Learning, and a fully inclusive 21 st century private school, Advance Learning Academy in Central Florida. Dr. Taylor has worked in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, and homes. In addition to providing 1:1 treatment to children, she also provides training and consultation to parents, teachers, therapists, physicians, and agencies across the country. She speaks at conferences, presenting information on early intervention, education, and behavioral treatment. Dr. Taylor served as a member and chair on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. She teaches college level courses to help students learn more about inclusion, learning, child development, and behavior. Her programs function as an internship and practicum site for students just starting in the field.

Dr. Taylor is married and has 4 amazing children.

Presentation: From Paperwork to Practice: Building an IEP for Inclusive Education

Presentation Description: Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming, but parents are the most powerful advocates for their children. Too often, IEPs become compliance checklists instead of meaningful roadmaps for a child’s success. This session goes beyond the basics to explore how to craft an IEP that truly supports inclusive education—one that reflects a child’s strengths, fosters high expectations, and ensures the right supports are in place.

We’ll break down essential components like present levels, goal writing, data collection, and behavior supports, not just in theory, but in practice—how they should look in a real, well-designed IEP. We’ll also address common barriers, including ableism in the IEP process, myths about grade-level expectations, and the disconnect between paperwork and implementation. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how parents can track progress, collaborate with educators, and reinforce their child’s learning at home.

This session will be interactive, offering opportunities for discussion, real-world examples, and hands-on learning. Parents are encouraged to bring their child’s IEP as we walk through strategies to strengthen it for their next meeting. You’ll leave with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a clear vision of how to turn your child’s IEP into a powerful tool for inclusion and success.

Presenter Biography: Mary Beth Moore is a dedicated IEP advocate, special education consultant, and the author of Unwanted: Fighting to Belong, which chronicles her fight for her child’s rights in special education.

When her son started preschool, she encountered countless obstacles in getting his unique needs met. She knew something wasn’t right but didn’t know where to turn. Determined to advocate effectively, she spent months immersing herself in legislation, case law, and research. This journey led her to create The Advocacy Underground, a movement dedicated to ensuring no parent or educator faces this struggle alone.

Mary Beth believes our education system was built to segregate students with disabilities, forcing families and educators to fight for inclusion on their own. The Advocacy Underground works to change this by simplifying complex information, developing accessible toolkits, and equipping communities with the knowledge to build a more inclusive world.

She is also founding Big Tree Hangout, an inclusive community center for kids, designed to model authentic inclusion and provide a tangible example for schools to follow. Her vision is clear: every child with a disability should be valued, believed in, and given the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive world.

Presentation: The Game-Changing Impact of Well-Crafted Special Needs Trusts: What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs To Know

Presentation Description: A well-crafted Special Needs Trust (SNT) can be – and often is – the difference between your loved one with Down Syndrome surviving and thriving. It’s a legal arrangement that allows you (and others) to set aside funds for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential means-tested government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. With the right structure and compliance, funds in a SNT can pay for a wide range of supplemental supports and enrichments that government benefits simply won’t cover, like therapies, personal attendants, technology, pets and pet care, personal passions, and even vacations – all of which enhance the life of your loved one.

Having worked hand-in-hand with North Carolina families to craft tailored, comprehensive Estate and Special Need Plans for more than 40 years, the attorneys of Clarity Legal Group are excited to provide guidance about:

• Choosing the right type of Special Needs Trust
• Avoiding Medicaid payback provisions
• Selecting the right trustee
• Funding the trust, both now and in the future
• Ongoing management of the trust, including keys to staying compliant with governing rules and regulations

Presenter Biography: Alan Dickinson is a dedicated advocate and attorney with over 20 years of experience helping families navigate complex legal issues, including Special Needs Trusts and disability planning. As a key member of Clarity Legal Group, he works closely with individuals and families to
secure their financial futures while preserving essential benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for loved ones with disabilities.

Alan’s passion for disability advocacy extends beyond his legal practice. He serves on the boards of B3 Coffee and Triangle Autism and Disability Service, both of which promote inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities.

Before joining Clarity Legal Group, Alan led client relations and business development at a statewide law firm, where he gained extensive experience in conflict resolution, contract negotiation, and business strategy. His approach blends legal expertise with a compassionate understanding of the unique challenges faced by families of individuals with disabilities.

Alan earned his law degree with high honors from Duke University School of Law. His personal and professional experiences have reinforced his belief that careful planning is key to securing a stable, fulfilling future for individuals with disabilities and their families.

At the NC Down Syndrome Alliance Conference, Alan will share essential insights on Special Needs Trusts, empowering families with the tools and knowledge to plan for long-term financial security and care.

Presentation: Dementia Support and Resources for Caregivers of People Living with Down Syndrome

Presentation Description: Join us for an engaging session on North Carolina’s comprehensive approach to dementia care, education, and policy. This presentation will provide an overview of dementia, including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease, with a focus on the significant impact of Alzheimer’s among people living with Down Syndrome, 80-90% of whom will develop the disease. We will explore the latest dementia statistics in North Carolina, advancements in research and treatment, and the critical importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, attendees will learn about the state’s initiatives to support people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers, including the Dementia Capable NC Webpage, the Coalition for a Dementia-Capable NC, the Dementia Friends Program, and various caregiver services administered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging.

Presenter Biography: Heather received her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Communications from Goucher College in Towson, MD. During her graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Heather trained under Dr. Tom Kitwood of The Bradford Dementia Group, University of Bradford, England and received her certification as a Dementia Care Mapper and trained in the Person-Centered Approach for caring for persons with dementia. Heather received her M.A. in Gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Heather has varied experience working with older adults, persons with dementia and mental illness as well as a working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care.

Heather began her career in working with older adults as a non-medical home health aide in Charlotte, NC while in graduate school. Heather then began working for MedAssist of Mecklenburg before Medicare Part D was mandated as the Volunteer Coordinator/Program Manager.

Heather has worked in long-term care facilities in Northern Virginia and Eastern North Carolina as the Assistant Director of Social Services and as a Sub-Acute Discharge Planner and long-term care social worker.

Heather was the Geriatric Adult Mental Health Specialty Team Leader through NC DMH/DD/SUS for Edgecombe, Nash, Wilson, and Green counties. During this time, Heather completed the Train the Trainer Series offered by Teepa Snow and Melanie Bunn through the Eastern North Carolina Alzheimer’s Association and earned her certification as a dementia trainer for the Eastern North Carolina Alzheimer’s Association.

Heather has worked at the North Carolina Division of Aging since 2007 in the Service Operations Section with Adult Day Care, Group Respite, Institutional Respite and Mental Health Counseling in a regulatory and consultant capacity certifying adult day care programs across the state.

Additionally, Heather was a member of the State Emergency Response Team, and responded during Hurricanes Matthew, Florence and Dorian. During Hurricane Matthew, Heather was in the field and assisted residents of the State Medical Shelter in Goldsboro, NC with discharge planning.

Heather has been a co-lead for the Life Expectancy Work Group for NC’s State Health Improvement Plan since July of 2022 and was a co-lead for the Dementia Sub Work Group for NC’s Multi-Sector Plan on Aging (MPA) “All Ages, All Stages.” Heather is also a Member of the National Caregiver Champion Collaborative (CCC) through USAging.

In April 2023, Heather became a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Heather became a Certified Support Group Facilitator through the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina in December of 2024.

Heather also has lived experience as a caregiver to both of her parents who succumbed to dementia. Her parents were diagnosed 23 years apart and died 19 years apart.

Presentation: Planning/Prep for Estate planning and SSI

Presentation Description: Applying for SSI can be an intimidating, overwhelming, and time-consuming process. These systems seem to be set up to make things harder for families that could greatly benefit from increased accessibility and efficiency when it comes to obtaining necessary benefits for their child. As a previous Accredited Disability Representative with 7+ years of experience helping children and adults apply for Disability Benefits, including representing clients before Administrative Law Judges, I am excited to provide helpful insights, resources, and various “tips and tricks” to utilize while navigating this process. You will leave with inside secrets on how cases are determined, what specific items can help to expedite the decision, and what to do at each level of the application process to ensure your success.

Presenter Biography: Alix is a social worker by training (BSW – Grand Valley State University, MSW – NC State University) with a passion for helping families find and navigate community non-profit and agency resources. Alix joined our team after working for seven (7) years helping families and individuals apply for and obtain SSI, SSDI and Medicaid benefits, including appearing before Federal Administrative Law Judges to advocate for her clients.

Many families have difficulty finding benefits and resources for their children and loved ones who have special needs. Alix, our Outreach Coordinator, helps families navigate the available resources in our area. While we do not offer Case Management, our firm goes above and beyond what a normal law firm can offer when it comes to linking our clients to non-legal services. In her free time, she loves, gardening, running, cooking and creating recipes, and spending time with her family – Paul, Mason, and Conor.

Presentation: Navigating Your Pathway: Unlocking Support Systems for Individuals with I/DD and their families

Presentation Description: This presentation provides an overview of the Meet the Need NC movement aimed at supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Attendees will learn about the Innovations Waiver, its significance, and the services it offers. Other topics include the Innovations Waiver Waiting List, Medicaid, Tailored Care Management, and 1915(i). Key tools, including the Innovations Waiver Pathway and Tip Sheet, will be introduced to help navigate support systems for families. The session will also address common myths, highlight ongoing community engagement, and outline future initiatives. Join us to empower individuals, families, and advocates with essential knowledge and resources for supporting individuals with I/DD throughout their lifespans.

Presenter Biography: Beth Field is the mother of an adult child with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Beth has been actively involved with family support initiatives as a volunteer for the past 20 years. In 2019, she formed LAND to meet the needs of those with I/DD and their families, especially during times of transition. In October 2021, LAND was awarded a four-year grant from the North Carolina Council for Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD).

She is also Family Co-Chair for the NC Collaborative for Children, Youth and Families. In 2017, Beth co-founded NCFASD Informed, a 501c3 with the mission to improve the lives of those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in North Carolina. Beth has a Master of Science degree in Communication Management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She has 30+ years of strategic communications and marketing experience, representing public and private organizations.

Founder, Leadership Alliance for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LAND), an initiative of the 501c3 Mental Health Transformation Alliance Program Director, Meet The Need NC

Lisa Sullivan is the Family Support Director at First In Families of NC. She is in her 10th year of professional experience with FIFNC, 6 years of volunteer work as part of the Customer Led Chapter Leadership Team, and 25 years of Lived Experience; as she is the mother of 3 boys, 2 of which are on the Autism Spectrum. She has served a term as Co-Chair for the Wake County CRC (Community Resource Connections) for Aging and Disabilities. She actively participated in the TBI Waiver Pilot as a TBI Guide in collaboration with Alliance Health Care, assisting individuals to successfully apply for the TBI Waiver. Lisa represented FIFNC in the NC Family Support ECHO pilot program and had the opportunity to travel to New Mexico to experience ECHO immersion training with partnering agencies, The Arc, The Autism Society, Vaya, Trillium, TEACCH and the Family Support Network. Both pilots have developed into active programs. Lisa is a member of LAND (Leadership Alliance for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) and Meet the Need NC LENS (Lived Experience Network Speaks).

Presentation: Seeing Clearly: Your eyes and Trisomy 21

Presentation Description: This session will discuss eye development and common eye conditions encountered in individuals with Down Syndrome. At the completion of this sessions, participants should be able to describe how eye development differs between typical individuals and those with Down Syndrome. We will discuss common refractive errors such as astigmatism and far-sightedness, eye misalignments and abnormal eye movements that are commonly seen in people with Trisomy 21. We will discuss various ocular conditions prevalent in people with Trisomy 21 including infectious, inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the eyelids and cornea. We will discuss treatment approaches to these conditions and some behavior modification strategies that can be implemented to decrease the risk of certain conditions manifesting or worsening over time. We will speak about proper screening approaches to various eye conditions and discuss when and how often to see your eye doctor for screenings and follow-up.

Presenter Biography: Dr. Ann Ostrovsky moved to Greenville in 2024 from New York City where she worked for almost a decade at New York University’s Langone Health Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Ostrovsky completed her Ophthalmology residency training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. She served as the director of the Keratoconus Program for NYU Langone for the past 5 years and was a co-founder of T21 – a multidisciplinary program for patients with Down Syndrome. During her time with NYU, Dr. Ostrovsky was heavily involved in ophthalmology resident’s clinical and surgical education. She also served as the Chief of Ophthalmology at several NYU affiliated hospitals in the NYC health and Hospitals System including Woodhull and Bellevue Hospitals. These hospitals were the cornerstones for resident education and training and served NYC’s most underserved patient populations. She implemented transformative changes at both hospitals that improved resident ophthalmic education, hospital revenue cycle processes, and patient care delivery.

In addition to her clinical practice, resident education and her administrative duties, Dr. Ostrovsky has been actively involved in clinical research. Her research interests include Stevens Johnson syndrome and keratoconus.

Dr. Ostrovsky has been appointed the inaugural Chair of Ophthalmology at ECU Health in Greenville with a vision to build an ophthalmology department that will be a leader in cutting-edge ophthalmic care, research and education while providing excellent multidisciplinary ophthalmic eye care to patients in eastern North Carolina.

Presentation: CAP/C and the Medically Complex Child

Presentation Description: This session will will focus on the CAP/C Medically Complex eligibility criteria and the services available through the Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C) program.

Presenter Biography: Coming Soon

Presentation: What we do, what we wish we knew, and how you can guide your Pediatrician

Presenter Biography: Dr. Brian Eichner is a pediatrician at Duke Children’s, where he started as a resident in June 2006. He spends his clinical time in a combination of primary care clinic, complex care clinic, and the newly reborn Down Syndrome clinic. He is particularly passionate about caring for children from Spanish-speaking families. He also participates in research in early detection of autism and is engaged in work in pediatric firearm injury prevention. He lives with his wife and two tweens in Raleigh.

Dr. Kate Westmoreland, a NC native from Winston-Salem and went to both undergraduate and medical school at Wake Forest University.

After becoming a pediatrician, Kate moved to Africa, to care for children, teach, and conduct research. After completing training in pediatric hematology oncology at UNC, Kate joined faculty at UNC and returned to Africa as a NIH-funded clinician scientist with a research focus on chemotherapy toxicity and incorporating patient reported outcome tools to improve symptom management and quality of life of her patients with Burkitt lymphoma in Malawi Africa.

In 2022, after nearly a decade in Africa, Kate moved back to Chapel Hill, NC with her husband, Rodrigo, and daughter, Amara, to welcome her baby girl. Izabel has Down syndrome and had open heart surgery when she was 3 months old. Izabel fills our family and all of those around her with endless love and happiness and we are honored to be a part of the lucky few.