Session 1: 

Why Pronouns Aren't Just for LGBTQ+ people, featuring William Koehler, Co-Owner at Journey to a Trauma Informed Life.

Webinar Description: 

This is a brief overview of working with LGBTQ+ youth in the education system. Current best practices in trauma-informed care with queer youth are presented along with research and statistics supporting these evidence-supported interventions. A short time for Q&A is provided at the end or participants can submit questions in advance by emailing wkoehler@discosock.com.

Speaker Bio:  

Will Koehler PhD, LCSW (pronouns: he/they) is author of memoir - Dragons & Disco Socks (2021), co-owner of the counseling practice Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, LLC and Executive Director of Journey: Healing Together.

His areas of expertise include trauma-informed, culturally competent treatment of traumatic stress and dissociative disorders, mental health concerns among LGBTQ+ individuals, children exposed to violence and abuse, and those living with HIV.

Since 2009, he has served the NW PA region as a Clinical Social Worker by empowering LGBTQ+ youth and adults with evidence-based, trauma-focused outpatient counseling. He currently provides training, supervision, and consulting services in the areas of LGBTQ+ competency, trauma-informed practices, and is an EMDRIA-approved Consultant.

For more information you can connect with him at: www.aTraumaInformedLife.com, email him at WKoehler@4urjrny.com or find him on Facebook: ATraumaInformedLife.me,  Twitter: @KoehlerWill or LinkedIn: WillKoehlerLCSW His work is also on Research Gateand Psychology Today.

Session 2:

SAP Integration in the Special Education Process, featuring Dr Jennifer Shuman, Director of Special Education & Student Services, Mt. Lebanon School District.

Webinar Description: 

Students with special needs should not be excluded from the SAP process. This session will help participants understand the special education process and how SAP can be integrated into an individualized education plan.

Speaker Bio:  

Dr. Jennifer A. Shuman is the Director of Special Education and Student Services at Mt. Lebanon School District in Pittsburgh, PA. She is also an adjunct professor at St. Francis University. Jen has served as a Special Education Administrator since 2010. Prior to administration, she was a middle school teacher, corporate trainer, and education director for a  non-profit organization. She has assisted PDE with cyclical monitoring and mentoring novice leaders.

Dr. Shuman completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at California University of PA (PennWest). She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Drexel University in 2009 and her PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University in 2020.

Jen has a passion for student support services and believes in educating the whole child. She provides leadership and professional development for others through her regular employment and participation on the PASAP Board of Directors.